FAQs
The questions our staff answer most often — starting with the one that matters most: which of our two services do you actually need?
Which service do I need?
What is the difference between your Emergency Room and your Medical Clinic?
They are two separate services in one building. The Emergency Room is a fully equipped, freestanding emergency department, open 24 hours a day with board-certified providers on site and CT, X-ray and a full laboratory available immediately; it is for serious and potentially life-threatening problems and is billed at emergency rates. The Medical Clinic is primary care by appointment — check-ups, ongoing conditions, prescriptions, and same-day sick visits — billed at standard office rates.
Is FHMC an urgent care?
No, and this is the most common misunderstanding about us. We are a freestanding emergency room paired with a primary care clinic. Our Medical Clinic offers same-day appointments that cover most of what people take to an urgent care, with the advantage of a provider who follows your health over time. Our Emergency Room is equipped well beyond an urgent care — and billed accordingly.
I am not sure whether my problem is an emergency.
Come to the Emergency Room. You will be assessed on arrival, and if the Medical Clinic is the more appropriate place we will tell you honestly and help you get seen there. Being checked and reassured is a good outcome — never talk yourself out of being seen.
Should I call 911 or drive in?
Call 911 for chest pain, stroke symptoms, difficulty breathing, or if the person is unconscious. Paramedics start treatment immediately and can alert us before you arrive. For injuries and other urgent problems where the patient is stable, driving in is fine.
Visiting the Emergency Room
Do I need an appointment or a referral?
Never. Walk in at any hour, any day of the year, including holidays.
How long will I wait?
It depends on who else arrives, which is true of every emergency room. What is different here is structural: no inpatient census ahead of you, no ambulance diversions, and one department rather than a campus. You are assessed on arrival, and patients with life-threatening conditions are always treated first.
Do you treat children?
Yes — our emergency providers care for patients of every age, including infants.
What if I need to be admitted to a hospital?
We stabilise you here and arrange transfer to an appropriate hospital, with transfer agreements already in place. Your provider coordinates directly with the receiving team.
What should I bring?
Photo ID, your insurance card, and a list of your medications if you have them — but none of it is required. We will never delay emergency treatment over paperwork.
Visiting the Medical Clinic
Can I be seen today?
Usually. We keep same-day slots for patients who wake up unwell. Call the clinic and our staff will find the earliest available time, or send a request through the patient portal for a routine visit.
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes, patients of all ages, including seasonal residents who need care while they are in Arizona.
Can you be my regular primary care provider?
Yes — that is exactly what the Medical Clinic is for. We provide continuous primary care, manage medications and chronic conditions, coordinate specialist referrals, and maintain one consistent record of your health.
How do I get a prescription refill?
Request it through the patient portal or call the clinic. Some medications require a periodic visit before they can be refilled safely.
Do you do school and sports physicals?
Yes. Book them at the Medical Clinic — and earlier in the summer is easier than the week before term starts.
Insurance, billing & records
What insurance do you accept?
Most major commercial plans and Medicare. Networks change, so call us with your plan details and we will verify your specific coverage rather than guess.
Why is an emergency room bill higher than an office visit?
Because an emergency room maintains 24-hour provider staffing, imaging, and laboratory capability ready to use at any moment. That is billed on the same basis at every emergency department. For non-emergencies, our Medical Clinic is the lower-cost option.
What if I am uninsured?
You will still be treated. Tell our staff you are self-paying and ask for a good-faith estimate, which you are entitled to under federal law. Payment arrangements are available.
How do I get a copy of my medical records?
The patient portal is the fastest and most secure route. For older records or third-party requests, contact our office and we will send you the authorisation form.
Still have a question?
Our office team would rather answer it than have you wonder.
When minutes matter, we’re minutes away.
9700 N. Saguaro Blvd, Suite 100, Fountain Hills — walk in any time, or call ahead and we’ll be ready for you.