CHCs are local, non-profit organizations that serve all Alabamians including individuals with private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare and without insurance in a patient centered, outcomes focused environment. CHCs are dedicated to provide comprehensive, affordable, community based, and accessible primary health care to every Alabamian and play a vital role in the delivery of health care services in Alabama. Currently there are 120 health care delivery sites in Alabama that provide primary care to almost 300,000 Alabamians annually. CHCs have a $150 million economic impact and employ 2,000 Alabamians. The APHCA membership directory provides more information about organizational and associate members.
Services Available through Community Health Centers
- Primary health care services including family practice, pediatrics, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, diagnostic treatment, laboratory services and diagnostic radiological services.
- Preventive health services including medical social services, nutritional assessments and referrals, preventive health education, pediatric eye and ear exams, prenatal services, well child care, immunizations, family planning and dental.
- Supplemental health services including home health, extended care facility services, physical and occupational therapy, mental health services and referrals and school based centers.
- Allied health services include pharmacy, health education services, case management services, transportation and translation services.
Comprehensive
Through high quality, cost efficient care; CHCs reduce health disparities, improve birth outcomes, effectively manage chronic disease, and stimulate economic growth in the community. A “one-stop” primary care model, advocating prevention, followed by services designed to ensure the effectiveness of the medical care provider, such as nutritional and health education and case management, has been proven effective not only in increasing access to care, but also in improving health outcomes for the often higher-risk populations they serve.
Affordable
Medicaid beneficiaries relying on CHCs for primary care are 19% less likely to use the ED for ambulatory conditions and 11% less likely to be hospitalized for an ambulatory condition. Annual medical expenses for CHC patients are 41% lower compared to patients seen elsewhere. In fact, a recent study on health centers, found the annual cost of treating a patient at a health center is less than the cost of one ED visit.
A recent study by the George Washington University of Public Health shows that the quality of care at community health centers is as good or better than, other primary health care providers. Additionally, 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. Shorter hospital stays and fewer emergency room visits keep everyone’s health care costs down.
Community Based
In the broadest sense, community health centers are providers of primary care to medically underserved populations. More specifically, community health centers, while focusing on improving the health of individual patients, strive to improve the health status of the entire community. This community oriented focus means community health centers differ from traditional health care providers in several ways. Needs assessments, program development, and evaluation are all framed in terms of both community health needs and individual patient health. The health center is accountable to the community which it serves by involving members and health center users in program planning and organizational governance.
Accessible
An accessible medical home is the most fundamental step in providing health care that is safe and efficient, effective, timely, equitable, and patient-centered. CHCs have traditionally overcome barriers to care because they are located in high-need communities, are open to all residents, offer services that facilitate access to primary care such as case management, transportation, outreach and health education. CHCs break down traditional barriers to health care in Alabama’s poorest communities by customizing their services to their communities’ unique cultural and health needs.
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 denial primary medical care at a community health center based upon the inability to pay.
Patient Centered
Alabama’s community health centers provide comprehensive primary and preventive medical services including physician, dental, nurse, laboratory, x-ray, pharmacy, obstetrics, child and adult medicine, and specialty and inpatient referral and follow up. Most CHCs provide after hours and weekend hours to provide access to working families and individuals. Many operate centers to reach rural, homeless, and other special need populations. Community health centers approach the delivery of primary health care with a patient centered approach, specifically addressing the impact of language and cultural barriers, homelessness, poverty and the environment on health.
Outcome Focused
Community health centers make a difference in the health status of their patients through better use of preventive care, management of chronic illness, a reduction in health disparities, and fewer infant deaths to infant mortality. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) and the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) cite community health centers as models for the nation in screening, diagnosing, and managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma, depression, cancer, and HIV/AIDS.