Resources / Services Guide

Services Guide: What FQHCs Are Required to Offer

A complete breakdown of what community health centers must provide by law.

Required Services

To maintain FQHC status, health centers must provide the following services either on-site or through a formal referral arrangement:

Primary Medical Care

Well visits, sick visits, preventive screenings, immunizations, chronic disease management (diabetes, hypertension, asthma), and acute care.

Dental Services

Preventive dental care, cleanings, fillings, extractions, and emergency dental. Not all sites have dental on-site — call ahead.

Mental Health Services

Individual therapy, group therapy, psychiatric evaluation, and medication management. Many FQHCs use integrated care models.

Substance Use Disorder Services

Counseling, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder, and referrals to residential treatment.

Pharmacy

Many FQHCs have on-site pharmacies or participate in 340B for deep drug discounts. Ask at registration.

Case Management

Help navigating insurance, referrals, housing, transportation, and social services.

Referrals

FQHCs coordinate referrals to specialists, hospitals, labs, and imaging. They often have preferred networks at reduced cost.

Transportation Enabling Access

Many FQHCs can connect patients with transportation assistance for medical appointments.

Common Additional Services

Beyond the required core, many FQHCs also offer:

  • Prenatal and obstetric care
  • Pediatric care and well-child visits
  • WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) enrollment
  • Vision care and eyeglasses
  • HIV/AIDS testing and treatment
  • STI testing and treatment
  • Immunizations including COVID-19
  • Health education and chronic disease self-management classes
  • Community health workers and patient navigators
  • School-based health services
  • Mobile health units (for rural or underserved areas)

What About Specialists?

FQHCs focus on primary care. For specialist care, they will:

  • Provide a referral to a specialist in their network
  • Help you find a specialist who accepts Medicaid or sliding-fee patients
  • Coordinate follow-up care after a specialist visit

Wait times for specialist referrals can vary. Ask your care team how to expedite urgent referrals.

Language & Accessibility

FQHCs are required to:

  • Provide interpreter services (in-person or phone) at no charge
  • Offer translated written materials in common languages
  • Maintain ADA-accessible facilities
  • Accommodate patients with disabilities

Find a Clinic That Offers the Services You Need

Use our directory to filter FQHCs by service type in your area.

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