07/05/2024 | Press release | Archived content
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are essential community clinics that provide comprehensive primary and preventive care to individuals in underserved and rural areas. FQHCs must accept all patients, regardless of a patient's ability to pay or health insurance status. Also known as Community/Migrant Health Centers (C/MHCs), Community Health Centers (CHCs), and 330 Funded Clinics, these centers play a crucial role in the healthcare safety net in the U.S.
FQHCs were established under Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act (PHS) and receive enhanced reimbursement rates from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This financial support allows them to deliver a wide range of services, from medical and dental care to mental health and substance abuse treatment, addressing the diverse needs of the communities they serve.
There are approximately 1,400 FQHCs in the U.S., but FQHC Look-Alikes and service sites bring that number to more than 19,000. Among all FQHCs, Federally Qualified Health Center Service Sites have the most locations in the U.S., with more than 17,000, followed by FQHC Look-Alike Service Sites (591) and FQHC Look-Alikes (149). These centers provide vital healthcare services in urban, rural, and underserved areas across the country.
Type of FQHC | # of FQHC in U.S. |
Federally Qualified Health Centers | 1,383 |
Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alikes | 149 |
Federally Qualified Health Center Service Sites | 17,566 |
Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike Service Sites | 591 |
Total | 19,689 |
Fig. 1 Data is from the Definitive Healthcare ClinicView product. Data is accurate as of July 2024
To be a qualified entity in the federal health center program, an organization must:
These health centers provide a comprehensive set of health services, including behavioral health, primary care, chronic care management, preventive care, and other services, such as radiology, laboratory services, dental, transportation, translation, and social services.
According to the HRSA, 1 in 11 people across the U.S. rely on FQHCs for care. About 90% of these patients had income less than 200% of the federal poverty level. HRSA-funded health centers serve:
Overall, FQHCs play a critical role in ensuring healthcare access for these vulnerable populations across the United States.
Although FQHCs are essential in healthcare, they still face some challenges. Due to the large volume of patients these clinics serve, wait times for an appointment can be lengthy. In addition, FQHCs often experience provider turnover, which can disrupt continuity of care for patients who rely on consistent medical treatment.
Despite these challenges, FQHCs remain crucial in providing equitable care to medically underserved populations. They play a significant role in bridging gaps in healthcare access and addressing the needs of vulnerable communities across the United States.
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