Many people get their primary care through conventional doctors’ offices. But those settings may not work for everyone. In some of those cases, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) may be an option, making it possible to overcome many traditional barriers to care.
In 1965, the U.S. government established FQHCs, also known as Community Health Centers, to expand health care access in America. That makes 2025 the 60th anniversary of this institution.
Today, there are about 1,400 FQHCs in the U.S. providing vital services in our communities. Here in the Philadelphia area there are about 20 of them.
In my role as a Population Health Specialist at Independence Blue Cross (IBX), I get to work with a number of FQHCs. Here’s why I think they are so important, and how my team collaborates with them to close gaps in care.
FQHCs Make Care Accessible Regardless of Income
FQHCs provide care for low-income individuals or those who lack health insurance. This makes health care accessible for someone who otherwise may not be able to afford it.
FQHCs also serve those who do have health insurance. FQHCs often use a sliding fee scale to make sure care is within reach for all patients.
FQHCs Provide Care in Medically Underserved Areas
Many neighborhoods don’t have enough regular primary care offices, so there may be long wait times to get an appointment. Some areas have no regular primary care offices, which can make getting care even harder. So, many people simply do not seek care when they need it.
FQHCs are often located in these neighborhoods on purpose to fill a critical need and increase access to care.
FQHCs Deliver Full-Service Care in One Place
When people have to go to a different place to see each of their doctors (primary care, eye doctor, dentist, etc.) it can be overwhelming. It can also make it too hard to stay on top of the care they need. Especially if they are also caring for young children or other loved ones, that’s even more appointments they need to schedule.
Plus, not everyone can get time off from work, or time away from their families, to go to separate appointments for different types of care. Transportation can also be a barrier.
Often, FQHCs provide a multitude of health care services under one roof. A great example is Delaware Valley Community Health (DVCH), which offers on-site adult and pediatric primary care, OB-GYN services, behavioral health care, optometry, podiatry, dental care, HIV care, hepatitis C care, and more. That makes it possible for patients to take care of multiple health needs in one place, all on the same day. It can be a real game-changer.
DVCH also offers wraparound care coordination and social services, legal advice, and health education. They can even assist with health insurance enrollment. They really go above and beyond what some regular offices provide and meet needs that otherwise often go unfulfilled.
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