Free clinic
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A free clinic is a medical facility offering community healthcare on a free or low-cost basis, similar to Britain's NHS. Care is generally provided to persons who have lower or limited income and no health insurance, including persons who are not eligible for Medicaid or Medicare. Almost all free clinics provide care for acute, non-emergent conditions. Many also provide a full range of primary care (including preventive care) and care for chronic conditions. Some free clinics also have licensed pharmacies on site and/or offer dental services.
Volunteer health care professionals provide most of the staffing for free clinics, which are independent, non-profit entities with Boards of Directors comprised of local representatives that provide oversight and direction.
In the United States, free clinics receive little or no federal funding and rely mostly on support from private donors, foundations, the United Way, and local governments.
In recent years, many student-run free clinics have emerged that serve the underserved as well as provide a medical training site for students in the health professions.
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