Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to some of our most frequently asked questions. If your question is not answered below please use the Contact Us page to submit your question.

How do I become a patient?

There are several ways to become a patient:

1. 1. Call (540) 464-8700 and follow the prompts to speak with a Patient Access Representative.
   2. Download, print and fill out patient registration forms available at the following pages:
      Medical
      Dental
      Behavioral Health
   3. Pick up and return registration forms in-person at any of our locations:
      Rockbridge Area Health Center – 25 Northridge Lane, Lexington, VA 24450
      RAHC – Kendal Drive – 170 Kendal Drive, Suite A, Lexington, Virginia 24450
      RAHC – Buena Vista – 2127 Magnolia Avenue, Buena Vista, Virginia 24416
      Mountain View Family Dentistry – 2131 Magnolia Avenue, Buena Vista, VA 24416

How do I choose a provider?

If you do not have a specific preference, we will schedule you with an available provider that best meets your health care needs.

Click here to view medical providers.

Click here to view dental providers.

Click here to view behavioral health providers.

What do I need to do before my visit?

Visit our page “Maximize Your Visit” to prepare for your appointment.

What are your office hours?

* Rockbridge Area Health Center – Northridge, RAHC – Buena Vista, RAHC – Kendal Drive, and Mountain View Family Dentistry will open at 1:30 PM on June 20, September 26, and December 12, 2024 for staff training.

Do you accept walk-ins?

RAHC does not accept walk-in appointments. Same-day appointments may be available. Call or text (540) 464-8700 to check for available same-day appointments. Call early for a better chance of scheduling a same-day appointment.

Is RAHC served by public transportation?

The Rockbridge Area Health Center is a stop on the Maury Express. RAHC – Buena Vista and Mountain View Family Dentistry are located next door to the Senior Center stop in Buena Vista. The bus runs Monday through Saturday and the bus fare is 50¢ (exact change required).

If you need additional assistance, a member of our Support Services team can assist you with connecting to area resources that may help.

Are your facilities wheelchair accessible?

In compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Rockbridge Area Health Center, RAHC – Kendal Drive, RAHC – Buena Vista, and Mountain View Family Dentistry are wheelchair accessible.

Do you offer interpretation or translation services?

Yes. RAHC uses a translation service for patients who may have a language barrier or who are hearing impaired. We will connect patients with a medically trained interpreter via a computer or tablet during their office visit to ensure a better patient experience. Notify our Patient Access Team if interpretation services are needed during your visit. Save time by letting our team know interpretation services are needed when scheduling an appointment.

How do I get prescriptions refilled?

Please request non-urgent, non-controlled medication refills by calling your pharmacy.  If you need provider approval for a renewed prescription, you can send a message online via your Patient Portal or you can call the health center where your prescription was written. We process prescription refill requests Monday through Friday.

What if I have an emergency medical problem?

In case of an emergency, dial 911.

What if I need care after hours?

Call (540) 319-5181 to reach our free after hours clinical advice line.

Call our after hours advice line if:

• You need medical advice after we are closed
• You are not sure if an urgent care/emergency room visit is necessary
• You have questions about prescribed medication
• You have general health questions

* The registered nurses cannot provide diagnoses or treatment but can provide advice for something as simple as what over-the-counter remedy is appropriate for a cold symptom, to something as complex as explaining a new medication.

Does RAHC provide school and sports physicals and routine employment and wellness physicals?

Yes. Call or text (540) 464-8700 to schedule a physical or wellness appointment.

Can I see my medical information online?

Patients can login to their account at the RAHC Patient Portal to view medical information. The Patient Portal allows patients to view messages from the health center, obtain test results, view medical records, schedule or reschedule appointments, request prescription refills and access the Healthwise Knowledge Base.

How do I get a referral for a specialist?

We make referrals to specialists at the recommendation of your provider. If you are a sliding fee patient, we will make every effort to refer you to a doctor who offers services on a sliding scale.

Will Rockbridge Area Health Center accept my insurance?

Rockbridge Area Health Center accepts most major insurance, dental plans, Medicare, and Medicaid, and HMO’s. Rockbridge Area Health Center offers a Sliding Fee Discount Program that may significantly reduce your healthcare costs at RAHC. This program is available to all patients — insured or uninsured.

If you have a specific question about your insurance plan or the Sliding Fee Discount Plan, please call (540) 464-8700 and select option 3.

What payments am I responsible for?

Patients are responsible for co-payments, unmet deductibles, and non-covered services at the time of their visit.  Payment in full is also expected at the time of your visit

I don’t have insurance. What should I do?

You may be eligible for financial assistance if you don’t have insurance.  Speak with a Patient Access Representative about Patient Financial Assistance. Rockbridge Area Health Center offers a Sliding Fee Discount Program that may significantly reduce your healthcare costs at RAHC. This program is available to all patients — insured or uninsured. Please call (540) 464-8700, option 3, if you have a question about the Sliding Fee Discount Plan.