What is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)? | Fetter Health Care Network
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Your health is a right, not a privilege. Our team is on a mission to heal all those in our community from every walk of life. At Fetter Health Care Network, we’re proud to call ourselves a federally qualified health center (FQHC). 

What is an FQHC?

Also known as community health centers (CHC), FQHCs are any community-based health care providers that receive funding from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) Health Center Program to provide primary care in underserved areas.

Examples of common FQHCs include community health centers, homeless health care centers and migrant health centers.

Why do FQHCs exist?

These federally funded health care centers were established to provide wellness services to people who might normally have limited access to health care. FQHCs help reduce health inequalities by providing patients with regular, high-quality health services, which helps them maintain wellness, improves their quality of life and allows them to avoid costly hospital bills and procedures.

How do FQHCs work?

To first be established, FQHCs must meet strict requirements outlined by HRSA to receive funding. These care centers are community-focused and, as a result, operate under a board of directors featuring medical professionals and community figures alongside members of the community they serve. 

These health centers are committed to providing patients with comprehensive services (preventative care, dental services, mental health services, etc.) regardless of their ability to pay. FQHCs offer patients affordable care through the use of a board-approved sliding fee scale with discounts based upon family size and income. 

Who do FQHCs serve?

The goal of FQHCs is to promote health and wellness to all within the communities they serve, by providing the same level of compassionate, quality care to each person who enters their doors. The nonstandard billing procedures FQHCs have in place allow them to provide patients with flexible payment options that make receiving these treatments reliable and accessible, regardless of health insurance status or income.

Feel Better With Fetter!

If you are a resident in the Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton or Dorchester Counties in need of affordable, reliable care Fetter Health Care Network is here to help! Contact us today to schedule an appointment at one of our Lowcountry facilities, or visit our website to learn more about our available services.