The Health Department’s Ambulatory Health Services (AHS) is responsible for managing the City’s eight health centers, which provide a full range of health services and support to Philadelphians of all ages. In the last year, AHS served 80,000 patients at over 350,000 visits.
Throughout the pandemic, our nationally recognized health centers have offered free and convenient COVID-19 testing and vaccinations to Philadelphians, but they also serve residents with a wide range of medical care. Besides diagnosing and treating ongoing and acute medical problems, patients can also receive services like prenatal care, family planning support, and pediatric care for infants, children, and teens. Patient-centered care at the health centers is coordinated so patients will see the same clinical team at every visit whenever possible. This helps patients to manage their ongoing health issues and prevent new ones.
Because mental health and physical health go hand in hand, the centers employ behavioral health consultants to support patients with both ongoing health issues as well as mental health issues, including substance abuse. Social workers are also available to counsel on a wide range of issues including STD and HIV testing, family planning, and housing, and programs like Social Security Insurance.
Most insurance is accepted at City health centers, including Medicaid and Medicare. If patients are uninsured, they can pay on a “sliding scale” based on their family size and income. If eligible, they are only charged a $5 fee at each visit. Health centers also have benefit counselors who can help patients apply for affordable health insurance. Translation and interpretation services are also offered.
Pharmacies, lab testing, x-rays, and screenings are conveniently offered at the sites. Patients can often see specialists like podiatrists, nutritionists/dieticians, and dentists all at one site as well. The centers accept urgent care (walk-in) patients but recommend patients call ahead to make sure that the services are available when planning their visit.
AHS health centers are hubs for patient care in our city, with medical providers and staff who work hard each day to help Philadelphians stay healthy.
