Healthcare Is More Than a Doctor’s Visit: Understanding the Barriers to Care

Getting healthcare is not always as simple as making an appointment.

For many people, staying healthy can be affected by much more than what happens inside a doctor's office. The cost of medications, access to nutritious food, insurance status, transportation, childcare, and other everyday challenges can make it harder for individuals and families to get the care they need.

At New Horizon Health Center (NHHC), we believe improving community health means looking at the whole picture. That means providing quality healthcare while also helping patients navigate some of the barriers that can stand between them and better health.

Affordable Healthcare for the Community

Cost should not be the reason someone puts off necessary medical care.

NHHC offers a sliding fee scale for qualifying patients, helping make healthcare more affordable based on household income and family size. Our goal is to make access to care possible for more individuals and families in the communities we serve.

Patients can also access prescription medications through our 340B program, which can help eligible patients save on the cost of certain medications.

Addressing Needs Beyond Medical Care

Sometimes, the biggest obstacle to good health isn't a medical condition. It may be not having enough food, needing basic clothing, or facing another challenge that makes it difficult to focus on healthcare.

NHHC's Care Closet was created to help address some of these needs. The Care Closet provides resources to eligible NHHC patients and is one way we can support patients beyond the exam room.

This work is part of a larger effort to understand the social determinants of health, or the conditions in which people live, work, and grow that can influence their health and well-being.

Connecting Families With Community Resources

Healthcare also means helping families connect with resources that support their health.

NHHC can help patients navigate resources such as WIC enrollment, which provides nutrition support and resources for eligible women, infants, and children.

For new and expecting mothers, NHHC also offers breastfeeding support, providing an additional resource for families during an important stage of their healthcare journey.

These services and resources are part of a broader approach to community health: helping patients find the support they need, not simply treating an illness when it occurs.

Comprehensive Care Close to Home

Removing barriers to healthcare also means making services easier to access.

New Horizon Health Center provides a range of healthcare services for individuals and families, including primary care, women's health, pediatrics, behavioral health, laboratory services, eye care, and diagnostic imaging.

Our radiology + ultrasound services provide convenient diagnostic imaging to help your healthcare team better understand your health.

Having access to multiple services within one health center can make it easier for patients to receive the care they need while reducing some of the challenges that can come with navigating multiple healthcare systems.

Better Health Starts With Access

Improving community health requires more than encouraging people to schedule their annual checkup. It means understanding why someone may have difficulty getting that appointment, filling a prescription, accessing nutritious food, or following through with a treatment plan.

At New Horizon Health Center, we are committed to helping address those barriers while providing comprehensive, compassionate healthcare to the communities we serve.

Because healthcare is more than a doctor's visit. It's about making sure people have the resources, support, and access they need to live healthier lives.