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About Northwest
[ Overview | Our Services | Questions & Answers ]
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Northwest Community Health Care is a nonprofit, community health center and public charity that has provided services to northwestern Rhode Islanders for nearly 100 years.
The organization is the principal provider of public health services in the region and works closely with the Rhode Island Department of Health and the United States Department of Health and Human Services/Bureau of Primary Health Care to monitor, improve and maintain the public health of the local community.
Northwest is:
- Licensed as an Organized Ambulatory Care Facility by the Rhode Island Department of Health.
- Certified by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services as a Federally Qualified Health Center.
- Accredited by the Joint Commission.
All of our health care professionals are licensed by the Rhode Island Department of Health and are Board Certified in their particular specialties. Our physicians are affiliated with numerous area hospitals including Landmark Medical Center, Rhode Island Hospital, St. Joseph Health Services and Roger Williams Medical Center.
The organization is owned by the community that it serves. It is governed by a group of volunteer directors, the majority of who receive health care services at the center. This unique organizational structure helps to ensure that we remain true to our mission and continually respond to the needs of our patients in a high quality fashion.
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Whether you are a newborn, an elder or anyone in between, Northwest Health Center is here for you. The Center employs a variety of professionals to meet the health care needs of the entire family. Services are available for various health issues, including routine physical exams, short and long term illnesses, immunizations and chronic disease management including diabetes, asthma, depression, hypertension and cardiovascular conditions.
Primary Care
We provide comprehensive services for the entire family. Our staff includes male and female practitioners, physicians and nurse practitioners. Staff specialties include internal medicine, geriatrics, women's health and family practice. Services are available by appointment Monday through Friday 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM and Saturdays 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.Dental Services
Comprehensive dental services including oral exams, cleanings, restorative care (e.g. fillings), extractions, root canals, crowns and dentures are available in our state-of-the-art facility. Services are available by appointment Monday through Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. Evening hours, until 6:00 PM are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.Gynecological Care
Comprehensive services include routine gynecological exams, family planning, pregnancy testing, screening for sexually transmitted diseases, and health education. Services are available by appointment Monday through Friday 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM and Saturdays 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.Obstetrics & Prenatal Care
Through an arrangement with Thundermist Health Center, routine prenatal care, including prepared childbirth education classes are provided. Comprehensive services, throughout pregnancy and delivery, including postpartum care, are provided at Thundermist by a board certified, OB-GYN physician. Services are available by appointment.Behavioral Health & Substance Abuse Services
Mental health professionals, including psychologists and mental health counselors are available on site to provide counseling and related services to all family members. Please contact our office at 401-568-7661 X 12 to schedule an appointment.Laboratory
Laboratory services are provided by Lifespan Laboratories. Hours are Monday through Friday 7:30AM - 4:30PM and Saturdays from 8:30AM - 12:00 Noon. The lab closes from 1:00 - 2:00PM for lunch. Appointments are not needed for this service.Pharmacy
Northwest has developed its pharmacy program in partnership with the CVS Pharmacy in Chepachet, Rhode IslandThrough this program, Northwest patients without prescription drug coverage and patients with high deductibles for drug coverage can realize significant savings by filling their prescriptions at this CVS Pharmacy.
All of our patients, including those with prescription drug coverage, are asked to consider filling their prescriptions at this CVS Pharmacy as the net proceeds from this program are utilized to support the numerous charitable services that we provide to the residents of northwestern Rhode Island.
CVS Pharmacy is located at 1068 Putnam Pike (Route 44) in Chepachet. They accept most insurance programs and offer convenient hours.
Note: The agreement between Northwest Health Center and CVS Pharmacy is administered under the provisions of the Federal 340B Drug Pricing Program. Patients are reminded of their right to choose any pharmacy at which to fill their prescriptions. However, prescriptions filled at other pharmacies (including other CVS stores) will not be available at the 340(B) discounted price.
Radiology
Screening mammography and bone density testing are provided Tuesday through Thursday, 9:00AM - 5:00PM. Appointments, together with a health care provider's written order are required.Community and School-based Clinics
Northwest serves as the School Physician for the Burrillville and Smithfield School Departments. Sports physicals are periodically scheduled in these schools.We also serve as the School Dentist for the Burrillville School Department. Periodic dental screenings and cleanings are provided in area schools.
Northwest conducts numerous free community clinics including regularly scheduled blood pressure clinics at the Smithfield Senior Center and at the Glocester Senior Center. Please contact our office for information regarding upcoming clinics. Walk-in blood pressure screenings are also available at our health center in Pascoag.
Case Management and Eligibility Assistance
We have eligibility workers on staff that can provide assistance to patients in accessing needed health or social services and in enrolling in various financial assistance programs including Northwest's Financial Assistance Program, the Rhode Island RIte Care Program and the Rhode Island Women's Cancer Screening Program. Please contact our office for more information.
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What geographic region is served?
Our traditional service area includes the towns of Burrillville, Foster, Glocester, Scituate and Smithfield, Rhode Island. However, we serve patients from nearly every Rhode Island community. Patients from neighboring communities in Massachusetts and Connecticut are also welcome.Who is eligible for services?
Anyone in need is eligible. However, please note that certain services require the written order of a physician.What payment options are available?
Northwest Health Center accepts Aetna, Blue Chip, Blue Cross, Delta Dental of Rhode Island, Harvard Pilgrim, Healthmate, Medicare, Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, United Healthcare, Medical Assistance, and certain other insurance plans.The Health Center also offers primary care, dental, radiology and behavioral health services at a substantially reduced rate (sliding-scale fee scale) to patients without health insurance and for patients with high deductibles and co payments.
Eligibility to receive services at our reduced rates is based on income and family size. Individuals with household incomes at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level are eligible to receive services at these rates. For example, a married couple with two children, living in the same household, with a 2006 combined income of $40,000 or less would be eligible. An individual with a 2006 annual income of $19,600 or less would also be eligible.
Please contact our office to obtain additional information. In order to receive services at a reduced rate, individuals must complete a financial eligibility application each year and must meet with a Northwest eligibility counselor.
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What Do Patients Say About Northwest?
"Friendly & Flexible; Always seem to find the time to make appointments even on short notice." "The Nurse Practitioner was very kind. She was wonderful, she explained everything so it could be understood."
"Everyone is caring and they fit me in. I like the care that I get when I get my teeth cleaned and the care the medical staff gives me."
"Clean, attractive facility; friendly, professional staff."
"My doctor is very helpful and a very pleasant person."
"My doctor is excellent."
"The care & interest the doctors have with me is outstanding. I have a lot of confidence in all who work here."