Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about Eligibility and Fees

01

How can I get services at Community Healthcare Network?
Everyone is able to get services at all Community Healthcare Network health centers. All are welcome no matter your immigration status or ability to pay. We do not turn anyone away.

02

Do you have a payment plan?
Yes. Our staff will set up payment plan that fits your budget. Please see Cost of Care, for more information.

03

What is meant by a sliding fee scale?
We do not turn anyone away. This means that if you do not have insurance, how much you pay for a service is based on how much money you make. If you make less money, you will pay less for care.

04

What extra costs are there? Will I pay more if I need a lab test or blood work?
Extra costs depend on what you needed during your visit and what your health insurance covers. If you don’t have health insurance, there may be extra fees for lab work and some medicines. If you have any questions about extra fees, please ask when you are setting up your appointment.

05

Will Community Healthcare Network stop giving me care after I use a certain number of services?
No. There is no cap to the number of services you can get. We give you care based on what you need.

05

What insurance do you take?
We take a wide range of health plans including:

  • Medicaid
  • Medicare
  • Child Health Plus
  • Family Health Plus
  • PCAP

Please call the center you would like to visit to find out if we take your insurance. See our Cost of Care, page for more information.

Questions about Appointments

01

When are your health centers open?
Our health center are open Monday through Saturday including evening hours. Click here to find your health center and hours.

02

How do I get to your health center?
You can get to each of our health centers easily on the subway or buses. Click here to find directions to the nearest health center to you.

03

How does someone become a patient for the first time?
Just call your closest health center and set up an appointment. It’s really that easy. Visit our Locations page or online appointment page for more information.

04

How long will I have to wait for an appointment?
You may be able to get an appointment that same day. If you can’t get an appointment that day, we will set you up for an appointment within 1-2 weeks from when you call.

05

What should I bring to my appointment?
Everyone who comes to our health centers for the first time should bring:

  • A Photo ID. Bring 1 official picture ID card, like a driver’s license, passport or work ID.
  • Proof of address. Bring 1 phone bill, cable bill, or utility bill.
  • Proof of income. Bring 1 pay stub, bank record, or a letter from your employer. We may use this to help you get health insurance and figure out a payment plan that works for you.
  • Your medicines or a list of your medicines. Bring all of your medicines in their original bottles. Also bring any vitamins, herbs, supplements, or other over the counter medicines you take. If you can’t bring in your medicines, bring in a list of medicines you take.
  • Past health records. Bring any papers about your health, like shot/vaccine records, hospital papers, lab tests, or information about past  surgery or treatments.

06

What if I need to cancel an appointment?
If you need to cancel your appointment, please call 866.246.8259 at least 1 day before your appointment to cancel and set up a new appointment.

07

Do I need a referral for certain services?
You do not need a referral or letter from another doctor to get any services at our health centers. Visit our Services page to see what services we offer. If you need a service that we do not offer, our care team will put you in touch with a health center or doctor can give you the care you need.

08

What happens during my first appointment?
On your first visit, please come 15 minutes early.

  • You will meet with a Medical Office Specialist (MOS). Our MOS will give you papers to fill out.
  • You will meet with a nurse in an exam room.
  • You will meet with the person you made your appointment with. This may be a doctor, a nurse practitioner, or a nurse midwife.
  • You may also meet with a member of your care team, like a social worker, HIV testing counselor, health educator, or nutritionist.

09

Do you take walk-ins?
Yes. But we suggest that you make an appointment if your health issue is not urgent. Your wait time will be shorter if you have an appointment.

10

Where are your health centers located?
Our health centers are located in Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens. All of our health centers are conveniently located near subways or buses. Please visit our Locations page for more information.

11

Can I switch health centers if I need to?
Yes. If you move closer to another center, just let us know when you are setting up your appointment at the new center. Your new doctor will be able to access your health information.

NOTE: If your insurance plan asks you to have a primary care physician (“PCP”) on record, you may need to call your insurance company to tell them you changed doctors.

Questions about Services

01

What services do you provide?
We offer a range of services including:

  • Health care for adults, teens, and children
  • Gynecology (women’s health care)
  • Prenatal and postpartum care (care for pregnant women and new moms)
  • Family planning care
  • STI testing and treatment
  • HIV testing and counseling
  • Plan B (emergency contraception)
  • Health education
  • Nutrition counseling
  • Wellness services: yoga, reiki, chair massage, mediation, and more
  • LGBT health care
  • Mental health care and psychiatry
  • Social work services
  • Dental (tooth and mouth) care
  • Podiatry (foot care)
  • School check-ups
  • Shots and vaccines
  • Mammogram program (breast cancer screening)
  • Health homes program (care coordination)

Please see our Services page for more information.

04

Do you have prescription programs?
Yes. Based on your insurance or sliding scale fee, we may be able to give some medicines, like antibiotics or birth control pills at a lower fee or at no-cost to you. We will write you a prescription for any medicines we don’t have to take to a drug store (pharmacy).

05

Do you refer patients to hospitals?
Yes. If a patient needs more care, we work with most private and public hospitals in NYC.