Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

I do not have health insurance. How much will my care cost?

WHN’s fees are based on the level of care that you receive during your visit, and may or may not include the cost of specific lab tests. Therefore, we cannot estimate in advance how much your care will cost. However, if you are uninsured, you may apply for our Sliding Fee Scale (SFS) program which can substantially discount the cost of your care.

*Please note that our MINIMUM FEE is $15 per Office Visit.

How do I know if I qualify for the WHN’s Sliding Fee Scale program?

If you do not have health insurance, there is a good chance that you may qualify for a 25%, 50%, or 75% discount. WHN’s SFS program is based upon your Family Income and the number of dependents living with you. Please ask the Receptionist for a Sliding Fee Scale Application. Once completed, your information will be reviewed by our staff and you will be notified what level of discount, if any, that you are qualified for.

Does the Sliding Fee Scale discount apply to all services that I may receive at WHN?

The SFS discount applies to any Office Visits, Procedures or lab tests that are performed in our Health Centers.

The SFS discount DOES NOT apply to any medications, medical supplies or equipment purchased from WHN.

WHN has referred me to a specialist. Will my SFS discount apply to the Specialist’s fees?

Unfortunately, WHN is able to offer only limited specialty care in our Health Centers, and therefore must refer our patients to outside specialists from time to time. While many of the specialists that WHN works with offer a discount to uninsured patients, WHN’s SFS discount does not apply.

I need to be hospitalized. Does my SFS discount apply to the hospital’s charges?

Many of the area hospitals do have Charitable Care programs which are similar to WHN’s SFS program. However, these programs are independently operated and may not use the same eligibility criteria and/or discount rates as WHN.

I have health insurance (or Medicare). Do I have to pay my co-pay or co-insurance at the time of service?

Yes. In fact, if you have a pre-determined co-pay, we may collect this from you in advance of the visit. Doing so helps the WHN to operate more efficiently and to be able to continue to serve you and others. If you have a co-insurance payment due which is based on a percentage of the total charges, this amount is due on the date of service.

However, if you cannot pay the full amount of your co-insurance, we are happy to make affordable payment arrangements with you. Please ask to speak to a Patient Account Rep or Office Manager.

I have a hard time getting off of work to see the Doctor. Is WHN open after 5:00?

Yes! The Trafalgar Family Health Center is open from 8:30 – 7:00 on Tuesdays and the Edinburgh Family Health Center is open from 8:30 – 7:00 on Mondays and Tuesdays. In addition, Trafalgar Family Health Center is open on Saturdays from 9:00 – 1:00.

I have Medicaid but have been assigned to another doctor who is not a WHN provider. Can I still be seen at WHN?

Unfortunately, if Medicaid has assigned you to another physician, WHN cannot deliver your care. However, it is very easy to be re-assigned back to a WHN provider. Simply call 1-800-889-9949 and tell them that you wish to be re-assigned to Michael Chitwood, M.D. Depending on when you call, the change will be effective on either the 1st or the 15th of the month.

Medicaid has assigned me to Dr. Chitwood. Does this mean that I cannot see other WHN providers?

WHN is considered to be a Group Practice. Therefore, even if you are assigned to Dr. Chitwood, you can see any of our physicians, nurse practitioners, or midwives.

Can I get my prescriptions filled at WHN?

WHN stocks a very limited supply of prescription medications and our staff will be happy to accommodate you if we have your medication on hand.

*However, please note that WHN cannot bill third party payers, so you will be responsible for the full cost of the medication and payment must be made in full before any medications will be released to you.

I’m out of my prescription medication. How long does it take to get a prescription refilled?

WHN tries to serve all of its patients as quickly as possible. However, because refilling a prescription requires our providers to review your medical record in advance of calling in a refill and they may be busy serving other patients, it may take up to 48 hours to call in your prescription.

*Please note that if it has been LESS THAN 48 hours since you called, is not necessary for you to contact us a second time. Please check with your pharmacy to see if your prescription is ready.