EDUCATION: What are the Differences between a Rural Health Care Clinic and a Federally Qualified Health Center?

What is a Rural Health Clinic? A Rural Health Care Clinic (RHC) is a clinic designed to provide quality care to patients in rural areas. They are Medicare certified programs that must be established in areas designated as rural shortage areas. An RHC is not permitted to care for patients of mental diseases or rehabilitation services. At least fifty percent of the time the clinic is open there must be a nurse practitioner, midwife, or physician assistant to provide care to patients. These medical professionals are under direction of a physician. RHCs are required to staff personnel, but there are no requirements to maintain a Board of Directors. Two types of Rural Health Clinics exist: (1) an Independent Rural Health Clinic which is a freestanding clinic not associated with a hospital or any type of Health Care Agency; and (2) a Provider Based Rural Health Clinic which is the subordinate of a hospital, home health agency or nursing facility. Also, Rural Health Clinics do not receive federal funding for start-up or expansion. What is an FQHC? A Federally Qualified Health Center are primary care outpatient centers that serve underserved communities. FQHCs qualify for reimbursements from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Medicaid, and Medicare. An FQHC can receive government grants, donations, and private sectors in addition to the Medicaid reimbursements. To be considered a Federally Qualified Health Center a clinic must meet certain requirements including: (1) serving an underserved area; (2) provide care on a ‘sliding fee scale’ which is based on ability to pay; (3) complete required annual reports; (4) provide holistic and social services; (5) and not be approved as a rural health clinic. Web: www.JonesHealthLaw.com Phone: (305)877-5054 Instagram: @JonesHealthLaw Facebook: @JonesHealthLaw Youtube: @JonesHealthLaw