Federally Qualified Health Center
Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are community-based healthcare providers that receive funds from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) to provide primary care services in underserved areas. They must meet a stringent set of requirements, including providing care on a sliding fee scale based on ability to pay and operating under a governing board that includes patients.
Pronunciation
Federally Qualified Health Center: /ˈfɛdərəli ˈkwalɪfaɪd ˈhɛlθ ˈsɛntər/
Etymology
The term "Federally Qualified Health Center" is derived from the U.S. federal government's role in qualifying and funding these health centers. The term was first used in the 1990s when the federal government began providing grants to community health centers that met certain criteria.
Related Terms
- Primary Care: Basic or general healthcare focused on the point at which a patient ideally first seeks assistance from the medical care system.
- Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA): The U.S. federal agency responsible for improving access to health care services for people who are uninsured, isolated, or medically vulnerable.
- Underserved Areas: Geographic areas or populations designated by the HRSA as having too few primary care providers, high infant mortality, high poverty, or a high elderly population.
- Sliding Fee Scale: A system of payment for services rendered, based on the patient's ability to pay.
- Governing Board: A group of individuals that oversees the strategic direction of an organization.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Federally Qualified Health Center
- Wikipedia's article - Federally Qualified Health Center
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