For over 50 years, the South Boston Community Health Center has been the primary healthcare home for a large portion of South Boston’s residents. Founded in 1972, it has grown from a neighborhood clinic into a full-service health system with 25 or more services across two locations, a staff of over 150 providers and support personnel, and more than 70,000 patient visits per year. That scale means SBCHC is serving close to half of South Boston’s entire population every year.
This guide covers everything a current or prospective patient needs to know — what services are offered, how to become a patient, how to access urgent care, what insurance is accepted, and how the 2025 expansion changes what is available going forward.
Quick Reference
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Main Location | 409 West Broadway, South Boston, MA 02127 |
| Phone | (617) 269-7500 |
| Hours (Main Clinic) | Mon–Thu 8:30am–7pm, Fri 8:30am–5:30pm, Sat 9am–1pm |
| Urgent Care Hours | Mon–Thu 10:30am–7pm, Fri 8:30am–5:30pm, Sat 9am–1pm |
| Seaport Urgent Care | 505 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210 |
| Seaport Hours | Mon–Thu 10:30am–7pm |
| Patient Portal | MyChart (mychart.ochin.org/mychartsbchc) |
| Website | sbchc.org |
What Is South Boston Community Health Center?
SBCHC is a private, nonprofit, federally qualified health center governed by a community-based board of directors. Its founding mission statement — “all who seek care are welcome here” — is not just a slogan. As a federally qualified health center, SBCHC is required to provide care regardless of a patient’s ability to pay, immigration status, or insurance situation. Patients who are uninsured or underinsured are seen on a sliding fee scale based on income.
The center is recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance as a Patient-Centered Medical Home, a designation that reflects a specific model of coordinated, team-based primary care where a patient’s providers communicate and collaborate across departments rather than operating in silos. SBCHC also holds NCQA’s Distinction in Behavioral Health Integration, meaning it has met high-level standards for embedding mental health care into primary care practice.
Hospital affiliations give SBCHC patients access to specialist referral networks at Boston’s most prominent institutions. The primary hospital affiliation is Boston Medical Center. SBCHC is also affiliated with Mass General Brigham — which includes Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital — and Tufts Medical Center.
Primary Care Services
Primary care is the core of what SBCHC does, and it is delivered across three distinct tracks depending on the patient’s age and needs.
Internal Medicine serves adult patients 18 and older, focusing on prevention, chronic disease management, and comprehensive adult health. Providers in this department manage conditions including hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, respiratory conditions, and conduct routine preventive screenings. Internal medicine is accepting new patients.
Family Medicine is open to patients of all ages under a single care team, which means a family can have every member — from a newborn to a grandparent — cared for by providers who know the family’s full health picture. Family medicine is accepting new patients of all ages.
Pediatrics serves patients 18 years and under. The department handles well-child visits at all developmental stages, immunizations following American Academy of Pediatrics and Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines, sick visits, and developmental assessments. Pediatrics is accepting new patients.
Specialty Care at SBCHC
What sets SBCHC apart from many community health centers is the depth of specialty services available on-site. Patients do not need to travel to a separate specialist practice for most common specialty needs.
Behavioral Health offers mental health counseling, psychiatric medication management, and social services integrated directly into the primary care setting. Patients are referred into the behavioral health program by their primary care provider. SBCHC’s NCQA behavioral health integration distinction reflects how seriously the center treats mental and behavioral health as equal to physical health in care planning.
OB/GYN covers the full spectrum of women’s reproductive healthcare — prenatal care, gynecological exams, contraceptive counseling, and coordination of labor and delivery through the center’s hospital affiliates. OB/GYN is available by referral from a primary care provider.
Dental care is available for both adults and children on-site, which is not the case at every community health center. Services include cleanings, fillings, extractions, and other routine dental procedures. The dental department can be reached directly at 617-464-5825.
Eye Care is another relatively rare offering in a community health center setting. SBCHC provides eye exams, vision correction assessments, and treatment for common eye conditions for patients of all ages. Eye care can be reached at 617-464-5800.
Cardiology — cardiac care for patients with or at risk for heart disease — is available on-site, with the ability to refer to SBCHC’s hospital affiliates for advanced cardiac procedures when needed.
Dermatology provides diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions including acne, eczema, psoriasis, suspicious lesions, and skin cancer screening.
Gastroenterology covers digestive health, including evaluation and management of conditions affecting the stomach, intestines, liver, and colon.
Pulmonology addresses lung conditions including asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, and other respiratory diseases.
Nephrology provides kidney care for patients with chronic kidney disease, kidney stones, and related conditions.
Sports Medicine serves patients with musculoskeletal injuries and conditions — sprains, fractures, overuse injuries, and rehabilitation support.
Substance Use Treatment is available for patients dealing with alcohol or drug dependence. This program is integrated with the center’s behavioral health services and reflects a whole-person approach to addiction.
Support Services
On-Site Pharmacy is one of SBCHC’s most convenient features. Prescriptions written by SBCHC providers can be filled in the same building, and the pharmacy offers free home delivery service for patients who cannot easily pick up medications in person. The pharmacy is reached at 617-638-8810.
Lab Services are available on-site for blood draws, urinalysis, and other standard diagnostic tests, eliminating the need for patients to travel to an external laboratory for routine testing.
Radiology services at the main location include standard imaging to support clinical diagnosis and care planning.
Mammography is offered on-site for breast cancer screening, which is a significant access point for women in the neighborhood who might otherwise delay this critical preventive service.
Interpreter Services are available for patients who are not English-proficient, reflecting SBCHC’s commitment to serving the full diversity of South Boston and surrounding neighborhoods.
Health Insurance Services staff can help uninsured or underinsured patients apply for MassHealth, Medicare, the Health Safety Net, and other coverage programs — making insurance access itself a service the health center provides.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) is offered at the health center on a regular schedule, providing nutrition support and resources for eligible families.
Food Pantry services connect patients with food resources, reflecting an understanding that food security is a health issue.
Youth Ambassadors Program engages young people in health education and community health advocacy, building health literacy among the next generation of South Boston residents.
Urgent Care: Two Locations, No Appointment Needed
SBCHC operates urgent care at two locations, making same-day walk-in care accessible both in South Boston and in the Seaport.
South Boston Urgent Care — 409 West Broadway
The main urgent care location is at the SBCHC headquarters. It accepts patients from 6 months to 70 years of age without an appointment, though patients can reserve a spot online through the SBCHC website to reduce wait time. On-site services include X-ray, lab, and pharmacy, meaning most urgent care needs can be addressed in a single visit. Hours are Monday through Thursday 10:30am to 7pm, Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm, and Saturday 9am to 1pm.
Seaport Urgent Care — 505 Congress Street
The Seaport location serves the growing residential and professional population in Boston’s Seaport district. It operates Monday through Thursday 10:30am to 7pm. Patients needing X-ray or lab services during a Seaport urgent care visit are transported via free shuttle to the nearby imaging and lab facilities. Validated parking is available at $5.
Both urgent care locations are appropriate for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries — fever, respiratory infections, ear infections, minor cuts and wounds, sprains, and similar conditions. For medical emergencies, patients should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
The 2025 Expansion: What Is Changing
In August 2025, SBCHC broke ground on a significant expansion of its main 409 West Broadway location. The expansion project represents one of the largest investments in the center’s 50-plus year history and is designed to increase capacity across clinical services, improve patient flow, and bring additional services under one roof. As 2026 opened, SBCHC leadership reported that 2025 had been marked by expanded services and strong community partnerships, with the expansion continuing as a major milestone for the organization.
The expansion reflects demand. The health center already delivers over 70,000 service visits per year to nearly half of South Boston’s population, and that demand has continued to grow as South Boston’s population has expanded. The new facility space will support both the center’s existing patient base and its ability to accept new patients going forward.
How to Become a New Patient
SBCHC welcomes new patients across all primary care departments. The process begins online through the SBCHC website’s new patient section or by calling the main number at (617) 269-7500.
New patients are asked to provide insurance information if they have it, identification, and basic demographic information. Patients without insurance or with limited coverage are encouraged to bring income documentation so staff can assist with enrollment in MassHealth or the Health Safety Net during the first visit if needed.
For pediatric patients, the parent or guardian will need to provide the child’s immunization records and prior medical history where available. For adults establishing care for the first time, bringing a list of current medications and known diagnoses helps the care team build an accurate initial health record.
Appointments can be scheduled online through the MyChart patient portal, which also allows patients to message providers directly, view lab results, request prescription refills, and manage their care between visits.
Insurance and Financial Assistance
SBCHC accepts a wide range of insurance plans including MassHealth (Massachusetts Medicaid), Medicare, and most major commercial insurers. The health center participates in the Massachusetts Health Safety Net, which covers low-income residents who do not qualify for MassHealth.
For patients who are uninsured and do not qualify for existing coverage programs, SBCHC offers a sliding fee scale based on income and family size. No patient is turned away for inability to pay. The health insurance services team on-site can assist patients with enrollment in coverage programs they may be eligible for.
To verify whether your specific insurance plan is accepted before your visit, call (617) 269-7500 or visit the accepted insurance carriers page at sbchc.org.
Department Phone Directory
For patients who want to reach a specific department directly rather than calling the main number, SBCHC provides a direct department directory:
| Department | Direct Number |
|---|---|
| Family Medicine / Internal Medicine / Pediatrics | (617) 269-7500 |
| Behavioral Health | (617) 464-5821 |
| Dental | (617) 464-5825 |
| Eye Care | (617) 464-5800 |
| On-Site Pharmacy | (617) 638-8810 |
| Urgent Care | (617) 269-7500 |
Patients can also message their provider directly and request prescription refills, referrals, and appointment changes through the MyChart portal at mychart.ochin.org/mychartsbchc.
Recognition and Quality
SBCHC’s quality record reflects its commitment to the community it serves. The center has won the Massachusetts Health Quality Partners Patient Experience Award, reflecting high patient satisfaction scores across its clinical departments. In 2026, SBCHC’s Dr. Carolyn Arnold was named to Boston Magazine’s prestigious Top Doctors list, recognizing exceptional clinical skill and peer respect in her field.
The NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home designation, held by SBCHC, is one of the most recognized quality frameworks in primary care nationally. It requires documented performance on patient access, care coordination, chronic disease management, preventive care, and patient engagement — not simply a self-assessment of capability.
Patient testimonials collected by the health center describe consistent themes: providers who listen, staff who are responsive through MyChart, short wait times in urgent care, and a sense of being genuinely known and cared for across years of care. One patient who has been coming since 1983 described it simply: “I get the best treatment and everyone is so caring.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SBCHC see patients without insurance?
Yes. SBCHC sees all patients regardless of insurance status. Uninsured patients are offered a sliding fee scale based on income. Staff can also help patients apply for MassHealth or the Health Safety Net if they may qualify.
Can I walk in to urgent care without an appointment?
Yes. Both the South Boston and Seaport urgent care locations accept walk-in patients without appointments. Reserving a spot online through the SBCHC website can reduce wait time but is not required.
What age range does SBCHC serve?
SBCHC serves patients of all ages, from infants through elderly adults, across its primary care, pediatrics, family medicine, and specialty departments. Urgent care is available for patients 6 months to 70 years old.
How do I refill a prescription?
Prescription refill requests can be submitted through the MyChart patient portal at mychart.ochin.org/mychartsbchc or by calling the pharmacy directly at (617) 638-8810. The on-site pharmacy also offers free home delivery.
What hospitals is SBCHC affiliated with?
SBCHC’s primary hospital affiliation is Boston Medical Center. The center is also affiliated with Mass General Brigham, which includes Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and with Tufts Medical Center. These affiliations enable seamless referrals for specialist care and hospitalizations.
Is SBCHC accepting new patients?
Yes. As of 2026, SBCHC is accepting new patients in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, and Eye Care. OB/GYN and Behavioral Health accept patients by referral from a primary care provider within the system.
