Can FQHC patients receive care outside of a Federally Qualified Health Center facility?
A patient can meet face-to-face with a physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, certified-nurse midwife, clinical psychologist, and clinical social worker in:
- The Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)
- The patient’s residence (including an assisted living facility)
- A Medicare-covered Part A Skilled Nursing Facility
- The scene of an accident
- The street or in mobile health facilities
FQHC visits may NOT take place in:
- An inpatient or outpatient hospital (including a Critical Access Hospital); or
- A facility that has specific requirements that preclude FQHC visits
Federally Qualified Health Center Program Basics
1. Deliver high quality, culturally competent, comprehensive primary care, as well as supportive services such as health education, translation, and transportation that promote access to health care.
2. Provide dental, mental health, and substance abuse treatment. Federally Qualified Health Centers that do not provide these services are required to provide referrals and linkages for patients in need of care.
3. Provide services regardless of patients’ ability to pay and charge for services on a sliding fee scale.
4. Operate under the direction of patient-majority governing boards of autonomous community-based organizations. These include public and private nonprofit, tribal, and faith-based organizations.
5. Develop systems of patient-centered and integrated care that respond to the unique needs of diverse medically underserved areas and populations.
6. Meet requirements regarding administrative, clinical, and financial operations.
To learn more about the Health Resources and Services Administration, visit its website here.
FQHC Interactive Map
See our Interactive map below for information about Federally Qualified Health Centers within each state:
National Association of Community Health Centers
The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) is a national association of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) that aims to expand health care access through health centers. NACHC works with state and regional primary care associations to “promote efficient, high quality, comprehensive health care that is accessible, culturally and linguistically competent, community directed, and patient-centered for all.” NACHC conducts research, provides training, and develops partnerships in an attempt to bring adequate resources to underserved communities and fosters a sense of healthy living across all 50 states. To learn more about the NACHC, visit its website here.
Radio Show Clear Path: Your Road Map to Health and Wealth on Baltimore's WYPR regarding FQHCs.