Patients are encouraged to make appointments for medical and dental services. Having an appointment enables us to have your medical chart available at the time of your visit. It also allows your health care provider to review lab test results and other information before your visit and lets the staff prepare for your visit.

We encourage you to arrive at least one half-hour before to your appointment time so your medical and financial information may be updated. Every effort will be made to see patients with appointments within 15 to 30 minutes of the appointment time. However, medical and dental emergencies, difficult cases, and complicated procedures can cause delays.

If you are a walk-in patient, you will be seen. However, you may experience a longer wait since patients with appointments are seen first, unless you are experiencing a medical emergency. If you do have a medical emergency, you are encouraged to call the health center in advance to alert our staff about your condition.

Appointment Cancellation
If you are unable to keep an appointment, it is important that you call to cancel it. To schedule appointments properly, we encourage you to notify us of your cancellation at least 24 hours in advance, but any advance notice of a cancellation will be helpful.

Medical Emergencies After Normal Operation Hours
Medical providers at the Paterson Community Health Center are responsible for your health and dental care 24 hours a day, 7 days week. We realize that an illness or medical emergency may occur after regular operating hours.

If you have a medical emergency, it is your responsibility to contact us at —
Clinton Street Facility: 973-790-6594.

If you contact one of our medical/dental staff at one of the above numbers, we will be able to help you make appropriate choices regarding your illness or medical emergency. We may be able to assist you on the telephone, eliminating a hospital visit.

If you are experiencing a serious medical emergency, please seek care at the Emergency Room of your nearest hospital.