Frequently Asked Questions
On this page, you will find answers to many of your most frequently asked questions about Chicago Family Health Center (CFHC). If you don’t see an answer to your question on this page, please call 773-768-5000 for further assistance.
Appointments
1. How do I make an appointment?
Contact the CFHC Call Center at 773-768-5000 to make an appointment at any of our sites and with any provider. If you’re a new patient, we will schedule your first appointment and give you instructions on what to bring to your first visit.
If you’re a current patient and are enrolled in the Patient Portal, you can request an appointment online by logging into your secure account. You can’t make an appointment through Facebook or other social media outlets.
2. How do I sign up for the Patient Portal?
Current CFHC patients can self-enroll by clicking here. Current or new patients can also enroll in the Patient Portal when they come into the clinic for an appointment by asking the registration staff for assistance.
3. How do I cancel an appointment?
Contact us at 773-768-5000 or send a message electronically by logging into your Patient Portal account. Due to the great demand for appointments, we ask that you provide at least a 24-hour notice of cancellation or alert us as soon as you know you must cancel. Please note, you can’t cancel appointments through Facebook or other social media outlets.
4. Do you accept walk-ins?
In general, we do not accept walk-ins. However, our clinic staff can schedule you an appointment for a later date.
Provider & Medications
1. Where can I get my prescriptions filled or refilled?
Your provider will send your prescriptions directly to the pharmacy of your choice. Please contact your pharmacy directly for medication refills. Our dispensary will assist you if you need insurance authorization or if the pharmacy needs verification.
If your insurance does not cover your prescription, our technicians will help you apply for patient assistance if you qualify for discounted medications. The dispensary is located at our South Chicago clinic or you can call them at 773-768-5000, extension 1007.
2. What if I have a question for my provider?
The easiest way to contact your Provider is by leaving a secure message through your Patient Portal account. You can also call 773-768-5000 where an operator will take your message and send it to your provider or a member of your care team.
Referrals
1. What is a referral?
A recommendation made by your Primary Care Provider (PCP) to see a different provider or specialist for services typically outside your PCP’s scope of practice.
2. What is a referral pre-authorization?
A review to determine coverage for your specialized medical service that verifies the need for this service by your insurance company. Pre-authorization may be requested before any services can be provided. It takes approximately 7-10 business days to get pre-approval. If the referral is denied, the insurance company will send a letter to the patient stating why the authorization was denied.
3. How do I get a referral?
Your PCP will issue a referral, when necessary. Our CFHC Referral Coordinator will submit your referral for pre-authorization, if necessary. Once the referral is issued it can be mailed, picked up by the patient or sent through the Patient Portal. Then the patient can schedule their appointment with the specialist.
Insurance & Billing
1. I do not have insurance. Can I apply for insurance coverage at CFHC?
2. How do I change my Primary Care Provider (PCP) to Chicago Family Health Center?
Call the number on the back of your insurance card to select your provider or to select CFHC as a clinic.
3. I am not able to provide proof of citizenship. Can I still see a doctor at CFHC?
Yes. You only need proof of citizenship to apply for insurance. If you are unable to sign up for insurance, we offer a sliding scale program that will allow you to receive services at a discounted rate based on your income.
4. Can my child sign up for sliding scale?
No. All applicants must be 18 years or older, however, most children in Illinois are covered by the All Kids Program.
5. How will I know when my coverage ends?
You will receive a letter from the Department of Human Services and your selected plan.
6. How do I change my insurance plan?
You must change your insurance through your insurance company. If you have Medicaid, you may reach them at 877-912-8880.
7. I have not received my redetermination letter in the mail, who do I call?
Call the redetermination hotline at 855-458-4945 to request the letter be resent and update any changes to your address.
Behavioral Health
1. Does CFHC provide mental health services?
Yes. CFHC has licensed behavioral health therapists, including bilingual/Spanish therapists, located at each of our clinic sites.
2. How long are the therapy appointments and what types of therapy do you provide?
Most Behavioral Health therapy appointments are 30 minutes and take place in the same clinic you receive primary or dental care. We provide screening, individual therapy, family therapy, and couples therapy appointments for children, adolescents, and adults.
3. How do I get an appointment with a therapist?
You can request an appointment through the Patient Portal if you are enrolled, or you can contact us at 773-768-5000.
4. Does Chicago Family Health Center provide substance abuse services?
Yes. We have Licensed Behavioral Health staff at each of our five locations who are able to help you address mental health needs and reduce drug use. However, if you need specialized rehabilitation, medical detoxification, intensive outpatient services, or court-mandated services for substance abuse, we will help you connect with other agencies that offer those programs.