Caregiver Toolkit: Navigating FQHCs for Someone Else

Who This Guide Is For

This guide is for anyone helping someone else access FQHC care: parents bringing children, adult children helping aging parents, spouses navigating care for a partner, or anyone acting as a patient advocate for a family member or friend.

Consent & Authorization

Minor Children (Under 18). Parents and legal guardians can consent for minors. Bring documentation of guardianship if you're not the biological parent. Note: in most states, minors can consent for certain services (mental health, reproductive health, substance use) without parental consent.

Adult Patients Who Need Help. If the patient is an adult, they must consent for care themselves unless you have legal authority (healthcare proxy, power of attorney, or legal guardianship). Ask the front desk about their process for caregivers accompanying adult patients.

HIPAA & Information Sharing. Ask the patient (or the clinic) to complete a HIPAA authorization form allowing you to receive health information. Without it, staff may not be able to discuss the patient's care with you.

What to Bring for the Person You're Caring For

Their photo ID (if available)
Their insurance card
Proof of income (or yours, if you file taxes together)
Complete medication list with dosages
Any previous medical records or recent lab results
List of allergies
Insurance information or prior authorization letters if relevant
Emergency contact information

During the Appointment

Take notes — diagnoses, medications prescribed, follow-up instructions.
Ask for written summaries — most clinics have after-visit summaries. Request one.
Clarify next steps — who schedules the follow-up? Who calls with lab results?
Ask about interpreter services — if the patient speaks a different language than you, request an interpreter, not a family member. This ensures accuracy.
Don't speak for the patient unless they ask you to. Providers want to hear from the patient when possible.

Coordinating Ongoing Care

Keep a shared medication log and update it after every visit.
Set appointment reminders 48 hours and 2 hours before visits.
Create a single folder (paper or digital) for medical records, insurance documents, and visit summaries.
Ask the clinic if they have a patient portal — many FQHCs now use portals for messaging and lab results.
Ask about case management services — many FQHCs have case managers who can coordinate care across providers.

Caregiver Self-Care

Caregiving is demanding. FQHCs can be a resource for you too:

Ask if the clinic offers caregiver support groups or counseling
Request a referral for mental health support if you're experiencing burnout
Connect with your state's caregiver support program (most states have one)
Contact the Caregiver Action Network at caregiveraction.org for resources

Find a Clinic Near You

Search our directory for FQHCs with the services your family member needs.

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