I. Fees
How much will it cost
for my visit?
The cost of your visit is dependent on two factors:
1. Your household income and the size of your family
determine the level of discount you receive. 2. What
occurs during your visit and any tests the doctor
may order.
What are your fees?
Greater Elgin Family Care Center’s fee schedule is
comparable to other medical fees in the Elgin area.
However, GEFCC offers a sliding fee discount to those
who qualify.
What discount do I
qualify for?
Sliding Fee Discounts are given to patients who are
below 200% of the Federal Poverty
Level (FPL). Proof of income is required to
qualify for a discount, and must be updated annually.
What are poverty levels?
Poverty levels are set by the federal government and
are updated annually. Poverty levels are based on
household income and the number of members in your
family.
What is a sliding
fee scale?
A sliding fee scale means that GEFCC fees are discounted
by a predetermined percentage that is based on your
family size and household income. For example: If
you are at or below 100% of poverty (based on the
federal poverty guidelines) then you will receive
a discount of 90% off our regular fees. However, if
you are above 200% of poverty, you do not qualify
for the sliding fee scale.
Do I have to pay today?
Yes, payment is expected at the time of service. If
you cannot pay for all of your fees, you can pay a
portion today and make payment arrangements with the
cashier. However, all lab fees must be paid in full
before you can go to the lab. It is GEFCC policy that
no one will be turned away for an inability to pay. |
| II.
Appointments
How do I make an
appointment?
To make an appointment at any of our locations,
call (847) 608-1344, or just
walk into the health center location, even
if you don’t have an appointment.
Can I see a provider
today?
Yes, if you do not have an appointment and need
to see a Provider, you can walk-in to any of our
locations and be seen by the first available Provider.
What is your Walk-In
policy?
Greater Elgin Family Care Center’s walk-in policy
is that all walk-ins will be seen on a first come
first served basis, with the exception of sick children
who have priority. Walk-in patients wait for a cancellation
or for a “no-show” appointment slot. A no-show appointment
slot is created when a patient with an appointment
is late or does not show up for their appointment.
How long will I
have to wait for an appointment slot as a walk-in?
How long you wait depends on two factors: 1. The
number of patients on the walk-in list ahead of
you; and 2. The number of Medical Providers providing
care at that time.
If I come in as
a walk-in, can you promise I’ll get an appointment?
No, we cannot promise you will get an appointment
slot. We do our best to see all walk-ins, however
there may be more walk-in patients than there are
available appointment slots. GEFCC recommends that
you arrive as early as possible to ensure you get
an appointment slot.
I’m under 18, can
I come in alone for my medical appointment?
No, we are required to get permission from your
parent or legal guardian to provide medical services.
Your legal guardian must be present at your initial
visit.
Does my parent have to
authorize a visit for birth control?
No, the law allows minors between the ages of 13
and 18 to authorize treatment for family planning
matters. Family planning matters include: Pregnancy
testing, STD testing, and birth control.
Can an adult, other
than the parents/legal guardian of a child, bring
the child in for his/her medical visit?
The parent or legal guardian must be present at
the first visit to
authorize treatment. However, at subsequent visits
an adult who is not
a parent or legal guardian can bring the child in
for a medical visit IF and
ONLY IF they have a note signed by the parent/legal
guardian authorizing them to bring the child for
medical treatment. GEFCC will verify that the signature
on the note belongs to a parent/legal guardian before
the child can be seen by a provider.
Can I make an appointment
for someone else?
Yes, you can make an appointment for anyone. However,
you can only get information on an appointment for
yourself, unless you are a parent getting information
on your child’s appointment.
If
I call, can you tell me if my child has been seen
by a provider?
No, we cannot release this type of information unless
we have a signed release of information form.
I’m pregnant and
need an appointment for prenatal care - do you have
OB/GYN providers?
Yes, we have OB/GYN providers. You will start your
prenatal care with a qualified family practice provider
and transfer to an OB/GYN as your pregnancy progresses.
When I make an appointment
for a pap smear, my appointment is with a family
practice provider instead of a Gynecologist.
Why is that?
Pap smears and family planning are part of the routine
medical care that is offered by family practice
providers. You will be referred to one of our gynecologists
if your condition requires a specialist.
Do you have evening
and weekend appointments?
Yes, our Seneca and Summit Health Centers are open
until at least 7:30 pm Mondays through Thursdays,
and until 5:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. The
Summit Health Center is also open from 11:00 am
– 5:00 pm on Sundays.
What hospitals do
you work with?
Provena St. Joseph’s Hospital
Sherman Hospital
St. Alexius Medical Center
Where are you located?
We are located at 370 Summit Street in Elgin. The
closest intersection is Dundee Ave and Summit Street.
III. Concerns
What happens if I have a concern that has not been resolved?
If you, as a patient of Greater Elgin Family Care Center, have a concern about patient care or safety that has not been addressed, please ask to speak with a manager in order to resolve the issue.
YOUR
MEDICAL HOME
QUALITY HEALTH CARE AT AFFORDABLE PRICES
847-608-1344
www.gefcc.org
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