Patient Information
What kind of health related issues do the Clinics take care of?
While the clinics see their share of sore throats, rashes and coughs, they also provide a wide range of health care services — going beyond the band-aid and cough syrup image of many free clinics. With the help of area specialty physicians, health care providers, and pharmacists, the Clinics are able to assist people with a wide range of diagnoses and treatments. In addition to sore throats, coughs, colds, flu, rashes, aches and pains, the Clinics, along with their specialty partners, provide physicals, mamograms, diabetes screening, x-rays, blood tests, laboratory tests, diagnoses and treatment for hypertension, stomach problems, gynecological problems, urinary tract infections, etc. They also help people manage diabetes and other health issues by providing most medications needed to control or cure a health problem.
Is there anything that the Clinics do not take care of?
Yes. Because the clinics are transitional and are concerned about the quality and continuity of care delivered, they do not see patients for pre-natal, mental health, dental, emergency, and/or complicated chronic diagnoses. Birth control is also not provided. Persons who call the Clinics for an appointment and are not eligible for the Clinics because of the preceding are referred to area clinics or services that can provide this type of care at a reduced or sliding fee basis. In addition, the Clinics do not provide most immunizations. These are available through county extension programs for free or at low cost.
How much does it cost to be seen at St. Mary's Health Clinics?
If you fall within the Clinic' eligibility guidelines there is no cost -- all services are free.
How is eligibility determined? Who qualifies for the Clinics?
There are a few basic requirements — other than those outlined in the previous question/answer. One is no health insurance, which includes such government programs as Medicare, Medicaid, Medical Assistance, etc. There is also an income limit which is designed to identify those who would either be able to afford private insurance or would qualify for government programs such as MinnesotaCare or Medical Assistance. A person must also be a resident of the seven county metropolitan area (or a Minnesota county whose borders touch the seven county area).
The goal of St. Mary’s Health Clinics is to catch and care for those who are falling through the cracks because they do not qualify for government health care assistance but are still not able to obtain insurance on their own or through their employer. There are other requirements as well.
To determine eligibility, call 651-287-7777 and speak with on of our intake and scheduling coordinators. The intake and scheduling coordinators are available Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m to 3:30 p.m and Friday 8:30 a.m to 12 noon.
I just got a new job, but my insurance doesn’t start for three months. Will the Clinics see me?
Provided you fall within the Clinics’ eligibility guidelines, yes. The St. Mary’s Health Clinics take care of a lot of people who are waiting for their insurance to “kick in” or for approval on their application for government programs such as MinnesotaCare, Medical Assistance, etc. As a matter of fact, the many patients seen at the Clinics (57% during fiscal year 2009) were seen only once.
Do I need an appointment?
YES. Patients are required to make appointments by calling 651-287-7777 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, or on Fridays between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 12:00 noon. In addition, you must call our scheduling line to cancel if you cannot come to your appointment. Many other patients are waiting for appointments. If you do not come for your appointment or cancel it more than 2 times, it is possible that you may not be eligible for St. Mary’s Health Clinics in the future.
What if the doctor says that I need lab tests, blood work or x-rays?
If one of the clinic doctors orders tests, you will be sent to one of the area hospitals to have them done. These will also be provided at no cost to you.
What if I need a specialist?
If our doctor feels you need to see a specialist, an appointment will be set up for you, at no cost to you.
What about surgery or hospitalization?
If the clinic physician advises you to have surgery or to be hospitalized, arrangements will be made with one of the area hospitals after a pre-authorization process is completed, unless the clinic physician authorizes an Emergency Room visit. If that happens, St. Mary’s Health Clinics will require you to apply for Medical Assistance. We will assist you with the application.
What if I need medication?
Most medication will be provided for you at the clinic or you will be given a prescription and voucher to get your medications free of charge at any CUB Pharmacy or Unity Hospital Pharmacy. Only SMHC patients can receive free medication. SMHC may not provide all medication.
What if I need a refill?
If you received your medication at the clinic, from our stock, you must make an appointment and return to the clinic for a refill.
If you picked up your medication at Unity or CUB Pharmacy, and have refills on it, you will need to stop at the clinic and get a voucher to refill your prescription.
If you do not have refills left on your prescription you must make an appointment to see a doctor and get another prescription.
Minnesota Health Care Programs
St. Mary’s Health Clinics are able to assist qualified patients in applying for such state programs as MinnesotaCare and Medical Assistance.
Making an Appointment
For questions about eligibility and/or to make an appointment call 651-287-7777. The scheduling line is open Monday -- Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. CST and Friday 8:30 a.m. until 12 noon CST. Spanish-speaking schedulers are available.
If you qualify for the St. Mary's Health Clinics a clinic site will be assigned to you and directions will be given at that time. (Please note, there are no clinic services available at 1884 and 1890 Randolph Avenue in St. Paul.)
