Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a Community Health Center?
Community Health Centers are local, non-profit, community-owned health care centers operating in communities across the nation. For nearly 40 years, the national network of health centers has provided high quality affordable primary care. Also known as Federally Qualified Health Centers, they are located in areas where care is needed but scarce.

Where is Southside Medical Center’s main location located?
Directions to Southside’s main location can be found here.
SMC is also accessible on the MARTA bus line - #17 & #4.

How do I become a SMC patient?
You may visit any of our providers by either making an appointment or coming in on a walk-in basis. Please bring with you valid IDs and proof of insurance.

How do I get a referral?
A referral is required from your primary care provider. Please speak with your provider or a member of his staff about this need. He or she will instruct you as to what steps to take.

Do you have a bi-lingual staff?
Yes. From the Front Desk staff to Providers, we have a number of people available who are multi-lingual and will be able to help you.

Do you offer transportation services?
Yes, we have vans that will bring you to Southside and take you back home again for a small fee. There is no charge to Medicaid and Medicare patients.

Are you open at night or on weekends?
Yes. SMC, DeKalb and the South Atlanta clinic sees patients after-hours. Only SMC, however, is open on Saturdays from 9AM-2PM. All locations are closed on Sundays and major holidays.

Do I need a green card to be seen?
No. Southside Medical Center sees patients without regard to their immigration status.

Will Southside Bill Me for Services, or Do I Have to Pay When I Get There?
It is Southside's policy to expect payment at the time services are rendered. However, payment arrangements are sometimes necessary and can be made through our Billing Department. Please contact them directly at 404-564-6928 to discuss payment arrangements.

Are services free?
No, services at Southside Medical Center are not free.

Can I come to SMC if I have insurance?
Yes. We accept a large number of health insurance plans including Medicaid and Medicare. Be sure to bring your insurance card with you for any visits at SMC.

Do I need to make an appointment?
We encourage you to make an appointment. However, we will accept walk-in patients.

What do I need to bring to my appointment?

• State issued state ID/Driver’s license.
• If you have medical insurance, bring a copy of your insurance card.
• If you have Medicaid or Medicare, bring a copy of your card with you.

I want to apply for the sliding fee schedule, what do I need to bring:

• Please click here for detailed information.

I have health insurance benefits, why would I want to go to Southside Medical Center?
Southside Medical Center is your community health center--we offer health care to everyone in our community. By supporting Southside Medical Center, you'll receive high quality health care at great savings. Southside Medical Center offers comprehensive medical care for the whole family, dental care, and pharmacy services.

How do I know if I my salary is too high to qualify?
There are no income restrictions to receiving care at Southside Medical Center. Depending on your family income and family size, you may qualify for discounts on our sliding fee scale.

Developing a relationship with my doctor is important to me, can I choose which doctor I see?
Yes! We encourage you to be a full participant in your own health care. Although we cannot guarantee that the doctor you choose will be available, we will try our best to accommodate you.

My spouse has a chronic medical condition that requires monitoring by a physician, is this beyond the scope of care provided at this beyond the scope of care provided at Southside Medical Center??
No. At Southside Medical Center, we provide care to many patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses.

My daughter's medications are expensive. Can Southside Medical Center pharmacy provide any savings?
As a patient at Southside Medical Center, you qualify for certain medicines at reduced costs, depending on the medication. As a matter of fact, SMC offers prescriptions and medical supplies at a better price than most of the drug stores in the area. In addition, SMC offers a Prescription Assistance Program. Please click here for more information on the Prescription Assistance Program.

What if I need specialty care?
Southside Medical Center offers specialty services in the areas of Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Podiatry, General Surgery, and Radiology. We can also refer you to other Specialists if necessary.

My child is starting day care; can Southside Medical Center provide her with the right immunizations and a physical?
Yes! Southside Medical Center provides physical exams to people of all ages, and provides immunizations for children of all ages, adults, as well as seasonal flu shots. In addition, we offer a back to school immunization drive.

My mother-in-law is on Medicare and having a hard time affording her health care
costs. Can Southside Medical Center help her?
Yes! As a Federally Qualified Community Health Center, Southside Medical Center can provide assistance to Medicare beneficiaries.