Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Contact Questions

1. How do I make an appointment at PHC?
• Click here for detailed information
2. How do I contact a specific department or person at PHC?
• Click here for a complete department list
• Click here for a list of key personnel
3. How do I contact my physician?
• After-hours, call (707) 559-7500 and leave a message for the provider on call.
• If your provider is not listed below, please call (707) 559-7500 and dial “0” for the operator.

4. How do I contact Obstetrics/Gynecology, Mental Health or Integrated Behavioral Health?
• OB/GYN (707) 559-7525 or 559-7500
• MENTAL and BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT(707) 559-7545 or 559-7500

Financial Questions

1. How can I pay for my medical care?
• We require all medical services to be paid for at the time of service. We accept all credit cards, debit cards, cash and check. We also have an easy payment plan for those who need to pay for services over several months.
2. Do I qualify for any financial assistance?
• You may qualify for financial assistance based on your income level. We can determine this at the time of your visit.
3. I received a bill and have a question, what do I do?
• Please call the Billing Department at (707) 559-7591.
4. What insurances does PHC accept?
   We accept:
• Medi-Cal
• Medicare
• Health Net
• Blue Cross
• Blue Shield
• Aetna
• Tricare
• Various state programs
• Others
5. What are the fees for various procedures?
• Fees vary depending on the services provider. Please call our Billing Department at (707) 559-7593 to determine the cost of your services.
6. What is Sliding Scale?
• Sliding Scale is a discount program offered to patients based on their income levels. All patients who qualify for this program are expected to apply for Medi-Cal insurance within 90 days.
7. I can not afford my prescription, what can I do?
   • We have a Patient Assistance Program that helps patients who are unable to afford the full cost of medications, pay for certain prescriptions. Your provider of care may refer you to this program based on need and income level.

General Questions

1. When is the Health Center open?
• Please click here for PHC hours of operation
2. When is the best time to call PHC?
• Due to heavy call volume, the hold time can sometimes be long. Therefore, patients are advised to call during "less popular" hours in order to minimize time spent on hold: 11AM – 11:30AM and 2:30PM – 3:30PM.
3. How can I receive a copy of my medical records?
• A request form is available at the reception desk of the Petaluma Health Center. It needs to be filled out and turned in or faxed to the “Medical Records Department”. The request will be fulfilled within two weeks and costs $40.
• For more information please call (707) 559-7514.
4. I was not happy with the services I received, whom should I contact?
• Please call the Clinic Manager at (707) 559-7576.
• Or e-mail us at jacquelinej@phealthcenter.org
5. Is PHC accepting new patients?
• Yes. All patients are welcomed.  
6. Does PHC perform Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS) physicals?
• Yes, please call (707) 559-7500 to schedule an appointment.
7. I would like to donate (time, money, etc) to PHC, whom do I contact?
• Please click here for donation information
8. How do I get to PHC?
• Please click here for a map and directions
9. Where can I find a list of the Center's providers for the Family Health Clinic, Mental Health Clinic, Integrated Behavioral Health, Obstetrics/GYN and Dental Clinic?
• Please click here for a complete list of PHC providers
10. How do I refill my prescription?
• Please call your pharmacy for refills. If you have questions or are encountering problems, please call your provider.
(707) 559-7500.

Program-Specific Questions

1. Where can I receive MediCal dental services?
   There are various places in Sonoma County where Dental services can be received. The following is a short list of them:
• South West Dental Clinic, Santa Rosa
• (707) 547-2221 – For children between the age's of 12 and 19 only, however, they will take adults on an emergency basis at 7:30AM on weekdays.
• Alliance Dental Clinic, Healdsburg
• (707) 433-8161 – Accepts adults from all over Sonoma County, and will take undocumented cases.
• Western Dental Clinic
• (707) 542-5200 – Accepts Medi-Cal and a full range of services is offered.
• Cotati Family Dental
• (707) 664-1200 – Services only for children 18 and under.
• Russian River Dental Clinic, Guerneville
• (707) 869-2933 – Ages 2 and up.
2. My child needs immunizations for school, where and when can this be done?
• Please call the Center's appointment desk at (707) 559-7500. The Petaluma Health Center also houses a free walk-in immunization clinic for those that can not afford immunizations (all ages). The free immunization clinic is open from 9AM until 12PM and asks for a suggested donation of $5 per immunization. NO one will be turned away because of inability to pay.
3. What financial programs do you have, and how do I apply?
• There are various financial assistance programs. Please schedule an appointment with one of our financial councilors by calling (707) 559-7500 and picking the “Appointment” option.