1. What is a community health center?
Community Health Centers (CHCs) are dedicated to provide comprehensive, cost effective, community based, and accessible primary health care to every Alabamian. CHCs play a vital role in the delivery of health care services in Alabama and across the country as critical safety net providers and operate in a patient centered, outcomes focused environment.
2. How are community health centers funded?
Community Health Centers are defined by the federal government as a public or non-profit center that receives federal funding under the Health Centers Consolidation Act of 1996 amended section 330 of the Public Health Service Act to provide comprehensive primary care services to medically underserved populations.
3. Who can receive services from a community health center?
Anyone within the community health center service area can receive services from the health center.
4. What types of services are available through a community health center?
Community Health Centers provide general primary medical care services within adolescent health, adult medicine, family medicine, gynecology, obstetrics, pediatrics, diagnostic laboratory, diagnostics x-ray procedures, emergency medical services, 24-hour coverage, family planning, immunizations, dental care services, mental health and substance abuse services and other professional services like hearing screening, nutritional services, occupational or vocational therapy, physical therapy, pharmacy, vision screening, WIC services, smoking prevention and cessation programs, chronic disease management, eye care, and podiatry. Additional enabling services include case management, child care during a visit to a health center, discharge planning, eligibility assistance, employment and educational counseling, food banks and delivered meals, health education, housing assistance, interpretation and translation services, nursing home and assisted living placement, outreach and transportation assistance.
5. What are the benefits of receiving services within a community health center?
The White House Office of Management and Budgets rates community health centers as one of the top and most effective federal programs. Uninsured people who live near a community health center are less likely to have an unmet health care need, less likely to visit a costly emergency room or stay in the hospital, and are less likely to postpone or delay health care as compared to others with insurance.
6. What will I be charged for services at a community health center?
Individuals pay what they can afford for the care they need. Unlike other health care providers, community health centers charge patients who are not covered by insurance on a sliding fee scheduled based on their family size and income. CHCs bill Medicaid, Medicare, AllKids, and other private insurers for services provided to individuals with coverage. No one is turned away or denied primary medical care at a community health center based upon the inability to pay.
7. Can I go to a community health center if I don’t have insurance?
Yes. Individuals pay what they can afford for the care they need. Unlike other health care providers, community health centers charge patients who are not covered by insurance on a sliding fee scheduled based on their family size and income.
8. Can I go to a community health center if I have insurance?
Yes. CHCs bill Medicaid, Medicare, AllKids, and other private insurers for services provided to individuals with coverage.
9. Why should I go to a community health center for primary care services?
Through high quality, cost efficient care, CHCs reduce health disparities, improve birth outcomes, effectively manage chronic disease, and stimulate economic growth in the community. Through a “one-stop” primary care model, prevention, followed by services designed to ensure the effectiveness of the medical care provider, such as nutritional and health education and case management is fundamental its success.
10. What is the economic impact of community health centers on Alabama?
Currently there are 116 clinic sites in Alabama providing primary care to almost 300,000 Alabamians. In FY 2006, community health centers provided almost $150 million into the economy as a result of services rendered.