Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions that might provide you with the information you need. If you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to contact our office at 907-345-1199.
We are in South Anchorage on Huffman Road, directly across the street from McDonalds.
We are open every day from 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
We have transitioned from Walk-in to Booking Appointment slots. A medical emergency is the only exception during business hours: every day from 7am-11pm. Primary Care appointments can be booked from 9am-5pm, M-F & 10am-6pm on weekends.
Medicaid is for low income families and Medicare is usually for people 65 years or older or disabled.
Yes, we accept Alaska Medicaid/Denali Care/Denali KidCare insurance. Please bring a current copy of your insurance card to your visit.
Yes, we accept Champus/Tricare. We accept most insurances except for Medicare and VA.
We are in network with Blue Cross, Cigna, Aetna, Beech Street, Multiplan and UHC.
We will collect the amount your insurance will not cover at the end of your visit. We will verify this information as you wait to be seen.
We do not accept Medicare Insurance. However, you can be seen privately by our providers who have opted out of Medicare if your coverage is hospital A only or the service is not billable to Medicare such as travel counseling, workers comp, DOT physical, Coast Guard physical, or motor vehicle accident. Payment in full is required in those instances. If you have Medicare A & B combined we cannot treat you as our providers are not contracted to service Medicare patients. We can provide you with a list of clinics in town that will bill your insurance.
No, we are located in South Anchorage, just seven miles down the highway and not too far from midtown.
Yes, our providers will counsel you on the various risks associated with the country you are traveling to. We will write prescriptions needed for malaria, and give the necessary vaccines for the area you are traveling to.
We have transitioned from Walk-in to Booking Appointment. A medical emergency is the only exception during business hours: everyday from 7am to 11pm . Primary Care appointments can be booked from 9am-5pm, M-F & 10am-6pm on weekends.
We do not prescribe medications for chronic pain management, but we can provide you with a referral to a pain specialist who can better manage your needs.
Yes, we perform PPD skin testing 7 days a week with no appointment necessary. Please make sure you are available to return to our clinic for your PPD read after 48 hours or before 72 hours. This time frame is important to follow to avoid repeating the test.
Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics, which is not effective against viruses.
Flu viruses can survive on hard surfaces for 24 hours and can be transferred to hands, causing an infection.
Washing hands prevents illnesses and the spread of infections to others.
No, but we will contact a telephone interpreter service for you while you are in the office. Some staff members do speak Spanish and Tagalog.
Yes. If you are a commercial vehicle driver, you are required to pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination. The exam ensures that you are healthy enough to be out on the road. DOT physicals can only be conducted by a medical provider who is certified to perform DOT exams. Most of our providers hold this certification.
- What is included in a DOT physical exam?
A DOT exam includes a review of your medical history, a physical examination, a urine test and a fitness determination to drive a commercial vehicle. - Do I have to take a urine test?
In order to pass your exam, the urine test is necessary to screen your kidneys. The test makes sure you are free of high blood pressure, kidney disease and early signs of diabetes. - What conditions could make me fail my DOT physical?
Any condition that could impair your ability to control or operate a motor vehicle. This can include diabetes controlled by insulin, limb impairment, vision or hearing issues, heart disease, high blood pressure, epilepsy, mental disorders or the use of drugs and alcohol. - How long is my DOT medical card valid?
Once you pass your physical exam, it’s valid for up to two years. However, if you have a condition that needs to be monitored (such as controlled high blood pressure), your medical card may be valid for a shorter period of time. We will require you to provide a clearance letter from your treating provider/specialist for some conditions prior to passing your physical exam. For example:- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Diabetes
- Cardiac conditions
- Neurologic conditions
Many companies in Alaska and Anchorage require job applicants to complete a drug screening before they start work. Other companies may require employees to take random drug tests to ensure a safe workplace and maximum job performance. At First Care Medical Centers, we provide a full range of Drug Testing services performed by technicians certified by SAPAA (Substance Abuse Program Administrators Association). Employers and employees in Anchorage, AK have trusted First Care Medical Centers with their Drug Testing needs for more than 35 years, including:
- Pre-employment Drug Testing
- Post Accident Drug Testing
- Return to Work Drug Testing
- Reasonable Suspicion Drug Testing
- DOT and Non-DOT Drug Testing
- Rapid Drug Testing
- Random Drug Testing
Your health and safety and that of our team of professionals is of utmost concern. We have protocols in place to protect you, our staff, and the community. Read our COVID-19 Letter on what measures we have implemented for everyone’s health and safety. Here is what you can do: call ahead 345-1199; Register or login to the Patient Portal update your profile with contact information, complete social and medical history, review and sign medical forms and securely communicate with our practice; wear a cloth face covering before coming to our clinic to protect our staff and others.
COVID-19 is a highly infectious disease from a new coronavirus which is spread human to human and produces mild to severe respiratory illness which commonly presents with a cough, fever, and shortness of breath. Learn more
We are following the daily evolving CDC guidelines and public health recommendations for testing. If you have symptoms, call today 345-1199. Learn more
We are following the daily evolving CDC guidelines and public health recommendations for testing. Not everyone should be tested due to the national shortage of testing supplies and protective equipment. If you have had close contact with a known or suspected case of COVID-19 or if you have recently traveled call today 345-1199. Learn more
If you are sick you may receive additional tests to find out the cause of your illness such as influenza swab, strep swab, or RSV test, etc. The provider will have this discussion with you.
Yes, if your symptoms and or circumstances warrant a test then you should assume you have the virus until your results come in to protect the community. Learn more
Protect our staff and others by wearing a cloth face covering before you come to our clinic. Also, we are adhering to the strict physical distancing guidelines to limit exposure; so, you and/or support system will be asked to stay in your vehicle. Book an appointment online; check your email and/or text messages for confirmation of your appointment. Be sure to click the link in the message to complete registration. When you arrive, call or text 345-1199 to start check in and the screening process. If you have been exposed to a confirmed positive: unless your are symptomatic, you may be asked to wait 5 days from the last day of exposure. Learn more
If you booked an appointment online, you will receive an email invitation to set up your portal account. Please check spam/junk folders if you do not see the invite. You can also text 345-1199 to resend the invitation to the portal. Also, visit firstcareak.com, My Account/Register, click on Register/Login Here, and sign up for an account. Click here for further instructions.
We have rapid COVID-19 tests in limited quantities; the provider will determine if you receive a rapid test or a PCR test based on your eligibility, current supply levels, and machine capacity. There are no guarantees.
If we are performing a rapid or state test a nasopharyngeal swab will be performed. If we are sending the specimen to a commercial lab, we can perform a throat swab.
We use the Abbot ID Now machine that performs the rapid COVID-19 test.
Rapid results can take up to 24 hours due to volume and a PCR result averages 24-48 hours.
Results will be published to your portal once it is processed and available.
Yes, you must sign a release of information. You can also request a copy of your results.
No, we only provide proof of COVID-19 screening which indicates the date you were tested and the results.
The Rapid test itself is free at this time; but you will be charged for the provider to order the lab. PCR tests are not free; you will be charged for the test, provider order & specimen collection fee.
Coverage varies for each plan, so check with your plan to see if it is covered.
No, our provider will need to order the COVID-19 test.
No, due to the high volume of testing.
