Philadelphia Clinics

There are several types of Philadelphia clinics that offer low-cost health care. Some are income-based and offer sliding-scale fees. Others offer free or very low-cost services, such as preventive care or emergency medical care. Others offer health insurance assistance or free supplies for patients with diabetes. These facilities may also qualify for federal funding. Philadelphia clinics serve thousands of people from all over the city. Some travel from surrounding suburbs to seek care. The majority of patients are African-American women who are covered by Medicaid. Many have chronic health problems. A clinic's social workers also help patients enroll in benefits and create budgets. Patients may also receive free legal services. These services are vital for those who are struggling with medical bills. The clinics also provide free van transportation for patients who have difficulty making their appointments. Philadelphia clinics often struggle to get patients to participate in certain preventive health screenings. For example, two-thirds of Philadelphia children did not receive recommended vaccinations by age two. Increasing the number of immunizations through strategic initiatives and improved follow-up has helped close the gap. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has even recognized the clinics for their immunization efforts. Some Philadelphia clinics are taking a holistic approach to prevent trauma and foster a strong community. To help prevent childhood trauma, clinic leaders have taken steps to identify patients with a high-risk profile. To do this, they ask patients to complete a comprehensive survey called the ACE survey. This survey will help them access appropriate support services. The clinics will provide referrals to community resources if appropriate.