What to Expect as a New Patient at the Clearwater Free Clinic

Taking the first step to seek medical care can feel overwhelming—especially if you’ve gone without consistent care for a long time. At the Clearwater Free Clinic (CFC), our goal is to make the process clear, respectful, and supportive from the very beginning. If you are registering as a new patient, here’s what you can expect.

Step 1: Complete the New Patient Registration Form

The first step is to complete our New Patient Registration Form. This form helps us determine whether you meet the requirements for free medical care, which are set by the State of Florida.

You can access the form here: New Patient Registration Form

Once your form is submitted, our team will review it and contact you (likely on the next business day). We’ll schedule the next step if you are eligible to move forward, or if we’re able we can connect you with other services in Pinellas. Also, findhelp.org is a great resource for finding great organizations in your area. Check out our post about using FindHelp here.

Step 2: In-Person New Patient Paperwork Appointment

If your registration form is approved, you will be scheduled for an in-person new patient paperwork appointment. This appointment typically takes 30–45 minutes to complete.

At this visit, you will be asked to bring the following documentation:

One of the following for Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residence:

• U.S. Birth Certificate

• U.S. Passport

• Voter’s ID

• U.S. Naturalization Certificate

• Permanent Resident Alien Card (I-551)

One Proof of Current Address (here are some examples):

• Rent receipt

• Bank statement

• Cable or utility bill

• Any mail addressed to you

Additional Required Documents:

• Florida Driver’s License or Florida State ID Card

• Social Security Card

During this appointment, you will also:

• Provide financial information

• Share geographic and demographic information

• Complete a detailed medical history

• Provide information about prior providers so we can request your medical records

Before you leave, you will be scheduled for your first appointment with a medical provider. You should expect this to be at least two weeks out as it takes that long for us to recieve and review medical records.

Step 3: Your First Appointment With a Provider

Your first visit with a provider is an important and comprehensive appointment. You should plan for 45–90 minutes.

To make this visit as successful as possible, it is important that we have already received and reviewed your prior medical records. This allows your provider to fully understand your medical history, current conditions, and care needs.

During this visit, your provider will:

• Review your health history

• Address current concerns

• Discuss next steps in your care

It is common for patients to receive referrals for lab work, imaging, specialty care, or follow-up visits after this appointment. Many of these referrals will be outside the CFC walls. While we try to schedule visits with volunteer specialists and multiple programs at the same time, we do refer many services to local partners. Labs and imaging for example, cannot be completed at CFC.

Why Go Through This Process?

For many of our patients, the registration process at the Clearwater Free Clinic is more involved than a typical doctor’s office visit. We understand that it requires time, paperwork, and patience. So why do patients choose to go through it?

Because what’s on the other side is consistent, comprehensive care—often for the first time in years.

Many people come to CFC after relying on emergency rooms, urgent care, or going without care altogether. Once enrolled, patients gain access to a medical home where providers can take the time to understand their full health picture, coordinate care, and address issues that have gone untreated for far too long.

This process allows us to:

• Provide ongoing primary care instead of one-time visits

• Coordinate labs, imaging, specialty referrals, and follow-up care

• Build long-term provider-patient relationships

• Focus on prevention, chronic disease management, and overall wellness

Most importantly, it allows patients to be seen as people, not just a problem to be treated.

What Happens Next

The Clearwater Free Clinic is designed to provide ongoing, coordinated care—not just a single visit. Our team works closely with volunteer providers and community partners to support your health over time and help you navigate next steps in your care.

We’re Here to Help

We understand that registering for care can feel intimidating. Our team is here to answer questions, provide guidance, and support you throughout the process. Every patient is treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.

If you are ready to begin, completing the registration form is the first step. We look forward to walking alongside you in your care journey.