Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the operating hours of the Health Department?
As a result of our 2009 public survey, our hours of operation from Monday through Thursday have been extended to 6:00 PM. We continue to operate from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Friday. The Health Department is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and every fourth Wednesday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Please remember to check the county holiday schedule for days when the department will be closed.
Do I have to schedule an appointment to be seen at the Health Department?
Yes. Appointments are available from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. To schedule an appointment, call us at (919) 989-5200.
Who is eligible to be seen at the Health Department?
Residents of Johnston County. The Epidemiology and Family Planning clinic can see people from different counties as well.
Is there a Dental Clinic at the Health Department?
No, there is not.
How much will I have to pay?
Some services are income based; others are free; still many others are a set charge. For more information about payment, you can call (919) 989-5200 to get more information on a particular service. For income based services, documentation of income must be provided for the previous five weeks, if possible.
What type of insurance does the Health Department accept?
Medicaid and Medicare are accepted insurances. We also accept Health Choice and Medicare Advantage plans such as Humana, Wellcare, and Advantra. Patients should ask their insurance company if the Health Department is a covered provider.
What is the staffing for the Health Department?
The Health Department employs: nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, physician assistants, secretaries, laboratory technicians, nutritionists, health educators, environmentalists, social workers, administrators and interpreters.
Can I receive immunizations for my child at the Health Department? What immunizations are offered by the Health Department?
Yes. Some childhood immunizations are available free of charge. The Johnston County Health Department is not set up to bill private insurance for childhood immunizations. Immunizations are scheduled by appointment. For questions regarding vaccine availability, please call the Health Department Pediatric Clinic at (919) 989-5200. The parent is required to bring their child's up-to-date immunization record with them, child's Medicaid card or Health Choice card, and proof of identity (either parent's driver's license or other photo ID).
What immunizations are available for adults?
The Health Department offers immunizations for travel. Adults may receive tetanus vaccine that is recommended every 10 years for adults. The flu vaccine is available from October through March. Many others are available. Please call (919) 989-5200 for more information.
What services are available for sick children and adults?
The Health Department is a preventive and medical operating facility. However, in order to accommodate patients, you must call for an appointment in Child Health or Primary Care and the program manager will establish the urgent care needs of the call if you are an established patient of the Health Department.
What is the WIC program and how does one qualify?
The Women's, Infant's and Children's program is a federally funded program providing nutritional food supplements for pregnant women and their children from birth to five years of age. Participants are eligible based on nutritional need and income. Income must be verified by salary receipts for everyone working in the home for the last 30 days. A Medicaid card is proof of income. Additional information for WIC services include: proof of residency and identity such as a driver's license, birth certificate, photo ID, work or home information with a valid address.
What are the operating hours for obtaining WIC vouchers on "WIC pick-up" days?
Smithfield office: 8:00 AM to 11:45 AM, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 8:00 AM to 11:45 AM on Wednesdays and Fridays. Benson and Clayton satellite clinics: 2nd Wednesdays from 8:00 AM to 11:45 AM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
What does a positive Tuberculosis Skin Test mean?
It means that there is a possibility that you have been exposed to Tuberculosis (TB) at some point in your life. It does not mean that you have TB or that you are contagious. If a person has a positive TB skin test, there are several other tests that must be performed to confirm the diagnosis. Many people with positive TB skin tests will have a negative chest x-ray and are not contagious at all. Preventative medication may be an option for those people.
Do you screen for Sexually Transmitted Infections?
Yes. The tests may vary based on your symptoms. We offer appointments daily. It is requested that you call at 8:00 AM on the day you would like to be seen for an appointment.
How can I find out what vaccines I need for travel?
Many people from the community, including other physicians, contact the Health Department for information about foreign travel. We are glad to assist you by reviewing your vaccination record and informing you which vaccines may be necessary for your trip. We can discuss this information with you by scheduling an appointment or calling to talk with a nurse.
