Myths & Facts
Myth 1. A community clinic provides lower-quality healthcare services than traditional healthcare facilities.
Fact: The truth is, clinics that are federally qualified health centers, such as Community Health Northwest Florida, are held to the same standards as most other healthcare facilities, and in some cases, even more strict clinical and procedural standards to comply with quality requirements for clinic-to-community initiatives and programs funded by federal and private grant dollars.
In fact, a 2008 study published by the National Association of Community Health Centers found that the quality of care provided at health centers is equal to or greater than the quality of care provided by many primary care providers.
Source: http://www.nachc.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Better-or-Equal-Care-SS.pdf
Myth 2. We do not accept patients with commercial insurance.
Fact: The truth is that while we serve the medically needy, uninsured and underserved, we also accept many major forms of commercial insurance.
Myth 3. I have to live in Escambia or Santa Rosa County to receive care.
Fact: Patients seeking care at one or more of our care facilities are not required to be residents of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. In fact, we will accept out-of-area, out-of-town and visiting patients. If you need care, we will provide it.
Myth 4. A community clinic is a government-run organization.
Fact: Many community clinics are non-profit organizations and operate under the direction of a patient-majority governing board of autonomous community-based organizations. This includes public and private non-profit organizations and tribal and faith-based organizations. Community Health Northwest Florida truly is an organization of the community, by the community and for the community.
Myth 5. All healthcare providers just want to make a profit.
Fact: As a matter of fact, Community Health Northwest Florida is a not-for-profit 501c3 organization. What that means is that every member of our team, from our physicians, nurses, leaders and care staff, are all focused on delivering quality health care to the community. Our strongly-held values and mission of making healthcare accessible to all lead the way for all business decisions.
Myth 6. My healthcare needs are too great and expensive. I’ll just get turned away.
Fact: Community Health Northwest Florida never turns a patient away if they require medical attention. This means that regardless of age, gender, race, religion, insurance coverage, sexual identity or preference, circumstance or ability to pay, we will treat you. Even more, eligible patients may qualify for the Sliding Fee Program which provides the medically needy with reduced healthcare services.
