What is an FQHC?

“FQHC” stands for Federally Qualified Health Center. A FQHC is a Community Health Center selected by the federal government to receive special funding because they provide comprehensive, quality care to anyone who needs it, regardless of ability to pay. Community Heath Centers provide high-quality healthcare that is affordable and accessible.
As an FQHC North Country Family Health Center (NCFH) is able to offer “one-stop shopping” – primary and preventive healthcare visits, laboratory services, dental, behavioral health services, and case management – all conveniently located, coordinated, and tailored to meet our patients’ needs.

Additionally, NCFHC, similar to all other FQHC’s is managed by a consumer driven Board of Directors.

As a FQHC we are dedicated to providing access to all individuals within our community. We are proud to be one of 1,400 FQHC’s serving more than 29 million people providing critical care and reducing barriers for so many.

North Country Family Health Center is a Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) deemed facility. North Country Family Health Center receives Health & Human Services funding and has Federal Public Health Service deemed status with respect to certain health and or health-related claims, including medical malpractice claims, for itself and its covered individuals. For more information go to Click Here.

The importance of an FQHC:

  • A FQHC provides care to anyone, of any age.
  • A FQHC treats patients with insurance and those without.
  • Patients who come to a FQHC who are NOT covered by insurance can be charged for their care using an income-based sliding fee scale. This sliding scale can also be applied to charges for underinsured patients – those with high deductibles and co-pays.
  • No patient is ever turned away because of the inability to pay.
  • An important component of care by a FQHC is providing care that is culturally sensitive and non discriminatory.
  • A FQHC is accessible to patients, providing appointments when they need them, providing after-hours care and showing a commitment to removing barriers to care for all patients

North Country Family Health Center is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under Section 330 of the PHS Act. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.