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Patient FAQs

Community Health Center, Inc. offers so much more than just medical, dental and behavioral health services. We are a Patient Centered Medical Home. This means you will have a whole team of health care providers who focus on taking care of the whole patient mentally and physically. We are able to accomplish this by offering a wide variety of specialty services. Learn more in the FAQs in the tabs below.

General

How do I become a patient?

New patients can schedule first appointment with a primary care provider online. Register and choose a date and time that work best for you in less than five minutes. You can also call us at (860) 347-6971 or stop into any location and speak with a Patient Services Associate at the front desk to become a patient.

How do I make an appointment?

You can schedule an appointment online, call us at (860) 347-6971 or stop into any location to schedule an appointment.

How do I send medical records to my provider?

To send medical records, you need to fax your center. Find location fax numbers here.

Why can’t I call my doctor directly?

Very often, your doctor will be helping another patient and can’t get to the phone. We have trained Call Center Specialists and Patient Services Associates who are able to answer most questions; if they can’t, they will pass your message along to your clinical team for a response.

Do I have to be a patient to access your services?

For the most part, yes. However, you can enroll in our prenatal program even if you are not a patient. Call us at (860) 347-6971 for more information.

Do I have to be a patient to use your urgent care?

You do not need to be a CHC patient to use Urgent Care services.  Click here for more information.

New patients can schedule a first appointment with a primary care provider online.  Register and choose a date and time that works best for you in less than five minutes.  We accept Husky Health/Medicaid. You can also call our team at (860) 347-6971 for help getting started.

Where do you have Urgent Care?

Currently, Urgent Care is offered at our sites in:

  • Bristol
  • Clinton
  • Danbury
  • Groton
  • Hartford
  • Meriden
  • Middletown
  • New Britain
  • New London
  • Norwalk
  • Waterbury

Click here for more information.

What if I need help after hours?

If you are having a medical emergency, please call 911.

You can always call our 24/7 Nurse Help Line at 860-347-6971!

Before you go to the ER or urgent care, check in with our nurses by calling our number and saying, “I would like to speak to a triage nurse.” They are available at any time of day or night and are waiting to help you! If you need home care advice or are unsure about something, call us today.

How can I see a behavioral health provider?

You need to be an established medical patient in order to see a behavioral health provider at CHC.

How do I cancel or reschedule an appointment?

If you need to cancel or reschedule, please call us at (860) 347-6971. We ask that you call at least 24 hours in advance so that we can best help you reschedule. 

Please do not cancel via the website, Facebook/Twitter/other social media, or the Patient Portal. If you try to cancel this way, your provider will not receive the message and we will not be able to help you reschedule.

Do you do appointment reminders?

Yes! You can now receive texts from CHC to remind you of your appointment and get other wellness reminders. Give us a call to sign up today: (860) 347-6971.

If you would prefer not to receive text reminders, you will still be able to receive phone call reminders.

You use a lot of initials and abbreviations. What do they all mean?

Great questions! We put together a list of definitions hereBut if there’s ever something you don’t understand, please ask. Our team is happy to explain!

What are my rights/responsibilities as a patient?

Our Patient Rights and Responsibilities document can be found here. And you can view our Notice of Privacy Practices here.

During Your Visit

Are your facilities ADA compliant?

Yes! All of our facilities are fully accessible.

What languages do your providers speak?

Many of our providers are bi- or multi-lingual, but for those who aren’t, we offer language line services with Language Service Associates for most languages. Each site also has a sign language laptop for our patients who are hearing impaired (but if you would prefer an interpreter one can be provided with advance notice).

Where are you located?

See our full list of locations here, including information about parking.

What time should I get there?

We ask that you arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to check in.

I had a problem during my visit. Who can I talk to?

We strive to provide the best possible care to all our patients at all time, and we’re sorry if we missed the mark. You can call our number at (860) 347-6971 and ask to speak to the Operations Manager at your location.

Referrals, Prescriptions, and Lab Results

What happens if I’m referred to a specialist?

As your primary care provider (PCP), we can treat your primary care needs. Occasionally, you may need to be referred to a specialist who specializes in certain conditions for further treatment.  We will coordinate with you and with the specialist to make that process run smoothly! Many times we will use an electronic consultation (eConsult) which will get your results back faster, without the need to go to the specialist in person. If you do need to go in person, we will submit this request on your behalf and we will work with their office to make an appointment. If you have not heard from the specialist, please refer to the contact information on the letter that was sent to you from the referrals department.

My provider ordered a test, like an MRI, CT scan, or X-Ray. What do I do?

Your provider will walk you through the process of getting this test done and what needs to happen next.

How do I get a prescription refilled?

First, call your pharmacy to make sure that you do not have any active refills already available. If you don’t, the pharmacy will contact our office directly to request necessary refills.

I’m having trouble affording my prescriptions. Is there anything I can do?

Yes! There a few ways we can help you afford your prescription.

  1. We are part of the 340B Drug Discount Program. This means that we can help you get your medication at a reduced rate if you are uninsured or if your insurance doesn’t cover your medication. Ask your provider for more information!
  2. We also have a Pharmacy Assistance Program that may be able to help. Please talk to your provider about your concerns, and they can connect you with that program.
I had a lab done. How do I get my results?

If you have a patient portal account, you can get your lab results there! Log into your patient portal here or using the Healow App. Or, you will receive a call from your provider or nurse with your results. In some cases, another appointment will be required.

Medical Records and Forms

How do I send medical records to my provider?

To send medical records, you need to fax your center. Find location fax numbers here.

My child needs school paperwork/I need paperwork for my job. How do I get it?

If you’ve had a physical at CHC in the last 12 months, you can simply drop off the paperwork to your site’s PSA. Please give us 5 business days to complete it. If you have not had a physical in the last 12 months, you’ll need to schedule one with your primary care physician. Please give us a call [#] to do so.

I need a copy of my medical records. What do I do?

You can request your medical records by completing a release of information request at your home site.

Billing FAQ

How do I apply for the Sliding Scale Discount Program?
  • Click here to complete the application. Documentation is a required part of the application process and demonstrates proof of income. You will be charged full rate for visits until documentation is provided. Patients can take advantage of this program whether you have insurance or are currently uninsured.
  • Accepted documents for Proof of Income:
    • Prior year W-2
    • Two recent pay stubs
    • Letter from employer or Form 4506-T (if W-2 is not filed)
    • Self-employed: Three months of income and expenses for the business
    • If you do not have any written proof of income, you can submit a self-declaration of income letter. Our mailing address is:
      CHC, Inc. Attention: Patient Accounts, 19 Grand St. Middletown, CT, 06457
What if I need help paying for prescriptions?

If you have concerns about paying for your prescriptions, we have a Pharmacy Assistance Program that may be able to help. Please talk to your provider about your concerns, and they can connect you with that program.

How much will my appointment cost?

There are many factors that will determine how much your visit will cost.  Primary care visits are different from dental visits and costs vary.  Patients without insurance or who are paying out of pocket for services can request a Good Faith Estimate for total expected costs of any non-emergency items or services.  This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and other fees.

You will receive an account statement in the mail after your appointment. Your statement will reflect any unpaid balances on your account after any insurance coverage you have has been applied.

To request a Good Estimate before an appointment or if you have questions about a statement you received, call Patient Accounts at 888-270-6698 or 860-347-6971 option 6, (extension 4111), M-F 8am-5pm.

What other financial assistance is available?

CHC offers payment plans and partial payment options for patients who experience additional financial hardship.  Contact our Patient Accounts/Billing Department at 888-270-6698 or 860-347-6971 option 6, (extension 4111) for more information.

My insurance status has changed, can I still come to CHC?

Yes, CHC accepts all patients – including those who have private insurance, Husky Health/Medicaid or plan to pay directly for care. Please contact Patient Accounts to see if we participate in your plan at 888-270-6698 or 860-347-6971 option 6, (extension 4111).

At your appointment, the Patient Services Associate will verify any insurance coverage you have.  If you are playing directly, they can connect you to the resources available including the Sliding Scale Discount Program.

If you have questions or would like help understanding the services available to you, please schedule an appointment in-person or over the phone with the Access to Care team.

How can I pay my bill?
  • Online: You will need the CHC statement mailed to you or Patient ID to complete. • Pay NowOnline Bill Pay Instructions

  • Phone: 888-270-6698 or 860-347-6971 Option 6, or Extension 4111. Our Patient Account Representatives are available from 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday.

  • Mail: Payments can be mailed to Community Health Center, Inc., Attn: Patient Accounts, 19 Grand Street, Middletown, CT 06457.  Please include the detachable portion of your statement with payment.

  • In person: Walk into any CHC location and speak with a Patient Services Associate to pay

additional services

School-Based Health Care

Did you know CHC offers healthcare to Connecticut students outside of our 15 main site locations?

School-based health services provide medical, behavioral and dental health services to enrolled students.

Our SBHCs help in nearly 200 schools across the state.

Services Provided:

Medical Care

  • Diagnosis and treatment
  • Checkups and physical exams
  • Chronic disease management
  • Immunizations
  • Prescribing and dispensing of medications
  • Health education
  • Referral and follow-up
  • Laboratory testing

Behavioral Health

  • Crisis intervention
  • Individual, family and group counseling
  • Referral and follow-up for specialty psychiatric care

Oral Health

  • Screenings
  • Exams
  • Cleanings
  • X-rays
  • Sealants
  • Referrals
  • Oral health education

To find out if School-Based Health Care is available in your school, visit: Sbhc1.com or call (860) 347-6971 ext. 3796

Center for Key Populations (LGB Healthcare/Homeless Healthcare/Substance Use Treatment)

CHC’s Center for Key Populations is the first program of its kind, focusing on the unique needs of key groups who belong to communities that have suffered many barriers to healthcare.

Our Programs

  • HIV and Hepatitis C Primary & Specialty Care
  • Medication Assisted Substance Use Disorder Treatment including:
    • Buprenorphine (Suboxone)
    • Naltrexone (Vivitrol)
  • Overdose Prevention & Education
  • LGB-focused Healthcare
  • PrEP (Pre Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV)
  • PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV)
  • Rapid HIV, Hepatitis C & Syphilis Testing
  • Farmworker Health Program
  • “Wherever You Are (WYA)” Healthcare for the Homeless

We offer all of the listed programs at all of our medical CHC facilities.

“Wherever You Are (WYA)” Healthcare for the Homeless is offered at multiple shelters throughout the state including:

NEW BRITAIN:

Friendship Service Center

241-249 Arch Street, New Britain, CT06050

MERIDEN:

Shelter Now

43 Saint Casimir Drive, Meriden, CT 06450

MIDDLETOWN:

Eddy Shelter

1 LaBella Circle, Middletown, CT 06457

WALLINGFORD:

Master’s Manna

428 S. Cherry Street, Wallingford, CT 06492

NEW LONDON:

New London Homeless Hospitality Center

427 Huntington Avenue, New London, CT 06320

DANBURY:

New Street Shelter

41 New Street, Danbury, 06810

Services are also provided at

LOCAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTERS

 

For more information:

Call: (860) 347-6971 ext. 6098

Email: [email protected]

Prenatal Services

At CHC we take care of  patients of all ages, including those still in their mother’s belly!

For pregnancy care, our certified staff provides a wide-range of services to support a healthy pregnancy and birth for all expectant mothers.

CHC offers many services for moms-to-be, moms, and babies including:

  • Pregnancy Testing
  • Prenatal and Postpartum Care
  • Case Management, Care Coordination
  • Linkages to Services (including WIC and other resources)
  • Breastfeeding Education and Support
  • Free Childbirth Education Classes
  • Smoking Cessation Counseling
  • Oral Health Education & Dental Visits
  • Nutrition Counseling and Diabetes Education and Support
  • Registered Dietician/Certified Diabetes Educator Visits
  • Quest Lab conveniently located on site for blood work and other tests
  • Text4Baby
  • Newborn Care

Prenatal services are offered at the following CHC locations:

Clinton

114 East Main Street

Clinton, CT 06413

860.664.0787

Meriden

134 State Street

Meriden, CT 06450

203.237.2229

Middletown

675 Main Street

Middletown, CT 06457

860.347.6971 x 3070

All CHC patients can take advantage of our prenatal services regardless of where they are normally seen.

New Horizons Domestic Violence Services

New Horizons Domestic Violence Services supports victims of domestic and intimate partner violence in Middlesex County. New Horizons’ services are available 24/7, 365 days a year.

Services offered:

  • 24 hour emergency hotline
  • Crisis intervention/safety planning
  • Advocacy to help with the police, hospitals, courts, DCF, welfare, and outside services and agencies
  • Peer counseling
  • Support groups for victims who are or who been in an abusive relationship
  • Children’s programs including counseling, advocacy and play groups
  • Confidential temporary emergency shelter for victims
  • Emergency food and clothing

For more information, visit: www.newhorizonsdv.com or call 860.344.9599

If you are being abused and are in immediate need of assistance call our crisis hotline at: 860.343.6470

Family Wellness Center

CHC knows that healthcare isn’t always just about our bodies. In an effort to extend the goal of happy healthy lifestyles out in the community, the Family Wellness Centers of Connecticut offer a wide variety of free programs and groups for both children and parents in Middletown and New Britain.

All CHC patients are welcome to participate in FWC programs regardless of which site they normally receive care.

Some programs include:

  • Diaper clinics
  • Playgroups
  • Parent support groups
  • Family and children’s yoga
  • Infant massage
  • Educational children’s programs
  • Movement classes
  • And more!

To see specific program locations, dates and times, visit: familywellness.chc1.com

FWC Middletown

635 Main Street
​Middletown CT, 06457

FWC New Britain

85 Lafayette Street
​New Britain CT, 06051

For questions, contact: Nat Holmes

Call: (860)347-6971 ext. 3662

Email: [email protected]