When BCHC is closed, you can always reach an on-call BCHC provider after hours.
› Learn MoreScheduling Your First Appointment at BCHC
To make your first appointment at Berks Community Health Center, call (610) 988-4838. You will be connected to our Call Center.
The Call Center Representatives will collect basic information such as your name, date of birth, address, phone numbers, and will help you schedule your first appointment.
Many insurance plans require that you have Berks Community Health Center, or one of our providers, listed on your insurance card. Please call your insurance company’s Member Services Department at the number listed on the card to make sure you have chosen BCHC as your Primary Care Provider (PCP). This choice must be effective before your first visit.
Your First Appointment
When you come for your first visit, please arrive at least 20 minutes ahead of your appointment time so you will have time to register. We will have you fill out forms including:
If you want to fill out the forms ahead of time, click on the links above to download or print a copy of the form, and bring them with you to your first visit.
For Every Appointment at BCHC You Should Bring:
- Your health insurance card(s)
- A valid photo ID, such as driver’s license, state-issued ID, or military ID
- A list of your current medications
- Any co-payment required by your insurance
Paying For Your Health Care at BCHC
BCHC accepts all insurances, including Medicaid, Medicare and CHIP. We accept commercial insurances that you get through work or associations, or through the Federal Insurance Marketplace (Obamacare).
If you do not have insurance, we will schedule you to meet with a member of our Outreach staff who will review your situation.
No matter what your financial situation, you can still receive care at BCHC. No one is denied health care at BCHC because they are unable to pay. We have a Sliding Fee Discount Program based on income and family size. Everyone receives an application for this program, whether or not you have insurance. If you have insurance, depending on your income and family size, you may be eligible for discounts on your deductibles and co-payments.
Please click here to see more information and to download a Sliding Fee Discount Program applications.
Missed Appointment Policy
We know that there may be times when you need to cancel or change a visit. You must call us at least 24 hours before the visit to let us know.
This way we can give the appointment time to another patient who needs to see their Primary Care Provider.
If you give us less than the required 24 hour’s notice, the canceled or missed visit will be marked as a “No Show.” We will send you a letter each time that you have a visit that is marked as a “No Show.”
If you have three “No Shows” in any 12-month period, you will be placed on the No Show List. When this happens, you will no longer be able to make appointments until you attend our “Missed Appointment” Class. You also may not be able to get refills. In order to avoid this, please make sure to come to your appointments.
Late Policy
If you are more than 15 minutes late for a visit, it may not be possible for your Provider to see you that day. If this happens, we will work with you to schedule another visit.
After-Hours Contact Information
If you are not feeling well after hours you can reach a BCHC provider. For minor illnesses or injuries, you can talk to a provider before going to an urgent care or the emergency room (unless it is a true emergency).
Even if BCHC is closed, call our main number at (610) 988-4838
You can always reach one of our providers after hours for advice and direction over the phone.
Of course, if you are having serious or life-threatening symptoms, call 911 and go to the nearest Emergency Room.