doctor visit near me no insurance

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How to find low-cost health care in your community

• Prenatal care
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Mission Health | Virtual Care

Start an online visit only if you are not at risk and in a safe location! If you have symptoms of heart attack or stroke, or feel that you’re in danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room (ER) immediately.

Get convenient care online for only $35

Receive an online diagnosis and prescription (as needed) for your illness from the convenience of your home. Answer questions about your symptoms to begin your online doctor visit, and receive a response between  7am – 7pm within one hour.

Start your Virtual Clinic visit now View all Virtual Care Options 

Virtual Clinic Is Open Every Day from 7 am-7 pm

Skip the trip — just click.

A Mission Virtual Clinic consultation costs $35, payable online by any major credit card. It is $35 regardless of the insurance you have, or even if you do not have insurance.

Illnesses we treat through the virtual clinic :

Respiratory infections and allergies.

• Cold or sinus infection
• Influenza (flu)*
• Hay fever/allergies

Common Female Infections

• Female bladder infection (UTI)
• Vaginal yeast infection

Eye and Mouth Problems

• Canker or cold sore
• Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
• Sty (bump or bumps on the eyelid)

Skin and Nail Problems

• Athlete’s foot
• Diaper rash
• Fungal skin infection (tinea)
• Skin irritation (contact dermatitis)
• Unwanted or other skin conditions

Stomach Pains

• Constipation and/or diarrhea (irritable bowel syndrome)
• Heartburn or acid reflux (GERD)

Travel Medication

• Malaria prevention
• Motion sickness prevention

Medication to Prevent an Illness or Infection

• Influenza prevention
• Pertussis (whooping cough) exposure

*Strep throat and some flu consultations require a visit to a local clinic where a rapid test is performed to confirm diagnosis.

Click for video transcript

Learn more about the virtual clinic.

You can use Mission Virtual Clinic for the following conditions:

• Cold, flu and allergies
• Cold, sinus infection or sore throat
• Influenza (flu)
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Eczema and dermatitis

We've been careful to select only health conditions that can be safely diagnosed and treated online. If an online diagnosis is not right for you, we will direct you to the care you need.

Once you are done with the online interview, a board certified Mission Health provider will review your symptoms and develop a treatment plan unique to you.

A Mission Virtual Clinic visit takes approximately 5 minutes to complete. Depending on your symptoms and answers, the total number of questions for your condition will vary. Note: The interview is written questions/answers only; there is no interactive video component.

Mission Virtual Clinic is available to patients in North Carolina ages 2-65, depending upon the condition.

A Mission provider is available online every day Monday through Sunday, between 7 am – 7 pm. You can complete an online written interview anytime and receive a response within one hour. You can even complete it in the middle of the night and receive a response from 7-8 am the following morning.

If appropriate, Mission Virtual Clinic providers can prescribe medications that will be sent to the pharmacy of your choice. We treat minor health conditions, and we do not provide prescriptions for pain medications or narcotics. Mission Virtual Clinic is not an online pharmacy. You are responsible for the cost of any prescriptions, over-the-counter treatments or follow-up visits you may need. NOTE: Because Mission Virtual Clinic providers are licensed only in North Carolina, patients must be physically located in North Carolina in order to access it.

Strep throat and some flu consultations through Mission Virtual Clinic do require an extra step beyond the online virtual visit. This is called a ZipTicket, and here’s how it works:

• A ZipTicket is an order from the Mission Virtual Clinic provider for a rapid test to confirm a specific diagnoses after completion of an online virtual visit.
• Mission Virtual Clinic patients can select the nearest ZipTicket location, walk in without an appointment and complete rapid testing with minimal wait time.
• Patients must activate their prescribed ZipTicket, choose the location and arrive within 24 hours from the time it is ordered. Patients check-in at the front desk and are seen by the next available medical assistant or nurse with a minimal wait time since they have already seen the medical provider online. The medical assistant or nurse completes the testing and enters the results through the Mission Virtual Clinic portal so that the patient may receive the final diagnosis and prescription (if applicable) online. The patient is not charged separately for the visit at the ZipTicket location since they are charged for the virtual visit online.

A consultation will cost $25, payable online by any major credit card. No fee is charged if we are unable to diagnose and offer a treatment plan.

Mission Virtual Clinic is a self-pay service. Depending on your insurance coverage, you may be able to submit your Mission Virtual Clinic receipt for reimbursement.

Please call Mission Virtual Clinic customer support at 828-222-7962 .

My Care Now

Coronavirus (covid-19) questionnaire, mammogram screening scheduling.

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Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Where can I find free or low-cost health care?

The HHS Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) Health Center Program has locations all over the United States that provide care on a sliding fee scale.

Find a health center in your state .

You can also locate affordable health insurance coverage at the  HealthCare.gov Marketplace .

Protect yourself from Health Insurance Marketplace® scams :

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• Make sure to look for official government logos or website addresses on websites that sell health insurance.

Get more tips and resources about identity protection and learn to report suspected fraud

If you think your identity may have been used to sign up for health care coverage, or feel like you gave your personal information to someone you shouldn’t have, contact the Marketplace Call Center: 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325)

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Clinics listed on FreeClinics.com are offer services for free or at a reduced rate. Many clinics are operate under a sliding scale schedule. This means that costs to pattients are calculated based on income.

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Phoenix Women's Clinic - Free or Low Cost Healthcare

• Phoenix, AZ
• Monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM|

Compassionate Care of Shelby County

• Monday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM|

Joshua's Haven Free Community Clinic

Capital City Rescue Mission Free Medical Clinic

Nonprofit Clinic

• Monday closed| Tuesday

Community Health Care - Barberton

• Barberton, OH
• Monday 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM|

CommonGood Medical

• McKinney, TX

HealthFirst Canaan

• Monday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM|
• Sliding Scale

HealthFirst Franklin

• Franklin, NH

HealthFirst Laconia

• Laconia, NH

Alliance Women's Clinic in Kenosha

• Kenosha, WI
• Monday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM|

Alliance Women's Clinic in Racine

• Mt Pleasant, WI
• Monday 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM|

All for Health, Health for All - Rancho Drive Location

• Las Vegas, NV
• Monday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM; 1

All for Health, Health for All - Nellis Blvd Location

All for Health, Health for All - Charleston Blvd Location

Clinics for the uninsured.

Many of the clinics listed on Free Medical Search exist to meet the needs of the uninsured.Most of the uninsured are in low-income working families. In 2013, nearly 8 in 10 were in a family with a worker, and nearly 6 in 10 have family income below 200% of poverty.

No Cost Medical Clinics

While many clinics offer services at fees at reduced rates or according to income, some clinics offer essential services at no cost at all.Many clinics recieve federal and state funding so they offer services for free. Services vary greatly so call first.

Affordable Clinics

Free Medical Search lists low cost and affordable health care centers and not just free clinics.

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Thousands of clinics across the country offer income-based services which are especially helpful for the working poor.

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How do I find free or low-cost health clinics near me?

By HealthSherpa

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Uninsured or unable to afford healthcare for any number of reasons? Fortunately, there are free and low-cost health clinics out there. But thanks to community health centers and free clinics across the country, there is affordable healthcare accessible to you. These free and low-cost clinics provide a range of medical services. These sliding-scale fee clinics provide the uninsured and underinsured with an array of care. Depending on the clinic, you may be able to access everything from dental care to birth control. Even if you are uninsured, there are likely to be a number of healthcare facilities available to you. 

How do I find a free or low-cost health clinic near me?

If you don’t qualify for Medicaid or CHIP and can’t afford health insurance, you still can get healthcare. By visiting a free or low-cost health clinic in your community, you can receive basic medical care. 

Your first choice are community health centers. Sometimes called a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), these are government-run clinics that offer services on a sliding scale. Sometimes, this even means that care is at no-cost. These FQHCs include community health centers, migrant health centers, county health departments, and homeless shelter health centers. They exist so that those who are uninsured and would be otherwise unable to access care have a place to go. At a FQHC, what you pay will be based on your income level. 

You can search here to find a community health center close to you.

There are also free clinics in many communities, independent providers that exist outside of the government safety net to serve those without healthcare access at no cost. Here, doctors and others volunteer their time and services to run these clinics. These types of clinics also usually use a sliding-scale for payment. This means some people may pay nothing for care, while others may pay a nominal fee based on what they can afford. 

You can search here to find a free clinic in your community. 

Before you go to a free clinic, see if you qualify for free or low-cost health insurance—you may qualify for Medicaid or a subsidized Marketplace plan (aka Obamacare) depending on your income. 94% of people qualify for a subsidy on HealthSherpa. Enter your zip code to see plans and prices.

Are free clinics really free?

Some independent, volunteer-run free clinics really are free. However, most “free clinics” and all FQHC’s operate using a sliding scale for payment. So, they will be free to use for some. Others may pay a small fee for care. 

What is a walk-in clinic and how much does it cost?

A free clinic is not the same as a walk-in clinic, which is just any provider you can see without an appointment. Sometimes people use the phrase “walk-in clinic” to describe providers ranging from urgent care centers, emergency rooms, to retail clinics. 

Urgent care

Urgent care centers typically have a doctor or mid-level practitioner who can see patients at all times they are open. They typically have x-ray machines on-site, too, and can treat anything ranging from broken bones to sinus infections to burns. They is a way to bridge the gap between primary care providers and emergency rooms. You might need to see a healthcare provider quickly, but for something that doesn’t warrant a trip to a hospital emergency room. And that’s exactly what an urgent care center is for. Depending on whether you have insurance or not, you may pay between $35 – $150 to visit an urgent care center. 

Retail clinic

A retail clinic is a walk-in clinic within a retail store, typically a standalone pharmacy or a store with a pharmacy in it. Usually, these clinics are staffed by mid-level providers, like a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant. They are designed to be an accessible and affordable place to get care for basic illnesses and injuries. Retail clinics may even give some kinds of vaccinations. They are typically less expensive to go to than an urgent care facility. They are almost always cheaper to go to than the emergency room. You can expect to pay about $100 for the most common ailments that would bring someone to a retail clinic, like flu-like symptoms. 

Emergency room

Emergency rooms are located within hospitals and if you are uninsured, are the most expensive way to get walk-in care. If you do not have insurance you could pay thousands of dollars for a single trip to the ER.

What services do free clinics provide?

Community health centers provide prenatal care, vaccines for babies and kids, general primary care, and can even make referrals for specialized care. And yes, that includes things like care for mental health, substance abuse, and HIV/AIDS. 

Many free clinics provide general primary care and make referrals when needed as well. You can check to see if these kinds of clinics in your area are able to treat babies and children. You can also check to see what vaccines or immunizations they may offer for children and adults, too.

Can free or low-cost health clinics write prescriptions?

Yes, as long as there is a licensed doctor present and on-staff, free and low-cost health clinics can write prescriptions. Again, the specific services at any free or low-cost health clinic may vary. You can check to see what services are provided where by searching for a clinic near you here . 

Can anyone go to a free or low-cost health clinic?

Free and low-cost clinics, including FQHCs, exist to serve people who are low-income, uninsured, or have limited access to healthcare services. Those who typically go to FQHCs usually do not have Medicaid, or need help enrolling in Medicaid. There are some FQHCs that are specifically designated for serving the homeless . Usually, there are no specific requirements to be seen at a free clinic, meaning anyone can go there for healthcare regardless of income or immigration status. 

How many free clinics are in the United States?

There are over 1,200 free or charitable volunteer-staffed free clinics in the United States. Furthermore, there are over 1,300 community health centers in America with over 11,000 service delivery sites among them. You can  find an FQHC in your area here. 

What other options do I have to find free or low-cost medical care?

If you are in specific need of family planning care, contraceptive counseling, and contraception dispensing, you can visit a designated Title X clinic. Title X is the federally-funded family planning program that makes these services available free of cost or at a nominal cost to anyone who needs them. You can find a Title X provider here . 

Planned Parenthood health centers and a number of independent abortion clinics and reproductive healthcare providers also provide women’s health services, from Pap smears to STD testing to annual exams to even basic primary care, on a sliding-scale basis. You can find a Planned Parenthood clinic in your area here and an independent women’s clinic here . 

If you need help applying for coverage, call us at (872) 228-2549 .

From nonprofit organizations to federal programs, there are a number of additional resources available to provide care to those who couldn’t afford it otherwise. If you have medical conditions and need care, you don’t have to go without it. From mental health services to prescription drugs, there are community health centers and free clinics designed to help provide health resources to those in need. Public health is designed to help you, so don’t be afraid to access these clinics to get the care you need. 

Can i get help getting my inhalers and other medications that i cant afford to get i have no insurance

You may be able to get subsidies on your insurance. Go to healthsherpa.com and put in your info to see.

Can an undocumented person who needs dialysis three times a week able to get medical care at a free clinic . Of course without the dialysis , he will die.

Most free clinics give care to undocumented people – check at the clinic near you.

Didn’t qualify for hip..chip or Medicaid. Pregnant need doctor. Unemployed.

Give us a call at 855.772.2663 to talk through your options.

The Wisconsin Association of Free Charitable Clinics provides a  list and map of free and low cost clinics in Wisconsin .

Free clinics are not free. Nothing is free. The free care someone receives at a free clinic is paid for by someone else. Usually taxpayers. Even if its volunteer run. Someone is paying for equipment, space, utilities, etc. Not debating whether this is good or bad. But it’s just important to keep in mind.

My husband needs A orthopedic surgeon for a break he got on his arm

Daughter is unemployed and has no insurance and having severe back problems with pain ..help?

Search for a free clinic near you here: https://www.freeclinics.com/

my boyfriend and i got a parasite this year…we are not sure how….we are in pain and sick bad…we need help….we canttake any more we have treid everything to get tid of them…its not delusions its not crack related…..they are plain to see …..THEY ARE PLAIN TO SEE…we know we are sure what they are but i dont want to say on a public forum.,….PLEASE WHERE DO WE GO….i thnk we are in big trouble

Please go to a physician near you. You can find a low cost or free clinic here: https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/

Yes, I am very sure about the Planned Parenthood clinic it is one of the best clinics if anyone is in need of pregnancy termination at home then one can get MTP Kit overnight delivery. https://www.onlineabortionpillrx.com

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How to See a Quality Doctor if You Have No Insurance

Accessing quality healthcare is a vital concern, especially for those with no insurance . However, there are avenues available that allow you to see a doctor, regardless of your insurance status. Community Health Centers are an integral part of the healthcare system, offering a range of healthcare services to everyone in the community. This blog will guide you through the process of accessing these services and highlight the benefits of Community Health Centers.

What Are Community Health Centers, and How Do They Benefit Those With No Insurance?

CHCs are non-profit, community-based organizations that provide comprehensive health services. They are designed to offer high-quality medical care, regardless of your ability to pay. Visiting a Community Health Center gives you access to services like primary care, nutritional counseling, vision care, mental health services, and even dental care.

Community Health Centers are vital to the community , especially to individuals without insurance or those who are underinsured. By utilizing a sliding fee scale, individuals can see a provider without worrying about their insurance or financial status. Everyone deserves quality healthcare, and Community Health Centers help make that a reality in local communities.

Why Visit a Community Health Center?

• Sliding Scale Fees. Your income level dictates the cost of services, making healthcare affordable.
• Comprehensive Care. Community Health Centers can provide primary care, mental health support, dental and vision care, and more.
• Accessible Services. With locations in both urban and rural areas, finding a Community Health Center is easier than you think.
• Quality Care. Community Health Centers are staffed by qualified healthcare professionals. Patients receive the same level of care as they would at any other healthcare facility.

Seeing a Doctor at a CHC Without Insurance:

Whether you require a primary care check-up or need nutritional counseling, Community Health Centers make it possible to see a qualified healthcare provider if you are without insurance. You can see a doctor at a health center by:

Locating a Community Health Center Near You

The first step is to find a Community Health Center near you. OKPCA makes this easy with resources to help you locate a health center in your area. Our website offers a complete directory of health centers across Oklahoma.

Understanding the Payment System

Community Health Centers operate on a sliding fee scale, meaning the amount you pay is based on your income. This model ensures that healthcare is accessible to everyone, including those without insurance and from low-income households. Be sure to contact your Community Health Center to discuss your costs upfront.

Taking Advantage of Accessible Healthcare Services

Community Health Centers provide multiple services under one roof. This multidisciplinary approach means you can receive various types of care, from medical check-ups to mental health support, without needing separate appointments at different locations.

Exploring Your Healthcare Coverage Options

While CHCs serve uninsured patients, there are many affordable coverage options available that you may qualify for, including Medicaid . OKPCA can guide you through assessing your eligibility for different healthcare coverage programs.

Find a Community Health Center Near You

A Community Health Center can give you and your family greater access to affordable healthcare. You can visit a provider for various medical needs, even without insurance.

At the Oklahoma Primary Care Association (OKPCA), our member Community Health Centers are spread throughout Oklahoma, ready to provide high-quality care to you. We would love to help you find a Community Health Center close to your home. With our interactive map, you can find a health center nearest your location and filter by needed services.

Connecting You to Affordable Coverage Options

By providing resources, education, and personalized support, our team at OKPCA ensures that individuals with no insurance can access the comprehensive and cost-effective healthcare they need. We aim to demystify the process of obtaining affordable healthcare coverage, making it accessible and understandable for all Oklahomans, regardless of their financial or insurance status.

Please contact us to discuss your healthcare coverage options with a member of our team.

Our wellness advice is expert-vetted . Our top picks are based on our editors’ independent research, analysis, and hands-on testing. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement

• Personal Care

Get Affordable Eye Exams and Glasses Without Insurance

Eye exams, glasses and contacts have traditionally been an expensive proposition for those without vision insurance. However, low-cost eye care is available.

Maintaining healthy eyes is a key part of health care, yet many Americans overlook or put off tending to this important aspect of their health and well-being. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , 93 million adults in the US are at a high risk of developing serious vision loss, but only half of them have visited an eye doctor in the last year.

In many cases, that's because vision care is too expensive. Roughly half of adults in the US go without vision insurance, which isn't included in standard health plans. And without insurance, a typical eye exam costs about  $184 . Add in the cost of glasses or contacts, and it's no surprise that many Americans avoid going to the eye doctor or keeping their prescription up to date.

Getting an eye exam without insurance doesn't have to be overly costly, though. There are several ways to find cheap eye exams or low-cost eye care, and we'll explore them here.

Where is the cheapest place to get an eye exam?

Some of the best places to look for eye exams or glasses without insurance are discount eye exam centers or online glasses retailers . There are quite a few options, but our favorites are:

• America's Best : This popular chain offers eye exams for $59, or you can buy two pairs of glasses for $80 and get the eye exam for free.
• Costco : Not all Costco locations have a Costco Optical, but this can be a good option if your nearest Costco offers it. Exams range between $50 and $100 , but you'll need a Costco membership first.
• EyeBuyDirect : Online glasses retailers have exploded over the past decade, and EyeBuyDirect offers some of the best deals for glasses without insurance. Frames start as low as $6 , and basic prescription lenses are very affordable.
• Eyeglass World : Another online retailer, Eyeglass World, offers deals on glasses as low as two pairs for $89 . The company also offers eye exams at more than 100 locations around the US.
• GlassesUSA : This online retailer offers similar deals to those you'll find at Eyeglass World, with a variety of discounts and sales to make glasses without insurance even more affordable.
• Jonas Paul : The costs of eye care can add up quickly for families, but Jonas Paul aims to change that. Based on Warby Parker's model of home try-on kits and donating a pair of glasses for every pair you buy, Jonas Paul offers affordable, stylish glasses for children and teenagers, starting at $59.
• Sam's Club : As with Costco, you'll need a Sam's Club membership to access this benefit. Eye exams range between $50 and $100 , on average.
• Target and Walmart : If you'd rather not get a membership to Costco or Sam's Club, you can still get cheap eye exams while you shop at Target or Walmart. Eye exams at these major retailers also fall in the $50 to $100 range.

If you just need new lenses for an existing frame, you can save money by checking out online options for replacement lenses . For contact lens-wearers, learn how to extend the life of your contacts to save money in the long run. 

Check out national programs for eye care

The above retailers may still be too costly for some, but they aren't the only options for eye exams without insurance. Many programs offer free eye care or low-cost options for those who qualify, including: 

• EyeCare America : This program, run by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, offers free or discounted eye exams to people over age 65 and to those with a higher risk of developing glaucoma.
• InfantSEE : The American Optometric Association provides free eye exams for any children between six and 12 months old, regardless of income level. 
• Lions Club International : Lions Club offers free or discounted eye care, and many of its locations provide glasses.
• New Eyes : Although this program doesn't offer free eye exams, New Eyes provides a free pair of glasses to qualifying low-income applicants. It's best to have your eye doctor or a social worker apply on your behalf.
• OneSight OnSite Voucher Program : OneSight is a foundation launched by EssilorLuxottica, which also owns brands such as Lens Crafters and Target Optical . To take advantage of its free eyeglasses, you'll need to have your eyes checked through a local nonprofit such as a church, school or Red Cross. Once they verify your need for financial assistance , they can connect you with OneSight.
• Vision USA : Another service from the American Optometric Association that provides free eye exams -- and glasses in some states -- to uninsured, low-income families through various partners.
• VSP Eyes of Hope : Similar to Vision USA, this program provides no-cost eye care to uninsured families below certain income levels.

See an optometrist student

If you're willing to receive care from students studying optometry or ophthalmology, many schools offer cheap eye care and free eye exams for patients. Students conducting the exam are supervised, so you can still be confident you're getting quality care. You may also find opportunities to participate (for free) in college research studies. 

Look for participating schools here , and call any schools in your area to inquire about student exam programs and costs.

Medicare or Medicaid may help cover costs

Participants in Medicare or Medicaid may also have options when it comes to finding low-cost eye care. 

Medicaid, which provides free health care for low-income children and some low-income adults, generally offers some level of vision care. All Medicaid plans include eye exams and glasses for children under age 21, but coverage for adults varies by state. You may be able to get free eye exams, glasses or both. To find out what Medicaid covers in your state, contact your state Medicaid agency . Children who are ineligible for Medicaid may be able to get vision coverage through their state's Children's Health Insurance Program.

Medicare is a program for adults over 65 and some people with disabilities. It generally doesn't offer vision coverage, but it does help with certain eye conditions , including cataracts, dry eye, macular degeneration and glaucoma. 

You may be able to get more extensive vision coverage through a Medicare Advantage program. This Medicare-approved coverage is offered through private insurers and often includes vision coverage for eye exams, glasses and contacts .

Bottom line

Eye exams are an essential but often neglected piece of the health care puzzle for many Americans -- and that's largely due to cost. But there are many services designed to remove these cost barriers by making eye exams and glasses more affordable and accessible for everyone. 

If you're struggling to pay for vision care, check out the many local and online retailers, as well as several national programs, to see if you can get the care you need for a cost you can manage.

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Christus St. Michael Health System-Texarkana

21+ Years of Experience

Dr. Sumeet J. Bhushan MD

Practices at a Best Hospital

2200 East Third St, Chattanooga, TN, 37403

CHI Memorial Hospital , + 1 more

Dr. Jerrold S. Canakis MD

Gastroenterology : General Gastroenterology

11103 Cathage Rd, Berlin, MD, 21811

TidalHealth Peninsula Regional

Dr. James Chong MD

4675 Linton Blvd, Delray Beach, FL, 33445

Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital , + 1 more

Dr. Timothy J. Cornnell MD

7900 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC, 29572

Grand Strand Regional Medical Center

Dr. Michael S. Dragutsky MD

1324 Wolf Park Dr, Germantown, TN, 38138

Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women , + 4 more

Dr. Robert H. Felman MD

1041 Ridgewood Ave, Venice, FL, 34285

Englewood Community Hospital

Dr. Carl D. Frank MD

3201 S Austin Ave Ste 350, Georgetown, TX, 78626

Ascension Seton Northwest Hospital , + 3 more

Dr. Nehme Gabriel MD

8550 NE 138th Ln, Buildg 100, The Villages, FL, 32159

Leesburg Regional Medical Center , + 1 more

Dr. Frederick M. Gessner MD

Gastroenterology : Advanced Endoscopic Interventional, Esophagus Disease

101 Philip Roth St, Newport News, VA, 23606

Riverside Regional Medical Center , + 1 more

Dr. Mark G. Griffin MD

Gastroenterology : Advanced Endoscopic Interventional, Inflammatory Bowel Disease

4545 R St, Lincoln, NE, 68503

Bryan Medical Center , + 1 more

Dr. Robert D. Henihan MD

5115 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC, 28403

Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center

Dr. Reed B. Hogan MD

1421 N State St, Jackson, MS, 39202

Merit Health River Oaks , + 2 more

Dr. Paul A. Johnson MD

Gastroenterology : Advanced Endoscopic Interventional, Esophagus Disease, Hepatology & Liver Transplantation

737 E Crawford St, Salina, KS, 67401

Ellsworth County Medical Center , + 4 more

Dr. Aminur R. Khan MD

7505 Osler Dr, Baltimore, MD, 21204

Greater Baltimore Medical Center , + 2 more

Dr. Jonathan M. Koff MD

5550 Friendship Blvd, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815

Johns Hopkins Medicine-Sibley Memorial Hospital

Dr. Casey J. Kolendich MD

500 W. Broadway, Missoula, MT, 59802

Community Hospital of Anaconda , + 2 more

Dr. Ravi Kondapalli MD

Gastroenterology : Advanced Endoscopic Interventional, Biliary Tract Disease, Pancreas Disease

540 The Rialto, Venice, FL, 34285

Dr. Hongguang Liu MD

1832 Buenaventura Blvd Ste C, Redding, CA, 96001

Mercy Medical Center Mount Shasta , + 2 more

Dr. Charles Mcbride MD

Gastroenterology : Advanced Endoscopic Interventional, Gastrointestinal Functional & Motility Disorders, Inflammatory Bowel Disease

9257 Old Keene Mill Rd, Burke, VA, 22015

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital , + 2 more

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Moscow city clinical hospital after v.m. buyanov.

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All medical care are provided to foreign citizens on a fee basis (under the Policy of VMI (Voluntary Medical Insurance) or in cash).

Dear Patients! Our experts are ready to offer You a meeting at the airport, transfer, Your accommodation in a hospital as well as accommodation of persons accompanying You.

Patients Testimonials

• I would like to write this review after the successful deviated septum surgery that was performed at the V.M.Buyanov Mosc­ow City Clinical Hospital by Rozhdestvenskaya Olga Nikolaevna. Few days after the surgery I started breathing normally and could get good night sleep breathing through my nose. I couldn't do that for a long time before the surgery. I'd like to thank Rozhdestvensksya Olga and her team for doing such an amazing job. I also had pleasure to share my experience with the head of the hospital Salikov Aleksandr Viktorovich. He politely asked how the surgery went and was very welcoming towards me. Overall I had great experience at the V.M.Buyanov Moscow City Clinical Hospital and highly recommend that place as the first choice for any medical treatments in Moscow.
• I got into that clinic when my heart suddenly fell ill. It turned out that I needed an operation for stenting. I agreed, and the operation was done. I was very pleased, two years ago my problem disappeared.

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Healthcare in Moscow – Personal and Family Medicine

Emergency : 112 or 103

Obstetric & gynecologic : +7 495 620-41-70

About medical services in Moscow

Moscow polyclinic

Emergency medical care is provided free to all foreign nationals in case of life-threatening conditions that require immediate medical treatment. You will be given first aid and emergency surgery when necessary in all public health care facilities. Any further treatment will be free only to people with a Compulsory Medical Insurance, or you will need to pay for medical services. Public health care is provided in federal and local care facilities. These include 1. Urban polyclinics with specialists in different areas that offer general medical care. 2. Ambulatory and hospitals that provide a full range of services, including emergency care. 3. Emergency stations opened 24 hours a day, can be visited in a case of a non-life-threatening injury. It is often hard to find English-speaking staff in state facilities, except the largest city hospitals, so you will need a Russian-speaking interpreter to accompany your visit to a free doctor or hospital. If medical assistance is required, the insurance company should be contacted before visiting a medical facility for treatment, except emergency cases. Make sure that you have enough money to pay any necessary fees that may be charged.

Insurance in Russia

Travelers need to arrange private travel insurance before the journey. You would need the insurance when applying for the Russian visa. If you arrange the insurance outside Russia, it is important to make sure the insurer is licensed in Russia. Only licensed companies may be accepted under Russian law. Holders of a temporary residence permit or permanent residence permit (valid for three and five years respectively) should apply for «Compulsory Medical Policy». It covers state healthcare only. An employer usually deals with this. The issued health card is shown whenever medical attention is required. Compulsory Medical Policyholders can get basic health care, such as emergencies, consultations with doctors, necessary scans and tests free. For more complex healthcare every person (both Russian and foreign nationals) must pay extra, or take out additional medical insurance. Clearly, you will have to be prepared to wait in a queue to see a specialist in a public health care facility (Compulsory Medical Policyholders can set an appointment using EMIAS site or ATM). In case you are a UK citizen, free, limited medical treatment in state hospitals will be provided as a part of a reciprocal agreement between Russia and UK.

Some of the major Russian insurance companies are:

Ingosstrakh , Allianz , Reso , Sogaz , AlfaStrakhovanie . We recommend to avoid  Rosgosstrakh company due to high volume of denials.

Moscow pharmacies

A.v.e pharmacy in Moscow

Pharmacies can be found in many places around the city, many of them work 24 hours a day. Pharmaceutical kiosks operate in almost every big supermarket. However, only few have English-speaking staff, so it is advised that you know the generic (chemical) name of the medicines you think you are going to need. Many medications can be purchased here over the counter that would only be available by prescription in your home country.

Dental care in Moscow

Dentamix clinic in Moscow

Dental care is usually paid separately by both Russian and expatriate patients, and fees are often quite high. Dentists are well trained and educated. In most places, dental care is available 24 hours a day.

Moscow clinics

«OAO Medicina» clinic

It is standard practice for expats to visit private clinics and hospitals for check-ups, routine health care, and dental care, and only use public services in case of an emergency. Insurance companies can usually provide details of clinics and hospitals in the area speak English (or the language required) and would be the best to use. Investigate whether there are any emergency services or numbers, or any requirements to register with them. Providing copies of medical records is also advised.

Moscow hosts some Western medical clinics that can look after all of your family’s health needs. While most Russian state hospitals are not up to Western standards, Russian doctors are very good.

Some of the main Moscow private medical clinics are:

American Medical Center, European Medical Center , Intermed Center American Clinic ,  Medsi , Atlas Medical Center , OAO Medicina .

Several Russian hospitals in Moscow have special arrangements with GlavUPDK (foreign diplomatic corps administration in Moscow) and accept foreigners for checkups and treatments at more moderate prices that the Western medical clinics.

Medical emergency in Moscow

Moscow ambulance vehicle

In a case of a medical emergency, dial 112 and ask for the ambulance service (skoraya pomoshch). Staff on these lines most certainly will speak English, still it is always better to ask a Russian speaker to explain the problem and the exact location.

Ambulances come with a doctor and, depending on the case, immediate first aid treatment may be provided. If necessary, the patient is taken to the nearest emergency room or hospital, or to a private hospital if the holder’s insurance policy requires it.

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FTC Announces Rule Banning Noncompetes

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Today, the Federal Trade Commission issued a final rule to promote competition by banning noncompetes nationwide, protecting the fundamental freedom of workers to change jobs, increasing innovation, and fostering new business formation.

“Noncompete clauses keep wages low, suppress new ideas, and rob the American economy of dynamism, including from the more than 8,500 new startups that would be created a year once noncompetes are banned,” said FTC Chair Lina M. Khan. “The FTC’s final rule to ban noncompetes will ensure Americans have the freedom to pursue a new job, start a new business, or bring a new idea to market.”

The FTC estimates that the final rule banning noncompetes will lead to new business formation growing by 2.7% per year, resulting in more than 8,500 additional new businesses created each year. The final rule is expected to result in higher earnings for workers, with estimated earnings increasing for the average worker by an additional $524 per year, and it is expected to lower health care costs by up to $194 billion over the next decade. In addition, the final rule is expected to help drive innovation, leading to an estimated average increase of 17,000 to 29,000 more patents each year for the next 10 years under the final rule.

Noncompetes are a widespread and often exploitative practice imposing contractual conditions that prevent workers from taking a new job or starting a new business. Noncompetes often force workers to either stay in a job they want to leave or bear other significant harms and costs, such as being forced to switch to a lower-paying field, being forced to relocate, being forced to leave the workforce altogether, or being forced to defend against expensive litigation. An estimated 30 million workers—nearly one in five Americans—are subject to a noncompete.

Under the FTC’s new rule, existing noncompetes for the vast majority of workers will no longer be enforceable after the rule’s effective date. Existing noncompetes for senior executives - who represent less than 0.75% of workers - can remain in force under the FTC’s final rule, but employers are banned from entering into or attempting to enforce any new noncompetes, even if they involve senior executives. Employers will be required to provide notice to workers other than senior executives who are bound by an existing noncompete that they will not be enforcing any noncompetes against them.

In January 2023, the FTC issued a  proposed rule which was subject to a 90-day public comment period. The FTC received more than 26,000 comments on the proposed rule, with over 25,000 comments in support of the FTC’s proposed ban on noncompetes. The comments informed the FTC’s final rulemaking process, with the FTC carefully reviewing each comment and making changes to the proposed rule in response to the public’s feedback.

In the final rule, the Commission has determined that it is an unfair method of competition, and therefore a violation of Section 5 of the FTC Act, for employers to enter into noncompetes with workers and to enforce certain noncompetes.

The Commission found that noncompetes tend to negatively affect competitive conditions in labor markets by inhibiting efficient matching between workers and employers. The Commission also found that noncompetes tend to negatively affect competitive conditions in product and service markets, inhibiting new business formation and innovation. There is also evidence that noncompetes lead to increased market concentration and higher prices for consumers.

Alternatives to Noncompetes

The Commission found that employers have several alternatives to noncompetes that still enable firms to protect their investments without having to enforce a noncompete.

Trade secret laws and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) both provide employers with well-established means to protect proprietary and other sensitive information. Researchers estimate that over 95% of workers with a noncompete already have an NDA.

The Commission also finds that instead of using noncompetes to lock in workers, employers that wish to retain employees can compete on the merits for the worker’s labor services by improving wages and working conditions.

Changes from the NPRM

Under the final rule, existing noncompetes for senior executives can remain in force. Employers, however, are prohibited from entering into or enforcing new noncompetes with senior executives. The final rule defines senior executives as workers earning more than $151,164 annually and who are in policy-making positions.

Additionally, the Commission has eliminated a provision in the proposed rule that would have required employers to legally modify existing noncompetes by formally rescinding them. That change will help to streamline compliance.

Instead, under the final rule, employers will simply have to provide notice to workers bound to an existing noncompete that the noncompete agreement will not be enforced against them in the future. To aid employers’ compliance with this requirement, the Commission has included model language in the final rule that employers can use to communicate to workers. 

The Commission vote to approve the issuance of the final rule was 3-2 with Commissioners Melissa Holyoak and Andrew N. Ferguson voting no. Commissioners Rebecca Kelly Slaughter , Alvaro Bedoya , Melissa Holyoak and Andrew N. Ferguson each issued separate statements. Chair Lina M. Khan will issue a separate statement.

The final rule will become effective 120 days after publication in the Federal Register.

Once the rule is effective, market participants can report information about a suspected violation of the rule to the Bureau of Competition by emailing  [email protected] . 

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Healthcare in Moscow

This guide was written prior to Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine and is therefore not reflective of the current situation. Travel to Russia is currently not advisable due to the area's volatile political situation.

Healthcare in Moscow is organised by the Moscow Health Department. While public healthcare facilities are available, most expats seek out private healthcare at international medical centres. Expats are advised to take out private medical insurance if it is not provided to them by their company.

Subsidised healthcare is provided to everyone living in the country, paid for by the state and the mandatory health insurance system. That said, professionals in the state system are likely to speak little to no English. 

There are several private medical centres in Moscow where English is spoken and where the healthcare is on par with expat standards. These clinics are generally very expensive, so it is highly recommended that expats take out private medical insurance to cover medical costs in Moscow. Most insurance coverage plans will also include evacuation cover for emergencies or life-threatening situations. 

Recommended hospitals in Moscow

Alliance medicale.

www.alliancemedicale.ru Address: Kutuzovsky Ave, 1/7

Intermed Center American Clinic

www.en.intac.ru Address:  4 Monetchikovsky Lane, 1/6, Building 3

International Clinic MEDSI

www.medsi.ru Address:  26 Prospekt Mira, Building 6

European Medical Center

www.emcmos.ru Address:   5 Spiridon'yevskiy Pereulok, Building 1

Further reading

►For more on the Russian healthcare system see our Healthcare in Russia page.

Expat Interviews " The standard is high, but health insurance is essential − both international and local cover tend to be adequate and similar for routine things." Read more about Stephen, a British expat, and his  experience living in Moscow . 

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Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Moscow. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.

Expat Health Insurance

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Aetna Aetna International, offering comprehensive global medical coverage, has a network of 1.3 million medical providers worldwide. You will have the flexibility to choose from six areas of coverage, including worldwide, multiple levels of benefits to choose from, plus various optional benefits to meet your needs. Get your free no-obligation quotes now!

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Something about Moscow: a new look at a great city – archive, 1959

26 February 1959 : Michael Frayn writes about the Russian capital while covering Harold Macmillan’s 10-day visit to the USSR

Moscow, 25 February It is a pity Mr Macmillan had to be out of town to-day for talks at his dacha. He leaves for Kyiv and Leningrad to-morrow and all he can have seen of the Russian capital so far – unless he creeps out of his house in Pomerantsev Lane at night disguised as a muzhik – is a flickering of flashbulbs and a hovering of journalists.

Today in the crisp February cold, with a few snowflakes falling out of a grey sky, it was bracing weather for a stroll round town. Moscow is a city which needs to be seen – to be believed as much as for any other reason. “Why do they have such high walls round the Kremlin, Mummy?” the Moscow child is supposed to ask his mother. “To keep the robbers in, dear,” replies mother. The really intelligent mother might say, however, “To keep the Soviet architects out.” For the Kremlin, with its three onion-domed cathedrals, is almost the only relic of roaring old Moscow – and almost the only object left in the city which it is not painful to look at.

Great, but ugly With a population of some eight million, Moscow is one of the world’s great capitals. Was there ever another capital so blindingly ugly, so devoid of taste or style, and so dull? The best bits are probably the slums around Novoi Alekseyevskaya Street – old timber houses of one and two storeys leaning drunkenly in the snow and due for clearance if they do not fall down of their own accord first. But the majority of the city’s housing consists of apartment blocks of indeterminate age. Everywhere the paint is coming off the window frames and the window frames off the hinges. Inside them, there are often two families to a room, communal kitchens, and no baths.

The housing problems have always been a millstone round the Muscovite’s neck. But things have got noticeably better the last few years – conservative sources reckon that three out of 10 families have been rehoused since 1956. The skyscraper blocks of flats lined with marble and speckled with steeples to which Soviet architecture sank a few years ago (dragging with it human taste to what must be its lowest watermark ever) were found to be too expensive – to the resounding credit of Soviet accountants, and the authorities have now switched to building enormous apartment blocks which are free of any evidence of design whatsoever.

These have sprung up fastest and thickest in the south-western district of the city, the so-called “New Moscow”. Here the uniform blocks, built in a curiously depressing grey brick stretch as far as the eye can see; and the forest of power cranes is still at work. It is an odd experience seeing slums actually being built in front of one’s eyes. But inside they are light and equipped with bathroom, lavatory, and kitchen, which probably counts for more than setting with the Muscovites.

“You’ll be lucky” But it is still extremely difficult to find accommodation. The noticeboards which are to be found on nearly every street carry many advertisements offering to exchange rooms (“Exchange room with all conveniences 12 square metres in Kazan for a room in Moscow”). But few are offering accommodation for those with nothing to exchange. The ones that do, look sinister – “Offer part of a room near Metro station. All conveniences except bath.” Two women who are searching the advertisements demand suddenly: “What do you want to exchange, young man?” “I haven’t got a room in Moscow.” They laugh derisively “You’ll be lucky,” they say.

The noticeboards are interesting windows of Moscow life. They are covered with offers of jobs. There are advertisements, too, inserted by private individuals who want to teach English, typing for the blind, theoretical mechanics, and dress-making. There are also plenty of signs of the new rich – the intelligentsia; demands for a daily help and even for servants to live in. One offers “350 roubles a month (about £9 at a reasonable rate of exchange). Separate room. References essential.”

The signs one sees in the streets offer another perspective: “Sputnik Cafe” on the Lenin prospect in the south-west district; a significant absence of any names at all on what used to be the Lubyanka, now the headquarters of the KGB – the secret police; few hoardings everywhere: “Don’t Cross in Front of the Bus – It’s Dangerous”, “Save Time – Try Powdered Soups”, “Save Money”, “Work and Live in the Communist Way”.

Eating out In the centre, the buildings are all marble magnificence. But the true Moscow lies farther out. A good way to see it is to take a stroll along the rather slummy Baumanskaya Street. In the scruffy “Dietary Dining Rooms” here you can buy about five roubles’ worth of meal tickets from the cashier, exchange them at the self-service counter for a sloshy meal and eat alongside men in suits and ties.

Farther down the road is a beer shop. Here everyone is in fur hats and felt boots, drinking beer and eating bread and cheese. A sign on the wall says: “‘It is forbidden to bring and consume spirits.” A man buys a paper cup of cherry juice with his beer, empties it into the ashtray, and fills it from a half bottle of vodka which he takes out from under his coat. In the corner two very drunken men are holding one another up, kissing each other’s cheeks, and explaining to anyone who will listen, “We haven’t seen one another for 23 years.”

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There are far fewer drunks on the streets now than there were two years ago and the swarms of beggars who used to shove the raw stump of their amputated arms in your face have disappeared. There is far more traffic on the wide streets, too. There are still peasants up from the country for a few days and their appearance has changed very little since the last century.

Smell of Russia There is something about Moscow which grips one in spite of all the seaminess of the place. Perhaps it is just the unforgettable smell of Russia. A combination, it seems, of stale smoke, sweat, pickled cucumber, and cheap scent which goes wherever Soviet rule extends – to Russia’s embassies abroad, even to her aircraft. Perhaps it is the spirit of the people still profoundly Slavonik which bursts forth in the supreme brio of the ballet dancers at the Bolshoi and in the intense, humility of the thousands of Muscovites, many of them old and bent, who pack the churches every Sunday to chant the Orthodox mass and bow their foreheads to the ground, rapt in the service, surrendering all hope of any high station in life simply by being there.

Anyway, whatever it is, Moscow has plenty of admirers. There is a fountain in Sverdlovsk Square in front of the Bolshoi theatre into which people throw coins and wish that they may come back to Moscow. Now the fountain is silent and choked with snow, but in summer the water is full of 10 kopek pieces. Anyone who is prepared to pay 10 kopeks for the privilege of returning to Moscow must think something of the place.

For a report on the results of the visit see Further blow to hopes based on premier’s visit: cool company in Kremlin .

• From the Guardian archive
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