Prepare for Your Visit
Everything You Need Before Your Appointment
At Universal Community Health Center, we want your appointment to be simple, fast, and stress-free. Completing your forms in advance, understanding your payment options, and knowing how specialist referrals work helps us serve you without unnecessary delays.
Complete Your Forms Before You Arrive
Submitting your patient paperwork online before your appointment shortens your wait time in the clinic and helps our care team prepare for your visit.
- Patient Interest Form: Quick online intake to share your medical history and contact information.
- Patient Consent Form: Online authorization allowing UCHC to provide care and manage your treatment.
- Shortened Wait Times: Complete forms on your phone or computer so you can head straight in to see your provider.
Insurance & Payment Options
We provide free insurance enrollment help, sliding fee discounts, and flexible payment plans so you can access the care you need.
- Free Enrollment Help: Certified guidance to help you apply for or renew Medi-Cal, Medicare, or Covered California.
- Sliding Fee Program: Direct discounts on medical, dental, and behavioral health services based on your household size and income.
- Flexible Payment Options: Budget-friendly payment plans to ensure you are never turned away due to an inability to pay.
Late Arrival & Cancellation Policy
Understanding our clinic policies helps keep appointments running on schedule for everyone in our community.
- Running Late: Please call us as soon as you know you are delayed. If you arrive more than 10 minutes late, we may need to reschedule your visit.
- Need to Cancel: Let us know at least 72 hours before your appointment when possible if you cannot make it.
- Supporting Others: Giving us advance notice helps us offer that open appointment time to another patient who needs care.
Specialist Referrals
If your UCHC provider refers you to a medical specialist, our Referral Center team helps coordinate your care transition.
- Insurance Matching: Your insurance provider determines the specialist location to ensure your care is covered.
- Location Preferences: If you need a specialist closer to your home or work, discuss options with your UCHC provider or contact your insurance plan directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sliding Fee Program, and how is it different from health insurance?
The Sliding Fee Program is a direct fee discount offered by UCHC, while health insurance is a coverage plan you enroll in through an insurance company or the state.
Health Insurance: Covers medical care across hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies based on your plan's benefits.
Sliding Fee Program: Reduces what you pay directly to UCHC for medical, dental, or behavioral health visits based on your income and household size.
You can use the Sliding Fee Program if you are uninsured, or if your insurance does not cover a specific service. You will never be turned away from care based on your ability to pay.
What if I do not qualify for Medi-Cal or traditional insurance?
We are here to help! You will never be turned away for care. UCHC offers a Sliding Fee Discount Program based on your household size and income.
How do I request an interpreter for my medical appointments?
Let our staff know when you schedule your appointment. We offer free translation services so you can communicate comfortably with your provider in your preferred language.
Still Have Questions About Your Visit?
Our team is happy to help with appointments, services, or payment options.