Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: I am part Indian. Am I eligible for health services at Choctaw Health Center?
Q2: What services does Choctaw Health Center offer?
Q3: Do I have to make an appointment to be seen?
Q4: How many people does Choctaw Health Center serve?
Q5: What if I need emergency care?
Q6: What if I need the care of a specialist?
Q1: I am part Indian. Am I eligible for health services at Choctaw Health Center?
Generally, an individual may be regarded as within the scope of the Indian Health Service and medical service program and may be provided services by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians if he/she is not otherwise excluded by provisionn of law and:
- A. Is regarded by the community in which he/she lives as an American Indian or Alaska Native as evidenced by such factors as tribal membership, enrollment, residence on tax-exempt land, ownership of restricted property, active participation in tribal affairs, or other relevant factors in keeping with general Bureau of Indian Affairs practices in the jurisdiction;
- Is a member, enrolled or is otherwise recognized by a federally recognized tribe as a member of an Indian or Alaska Native Tribe or Group under Federal Supervision:
Choctaw Health Department requires proof of tribal membership from all inndividuals requesting services under the Indian descent eligibility criteria. To be an enrolled member of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians requires individuals to be at least one/half blood quantum. Other tribes' membership is based on each specific tribe's own qualifications.- B. Is a non-Indian woman pregnant with an eligible Indian's child for the duration of her pregnancy through post partum (usually 6 weeks)
For a more complete listing of potential eligibility criteria, please visit the Indian Health Services web site by clicking here.
Q2: What services does Choctaw Health Center offer?
Choctaw Health Center offers comprehensive health care services for the patient who does not need extensive hospitalization or consultation with specialists. Thus, Choctaw Health Center Outpatient department directly offers more services than you wold rece3ive during a visit to an established physician's office within a large urban clinic. Some of these services include diagnosis and treatment of common disease and injury, physical examinations, prenatal, post=partum and well baby care including immunizations, and chronic disease care. In addition we have a wome' Wellness Center, a Behavioral Health Department and a Diabetes Management Center. Choctaw Health Cebnters has a on site laboratory and x-ray department and a pharmacy wher prescriptions ordered by our physicians may be filled. WIC is locaged nest to the Health Center for the convenience of parents and young children receiving WIC services.
Choctaw Health Center takes special pride in providing needed services that are useful to a large portion of Tribal Members. For instance, we recently began doing our own mammograms because we found that patients would be more likely to have this test done on a routine basis if available. Eye examinations, foot care and even physical therapy are now offered on site.
If you have further questions, please call (601) 656-2211 and ask to be transferred to the appropriate department.
Q3: Do I have to make an appointment to be seen?
If you have never been to Choctaw Health Center and believe that you are eligible for services, you will need to come in and verify your eligibility for services with our Medical Records/Health Ifnormation Department. Once this process is completed, you may make an appointment or come as a "walk-in" depending uypon your needs and the availability of services. However, we encourage patients to make appointments because this allows health care providers to plan your visit and provide you with more comprehensive care.
Q4: How many people does Choctaw Health Center serve?
Over 100,000 visits are made to our outpatient department during any given year. These visits are made by approximately 8,000 Choctaw and other Native Americans residing in the ten county area designated as our service unit. Patients also receive many outpatient services at one of our three rural clinics at Bogue Chitto, Conehatta, Red Water, Standing Pine, and Tucker which are located within the boundaries of Choctaw communitites with the same name. Nurse Practitioners staff these clincs during the week. These clinics are open until 6:00 so that people who work may receive care at a convenient time.
Q5: What if I need emergency care?
Choctaw Health Center maintains twenty-four hour Emergency Department with a state of the art ambulance service if any patient needs ambulance service to either our facility or to a referral hospital for further treatment. Our Emergency Service has been rated a Level 4 trauma service by the State of Mississippi and is equipped to receive trauma patients needing immediate stabilization. Choctaw Health Center complies with all applicable federal rules and regulations and will provide emergency care for true emergencies regardless of eligibility status.
Q6: What if I need the care of a specialist?
Referred care benefits are determined by an individual's eligibility status. In order to be eligible for these benefits, in the majority of instances, an individual must visit our facility and be referred by one of our health care staff.