Frequently Asked Questions

Open Door Health Center

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Open Door Health Center?

We are a 501(c)(3) designated nonprofit, federally qualified community health center (FQHC). ODHC has been serving the area since 1983 and has been operating under the “Open Door” name since 1994. Though we started small, today we have more than 100 full-time staff members who provide medical, dental, and behavioral health care to more than 11,000 individuals each year. Our main site is located in Mankato, MN and we also have a dental clinic in Jordan, MN.

What does it mean to be an FQHC?

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) are also referred to as “safety net clinics” Though our services are available to everyone and meet the same standards of care that you would find in any healthcare facility, our FQHC status entitles us to funding and reimbursements so that we serve individuals and families with greater need.

Do you use real health professionals?

Yes! Open Door Health Center employs board-certified medical and dental providers who also share our passion for providing quality, affordable, patient-centered care to all people.

What if I need to see a Specialist?

If you need to see a specialist, your Open Door provider will discuss various options with you at the time of your appointment, and a referral will be made based on individual preference and convenience. Referrals to specialty care can be made in each of our service counties or near our Mankato location.

Does immigration status affect my eligibility to be seen at Open Door? Or to receive discounts?

No. Open Door welcomes all individuals regardless of immigration status. Discounts are determined by income and household size. Immigration status does not affect eligibility. In many cases, we can also help individuals to access programs that may help cover the cost of their healthcare regardless of immigration status.

Are there any services available for undocumented individuals who can’t access insurance coverage?

Immigration status does not affect eligibility to receive care at Open Door nor is it a disqualifying factor from our sliding fee discount program.

Is this a free clinic?

Though we strive to make care as affordable as possible, unfortunately we are not able to see our patients free of charge. We ask all of our patients to pay something to help cover the cost of their visit. We do invoice patients and offer payment plans to help them as well.

How much will I pay at Open Door?

We provide medical care to our patients regardless of insurance. Additionally, we offer a sliding fee discount program based on several factors including income, household size, etc. 

We encourage interested patients to schedule a visit with one of our providers to discuss their needs. If you would like to know more about how your medical health options and financial details of treatment, please call us at 507.388.2120 and ask for medical scheduling to make your first appointment with us.

What about insurance?

You do not need to have insurance in order to be seen at Open Door Health Center. We do accept most major insurance plans and we’ll do the billing for you.

Do you have a high insurance deductible that means you pay thousands out of pocket before they cover any services? You may qualify for a sliding fee scale discount until your insurance begins to pay.

What languages are spoken at Open Door?

We have providers and staff who speak Spanish, Somali, and several other languages. We are also able to use a video interpreting service. Our patients appreciate being comfortably treated in their native languages.

Can I request Open Door informational materials?

Absolutely! We have brochures & literature available in both English and Spanish.

For more information or to request printed materials, please contact our Marketing Coordinator by phone:
(507) 344-5504 or by email: marketing@odhc.org

If I use Open Door, could I be taking the place of someone else who needs it more?

We welcome all individuals for our services! In fact, serving insured patients can even help subsidize operation costs in providing care for uninsured/underinsured individuals. We also know that many of our patients connect with us during times of economic hardships, but end up staying with us because they prefer our model of care.

Open Door Health Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Open Door Health Center receives HHS funding and is a Health Center Program grantee under 42 U.S.C 254b, and is deemed a Public Health Service employer under 42 U.S.C. 233 (g)-(n)
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