| Aspect | Community Health Center (CHC) | Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) |
|---|---|---|
| Funding Source | Funded by various sources, including federal, state, local, and private grants. | Federally funded through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). |
| Federal Designation | May or may not have a federal designation. | Must have a federal FQHC designation to receive HRSA funding. |
| Service Area | Serves a specific community or population, often with a focus on underserved or low-income areas. | Typically serves medically underserved populations and areas designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). |
| Services Provided | Offers a range of primary care and preventive services, including medical, dental, and behavioral health care. | Provides comprehensive primary care services, including medical, dental, mental health, and support services. |
| Access to Care | Strives to improve access to care for vulnerable populations and the uninsured. | Focuses on increasing access to quality care for underserved communities. |
| Funding Requirements | May rely on a combination of funding sources, which can vary by location. | Must meet specific HRSA requirements and comply with federal regulations to receive funding. |
| Governing Board | Governed by a local board of directors or a similar governing body. | Governed by a board that includes patients, community representatives, and health professionals, as required by HRSA. |
| Sliding Fee Scale | Often offers a sliding fee scale based on income to make care affordable for low-income individuals. | Required to offer a sliding fee scale for patients with low incomes, ensuring affordability. |
| Quality of Care | Focuses on providing high-quality care and improving health outcomes for the community served. | Emphasizes quality improvement measures and reporting to meet HRSA standards. |
| Required Services | No specific requirements for services, but they often align with community needs. | Must provide specific services outlined by HRSA, including primary medical care, dental care, and behavioral health services. |
| Outreach and Education | Engages in community outreach and health education to promote wellness and preventive care. | Emphasizes outreach, education, and community engagement to address health disparities. |
| Insurance and Coverage | Often accepts various insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare. | Required to provide care to all individuals, regardless of insurance status, and help patients access insurance options. |
| Location and Size | Can vary widely in terms of size and location, depending on community needs and resources. | Typically larger and more standardized in size and structure due to federal requirements |
| Aspect | Community Health Center (CHC) | Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) |
|---|---|---|
| Staffing | Employs a diverse range of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, dentists, social workers, and support staff. | Must meet specific staffing requirements outlined by HRSA, including the presence of medical, dental, and behavioral health professionals. |
| Funding Allocation | Funding allocation can be more flexible and may vary depending on local needs and available resources. | Receives specific federal grant funding, which comprises a significant portion of its budget and must be used in accordance with HRSA regulations. |
| Reporting and Data | Reporting requirements may be less standardized and may vary between CHCs. | Required to submit standardized reports to HRSA on various aspects of service delivery, patient demographics, and quality metrics. |
| Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) | May or may not have PCMH recognition, depending on the facility's initiatives and resources. | Typically seeks PCMH recognition as part of efforts to improve care coordination and patient outcomes. |
| Special Populations | Tailors services to meet the unique needs of its local community, which may include specific outreach and care programs. | FQHCs are mandated to serve vulnerable populations, including those without insurance or with limited access to care. |
| Governance Structure | Governance structure may vary widely, with local boards making decisions based on community needs and resources. | Must adhere to HRSA requirements for governance and board composition, including patient representation. |
| Integration of Services | May provide integrated care based on local initiatives and resources. | Strives to provide comprehensive and integrated care services, including medical, dental, behavioral health, and support services. |
| Federal Requirements | Not subject to the same level of federal requirements as FQHCs. | Must adhere to specific federal requirements to maintain FQHC status, including compliance with HRSA regulations and guidelines. |
| Sustainability | Sustainability may depend on a mix of funding sources, community support, and local partnerships. | FQHCs rely heavily on federal funding to sustain operations and may also seek additional funding sources. |
| Geographic Distribution | Distributed across various geographic locations, often reflecting the diversity of local communities. | Located in underserved areas designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) and may serve multiple locations within a region. |