Healthcare Consulting & FQHCs
Strengthening Hospitals Through Strategic Partnerships
We help hospitals and FQHCs navigate complex partnerships, identify new strategies, and strengthen collaboration to enhance patient care.
- Strategic hospital & FQHC consulting
- Stronger hospital–FQHC partnerships
- Sustainable models for underserved communities
Healthcare Consulting & FQHCs
Strengthening Hospitals Through Strategic Partnerships
We help hospitals and FQHCs navigate complex partnerships, identify new strategies, and strengthen collaboration to enhance patient care.
- Strategic hospital & FQHC consulting
- Stronger hospital–FQHC partnerships
- Sustainable models for underserved communities
FQHCs: Leaders in Delivering Care to the Underserved
FQHCs play a critical role in delivering comprehensive, community-based care to underserved populations.
By expanding access to primary care in communities facing significant socioeconomic barriers, hospital–FQHC partnerships help reduce avoidable emergency department visits and unnecessary hospitalizations while improving overall health outcomes.
Population Health
Managing the health of Medicaid, Medicare, uninsured, and other vulnerable populations within a more financially sustainable model
Clinical Integration
Coordinating care through integrated clinical management
Specialty Access
Providing access to specialty care
Primary Care Access
Increasing access to primary care for targeted communities
Community Value
Developing overall health and social value for the community
There are many ways in which a hospital and FQHC can collaborate to improve healthcare delivery within their community.
Here are some examples of collaborations that can provide improved outcomes within financially sustainable models:
Transitioning a Hospital Clinic to an Existing FQHC
Patients have access to a more comprehensive venue of care with reimbursement advantages.
Residency Rotations
Residents can gain hands-on experience with a vulnerable population while increasing the capacity of the FQHC. This can also be used as a tool for the FQHC to recruit new providers.
Specialist agreements
FQHC patients can receive services they would otherwise be unable to obtain while the hospital reduces Emergency Department visits and avoidable admissions.
Referral Agreements
Specialist agreements can significantly increase the health outcomes of patients in areas such as Obstetrics and Behavioral Health.
Understanding FQHC
What is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)?
FQHCs are important safety net providers that deliver comprehensive outpatient primary care and support services to underserved populations. Defined by Medicare and Medicaid statutes, FQHCs include the following types of organizations:
- Organizations that receive grants under Section 330 of the Public Health Services Act (the Health Center Program).
- Clinics meeting HRSA certification requirements (i.e., FQHC Look-Alikes).
- Outpatient facilities operated by tribal or urban Indian organizations.
FQHCs and FQHC Look-Alikes receive enhanced payments for Medicaid and Medicare services.
Understanding FQHC
What is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)?
FQHCs are important safety net providers that deliver comprehensive outpatient primary care and support services to underserved populations. Defined by Medicare and Medicaid statutes, FQHCs include the following types of organizations:
- Organizations that receive grants under Section 330 of the Public Health Services Act (the Health Center Program).
- Clinics meeting HRSA certification requirements (i.e., FQHC Look-Alikes).
- Outpatient facilities operated by tribal or urban Indian organizations.
FQHCs and FQHC Look-Alikes receive enhanced payments for Medicaid and Medicare services.
Health Center Look-Alikes (LAs) are certified by HRSA and must meet all the requirements of the Health Center Program without receiving a 330 grant.
FQHC vs. FQHC Look-Alike
Here are some examples of collaborations that can provide improved outcomes within financially sustainable models:
FQHC
- HRSA Health Center Program funding
- Eligible for enhanced Medicaid/Medicare reimbursement
- FQHC Safe Harbor
- Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) malpractice coverage
- Federal Loan Guarantee Program for capital improvement
- 340B Federal Drug Pricing Program eligibility
- Automatic Designation as a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) which provides eligibility for recruitment and retention assistance through the National Health Services Corp (NHSC)
- Access to Caccines for Children Program
- HRSA-supported training and technical assistance
FQHC Look-Alike
- HRSA Health Center Program funding
- Eligible for enhanced Medicaid/Medicare reimbursement
- FQHC Safe Harbor
- Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) malpractice coverage
- Federal Loan Guarantee Program for capital improvement
- 340B Federal Drug Pricing Program eligibility
- Automatic Designation as a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) which provides eligibility for recruitment and retention assistance through the National Health Services Corp (NHSC)
- Access to Caccines for Children Program
- HRSA-supported training and technical assistance
Our Expertise
How THRIVE Helps Hospitals and FQHCs
Strategic Healthcare Consulting
For individual hospitals and health systems — strengthening hospital–FQHC partnerships through expert advisors that drive innovation and sustainability.
Advisory Support for FQHC–Hospital Partnerships
Acting as trusted healthcare advisors to ensure compliant, mutually beneficial FQHC–hospital collaborations under federal guidelines.
Operational and Financial Optimization
Streamlining operations, improving coordination, and developing long-term financial sustainability plans for hospitals and FQHCs
Community Health Strategy and Integration
Helping hospitals and FQHCs connect healthcare delivery with social services to address community health needs holistically.
Leadership and Board-Level Guidance
Equipping boards and executive teams with strategic insights to lead effective, community-centered partnerships.
Get In Touch
Build Resilience. Drive Impact. THRIVE Together.
We partner with healthcare organizations and communities to strengthen systems, overcome challenges, and create sustainable solutions that deliver lasting impact.