Frequently Asked Questions in the East Metro
1. Do health departments in the East Metro Health District provide free services?
No. We cannot provide free services. It is, of course, principal in our mission to help those who genuinely cannot help themselves. We offer a sliding fee scale for anyone who has limited resources and, in order to maximize the beneficial effects of our own finite means for assistance, we stringently apply a qualifying process before discounting any of our services.
2. Do East Metro Clinics accept Medicaid and Medicare for services provided?
Our preventive health clinics accept Medicaid and Medicare for many services. Our physician care clinic in Norcross will accept both for most preventive health services.
3. How do I file a complaint against a dirty restaurant, hotel or swimming pool?
You must contact Environmental Health in person or by phone in order to lodge a formal complaint. This will trigger a formal investigation of the facility. Actions by the Health Departments' Environmental Health Sections are legal proceedings and you may be asked to participate in court trials against offending parties.
4. What immunizations do children need for starting school and where can they get them?
Plan to get immunizations as early as possible to avoid the last-minute rush. Click on this link to learn which immunizations your child needs for school.
5. How can I get immunization ("shot") records?
People are surprised to learn that presently there is no centralized state-level computer that maintains immunization records. To get immunization records from your medical provider, you need to contact the physician, medical center or local health jurisdiction that provided the immunizations.
6. How do I get copies of my personal health record from the health department?
Call or visit your county health center in the East Metro. There may be a small clerical fee. You will have to prove your identity. Information about your privacy rights
7. Does the health department provide birth control services?
East Metro health departments' Family Planning Clinics provide low cost and confidential birth control services, including complete physicals. Pregnancy testing and counseling are also provided. For appointment information, call your local health clinic in Buford, Conyers, or Covington. A health educator is available for speaking to school and community groups. Call 770- 339-4260 to arrange a presentation.
8. How can a pregnant woman apply for acceptance into the WIC program?
You may be eligible for the WIC (Women, Infants and Children) program if you are pregnant and/or have children under the age of five and meet certain income guidelines. Through WIC you can receive payment vouchers for nutritious food each month, as well as breast feeding information and support, and nutrition and health information for your child. For more information click this link or call 770-339-4260.
9. Where can a person be tested for a sexually transmitted disease?
You can call the the East Metro health departments' clinics for information and an appointment to be screened, tested and treated confidentially and anonymously. Costs are low. Testing and counseling for HIV/AIDS are also available by calling AidGwinnett. AidGwinnett serves all counties in the East Metro.
More FAQs on the way.
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