FAQ

How long do clinics run?

Clinics can run from 2 - 4 hours, depending on the program.  See About the Clinics for more details.

What commitment is required of volunteers?

In the interests of sustainability and continuity, we ask our primary volunteers (those who staff the ongoing clinics) to make a general commitment of one volunteer shift per month, for one year.  There are exceptions for busy health professionals (4x/year).  Read more about requirements.

Do the Urgent Care Clinics provide care for all medical problems?

We provide basic, urgent medical care.  People who have infections, flu, bad colds, or minor injuries can receive care at the clinic.  Patients with chronic conditions that are in an actue stage may receive initial treatment and then will be referred elsewhere for primary care follow up.  We do not provide primary care (ongoing treatment).  Learn more about Urgent Care Clinics or other kinds of medical clinics.

How can Medical Sub-Specialists be of assistance?

Specialists provide critical consultations during our urgent care clinics, assessing if patients need only a single consultation, or if they might be referred to the Project Access program for more comprehensive specialty care.  Some specialists also enjoy getting back to the basics, and will provide some acute care as well (they decide what is within their comfort level). 

The collegial environment allows providers to choose cases, encourages them to consult with each other, and provides an interesting change from their usual practice.  Watch our video Compassion in Action to see one of our champions, Dr. Jay Miller, a Neurosurgeon, who now provides some acute care as well as neurology consults.

The clinic provides access to the clinical database "Up-To-Date" for easy access to current clinical information and the latest treatments.

What services are provided by the Dental Program?

Adult patients must be in pain to qualify for the waiting list, and receive only restorations or extractions from our Dentist volunteers.  Children have access to more extensive care.  Dental Hygienists assist with screenings, sealants and fluoride varnishes, during our immunization clinics (for the children waiting for their immunizations) and also do the same with our outreach programs in area schools.  Learn more about Dental Clinics.

What services are NOT provided at the Free Clinic of Southwest Washington ?

• NO Narcotic Prescriptions

• NO Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) checks

• NO Family Planning or Women's Health

• NO Mental Health

• NO on-going (primary care) health services

• NO root canals, false teeth, or other services (beyond extractions & restorations)

Who can use the Free Clinic of Southwest Washington?

• People with no or low income

• People without health insurance or state medical coupons.

How much do services cost?

Our services are free of charge, although patients are encouraged to make donations to help defray costs.  The suggested donation is $5 - $20.  No one is refused care because they cannot make a monetary contribution.

Do you accept Interns or Externs?

Yes, on a case-by-case basis.  Please go to our Current Openings page to see what is available.