What is a rural health clinic?

Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) are certified Medicare/Medicaid providers located in rural, underserved areas that bring primary care services to communities that might otherwise lack access. RHCs must use nurse practitioners, physician assistants, or certified nurse midwives at least 50% of the time and be located in designated shortage or rural areas.

What is the difference between an RHC and an FQHC?

RHCs are limited to rural areas and focus on primary care using mid-level providers (NPs, PAs). FQHCs can be urban or rural and must provide comprehensive services including dental and mental health. FQHCs must serve all patients regardless of ability to pay on a sliding scale, while RHCs don't have this requirement. Both receive enhanced Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement.

Does insurance cover RHC visits?

Yes, RHCs are certified to accept Medicare and Medicaid with special payment rates to help them remain financially viable. Most private insurances are also accepted. The cost-based reimbursement helps ensure rural communities maintain access to healthcare providers.

Find Rural Health Centers Near You

Search 4,236 Rural Health Centers across the United States

Popular: Oroville, CA Poplar Bluff, MO Dinuba, CA Meridian, MS Sunnyside, WA

The National Landscape

Understanding Rural Health Centers across the United States

4,236

Rural Health Centers Nationwide

Data from CMS Provider of Services (POS) files and state licensing databases.

Understanding Rural Health Centers

What RHCs Provide

Primary care: Routine exams, chronic disease management, acute illness treatment
Preventive services: Immunizations, screenings, wellness visits
NP/PA-led care: Nurse practitioners and physician assistants provide much of the care, with physician oversight
Lab services: Basic lab work often available on-site

RHC vs. FQHC

Location: RHCs must be in rural shortage areas; FQHCs can be urban or rural
Ownership: RHCs can be for-profit; FQHCs must be nonprofit with community boards
Services: FQHCs typically offer more comprehensive services (dental, behavioral health)
Sliding fees: FQHCs must offer sliding fee scales; RHCs may but aren't required to

Why RHCs Matter

Access: Often the only primary care option in rural communities
Distance: Reduces travel time for routine care—critical for elderly or those without reliable transportation
Relationships: Smaller settings often mean stronger patient-provider relationships
Coordination: Can help coordinate specialty care and hospital services in larger communities

Using a Rural Health Clinic

Establish care: Call to become an established patient. This ensures continuity and better access for urgent needs.

Know your provider: You may see a nurse practitioner or PA. They're highly trained and often have more time to spend with patients.

Ask about after-hours: What happens if you need care at night or on weekends? Many RHCs have on-call arrangements.

Check costs: RHCs accept Medicare and Medicaid at enhanced rates. Ask about costs if uninsured—some offer discounts.

RHC Payment Options

Medicare

RHCs receive cost-based reimbursement for Medicare patients. No copay for most preventive services.

Medicaid

All RHCs accept Medicaid with enhanced reimbursement. Coverage varies by state.

Private Insurance

Most RHCs accept commercial insurance. Check if your plan covers the clinic as in-network.

Self-Pay

Uninsured patients may pay directly. Some RHCs offer reduced fees or payment plans—ask about options.

Browse Rural Health Centers by State

Select a state to find Rural Health Centers in your area

Alabama 109 Arkansas 91 Arizona 25 California 277 Colorado 58 Florida 153 Georgia 87 Hawaii 4 Iowa 178 Idaho 45 Illinois 228 Indiana 68 Kansas 170 Kentucky 199 Louisiana 135 Massachusetts 1 Maine 40 Michigan 190 Minnesota 90 Missouri 363 Mississippi 181 Montana 56 North Carolina 75 North Dakota 53 Nebraska 142 New Hampshire 14 New Mexico 12 Nevada 12 New York 8 Ohio 53 Oklahoma 73 Oregon 84 Pennsylvania 73 South Carolina 89 South Dakota 58 Tennessee 121 Texas 301 Utah 14 Virginia 34 Vermont 11 Washington 114 Wisconsin 78 West Virginia 50 Wyoming 19

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Official Data

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