Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are outpatient clinics that qualify for specific reimbursement by Medicare and Medicaid under Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act (PHS). Outpatient clinics perform procedures that do not require an overnight stay in the care facility. FQHCs were created by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to provide equitable health care to people who are geographically isolated and economically or medically vulnerable. Tribal organizations and organizations that meet PHS Section 330 eligibility requirements, but do not receive grant funding may also receive special Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement - although clinics identifying as Rural Health Centers cannot qualify as FQHCs. FQHCs are incredibly important to the general public as they provide healthcare to absolutely everyone at affordable costs. 

FQHC Services include, but are not limited to: 

• Physician services

• Services and supplies incident to the services of physicians, nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), certified nurse-midwives (CNMs), certified psychologists (CPs), certified social worker services (CSWs)

• Medicare Part B-covered drugs furnished by and incident to services of an FQHC practitioner

• Visiting nurse services to the homebound in an area where CMS determined there is a shortage of home health agencies

• Outpatient diabetes self-management training (DSMT) and medical nutrition therapy (MNT). 

Furthermore, FQHCs must qualify for enhanced reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid (alongside other benefits), such that FQHCs are able to provide quality care and treatment to everyone - ranging from those with insurance and those on Medicare or Medicaid to those without insurance or are undocumented. FQHCs are required by law to serve an underserved area or population and provide a sliding fee scale so that their benefits are equitably accessible. In addition to having an ongoing quality assurance program and a governing board of directors, FQHCs must provide comprehensive services (either on-site or with another provider) that include preventative health services, dental services, mental health and substance abuse services, transportation services necessary for adequate patient care, and hospital and specialty care. FQHCs are required to meet health and safety standards that are up to par with those of public and private hospitals and clinics. 

According to numerous public health officials, FQHCs are currently the most viable option for vulnerable populations to receive health education, affordable immunizations, screenings, and mental health/substance abuse services. Unfortunately, the amount of people who have access to FQHCs is incredibly limited compared to those who would significantly benefit from these health centers because they are not widely known and are not widely present. To combat these factors, non-profit organizations are opening FQHCs in areas where they were previously not present and are spreading awareness about these Federally Qualified Health Centers and their affordable, high-quality services.

These non-profit organizations have been incredibly successful in providing quality healthcare access to the local underserved communities through these new FQHCs. However, while the local communities benefit to a great extent from these FQHCs, the wider population is unaware about the presence of FQHCs. Thus, awareness of FQHCs should be spread to the US public. In order to find an FQHC near you, you can enter your zip code into this website: Find a Health Centerhttps://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov. In conclusion, FQHCs are incredibly beneficial health centers that provide reasonably priced, affordable, and high quality healthcare to everyone - regardless of citizenship, socioeconomic status, and insurance.