RI Free Clinic 2012 Quick Facts:

• Almost 8,000 visits provided to 1,800 patients.

• 423 new patients added.

• Over 600 volunteers devoted more than 19,000 hours worth over $579,000.

• More than 60 community partners participated throughout RI.

• Per capita care at the Clinic and through our physician network costs about $550 a year compared to a national average of over $8,000 per year for private coverage.

• RIFC coordinated nearly $450,000 of free medical services and additional in-kind support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any services provided by the RI Free Clinic that may carry a charge?
Does the Clinic accept any health insurance, public or private?
Will I be able to see the same doctor and nurse each time I visit the Clinic?
What about my children – can the Clinic also provide care to them?
What happens if I have to be admitted to the hospital?
Does the RI Free Clinic provide dental care?
How does the Rhode Island Hospital’s Community Free Services work?

Are there any services provided by the RI Free Clinic that may carry a charge?

Generally speaking, no. Even in cases where a patient requires a treatment we do not provide, we will make every attempt to find another source or facility that will provide the needed care at no cost. However, we cannot guarantee that that will always be the case.

Does the Clinic accept any health insurance, public or private?

No, the Clinic does not accept any insurance. Remember, patients must not have health insurance to be eligible for care provided by the Clinic.

Will I be able to see the same doctor and nurse each time I visit the Clinic?

Not necessarily, as in most clinic models. While we work hard to provide continuity of care, we cannot guarantee that you will see the same health care professionals at each visit.

What about my children – can the Clinic also provide care to them?

No, the Clinic provides services only to adults over the age of 18 who meet our eligibility guidelines. For a child’s healthcare needs the Clinic can refer you to appropriate places for possible free or sliding scale pediatric care.

What happens if I have to be admitted to the hospital?

The Clinic does not provide emergency care. If you need immediate care, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Does the RI Free Clinic provide dental care?

The Clinic does not provide dental services. However, various community health centers and certain hospital dental clinics around the state provide sliding scale-based dental services. There are also mobile dental health programs available to you. For more information, visit www.oralhealth.ri.gov for a list of dental providers.

How does the Rhode Island Hospital’s Community Free Services work?

Rhode Island Hospital’s Community Free Services is provided for low income individuals.  It would cover referrals that your Clinic doctor may advise you to see at RIH.  This would include things such as MRIs, CT scans or specialty clinics.  You must apply and be accepted by RIH.  At the Clinic, we have the guidelines and application available.  Please note it may take three to four weeks to hear if you are accepted.