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Columbus Ohio Free Clinic

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I have some symptoms of COVID-19.  Can I receive care at your clinic?

 

Yes.  Patients with COVID-19 symptoms or symptoms of any respiratory illness (coughing, sneezing, fever, sore throat, etc.) can be seen at our clinic.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or another respiratory illness, you will be given an N95 mask to wear during your visit.  It is required that you wear your N95 mask.  If you remove the N95 mask or refuse to wear it, our team will not be able to care for you.  We would welcome you back on a day when you are symptom-free or when you are prepared to wear the N95 mask.

 

If you believe you have COVID-19, we recommend quarantining yourself and calling the Ohio Department of Health Coronavirus Hotline at 833-427-5634 or visiting a testing site.

I think I may have COVID-19.  Can I get tested at your clinic?

No.  While we will serve patients who are experiencing respirartory symptoms, Helping Hands Health and Wellness Center is not a COVID-19 testing site.  If you believe you have COVID-19, we recommend quarantining yourself and calling the Ohio Department of Health Coronavirus Hotline at 833-427-5634 or visiting a testing site.

I am interested in getting the COVID-19 vaccine.  Can I get the vaccine at your clinic?

Yes.  Helping Hands Health and Wellness Center is please to offer the COVID-19 vaccine.

When can I be seen by a doctor?

We host our Free Care Program on Tuesdays between 8 and 9 AM and Thursdays between 3 and 4:30 PM (except for holidays).  We do not take any appointments.  The Free Care Program is walk-in only and our upcoming dates are listed on the homepage calendar.

I need to see a doctor and am coming to the Free Care Program.  How long will my appointment take?

Because we are "first come first served" and do not have scheduled appointments, you may have to wait for some time before being seen by a doctor.  Please plan on spending a 3 to 4 hours at our clinic.

What do I need to bring to my visit to the clinic?

You should bring a form of ID (driver's license or passport is best) and a list of any medications you are currently taking.

What happens during the Free Care Program?

When participating in the Free Care Program, you should expect:

  • To be greeted outside and have your temperature taken.

  • To wait outside (either in your car or under our shaded area) until it is your turn to be seen by a caregiver.

  • To answer some basic registration questions.

  • To be seen by a nurse, who may measure your height and weight, take your temperature, and take other vitals.

  • To review any medications you are taking.

  • To receive care from a physician, either in-person or via telehealth.

Each patient visit at our clinic is different because of the unique needs of each of our patients.  However, the steps above are the basic steps that all patients go through before leaving our clinic.  Depending on the reason for your visit, you may also:

  • have labs performed.

  • be provided a referral to a specialist.

  • be given a prescription.

  • see a counselor for additional assistance and resources.

English is not my first language.  Do you have interpreters to help me interact with the doctor?

Yes.  Our clinic utilizes the Martti interpretation system to provide interpretation services to our patients.  While the Martti interpretation system does not offer interpreters for every language, it does offer interpretation services for over 200 languages.  The Martti system is HIPAA compliant.  Therefore, our doctors can assist patients whose first language is not English.

While I was at Helping Hands Health and Wellness Center, the nurse took labs.  When will I get those results?

If your results are normal, our Director of Nursing may not reach out to you.  If you do not receive a call or a text message, then there is nothing for you to worry about.

If our Director of Nursing is concerned about any of your lab results, she will send you a text message within 3 weeks of your visit to Helping Hands Health and Wellness Center.

I see you perform TB skin testing and physical exams.  Do you do immunizations also?

No.  At this time, we do not offer immunizations.  However, The Breathing Association and Columbus Public Health are offering immunizations at this time.

Do you provide care for children or perform school physicals for children?

No.  We only serve adult patients age 18 and over.

I need to see a dentist.  Do you have dental care?

No.  Helping Hands Health and Wellness Center does not have a dentist at this time.  Columbus Public Health offers a Family Dental Service at this time.

I'm concerned about parking.  Do you have a parking lot?

Yes, we have a parking lot for patients and supporters to use.  The parking lot is located behind our building and to enter clinic, use the back door.  You're in the right place when you see the wall of children playing!

I'm concerned about taking the bus.  Is your location along the COTA bus routes?

Yes, we have easy access to multiple bus routes.  The most convenient stops to access Helping Hands Health and Wellness Center are located along routes 8 and 42.  To plan a trip from your location, click here.

I'm concerned about transportation.  Can you help me with that?

At this time, Helping Hands Health and Wellness Center cannot offer transportation assistance.  The clinic's staff and volunteers cannot assist with transportation.  Please have your ride (driving, taking the bus, carpooling with a friend, etc.) to and from the clinic secured in advance.

The weather is bad and I'm not sure I feel comfortable driving.  How do I know if your clinic is still open?

In instances of inclement weather, Helping Hands Health and Wellness Center follows the closures of Columbus City Schools.  If Columbus City Schools close or dismiss early due to extreme weather conditions, then Helping Hands Health and Wellness Center is also closed and our programs are canceled.  We will also post any closures on our website and social media pages.  Thank you for your understanding.

If any of your questions went unanswered, feel free to call us at: 614-262-5094.

  • Please note: our staff will only be able to respond during the office hours of:

    • Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, 9:30 AM to 12 PM.

    • Thursdays,12 to 4 PM.

  • If you contact us outside of office hours, we will respond once we return to the office.  Thank you for understanding.

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