Low Country Health Care System, Inc.

The Low Country Health Care System, Inc. was established in 1977 as the Allendale County Rural Health Program, Inc., a Federally Qualified Health Center. This was in response to a significant community need for quality and cost effective primary care services for the area’s population. In 1998, it transitioned into the Low Country Health Care System, Inc. as it started growing and providing primary health care services to other communities. The initial site was in Fairfax, SC and other sites were added in 2001, 2005 and 2018. The organization has grown to a total of seven health delivery sites: Low Country Health Care System in Fairfax; four sites in neighboring Barnwell County: Barnwell Family Medicine, Family Medical Center of Blackville, Barnwell Pediatrics and Williston Family Medicine; and two sites in Bamberg County: Padgett Family Practice in Bamberg and Low Country Health Care System's Early Intervention Services site in Bamberg. All sites provide the full array of comprehensive primary care services.

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), in accordance with the Federally Supported Health Centers Assistance Act (FSHCAA), as amended, sections 224(g)-(n) of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act, 42 U.S.C. §§233(g)-(n), deems LOW COUNTRY HEALTH CARE SYSTEM, INC. to be an employee of the PHS, for the purposes of section 224, effective 01-01-2014 through 12-31-2014. Section 224(a) of the PHS Act provides liability protection under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), 28 U.S.C. §§1346(b), 2672.

Our practice serves all patients regardless of inability to pay. Discounts for essential services are offered on a sliding fee scale, based on family size and income.

We participate in most insurance plans, including Medicare and South Carolina Medicaid. If you are not insured by a plan in which we participate, payment in full is expected at each visit. If you are insured by a plan in which we participate, but don’t have an up-to-date insurance card, payment in full for each visit is required until we can verify your coverage. Knowing your insurance benefits is your responsibility. Please contact your insurance company with any questions you may have regarding your coverage. In addition, you may qualify for our Sliding Fee Program which could reduce your portion for your visit.