GENERAL QUESTIONS
Gulf Coast Health Center provides the following services:
Family & Pediatric Medicine – Physical Exams, Preventive Medicine, Texas Health Steps, Well Child Exams, In-house Lab Services, Pharmacy Services, Sports Physicals, Immunizations, Women’s Health Services, X-Rays, Ultrasounds, Referrals.
Behavioral Health Services – Counseling, Substance Abuse (Adults), Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Grief Bipolar Disorder, Physical and Sexual Abuse, ADHD, Family Issues, School & Workplace Issues, Referrals.
Dental Services (ages 6 months & above) – Emergency Services, Extractions (limited), Preventative Services, Exams, Hygiene (cleaning), X-Rays, Fillings, Fluoride, Root Canals (limited) Sealants, Restorative Services, Fillings, Referrals.
Vision Services – Eye Exams, Eyeglasses, Contact Lenses, Screening and treatment of common eye diseases.
There are a few ways to become a patient:
You may give us a call at 409.983.1161 and press option 2 to speak with a representative to schedule an appointment. They will request basic identifying information from you then schedule your first appointment.
You may also select your own appointment and provider using our online appointment scheduler:
- Port Arthur: Click Here
- Orange: Click Here
- Silsbee: Click Here
- Jasper: Click Here
- Westside: Click Here
You may walk into the clinic nearest you, speak to a clerk to schedule an appointment.
Once you are on the schedule, you will receive a text message at the mobile number you provided requesting that you complete the registration packet linked below.
We have clinics in Jefferson, Hardin and Jasper counties. The clinics are in Port Arthur, (3 sites: Memorial Blvd., West Side and Park Plaza) Orange, Silsbee, and Jasper. Here for the addresses for each location.
PA – Main Clinic
2548 Memorial BIvd.
Port Arthur, Texas 77640
Orange Clinic
610 Strickland Drive, Suite 380
Orange, Texas 77630
PA – West Side
601B Rev. Ransom Howard
Port Arthur, Texas 77640
Jasper Clinic
561 State Street
Jasper, Texas 75951
PA – Park Plaza Office
2927 Park Plaza
Port Arthur, Texas 77640
Silsbee Clinic
755 North 4th Street
Silsbee, Texas 77656
PA – School Based Clinic
Wheatley Early Childhood School
1100 Jefferson Drive
Port Arthur, Texas 77642
PA – School Based Clinic
Memorial High School
3501 Lucian Adams Drive
Port Arthur, Texas 77642
You may give us a call at 409.983.1161 and press option 2 to speak with a representative to schedule an appointment.
You may walk into the closest GCHC site and speak to one of our clerks to schedule an appointment.
You may also select your own appointment and provider using our online appointment scheduler.
- Port Arthur: Click Here
- Orange: Click Here
- Silsbee: Click Here
- Jasper: Click Here
- Westside: Click Here
When you schedule your appointment, you will provide your contact information, including your phone number and/or email address. You will then receive a reminder text a few days before your appointment, within 24 to 48 hours in advance. The text (SMS) will include the date, time, and location of your appointment. The reminder text will ask you to confirm your attendance. This helps the clinic manage scheduling and accommodate other patients if you need to reschedule.
We ask that you arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to check in.
We strive to provide the best possible care to our patients at all times, and we’re sorry if we missed the mark. To submit a concern or complaint, you may call our Customer Feedback phone line at (409) 984-8476. You may also submit a complaint by email to CustomerFeedback@gulfcoasthc.org or present your complaint in person to a clerk at the front desk.
You must schedule an appointment with a provider to have paperwork completed. Please call (409) 983-1161 and press option 2 to schedule an appointment.
If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please call us at (409) 983-1161 and press option 2. Provide your name, the date and time of your original appointment, and the reason for rescheduling. Or you may respond back to the Appointment Reminder stating your intent to cancel or reschedule. We ask that you call at least 24 hours in advance so that we can best help you reschedule.
For the most part, yes. However, you may receive health screenings at one of our community health events without being a patient of Gulf Coast Health Center. Call us at (409) 983-1161 and press option 2 for more information.
If you are having a medical emergency, please call 911. If it is not an emergency, you may always call our 24/7 After Hours On Call Service at (409) 983-1161. For any medical issues, press option 2. For non-emergency care – please call our 24/7 After Hours On Call Service at (409) 983-1161 and say, “I would like to speak to an on-call provider.” On-Call providers are available after business hours and are waiting to help you. If you need home care advice or are unsure about something, call us today.
Yes! All our facilities are fully accessible.
PROVIDER QUESTIONS
Many of our providers are bi-lingual, but for those who are not, we offer both translation tablets and in house translation services for patients needing to speak with providers.
Very often, your provider will be helping other patients and cannot be reached by phone. We have trained Customer Service and Medical Service Representatives – who are able to answer most questions; if they cannot answer your question, they will pass your message along to your clinical team for a response.
Your provider or a nurse will walk you through the process of getting your test(s) done and what needs to happen next. The Provider orders the test and determines when the test needs to be completed (same day or schedule for a later date). The Provider and/or the nurse will inform the patient of the test ordered, the reason for the test and what is required prior to the test (fasting, full bladder, etc). If the test is done at Gulf Coast – staff will help you schedule the test. If you must obtain the test at another facility, the Gulf Coast Referral Team will coordinate the scheduling of the test with you. Patients are advised to schedule a follow up appointment to receive results.
If you have a patient portal account, you can get your lab results online! Log into your account using this link: http://gulfcoasthc.mysecurechart.com. Or you may call 409-983-1161 and speak with a Nurse for the results. Patients may receive a call from a provider or nurse if they have abnormal results. In some cases, another appointment may be required.
Medical release forms must be completed with all providers before medical records can be shared among provider groups. Once forms are completed, medical records can be emailed or faxed to/from the clinics where you received services.
As your primary care provider (PCP), we can treat your primary care needs. Occasionally, you may need to be referred to a specialist who specializes in certain conditions for further treatment. We will coordinate with you and the specialist to make that process run smoothly. If you do need to see the specialist in person, we will submit a referral request on your behalf and we will work with that specialist’s office to make an appointment. If you have not heard from the specialist within a week, please call (409) 983-1161 and press option 7 to speak to the Referral Department.
You do not need to be an established medical patient to see a behavioral health provider at GCHC. Anyone may call and schedule an appointment to see a behavioral health provider at any time.
PHARMACY
Monday – Friday: 7:00am to 8:00pm
Saturday: 8:00am to 5:00pm & Closed for lunch: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Yes, you can receive a free flu shot at our pharmacy. Just stop by during pharmacy hours to get your flu shot.
Our pharmacy offers same day service. You can wait 25 – 30 minutes for your prescription or you may come back 2 – 3 hours after your prescription has been sent to the pharmacy.
For regular prescription pick-ups, all that is needed is the patient’s date of birth and their name.
For controlled prescriptions, a valid identification must be presented.
No, our drugs are already discounted. Prescription discounted rates are provided through our 340B pharmacy program. We also have partnerships with Walgreen’s and CVS.
You must present your card at the pharmacy window and eligibility will be checked at that time.
Only GCHC patients may use our pharmacy. You must be a registered patient of Gulf Coast and your prescription must be written by our doctors and/or providers or by a specialist Gulf Coast referred you to.
First, call our pharmacy to make sure that you do not have any active refills already available. If you do – the pharmacy will refill your prescription. If you don’t, our pharmacy will contact the correct clinic to request necessary refills.
Yes! There a few ways we can help you afford your prescription.
- We are part of the 340B Drug Discount Program. This means that we can help you get your medication at a reduced rate if you are uninsured or if your insurance doesn’t cover your medication. Ask your provider for more information!
- We also have a Medical Assistance Program that may be able to help. Please talk to your provider about your concerns, and they can connect you with that program.
- We also receive donated medication through Direct Relief for patients who qualify through that program.
PATIENT PORTAL
You’ll have 24/7 access to your secure medical records online, any time. You may view your personal information, such as your address, send a message to your care team, request prescription refills, and more.
To receive a patient portal account, please tell the front desk or member of your clinical team the next time you’re in the office that you want to register for the patient portal. You may also call the office at (409) 983-1161 and press option 2. Please explain that you are calling to sign up for your patient portal.
Please call the office at (409) 983-1161 and press option 2 and indicate that you have a Patient Portal question.
Go to the Patient Portal login page under the sign in box, then click on the “Forgot Password” link to reset your password online.
Your personal information comes directly from your electronic medical record at the clinic that is reviewed and updated at each office visit. So please notify staff during each visit if any of your personal information has changed. You can also ask the front desk clerks or our phone operators to update any inaccurate information.
You should receive a reply within 24 – 48 hours. However, PLEASE DO NOT USE THE PATIENT PORTAL FOR URGENT SITUATIONS. DIAL 911 FOR ALL EMERGENCIES.
Yes. You can only access your account through secure access codes, personal IDs, and passwords that are controlled by you.
Once you are logged into your patient portal, look for the “Edit Profile” area in the top left hand corner of the portal. Click on it and you can update your items from there.
No, each patient has their own individual patient portal account. This information would not appear in the correct health record and could potentially jeopardize medical care.
You can access your medical records through the Patient Portal. If you are not set up in the Patient Portal, you can print the Authorization to Release Medical Records form here and follow enclosed instructions.
BILLING
We accept Medicaid, Medicare, and many commercial insurance plans, including CHIP, Medicare Advantage plans, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Aetna, and Cigna. Please contact our office (409) 983-1161 and press 2 for help with any questions you may have.
We can help you enroll in the Marketplace or Medicaid, Primary Health Care and/or the Westside Grant – depending on your eligibility. Please give us a call at 409-983-1161 and press option 2. Or you may come to the clinic and ask for a Community Health Worker who will help you complete the enrollment process.
If you are not eligible for Medical Assistance, you may qualify for our sliding-fee discount program that reduces fees based on your household income and size. If you have any questions, please call us at (409) 983-1161 and press option 2.
We accept all insurance plans but no discount plans.
Yes, we accept online payments through our payment Portal: https://www.onlinepatientpayment.com/. You will be required to enter your patient ID and date of birth to authenticate. This information should be on your statement. We also accept payments through the U.S. mail or you may call and pay by phone at (409) 983-1161, option 6.
Gulf Coast Health Center – 2548 Memorial Blvd. – Port Arthur, Texas 77640
You may contact the Billing Department at (409) 983-1161, option 6.
You may contact the Billing Department at (409) 983-1161, option 6.
You may schedule an appointment to speak to a Community Service Worker in the Outreach and Eligibility Department. Call (409) 983-1161 and press option 2 to schedule an appointment.
Yes! We offer a Sliding Fee Discount Program which provides reduced rates for those who qualify. If you are uninsured, Community Health Workers in our Outreach & Eligibility Department can help you determine your eligibility for insurance and help you apply. Please contact them at (409) 983-1161 and press option 2.
Of course! Please give us a call to see if we accept your insurance plan. Contact the Billing Department at (409) 983-1161, option 6 for assistance.
GCHC uses a Sliding Fee Discount Program which provides reduced rates for those who qualify. If you’re a new patient, please give us a call at (409) 983-1161. We also offer payment plans – please contact the Outreach & Eligibility Department at (409) 983-1161 for more information.
We accept cash, checks, money orders, and all major credit cards, including HSA cards.
Walk In: At every site at the front desk.
By phone: Contact the Billing Department at (409) 983-1161 – option 6 Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm.
By mail: Gulf Coast Health Center, 2548 Memorial Blvd, Port Arthur, Texas 77640
You should receive an account statement in the mail. Your statement will reflect any unpaid balances on your account. Questions about your account may be directed to the Billing Department at (409) 983-1161, option 6, Monday – Friday, 8am to 5pm.
You should call the Billing Department at (409) 983-1161, option 6 as soon as possible. It is important that you contact us to prevent the denial of your visit or other issues filing the claim with your insurance plan,
You should have received an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurance company in the mail, showing how they paid or denied your claim. This EOB should have a contact telephone number or web site where you can reach your insurance company for questions. Please contact your insurance company or benefits office with questions about denied claims.
As a courtesy to our patients, GCHC will bill the insurance company directly, if we are participating with your company. Patients are ultimately responsible for making sure that their bill is paid. You are sent notices called Explanation of Benefits from your insurance company that explain what services were paid, denied and what will be your responsibility. If a balance remains after your insurance has issued a payment or a denial, payment is due upon receipt of your statement.
Questions about your account may be directed to the Billing Department at (409) 983-1161, option 6, Monday – Friday, 8am to 5pm.
You will need to provide us with complete primary and secondary insurance information. As a courtesy to our patients, GCHC submits bills to your insurance. However, it may become necessary for you to contact your insurance company or supply additional information to them for claims processing requirements or to expedite payment.
A co-payment or “co-pay” is a set amount paid at the time of each visit. The amount is set by your insurance policy. You as a patient should be aware of the required co-payment amounts prior to your visit. You can call your insurance company for further details. Their number should be on the back of your insurance card.
Deductibles are a set yearly amount that you must pay before your insurance benefits begin. For example, if a patient’s policy contains a $500 deductible, the patient must accumulate and pay $500 out of pocket before their insurance carrier will pay benefits. Once the patient has met their deductible, the insurance usually pays a percentage of the bill. Patients are responsible for the unpaid percentage.
Co-insurance is a form of cost-sharing. After your deductible has been met, the insurance plan will begin paying a percentage of your bills. The remaining amount, known as co-insurance, is the portion due by the patient.
Special Programs Offered at GCHC
GCHC provides transportation services to established patients. After a patient’s initial visit to a clinic – they may request transportation to that clinic for any future visits for medical, dental, vision, pediatrics, behavioral health and lab services. Transportation pick-ups for the Port Arthur Clinic may be scheduled as follows:
Monday & Friday: Pick ups from 1:00pm – 2:30pm for afternoon appointments Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday: Pickups from 9:00-11:30am & 1:00 – 2:30pm
Patients who reside in Port Arthur, Beaumont, Orange, Port Neches, Nederland and Groves may be transported to and from the Port Arthur Clinic.
Transportation to the Jasper and Silsbee clinics for patients who reside in those areas will be arranged in the near future.
Yes, GCHC has several mobile units that provide medical services remotely. Our mobile units are scheduled at various special events and activities in our community.
The Westside Grant pays the medical copays, behavioral health copays, basic labs (CBC,CMP, Lipid), routine dental exams, routine optical exams and generic pharmacy costs – for residents who live within a specific geographic area on the westside of Port Arthur. Residents receive a grant card which must be presented each time they receive one of the covered services.
Port Arthur – Westside residents who live between Savannah Avenue and Highway 82 or between 19th Street and Proctor Street.
This program assists patients who do not qualify for the County Indigent Care Program, Medicaid/Medicare, are not covered by private insurance and meet certain income guidelines. For an individual to receive PHC services, they must be a Texas resident and have a gross family income at or below 200% of the adopted Federal Poverty Level. Community Health workers can help patients determine if they qualify for this program using the total household income and the total number of people in the household.
- Diagnosis and treatment of common acute and chronic diseases that affect the general health of the patient.
- Preventive health services including immunizations, cancer screening services and screenings for chronic conditions.
- Family planning services.
- Emergency Medical Services that can be treated in a primary care clinic setting.
- Health Education.
- Diagnostic laboratory and radiological services that are deemed medically necessary.
- Pharmacy services.
