FQHCs are federally designated outpatient clinics committed to serving patients in high-need areas. These centers deliver a wide range of services and are required to meet strict guidelines to maintain their status. FQHCs receive funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and operate under a specific payment system. For an in-depth explanation of what FQHCs entail, visit What is an FQHC?

Healthcare providers at FQHCs deliver various services, helping patients access:

FQHCs operate under the Prospective Payment System (PPS), which reimburses centers a fixed, bundled rate per patient visit regardless of the number of services rendered. This model promotes efficiency, encourages comprehensive care in a single visit, and protects providers from volume-based reimbursement pressures. FQHCs may also receive federal grants under Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act, allowing them to offer services on a sliding fee scale based on a patient’s income. For more information on how FQHCs are funded and the PPS model, check out the CMS FQHC Center.

Providers working at FQHCs may qualify for major loan assistance programs such as: The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program, which offers up to $50,000 in tax-free student loan repayment for a two-year commitment at an eligible site.

2. FTCA Malpractice Coverage

FQHC-employed providers receive free malpractice insurance through the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), which acts as a form of sovereign immunity for medical malpractice claims. This can have enormous cost savings and a rare benefit in most practice settings. 

FQHCs are often located in areas where the cost of living is significantly lower than in major cities. While base salaries may be smaller, lower housing costs, minimal commute expenses, and more affordable daily living can make your income go much further. In many cases, providers at FQHCs in low-cost regions end up with more financial breathing room than peers earning higher salaries in high-cost urban markets. Using the AAPA cost of living calculator can help providers gain insights into how moving from one city to another can effect their cost of living. 

FQHCs often partner with medical schools, residency programs, and APP training programs. This opens doors for providers who want to precept, teach, or grow into leadership roles without stepping away from clinical work. Many centers also prioritize internal promotion, allowing for upward mobility within the organization.

How to Find FQHCs Near You
To locate FQHCs across the U.S., you can access HRSA’s comprehensive HRSA Health Center Locator , which provides detailed information on all federally qualified centers nationwide.

FQHCs offer healthcare professionals a rewarding career path, with financial incentives, loan repayment options, and the satisfaction of improving access to care in high-need communities. By choosing to work at an FQHC, providers can both advance their careers and make a meaningful impact.