For Patients > FAQs
Q: Can I go to the health center for a problem if my “real” doctor is on vacation?
A: PCHC’s very real and highly credentialed physicians, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners provide comprehensive primary care for registered PCHC patients only. However, if you do not have a “regular” provider or wish to transfer your care from your current provider to a PCHC provider, just drop into the health center closest to you and our helpful and courteous staff will be happy to walk you through a simple process to get you signed up for care.
Q: What if I already see a doctor and want to switch?
A: You can contact your insurance carrier and request a change in your assigned primary-care physician and contact your current physician to have your records transferred.
Q: How much are the services?
A: All services are provided regardless of the patient’s ability to pay. Patients will be charged according to the agency’s sliding-fee schedule. The Family Resource Counselor staff is available to help patients access health insurance and answer any questions about payments.
Q: Do I need accompany my children and teenager on their visits?
A: Yes. Children younger than 18 need parental consent for visits and a parent or guardian needs to be present for primary-care visits or annual physical examination visits.
Q: What type of service can I expect to receive?
A: PCHC provides a full array of primary and preventive services for infants to adults. Some of these services include pediatrics, prenatal care, adult clinics, women’s health care and many other specialty services.
Q: Will someone speak my language?
A: Yes, in most situations. PCHC employs a multilingual staff that is available to interpret for non-English-speaking patients.
Q: What if I need to be seen when the clinic is closed?
A: After hours, you can call the answering service and a PCHC physician will be on call to help. In fact, you may be directed to one of PCHC’s urgent-care clinics that is open.
Q: What can I do to help my doctor or nurse practitioner give me even better care?
A: We need you to bring all your medications to every visit so that your doctor can check that they are accurate.
