Eric B. Chandler Health Center Patient Information
Explore services, eligibility, and payment information before your visit.
Free COVID Vaccinations
We offer free COVID vaccinations to the public, ages 6 months and up, Monday through Friday, 9–11 a.m. and 2–5 p.m. No appointment required.
For more information, please call 732-235-6733.
Adult and Family Medicine
Adults of all ages receive annual physical examinations, ongoing treatment for chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and diseases resulting from HIV infections. In addition, we offer annual flu shots and vaccinations to prevent pneumonia, as well as referrals for x-rays and specialty consultations.
Screening Saves Lives
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What is colorectal cancer?
- Colorectal cancer is cancer that starts in the colon or rectum.
Why is it important to screen for colorectal cancer?
- Colorectal cancer affects people in all racial and ethnic groups and is most often found in people age 50 and older.
- Colorectal cancer is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer in both men and women in the United States.
- Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.
- Every year, more than 140,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, a highly preventable disease and more than 50,200 will die from it.
The good news:
- Early detection can help save lives. Learn how:
- Screening saves lives because it can help catch cancer early, when it’s easier to treat.
- If everyone age 50 and older got regular screenings, 6 out of 10 deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented.
The bad news:
- Nearly one-third of adults aged 50 to 75 aren't getting screened as recommended.
What can you do as a patient?
- Maintain a healthy weight and waist size.
- Get physical activity – exercise may help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
- Eat healthy – eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, which are good sources of fiber. Eat less red meat and cut out processed meat
- Limit alcohol to no more than one drink per day if you’re a woman or two drinks per day if you’re a man.
- Don’t smoke. If you do smoke, aim to quit. Smoking can put you at risk for many diseases, including colorectal cancer.
- Stay away from secondhand smoke.
- Get screened regularly according to guidelines starting at age 50 since there are often no signs or symptoms of colorectal cancer – that’s why it’s so important to get screened.
- Talk to your doctor if you are 50 and over to find out which colorectal cancer test you prefer. Use this tool to learn more.
Sources: https://preventcancer.org/ and https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/statistics/index.htm
Women's Health Care – Obstetrics/Gynecology
Women and sexually active teens should receive regular check-ups, annual physical examinations, and cervical cancer screenings to stay healthy and prevent disease. We also provide comprehensive prenatal and postpartum care for pregnant and parenting women, ensuring the birth of healthier babies.
Concerned you are pregnant?
Pregnancy tests are performed on the following days, and on a walk-in basis:
- Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday afternoons: 2–3 p.m.
- Thursday mornings: 9–10:30 a.m.
We accept insurance coverage for this service. There is a $10 charge for those not covered by insurance.
Child Health Care – Pediatrics
We provide timely immunizations, well-baby examinations, patients' physical development and treatment of common childhood illnesses.
For urgent care services, walk-ins are available beginning at 8 a.m. daily.
Dental Care
Our primary and preventive dental services assess and treat tooth decay, oral cancers, and gum disease.
For more information, please call 732-235-6700.
Foot Care – Podiatry
We provide complete podiatry care including diagnosing and treating diseases of the foot and nail. Our podiatrists play an important role in maintaining the mobility of many elderly and disabled people. Problems associated with diabetes and infection of the feet are also addressed by our foot-care specialist.
Podiatry services are not covered under United Health Plan.
Infectious Disease
Testing and Counseling
Our infectious disease department offers free, confidential rapid HIV testing and counseling – no appointment necessary – on the following days:
- Monday–Wednesday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Thursday: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Friday: 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
- Saturday: By appointment only
For more information and to speak with someone, please call one of the following:
- 732-235-6445
- 732-235-6767
HIV Primary Care Services Program
The Eric B. Chandler Health Center's HIV Primary Care Services Program was first funded under the Ryan White CARE Act in 1991 to provide Early Intervention Services, including HIV counseling/testing and specialty medical care. The program has steadily developed since then and now delivers a full range of HIV primary medical and dental care for HIV positive clients. Two physicians certified in both infectious diseases and internal medicine provide outpatient care and personally follow registered patients in the event hospitalization is required.
HIV prevention education and screening, community/clinic-based outreach and medical case management, adherence counseling, psychosocial support, and nutrition services are available.
To contact the HIV program, please call:
- 732-235-6445
Other on-site services include social services, financial eligibility assistance, support groups, and community activities.
Special Services
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The Eric B. Chandler Health Center uses the Integrated Primary Care and Behavioral Health Model of Care. This model of care embeds the Social Work Services department in the primary care team to help minimize stigma and address mental health, substance use, and health related social needs.
The health center completes screenings for depression, anxiety, substance use, and social determinants of health. The behavioral health clinicians conduct Screenings, Brief, Interventions, Referral and Linkage to Treatment (S.B.I.R.T.).
The community health workers provide assistance with prescription assistance programs, specialty appointments, transportation, and linkage to tangible community resources to address issues such as food insecurity, employment, affordable and stable housing, personal safety, and affordable utilities.
For the Social Work Services department, call 732-235-7296.
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For Nutrition/Dietary Management, call 732-235-6700.
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Language Interpreting
The Community Interpreter Project (CIP) represents the unique point in which three distinct communities come together: Rutgers students; Spanish speaking residents of New Brunswick; and doctors, nurses and medical students studying and working here in the Health Center.
Through internships, federal work study jobs and volunteer opportunities, students have the exciting opportunity to explore the emerging field of medical interpreting while developing solid job-related skills, such as professionalism, and enhancing their Spanish language skills and knowledge of medicine. Moreover, healthcare providers who partner with CIP interns can learn about issues such as cross-cultural communication, the Hispanic culture, and how to work with a trained interpreter.
Learn About the Project
A multi-language video remote interpreting service is available if an on-site interpreter is not available.Hearing Impairment Services
For patients with hearing impairment sign language interpreter services are available.
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Health care providers often prescribe diagnostic tests for patients to obtain information required to make more informed medical diagnoses or to determine abnormal blood levels. A doctor will interpret your laboratory test results and provide you with medical advice, diagnosis and recommended treatment.
Laboratory services are performed on the following days:
- Monday–Friday: 8:15 a.m.–4 p.m.
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Healthcare services you may need that are not offered at Eric B. Chandler Health Center will be evaluated and discussed within you and your insurance carrier. If approved, a doctor will authorize referrals.
About Eric B. Chandler Health Center
Opened in October 1987, the center is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Eric B. Chandler, one of New Brunswick's most distinguished citizens and his notable contributions to the community.
Important
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
Appointments
Patients are encouraged to make appointments for medical and dental services. Having an appointment enables us to have your medical record available at the time of your visit and allows the clinician to review information prior to your visit.
Our Locations
- Primary Location
732-235-6700 - Church Street Annex
732-235-2052
This location has open access scheduling. An appointment can be scheduled with your doctor within one week of your call depending on clinic availability. - New Brunswick High School
732-235-7435
This convenient location is on-site at the New Brunswick High School.
Cancellations
It is important to call and cancel an appointment at least 24 hours in advance. If you are unable to keep your appointment, please call 732-235-6700.
Registration Information
The Eric B. Chandler Health Center participates in many federal and state-funded programs, including those that provide services to the uninsured and to others on a sliding fee scale based on an individual’s or family’s ability to pay. Many of these publicly-funded programs require that patients register for services and provide information to verify their identification, income and dependents.
The registration information also provides the basis for contacting patients and families in case of a medical emergency, abnormal clinical laboratory tests, notification of new services, and changes in operation hours.
Review the information below and bring the proper documentation to your first visit to ensure that you are properly registered for care. You will need one form of documentation from each section.
For registration information, call 732-235-6700.
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- Driver’s License
- Social Security Card
- Immigration Registry Card
- Birth Certificate
- Employee Identification Card
- Selective Service Card
- Union Membership Card
- Voter Registration Card
- School Picture Identification Card
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Patients without income are required to bring a signed Eric B. Chandler Health Center Support Letter from the person providing support.
- Paycheck or Pay Stub
- Unemployment Check Stub
- Disability Check Stub
- Social Security Award Letter/Copy of Check
- Child Support Check Stub
- Alimony Payment
- Most Recent Income Tax Return
- Statement of Foster Child Care Benefits
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- Rent Book/Lease
- Utility Bill
- Mortgage Invoice/Coupon
Payments and Insurance Coverage
Our mission is to provide area residents with access to primary and preventive health and dental services. Staff will assist patients in identifying covered benefits of insurance carriers. However, the ultimate payment of fees is the responsibility of the patient or the parent. Insurance coverage is a contract between the patient and the insurance carrier. We encourage patients to discuss any questions with the center's financial registrars and counselors.
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The Eric B. Chandler Health Center accepts Medicaid as a means of insurance coverage. At the time of registration, and periodically thereafter, the patient's Medicaid eligibility is verified by the center's registrars and financial counselors.
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The Eric B. Chandler Health Center has been a provider in the Federal Medicare Program for over 20 years. Individuals covered by Medicare are responsible for paying 20% co-payments at the time of service. Medicare does not cover dental services. However, the center sees patients regardless of their ability to pay, or on a sliding fee discount.
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Patients who are uninsured may receive primary and preventive health and dental services on a sliding fee scale based on verified income and dependents. Patients may also be eligible for participation in supplemental insurance coverage under the N.J. 1991 Health Care Cost Reduction Act.
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Patients with private insurance that covers health and/or dental services are welcome. Financial registrars and counselors will assist patients in determining if the center is a participating provider in their insurance plan.
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The Eric B. Chandler Health Center participates in a number of Managed Health Care Programs. Other health and dental provider agreements are presently being negotiated. Patients should bring their managed care health/dental plan identification card with them at the time of their scheduled appointment. The center instructs patients to review their plan documents carefully to become familiar with covered services.
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Learn about your health insurance coverage options through Get Covered New Jersey, the state's official health insurance marketplace. New state and federal savings mean more people are eligible for financial help.
Billing
For billing information, call 732-235-6700, then select the prompt for the billing department.
Emergency Shelter
- Ozanam Family Shelter – Women and Children
732-985-0327 - Ozanam Men's Shelter
732-729-0850 - Fish Hospitality – Multiple Services
732-356-0081
Employment and Job Placement
- Employment Service/Job Service Office
- 506 Jersey Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ
732-937-6200 - 339 Maple Street, Perth Amboy, NJ
732-293-5016
- 506 Jersey Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ
- Unemployment Insurance – File a Claim
732-761-2020
Women's Services
- Women Aware
732-937-9525
Middlesex County Board of Social Services
- General Assistance, TANF, Medicaid, Food Stamps
181 How Lane, New Brunswick, NJ
732-745-3500
Multi-Services
- Puerto Rican Action Board
732-828-4510 - Catholic Charities
732-257-6100 - Info Line of Middlesex County
1-888-908-INFO (4636) - Elijah's Promise Soup Kitchen
732-545-9002
Tenant and Landlord Relations
- Housing Coalition of Central Jersey
732-249-9700 - Homeless Prevention
732-246-3498