Frequently Asked Questions
We've posted answers to some frequently asked questions below.
If you need further assistance selecting a provider, please call the United Way of the Coastal Empire by dialing 211.
What is a Medical Home?
Home is a place we belong. It is a place where people care about us. A medical home is similar. It is a place where the health caregivers know you. You can go there for help with an illness that is bothering you just this week or for something you will have the rest of your life. You can go there to get advice about how you can be well. Your caregivers will know you and want to help you reach your health goals like losing weight, getting your blood pressure under control, learning how to eat right, taking your medications correctly or any other goal you may have. You can go there to ask questions about your health and find answers. Best of all, you will find people who care about you and will give you the knowledge and confidence to care for yourself and your family.
Does the Chatham County Safety Net Planning Council (CCSNPC) provide care?
Not directly, but our family of providers does.
Does CCSNPC provide insurance?
No. Our providers do not require that you have health insurance. Depending on the provider you choose, you may receive health care at no charge or for a small fee based on your income and family size.
How do I find my Medical Home?
Visit our Need Health Care page. This will connect you with a page showing each of our providers and the locations, hours and contact information for each one. There is also important information about who qualifies for health care at each location and what to bring with you when you visit for the first time.
Remember, if you are experiencing a medical emergency, you should immediately dial "911" for emergency services.
What if I don't have insurance?
That is OK with our providers. Depending on which one you choose, you will need to bring information with you to confirm that you qualify for care. Typically, this includes documents like income confirmation, family size confirmation or other types of identification.
What if I have no income or I am homeless?
There is a medical home in Chatham County for you. J.C. Lewis Health Center is the Federally Qualified Health Center designated to care for the homeless. If you have no income, you may choose to visit the volunteer clinic, Community Health Mission, or the St. Joseph's /Candler Mission Services clinics, St. Mary's or Good Samaritan. Your visit may be at no or a very low cost, but you may be charged for laboratory tests if necessary.
Will I have to pay before I am seen?
At some of the providers, federal regulations require that they collect a fee when you are seen. Others have a policy that you must contribute a small donation for your care. Do not be concerned. These fees are extremely reasonable and are not meant to keep you from getting the care you need. You should ask this question when you make your first appointment with the provider you choose so that you will come prepared.
How do I decide which place is best for me?
Each one of our providers is a bit different. First decide who in your family needs care. If you have children or an elderly family member, you may want to explore the Curtis V. Cooper Primary Health Care or the J.C. Lewis Health Center, which are Federally Qualified Centers and offer a broad range of health care services.
If you are pregnant, you will find prenatal care at Curtis V. Cooper Primary Health Care.
If you are an adult who needs a check up, needs health screening or has chronic disease needing ongoing care, you can choose any of our providers. You may want to find the one with a location and hours which works with your mode of transportation and schedule.
How do I get there?
The bus routes are in the information about each provider under the Need Health Care section. If you have special needs, ask the provider when you make an appointment if there is transportation assistance available for you.
What are the clinic hours?
These vary by provider, but often include evening hours for your convenience. Consult the Need Health Care section of this website.
How do I make an appointment?
Appointments are made directly with each provider. The contact numbers are in the Need Health Care section. Currently, appointments are made via telephone during working hours only. Check the information for each provider to find out the best time to call.
Some providers accept walk-in patients. This is not recommended because you will have to wait until the people who have appointments are seen and the staff will not be prepared for your visit in advance. It is best that you call for an appointment in advance. If you are sick, call ahead and ask for the best time to arrive. Unfortunately, you may have to wait, but you will be seen.
Remember, if you are experiencing symptoms that you feel are life-threatening, call "911" for emergency care immediately.
How long do I have to wait to get an appointment?
This depends on the provider and the care you need. For example, if you have chosen our Volunteer Clinic, Community Health Mission, the volunteer physician you need may be available only one day per week. Calling and talking to our providers is the best way to find out the availability of appointments for your first visit.
What do I need to bring with me?
Each provider has listed their requirements in the Need Health Care section of this website, but the best thing to do is to ask when you make an appointment.
How do I get help with prescriptions?
The best thing to do is to tell your health care provider that you need help. You may be referred to a MedBank representative on-site or our care navigator who can help your find the program that is right for you. Click here for more information on prescription assistance.
How do I find dental care?
In the Need Health Care section, you will find information about dental care providers for adults and for children. Call the provider directly for information and/or an appointment during the office hours provided.
Is there help with vision or eyeglasses?
Call your provider. Some have on-site vision assistance and some have an agreement with an eye doctor who will see you at his or her office.
What kind of health screening is available?
Our providers offer:
• Blood Pressure Checks
• Screening for Diabetes
• Pap Smears
• Mammograms
• Screening for Colon Cancer
• HIV/AIDS testing
• Testing for Sexually Transmitted Diseases
• Pregnancy Tests
• Lead levels
• Oral Health Screenings
Check the Need Health Care section to find which provider has the screening you need.
Are there services for HIV/AIDS or STDs?
Yes, through almost all of our providers. Check the information in the Need Health Care section and call the provider to verify that the service you need is something they offer.
What about help with mental illness or addiction?
The Georgia Department of Human Resources has set up a 24/7 telephone service which provides information about all services available for help with mental illness or addiction, for all ages. Counselors are also available to talk to you if you need advice. Either call the Georgia Crisis and Access Line: 1-800-715-4225 or for provider information only, visit www.mygcal.com.
What Women's Health services are available?
Our providers offer:
• Pregnancy Testing
• Pap Smears
• Annual Gynecologic Visits
• Mammograms
• Women's Health Education
• Sexually Transmitted Disease Testing
• HIV/AIDS Testing
Prenatal care is available at Curtis V. Cooper Primary Health Care.
Are there services for adults?
Yes, all of our providers are ready to care for adults who need check-ups, screening, ongoing care for a chronic disease or advice to address a short-term health issue.
Are there services for children?
Yes, at the Federally Qualified Health Centers, Curtis V. Cooper and J.C. Lewis. The Chatham County Health Department has a Children's Services department offering special programs for children as well as immunizations for all ages.
Are there services for the elderly?
Yes. Curtis V. Cooper Primary Health Care accepts Medicare.
What if I need to see a medical specialist?
Some providers have specialists who come to the clinic site or hold specialty clinics at regularly scheduled times. Check the information in the Need Health Care section and call the provider to make an appointment. If you need specialty care at an office outside the clinic, your Safety Net primary care provider will make every effort to arrange an appointment for you.
How about Health Education and Wellness?
Absolutely, yes! Talk to your health caregiver. There are all types of programs within each location and available in the Chatham County community. Depending on your health education needs, you will be matched with the program that is right for you.
How can I volunteer?
You may contact the providers and member agencies directly.
How can I donate?
Thank you for asking. Many of our partner agencies accept donations. You may contact the provider or agency you are interested in directly.
United Way of the Coastal Empire receives donations on behalf of some of our member agencies. Contact the local office for information.
Chatham County Safety Net Planning Council is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization. CCSNPC does not accept funds or donations of any kind which are intended for a partner or member organization. However, you may donate directly to CCSNPC administrative fund by contacting the Executive Director's office.
