Health Center Program Compliance Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This question relates to Element a. Providing and Documenting Services within Scope of Project

Transportation services enable patients to access health center services when transportation would otherwise be a barrier to care (for example, providing transport vehicles, bus tokens or vouchers for public transportation, or linkages to other community transportation programs).

To accurately document the provision of patient transportation services on Form 5A: Services Provided, refer to the following:

• Column I (Directly): If a health center provides its own transportation service or directly pays for transportation that enables patients to access health center services, record such transportation services in Column I. For example, the health center operates a patient transport vehicle, the health center purchases bus tokens/vouchers, or the health center arranges/pays for taxis.
• Column II (Formal Written Contract/Agreement): If a health center pays for transportation via a contract/agreement with another organization/entity, record these types of contracts/agreements in Column II. For example, the health center pays for transportation through an account with an entity such as Uber Health or a county senior van, the health center contracts with a local taxi company, or the health center has another contract for public transportation.
• Column III (Formal Written Referral Arrangement): If a health center has an arrangement for transportation with another organization/entity but is not paying for the service, record these types of arrangements in Column III. For example, the health center coordinates with or connects patients to community transportation programs but does not pay for the service.

For more information, refer to the Service Descriptors for Form 5A: Services Provided (PDF - 293 KB).

(Added: 3/8/2023)