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What is OPTIMUS?

Optimus Health Care is a federally qualified health center (FQHC) governed by a volunteer board of directors, funded primarily by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Providing comprehensive health care regardless of race, income, or insurance status, OPTIMUS facilities are Joint Commission and NCQA accredited. As the largest primary care provider in southwestern Connecticut, OPTIMUS Health Care operates Bridgeport’s largest Ryan White HIV/AIDS program, the Women, Infant and Children (WIC) program, and provides primary care for families in Bridgeport, Stamford, Stratford, Milford and the surrounding communities. Additionally, OPTIMUS Health is managed by a Chief Executive Officer, and a team of senior leaders including a Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operations Officer, Chief Medical Director, Chief Development Officer and Director of Human Resources.

What does FQHC mean?

Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), which is defined as a community-based organizations that provides comprehensive primary care, including medical, dental, behavioral health and substance abuse services to persons of all ages, regardless of their ability to pay or health insurance status.

What geographic area does it serve?

As the largest primary care provider in southwestern Connecticut, OPTIMUS Health Care operates Bridgeport’s largest Ryan White HIV/AIDS program, the Women, Infant and Children (WIC) program, and provides primary care for families in Bridgeport, Stamford, Stratford, Milford and the surrounding communities.

What is the OPTIMUS mission?

Our mission is to serve as the patient-centered medical home for our communities to achieve and maintain a positive state of wellness, particularly for the uninsured and underserved.

Who owns and operates OPTIMUS?

OPTIMUS Health Care is an independent, private, not-for-profit community health center governed by a volunteer board of directors. It is managed by a Chief Executive Officer, and a team of senior leaders including a Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operations Officer, Chief Medical Director, Director of Human Resources and the Director Organizational Advancement.

What does “primary health care” mean?

Primary Health Care includes (but is not limited to): acute care visits for sudden or unexpected illness (colds, flu, allergies, rashes, etc.); well-child check-ups and immunizations; adult annual physical examinations and immunizations, including recommended annual breast exams and pap smears for women and referrals for mammograms; on-site laboratory; employment physicals, and general dentistry.

Can I get medical care if I have a chronic disease?

Yes. OPTIMUS specialized with chronic diseases and patients should plan their medical visits on a regular basis, develop and monitor self-management goals, and receive specialized counseling and education.

Who provides the care?

OPTIMUS is staffed with family practice physicians, pediatricians, nurse practitioners, nutritionists, dieticians, social worker case managers, general dentists, and dental hygienists. These providers have many combined years of health care experience. They are supported by a wonderful team of nurses, medical assistants, dental assistants, and office personnel.

Will the OPTIMUS accept my insurance coverage?

OPTIMUS accepts Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans.

Is anyone available to talk with me after hours?

A medical provider is always “on-call” after business hours, on weekends and holidays for emergency situations. During these times you may access the answering service by calling the OPTIMUS main number: 203-696-3260.

If I have medical insurance, am I responsible for any copays and/or deductibles?

Most insurance plans require the patient to pay a deductible. However, Medicare patients do not have to meet an annual deductible for physicians’ visits at Primary Healthcare Centers because it is a Federally Qualified Health Center. Other services provided to a Medicare patient under Part B (lab, x-ray, etc.) will have the standard deductible as required by Medicare.

If I’m uninsured can I get help paying for my doctor’s or dentist’s appointment?

OPTIMUS has a sliding-fee scale for individuals who qualify .You will need to talk with a receptionist at the time of your appointment to obtain an application.

Can I get any help paying for my prescription medicines?

OPTIMUS can help in three ways:

• Please ask your provider for information at your visit if you need assistance,
• Certain prescription medicines are obtained at a very low cost to the patient;
• OPTIMUS participates in the 340 B prescription assistance program.