What is Health West?

Health West is a non-profit health care organization funded by the federal Bureau of Primary Health Care as a community and migrant health center. Services are provided to all regardless of ability to pay. Services are available on a discounted fee basis, in accordance with family income. Services are available in English and Spanish. Health West strives to increase access to care, reduce health disparities, reduce barriers to care, and assure quality of care.








Who governs Health West?

A community Board of Directors provides governance and direction to see that we meet the health needs of our communities. Clinic users form a majority of the Board, with representation from each of the communities served. Migrant or seasonal farmworkers or family members are also included on the Board.

Whom does Health West serve?

Health West serves all persons in our communities. We have a special emphasis on rural communities, low income, and uninsured persons, migrant and seasonal farmworkers and families, the elderly, persons with language and/or cultural barriers, and anyone else who has difficulty accessing quality primary and preventive care. Health West accepts all patients regardless of their ability to pay and/or form of insurance.

Who provides care at the clinics?

Health West employs board certified or board eligible family practice physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants to provide care. Each provider is assigned to specific clinics so that patients can most often see the same provider on an on-going basis. Staff in the American Falls, Aberdeen, and Pocatello clinics are bilingual. Health West has a strong relationship with the Family Medicine Residency Program, the Physician Assistant Program, and the Nursing Department at Idaho State University both to train students and to employ graduates.

What services are provided at Health West clinics?

Health West provides a comprehensive range of primary and preventive care services in English and Spanish at our clinics.

What does it cost to go to a Health West clinic?

Like other medical providers, Health West can bill Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance for the cost of care. Health West has a sliding fee schedule for uninsured persons or insured patients with high deductibles, with the fee based upon income. The minimum charge is $15 which is asked to be paid at the time of visit; but patients are allowed to pay that over time if needed. The Medicare annual deductible is waived for patients at Health West, so Medicare will begin paying with the first visit of each year.