The Samuel J. Friedman Health Center for the Performing Arts
Download the print version of the FAQs.
How do I make an appointment for The Friedman Health Center?
Where is it located?
What are the hours?
What services do you offer?
Do you take walk-ins?
Why open a health center? Don’t you have a free health clinic?
What are the advantages of coming to The Friedman Health Center?
Who is eligible?
Are the services at The Friedman Health Center included in the dues paid through my union membership?
Will my family be able to come to The Health Center if they are not in the entertainment and performing arts industry?
Will you see children?
Will it be free?
What insurance will you take?
What if I have no insurance?
How do I make an appointment for The Friedman Health Center?
Call 212.489.1939 or visit entertainmentcommunity.org/HealthCenter to make an an appointment online.
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Where is it located?
The Friedman Health Center is conveniently located in the heart of Times Square, within a short walk from nearly all subway lines, and in the same building as the Entertainment Community Fund’s main office.
The Samuel J. Friedman Health Center for the Performing Arts
729 Seventh Avenue, 12th floor
(Between 48th and 49th Streets)
New York, NY 10019
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What are the hours?
Monday: 8 am–8 pm ET
Tuesday: 8 am–8 pm ET
Wednesday: 8 am–8 pm ET
Thursday: 8 am–8 pm ET
Friday: 8 am–5 pm ET
Saturday: 9 am–4 pm ET
What services do you offer?
Primary care is at the heart of The Health Center’s services, including:
- Ongoing management of chronic health conditions
- Wellness check-ups/physical exams
- Urgent sick visits
- And more!
Specialty care
Sometimes, after an evaluation by a primary care doctor at The Friedman Health Center, a medically appropriate referral is made to a specialist. The Health Center is run in partnership with Mount Sinai Health System, so you can be assured of access to one of the best health systems in the country for any referrals.
Preventive care
The Health Center also offers:
- Flu, pneumonia, and other preventive vaccinations
- Discussion and ordering of cancer screening tests
- Screening tests for chronic medical problems such as tuberculosis, blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol
- PrEP for HIV prevention
- Smoking cessation
Health Insurance Counseling
The Entertainment Community Fund’s Artists Health Insurance Resource Center is located on the same floor as The Health Center and plays an essential role in helping the uninsured in our community to enroll in health plans available through state Health Insurance Exchanges and, when eligible, Medicare or Medicaid. Our experienced counselors can provide you with free and unbiased guidance to help you find affordable, quality health insurance.
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Do you take walk-ins?
Not exactly. You must call in advance to schedule a time, but we do take same-day appointments if time slots are available.
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Why open a health center? Don’t you have a free health clinic?
The Entertainment Community Fund’s Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic closed in 2016. Since 2004, the Entertainment Community Fund maintained The Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic as an alternative for accessible health care for the un- or under-insured in our performing arts community. In more recent years, The Hirschfeld Clinic saw a significant reduction in patients due to more people obtaining health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). At the same time, the ACA has been a great benefit to our community, but some new challenges have developed. High deductibles, narrow networks and the fact that an increasing number of primary care doctors are not accepting insurance, all led to the Entertainment Community Fund’s decision to transition The Al Hirschfeld Free Clinic into The Samuel J. Friedman Health Center for the Performing Arts.
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What are the advantages of coming to The Friedman Health Center?
There are many advantages to making The Friedman Health Center your primary medical care provider. To list a few:
- Conveniently and centrally located in Times Square
- Accessible offering extended hours
- Quality care from the Mount Sinai Health System
- Most insurance plans accepted
- Free insurance counseling on site
- Greater continuity of care for those who cycle on and off their union plans and other types of insurance, allowing you to stay with the same doctor
rather than finding new doctors every time your insurance changes - Specialty services targeted to our entertainment community’s needs
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Who is eligible?
The Friedman Health Center is intended for everyone who works in performing arts and entertainment—including those working in theatre, film, television, radio, music, dance, opera or circus. While anyone can use it, its services are targeted to our community. Whether you work on stage or on camera, behind the scenes or below the line, The Health Center is here especially for your primary and specialty care needs.
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Are the services at The Friedman Health Center included in the dues paid through my union membership?
No. The services provided at The Friedman are separate from any benefits you receive as a union member.
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Will my family be able to come to The Health Center if they are not in the entertainment and performing arts industry?
Yes. We will see adults 18 and older and their family members. The Health Center is intended for those in the performing arts and entertainment, but anyone can use it.
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Will you see children?
While The Health Center is mainly for people 18 years of age and older, our physician will see young performers under age 18 who work in entertainment and performing arts. Please call 212.489.1939 for an appointment.
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Will it be free?
No. The Friedman Health Center will take insurance and we will also work with the uninsured to offer subsidized care. See below for details.
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What insurance will you take?
The Friedman Health Center accepts:
- Many Marketplace plans
- Commercial and entertainment union insurance
- Medicare
- Workers’ Compensation
We do not accept Medicaid or Medicaid Managed Care plans, but our health insurance counselors can help direct you to doctors and/or clinics that will accept these plans. For assistance, call the Artists Health Insurance Resource Center at 917.281.5975 to speak with a counselor.
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What if I have no insurance?
We see the uninsured. If you are not in the performing arts or entertainment industry, you will be charged the full cost of the visit. If you have documented proof of earnings in the industry and meet certain income guidelines, you may be eligible for a subsidy through the Entertainment Community Fund. See our FAQ for the Uninsured.
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