With millions of Americans struggling to pay health care costs, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) have become a vital part of societal wellbeing.
Community health care centers keep the public safe and healthy while giving patients affordable medical care. Facilities like the Fetter Health Care Network are particularly important in areas around South Carolina in which many people are struggling financially.
What Do Community Health Centers Provide?
Community health centers are important because they provide a number of medical, dental and behavioral health services to patients without the high expenses of traditional clinics.
FQHC facilities offer affordable payment for low-income households, with options like sliding-fee scales. For many people in the community, medical care would be inaccessible without options like these.
Fetter offers a wide range of medical services to the community including, but not limited to, the following:
- Primary care visits
- Annual physicals
- Family planning
- Immunizations
- Internal medicine
- Diagnostic laboratory testing
- Pediatric preventive care
- Well-child visits
- Developmental assessments
- ADHD and autism screenings
- Asthma screenings
- Obstetric services
- Cervical cancer screenings
- STI testing and treatment
- Behavioral health assessments
- Mental illness treatment
Centers like Fetter also offer dental services, including annual teeth cleanings, fillings, extractions, emergency dental care and more.
South Carolina and Affordable Health Care
As of 2017, more than 15% of South Carolina residents were living below the poverty line. The difficulty of getting proper medical care causes these residents to have the highest incidence of health issues. This is usually the result of poor finances and a lack of medical facilities in their area.
For this reason, community health centers have become increasingly important in states like South Carolina. With these centers, medical services become more accessible and affordable for the entire community.
Community health care centers like Fetter are crucial for South Carolina residents, particularly those who live in the most rural areas. As of 2018, an estimated 20% of people living in rural areas received their medical care from a community health center. Without FQHCs, residents would not receive the medical care that they need. This would lead to a higher incidence of serious health concerns and mortality for rural community members.
For some residents, FQHCs are the only medical facilities within a reasonable distance of their homes. For many, FQHCs are the only affordable medical facilities within a reasonable distance. This makes it all the more vital to have quality community health centers in states with rural communities.
Receiving Medical Care at Fetter Health Care Network
If you are in need of affordable medical care in the Lowcountry, look no further than Fetter Health Care Network. Fetter is the oldest federally qualified health center in the state, providing quality health and dental services for over 53 years.
At Fetter, we offer medical services to all patients, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. With various clinics throughout Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton and Dorchester Counties, residents from almost any area of the Lowcountry can reach a Fetter clinic for medical care. For more information, request an appointment today.