patient resources

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to the most common questions about becoming a Hopscotch patient, how care works, and what to expect at your clinic.

All QuestionsBecoming a PatientInsurance & CostYour Care TeamAppointmentsServicesLocations

Becoming a Patient

Hopscotch serves Medicare patients (Original Medicare and most Medicare Advantage plans) in North Carolina. You must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and reside within our service area. We also serve some patients who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.

No referral is needed. You can contact us directly to start the enrollment process. We'll verify your Medicare eligibility and match you with a provider at the nearest clinic. Visit our Become a Patient page to get started.

Hopscotch serves as your primary care practice. If you are enrolled with us, we become your primary care physician (PCP) of record for Medicare purposes. You can still see specialists, but we would become your main point of contact for primary care and care coordination. If you're currently seeing another PCP, you would need to designate Hopscotch as your PCP when enrolling.

Most patients are enrolled and scheduled for their first appointment within a few weeks of their initial inquiry. Our team handles eligibility verification and insurance confirmation so the process is as easy as possible for you.

Insurance & Cost

We accept Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and most Medicare Advantage plans. We verify your specific plan during the enrollment process. If you're unsure whether your plan is accepted, call your nearest Hopscotch clinic or contact us through our website.

For most Original Medicare patients, there is no copay for primary care visits at Hopscotch. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your copay is determined by your specific plan. We'll review your benefits during enrollment so there are no surprises.

Hopscotch offers a Sliding Fee Discount Program for patients who qualify based on income and family size. Discounts of up to 100% are available. We also have a no denial of service policy and no one is turned away due to inability to pay. Speak with our front desk to apply.

We serve patients who are dually enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid (often called "dual-eligible" patients). If you have Medicaid only (without Medicare), please contact us to discuss your options.

Your Care Team

Every Hopscotch patient has a dedicated care team that includes a primary care provider, clinical support staff, including medicala assistants and specialized nurses.

Yes. When you enroll, we'll match you with an available provider at your nearest clinic. If you have a preference or want to see a specific provider, let us know and we'll do our best to accommodate you. You can also check our Providers page to see which providers are currently accepting new patients.

Note: All of our providers work closely together as one care team, so no matter who you see, you'll always get consistent, coordinated care.

If you have acute or chronic needs, we can connect you with additional support, like care management and transitions-of-care services, to help you through it. We also provide access to a mental health specialist at select clinics.

Appointments

Call your Hopscotch clinic directly, or log into the Patient Portal to request an appointment online. Visit our Become a Patient page to get started.

We offer same-day and next-day appointments for urgent care needs (within regular business hours). Call us first, anytime! We are available 24/7/365. For true medical emergencies, always call 911. Our round-the-clock nurse line can also help you determine the right level of care if you're unsure.

Yes. We offer telehealth video and phone appointments for appropriate follow-up visits and check-ins. Some visit types still require an in-person exam and your care team will let you know when telehealth is a good option. Call your clinic to schedule a telehealth visit.

Please bring the following to your first visit:

• Your Medicare card and any supplemental insurance cards
• Pill bottles, including any over the counter medications
• A photo ID
• A list of questions or concerns you'd like to discuss

Your first appointment will be a longer visit, because we want time to get to know your full health history.

Yes. Caregivers are always welcome at appointments.

Services

Yes. We have behavioral health specialists available at select clinics. They work directly with your primary care provider to screen for depression, anxiety, and cognitive changes, and to provide counseling and support. This integration means you don't need a separate referral to access behavioral health care.

Our providers are experienced in managing a wide range of chronic conditions common in older adults, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, COPD, arthritis, and many others. See our full Conditions We Treat page for a complete list.

Yes. We typically prescribe and manage medications based on your provider's assessment of your health conditions.

Locations

We have clinic locations across rural Western North Carolina. See our Locations page for addresses, hours, and directions.

Yes, we continue to expand into underserved communities across North Carolina. Follow our Blog & Newsroom or sign up for updates to be notified when we open a clinic near you.

Hours vary by location. Most clinics are open Monday through Friday during regular business hours. See your specific clinic's page for exact hours, or call the clinic directly. We are available 24/7/365 for all your health needs and questions.

Didn't find your answer?

Call your nearest Hopscotch clinic or reach out to our patient services team — we're happy to help.

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