About our Clinic and Services
Denver Indian Health and Family Services (DIHFS) is Denver's only Urban Indian Health Program providing culturally appropriate healthcare for American Indian and Alaskan Native adults, children, and families. We serve primarily the Denver Metropolitan area including Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson and Weld Counties. We are uniquely positioned to meet the health needs our patients in a culturally competent way.
What is an Urban Indian Health Program?
Urban Indian Health Programs (UIHPs) are private, non-profit corporations that serve American Indian and Alaskan Native (AI/AN) people in select cities with a range of health and social services from outreach and referral to full ambulatory care. UIHPs are a network of 41 independent health agencies funded in part under Subchapter IV (formerly Title V) of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act and receive limited grants and contracts from the federal Indian Health Service (IHS). UIHPs are located in 22 states and serve individuals in approximately 100 U.S. counties where over 1.2 million AI/ANs reside.
UIHPs provide traditional health care services, cultural activities, and a culturally appropriate place for urban AI/ANs to receive health care. Comprehensive clinics provide direct primary care for at least 40 hours per week; Limited clinics provide direct primary care services for under 40 hours per week; and Outreach and Referral sites do not provide direct care services on site but refer patients to external health care providers.
UIHPs provide traditional health care services, cultural activities, and a culturally appropriate place for urban AI/ANs to receive health care. Comprehensive clinics provide direct primary care for at least 40 hours per week; Limited clinics provide direct primary care services for under 40 hours per week; and Outreach and Referral sites do not provide direct care services on site but refer patients to external health care providers.
What services do you provide?
While we can provide comprehensive primary care, we are not a full-service hospital. You can take a look under the Services tab to view our various programs. If we are unable to meet your needs at our clinic, we are happy to refer you to a community partner that accepts your insurance. You can take a look at the Community tab to see some of our preferred partners.
Will I need to pay for services at DIHFS? If so, how much?
Most of our medical services are available to tribally-enrolled American Indian and Alaskan Native clients at minimal to no cost. Be sure to bring your tribal enrollment card or Certificate Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) at your first visit. If you have insurance (private or public), we can bill your insurance to help support the care we provide in the clinic. Providing proof of medical insurance can help us better coordinate referrals should you need additional services at other facilities. Please contact our dental clinic directly to determine any out-of-pocket costs or co-pays. Learn more about our eligibility criteria on our New Patient page.
What if I am non-native or non-tribally enrolled?
We welcome non-native and non-tribally enrolled patients on a sliding-scale fee structure. Children under 18 may use parental documentation with a child's birth certificate. Please contact us directly to determine your out-of-pocket costs or co-pays.
What will I need to bring for my first visit?
Getting to know you and your health takes time. We've put together a list things to bring for your first visit at our clinic on our New Patient page. You are also welcome to print the new patient paperwork ahead of time and bring it with you on your first visit.
Is DIHFS Accredited?
We are striving to become an accredited clinic through Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). We work hard to serve our community with high-quality healthcare and patient safety in mind. AAAHC will hold us to the highest standard that will support continuous quality improvement within our clinic. This is important because this type of community health center is a critical source of quality affordable care for people of minority groups. We participate in the Indian Health Service's "Improving Patient Care" program for quality improvement. Our diabetes education program was accredited in 2016 by the American Association for Diabetes Educators. Stay tuned, to see how we grow!
How is DIHFS funded?
While we receive some funding through Subchapter IV (formerly Title V) of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, most of our funding is through state and local grants, and our amazing philanthropic donors! As a 501c3 non-profit charitable organization, we gratefully accept donations (CFC # 47222). You can visit our Give page to learn more about charitable donations to DIHFS.