Find Doctors Inside the Old Memphis Sears Tower How Church Health Works
The former Sears building in Memphis has a new purpose: it is home to Church Health, a nonprofit clinic that connects patients with physicians, providers, and community services. For people who are uninsured or underinsured, the site offers a way to access care, schedule appointments, and get referrals without navigating a large hospital system alone. This article explains how Church Health works inside the old Sears tower and what patients should know before visiting.
Memphis has no shortage of healthcare options, but access can still feel complicated for people without insurance or a regular doctor. Church Health, located in the former Sears building that is now Crosstown Concourse, is one of the community organizations working to make care easier to reach. Its model combines a clinic, physicians, providers, and support services in one place, so patients can ask questions, schedule appointments, and get help with next steps without feeling lost in a large hospital system.
What Is Church Health in Memphis?
Church Health is a nonprofit health organization in Memphis. It focuses on working people who are uninsured or underinsured, along with their families. The clinic offers primary care, dental care, vision services, behavioral health, and wellness programs. Rather than acting like a traditional hospital, it works as a community-focused medical home where patients can build ongoing relationships with physicians and providers. The goal is to remove common barriers to care and help patients understand what to do after a visit. Staff may also connect patients with education, preventive screenings, and other resources that support long-term health.
Why the Old Sears Tower Matters
The old Sears building is a landmark in Memphis. The former Sears Crosstown structure now operates as Crosstown Concourse, a mixed-use development that includes housing, education, arts, and health services. Church Health is part of that ecosystem. Placing a clinic inside a familiar, accessible building can make healthcare feel less intimidating. Patients may already visit the site for other reasons, which can improve access and help community members connect with care more naturally. The building also reflects a broader idea: health services can be woven into the places where people live, learn, work, and gather.
How Patients Access Care and Appointments
People usually begin by contacting Church Health directly or visiting the clinic to ask about eligibility. Staff guide patients through the intake process, which may include questions about health needs, household information, and insurance status. Appointments are scheduled based on the type of care needed. Patients should ask what documents to bring and whether language or transportation assistance is available. Because demand for community health services can be high, calling ahead and confirming current hours is practical. New patients may also ask whether they need a referral before booking certain services, especially for specialty care or behavioral health.
Physicians, Providers, and Referrals
Church Health brings together physicians, nurse practitioners, dentists, behavioral health specialists, and other providers. Patients receive care from a team rather than a single isolated visit. When a patient needs specialty care that the clinic does not offer, staff can help coordinate referrals to outside providers. This referral support is important because navigating specialty appointments can be difficult without insurance or a regular primary care relationship. The clinic also emphasizes prevention, health education, and ongoing support. Patients are encouraged to ask questions about medications, follow-up visits, and community resources that may help between appointments.
Insurance, Payment, and Community Support
Insurance is not the only way to access care, but it remains a key part of the healthcare system. Church Health serves people who are uninsured or underinsured, and staff can discuss program requirements and payment options. Other community health providers in Memphis also offer sliding fee scales or help patients enroll in coverage. Patients should ask about eligibility, required documents, and any fees before an appointment. Community support, including volunteers and donors, helps sustain nonprofit clinics and expand access for patients. For anyone trying to find doctors and providers who understand financial barriers, asking direct questions about insurance and appointments is a practical first step.
| Provider Name | Services Offered | Key Features/Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Church Health | Primary care, dental, vision, behavioral health, wellness programs | Nonprofit clinic at Crosstown Concourse; focused on uninsured and underinsured working people; integrated care and health education |
| Christ Community Health Services | Primary care, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy services | Federally Qualified Health Center with multiple Memphis locations; sliding fee scale and insurance assistance |
| Memphis Health Center | Primary care, pediatrics, womens health, dental, behavioral health | Federally Qualified Health Center; accepts insurance and offers sliding fee discounts |
Church Health shows how a community clinic can use an unusual setting to deliver familiar care. Inside the old Sears tower, patients can meet physicians, ask about insurance, schedule appointments, and receive referrals in one coordinated place. The model is not a substitute for every medical need, but it offers a clear example of how local providers and community support can improve access for people who might otherwise delay care.
