What is a Community Health Center? top
A Community Health Center is a facility that belongs to the community. It is governed by a board made up of community members. At least one-half of the Board members must be consumers of the Center’s services. Access to its services are available to all persons regardless of their ability to pay. Because it is under the supervision of the Bureau of Primary Healthcare, services rendered are of the highest quality and subject to external review on a regular basis.
What services does Lifespan offer? top
Pediatric & Adolescent Care
Adult & Geriatric Care
Immunizations
Family Planning
Social Services
Pregnancy Testing
Laboratory
X-Ray
Other Referral Services
Yes, we accept most types of insurance for adults and children. In addition, we also participate in the TennCare program.
What if I don’t have insurance? top
Lifespan provides services to everyone. Depending on your income you may qualify for a discount on services provided. These discounts range from 20% to almost 100% of the fees for services. Contact us to see if you qualify.
What do I need to qualify for the discounts? top
At the time you come into the Center, you will need to provide a copy of your prior year tax return, your last payroll stub, or some other proof of income. Lifespan is required to obtain this information in order to offer the discounted services to you. The front office personnel will work with you as to what must be shown. Remember that our goal is to make sure that everyone has access to services.
How do the discounts work? top
If you qualify for an 80% discount and your office visit is $85, then you would be asked to pay $17. If you qualified for a 60% discount, then you would pay $34.
No, Lifespan believes that every patient has the responsibility to participate in their care financially. The fees may be only minimal, but there is an expectation that payment will be made. Lifespan is happy to work with patients regarding payment plans and current circumstances. While no one will be denied services based on their ability to pay, Lifespan does reserve the right to refuse non-emergent services to persons who have made no effort to financially participate in their care.
Can I qualify for prescription drug assistance? top
Anyone who is a patient of Lifespan and does not have prescription drug coverage qualifies for our prescription drug program. There is no income limitation. Even Bill Gates or Oprah Winfrey can participate. The average savings to patients is approximately 50% of what they would normally pay. The savings do vary depending on whether the medication is a brand or a generic and some other factors.
In addition, patients with prescription coverage can help by using the program. There is no change to what these patients pay their pharmacists, but any payments made by the insurance company are paid to Lifespan who uses these funds to expand services to the community.