Patient Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are there any other free clinics or health resources in
Yes. We have compiled an extensive list of other free and low-cost clinics and services throughout
Q: Are there any requirements to be an NYCFC patient?
The only requirement to receive care at the NYCFC is that you must be an uninsured adult age 18 or older. See Who is Eligible.
Q: How long will my appointment take?
Q: Will my clinic visit cost me anything?
All services we provide, including specialty referral care at Bellevue Hospital Center, are free of charge.
It is important to note that we DO NOT pay for emergency room visits. This is true even if you went to the emergency room when you were already our patient. We also DO NOT pay for your overnight stays in the hospital.
Q: How long will it take to get my lab results back? How will I be notified?
You will get your test results within 2 to 3 weeks from your visit to the clinic. Our volunteers will either mail you a letter with your results, or call you to schedule a follow-up appointment so you can talk about the results at the clinic. For some tests, such as cholesterol measurements, you will be able to get your results and our recommendations over the phone.
Q: What is a specialty referral?
We provide primary care to our patients. Some patients have more complicated problems that require attention of specialized doctors. If we think a specialized doctor could help you better, we will give you a free referral to the appropriate clinic at Bellevue Hospital Center. For example, we are able to refer patients to orthopedics, neurology, gynecology, podiatry, dermatology, urology, gastroenterology, hematology, and ophthalmology, among other clinics. Unfortunately, referrals to mental health specialists are not available.
If you get a referral, we will take care of scheduling your appointment, and give you all the instructions you need to see your new
doctor. You will not have to pay for care you get at Bellevue Hospital Center if you received your referral through the NYCFC and tell us every time you have an appointment there.
Q: What if I need prescription medications?
If our physicians think you need prescription medications, we will write you a prescription. We will then fax the prescription to the pharmacy, and you can pick it up at the pharmacy on the same day. Please remember that you will have to pay for your medicine at the pharmacy. The NYCFC providers will help all patients access the most affordable prescriptions.
If you need medication over an extended period of time, such as the drugs used to control blood pressure and high cholesterol, we will help you fill out special forms to get you further reduced prices at the pharmacy.
