Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Volunteer Healthcare Clinic?
The Volunteer Healthcare Clinic is Austin's oldest free clinic offering basic medical care and prevention education to the uninsured residents of Travis County. It is an independent nonprofit funded by grants, businesses, individuals and the health district.
What services are provided at the Volunteer Healthcare Clinic?
VHC provides Walk-in Clinics for adults and children seeking medical attention for primary, acute care needs and a Chronic Disease Management Clinic for patients with Diabetes, Hypertension and Endocrine disorders. The Clinic offers social service referrals, limited mental health services and healthy lifestyle counseling as well. The Clinic also maintains an onsite pharmacy and lab.
When is the Clinic open?
VHC is open for Walk-in patients on Tuesdays and Thursday evenings. The Clinic opens its doors at 5pm. All patients need to arrive before 6pm to receive a ticket for that evening's clinic. If you arrive after 6pm you will not be seen.
Who does the Volunteer Healthcare Clinic serve?
VHC offers care to people with no health insurance who are living at or below 200% of the U.S. Federal Poverty Level.
How many people benefit from the Volunteer Healthcare Clinic?
The Clinic accommodates over 5000 patient visits annually for approximately 2000 individuals.
How do people become patients at the Clinic? Are you accepting new patients now?
Our patients primarily come to us through word of mouth, as well as through collaborations with other Austin area service organizations. Our walk-in clinics are open to the public and new patients are welcome.
Do patients pay for services?
We ask for a $5.00 donation at the time of the visit, although this is not mandatory. No one will be turned away because of an inability to pay.
Does the Clinic help patients who need specialty care?
For services that the clinic is not equipped to provide, such as dental and specialty treatments, VHC relies on longstanding relationships with specialists and partner agencies. The St. David's Foundation dental van visits VHC to provide dental care services to patients at certain times throughout the year. The Clinic also participates in the Travis County Medical Society's Project Access program, which refers patients to participating specialists for free or reduced cost care. Such specialty care includes gastroenterology, endocrinology and cardiology. In addition, the Clinic benefits from several specialist providers who volunteer their time serving Clinic patients on-site.
Can I bring my family members with me to the Clinic?
No, Due to health risks and limited space only the patient is allowed in the waiting room. If the patient is a minor then only ONE parent is allowed with them.
Can I eat in the Clinic?
NO, due to health concerns food is not allowed in the waiting room, however, water is provided for patients.
Can I be seen without an ID?
NO, you must have a photo ID card to be seen; copies and passports are NOT accepted.
What if I live in Travis Co. but cannot prove my address?
If you cannot prove you live in Travis County, you must provide a letter from the person with
whom you live and a bill or rent agreement listing that person's name and Travis County
address.
What if I cannot wait three hours to be seen?
Unfortunately Clinic hours and waits vary and can take up to three hours. Please be patient and rest assured that you will be seen as soon as possible.
How come I am number 1 but do not get called first?
All numbered tickets ensure you will be seen, but do not ensure a specific order. The Clinic utilizes a lottery number system. The patient holding ticket #1 is rarely seen first.
4215 Medical Parkway, Austin, TX 78756 | 512-459-6002
