| Aspect | Community Health Center (CHC) | Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A type of health center that provides comprehensive primary care services, including medical, dental, and behavioral health, often to underserved populations in a specific geographic area. | A subset of Community Health Centers that meets specific federal criteria and receives enhanced reimbursement under Medicare and Medicaid. |
| Funding | Funded through a combination of federal, state, and local funds, as well as private donations and patient fees. May receive grants under the Health Center Program. | Designated as FQHCs by meeting federal criteria, allowing them to receive enhanced reimbursement rates under Medicare and Medicaid. |
| Federal Designation | Not all Community Health Centers have the federal designation of FQHC. | Has a specific federal designation as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), meeting requirements outlined in Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act. |
| Service Area | Serves a defined geographic area or population, often focusing on underserved or low-income communities. | Focuses on serving medically underserved areas or populations, including low-income individuals and those with limited access to healthcare. |
| Access to Funding | Community Health Centers may or may not have the FQHC federal designation. Those with the designation have access to additional funding opportunities. | Has the FQHC federal designation, providing access to enhanced reimbursement rates and other federal grants and programs. |
| Services Offered | Provides comprehensive primary care services, including preventive care, chronic disease management, dental care, mental health services, and other community-based services. | Offers a range of primary care services with a focus on comprehensive, coordinated, and patient-centered care. Services may include dental, mental health, and preventive care. |
| Governance and Administration | Governed by a board of directors, often with a majority of patients served at the health center. Operates as a non-profit or public entity. | Governed by a board of directors, with specific requirements for representation, including patient representation. Follows federal regulations and guidelines. |
| Patient Population | Serves a diverse patient population, including individuals with varying levels of income and insurance coverage. | Primarily serves underserved populations, including those without insurance or with Medicaid coverage, promoting accessibility to healthcare for all. |
| Regulations and Compliance | Follows regulations set by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and may or may not meet all criteria for the FQHC designation. | Complies with specific federal requirements outlined in Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act to maintain the FQHC designation. |
| Reimbursement Rates | Reimbursed at standard rates for Medicaid and Medicare services. May receive grants and other funding sources. | Eligible for enhanced reimbursement rates under Medicaid and Medicare. Reimbursed based on a prospective payment system (PPS) for Medicaid and Medicare services. |
While both Community Health Centers (CHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) share the goal of providing accessible and comprehensive healthcare services to underserved populations, the key distinction lies in the federal designation and enhanced reimbursement opportunities available to FQHCs. FQHCs adhere to specific federal criteria, allowing them to receive additional funding and resources to better serve their communities.