Clínica Romero

What Clínica Romero does

Clínica Romero is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) founded in 1983 by Salvadoran civil war refugees in Los Angeles to deliver affordable, culturally responsive healthcare to underserved Latino communities. Operating across six sites in Pico-Union, Boyle Heights, Montebello, Van Nuys, San Fernando Valley, and Canoga Park — and named after martyred Archbishop Oscar A. Romero — the organization provides an integrated suite of services including primary medical care, dental, vision, pharmacy, behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, women's health, HIV prevention and care, and homeless/street medicine. Its technology footprint is intentionally limited and undifferentiated: a telehealth platform for phone and video visits, the MyChart (OCHIN) patient portal for scheduling and records, on-site pharmacy with same-day 30-minute fills, free prescription home delivery, mobile street medicine units, and a retinal scan screening program for diabetes and hypertensive retinopathy. Approximately 93.7% of staff come from the ethnic communities served, with a Promotoras community health worker program in operation for over 15 years and weekly consulate outreach with El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, and Guatemala.

Clinica Romero's business model is built on FQHC reimbursement mechanics rather than fee-for-service pricing. Revenue is generated primarily through government payers (Medi-Cal, Medicare Advantage, Covered California) under FQHC Prospective Payment System rates, supplemented by an HRSA Health Center Program grant under 42 U.S.C. § 254b, state and county appropriations (including a $5 million state grant for the new Wilshire Community Mental Health Center), private foundation support (Ahmanson Foundation, GRoW, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Kaiser Permanente, Hispanic Federation, Ari Family Foundation), and tax-deductible charitable donations. A Sliding Fee Discount Program scales patient charges by income and family size, with no patient turned away for inability to pay. Patient acquisition is community-led: Promotoras, consulate outreach, partner-agency referrals (LA County DPH, shelters, housing providers, IPA networks), social services partnerships, and weekly on-site health talks. Eligibility and Enrollment is itself a core service line — the department assisted 59,208 members in 2024, including 10,101 new Medi-Cal patients. Governance is by an independent community board under President & CEO Carlos Vaquerano; the organization holds no parent company and is not private-equity-backed.

Name

Clínica Romero

Legal name

Clínica Monseñor Oscar A. Romero

Website

https://clinicaromero.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1983

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Clínica Romero is a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center operating six sites across greater Los Angeles, delivering integrated medical, dental, vision, pharmacy, behavioral health, and street medicine services to predominantly low-income, Spanish-speaking Latino populations regardless of ability to pay.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Health Center / Federally Qualified Health Center Primary Care

NAICS

Offices of Physicians (6211), Ambulatory Health Care Services (621), All Other Outpatient Care Centers (621498), Offices of Mental Health Practitioners (except Physicians) (621330), Offices of Dentists (62121)

SIC

Services-Offices & Clinics Of Doctors Of Medicine (8011), Services-Specialty Outpatient Facilities, Nec (8093), Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Primary Care for Underserved Populations (e.g., migrant, homeless, refugee clinics) (HLAFAGAN)

akta.pro secondary industries

Mobile & Street Medicine Primary Care Programs (HLAFAGAH), Outpatient Mental Health Clinics & Counseling Centers (HLAFACAA)

Keywords

• Community health centers
• Federally qualified health center
• Primary care services
• Behavioral health care
• Street medicine services

Headquarters

HQ city

Los Angeles

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Government Payers (Medi-Cal, Medicare, Covered CA): Clínica Romero is a designated Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that accepts Medi-Cal, Medicare Advantage, and Covered California plans. Government payer reimbursements constitute the primary revenue stream, consistent with the FQHC operating model.
2. HRSA Health Center Program Grant Funding: Clínica Romero receives grant funding under 42 U.S.C. § 254b as a Public Health Service employee entity, qualifying for Federal Tort Claims Act coverage. HRSA grants support operational costs and community health programs.
3. State & Private Grants: Clinic received a $5 million state grant to advance the new Wilshire Community Mental Health Center. Additional funding from LA County DPH, California DHCS, CDPH, CDSS, and private foundations including the Ahmanson Foundation, GRoW, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and Kaiser Permanente.
4. Sliding Fee Discount Program & Donations: Clínica Romero provides a Sliding Fee Discount Program to eligible patients based on income and family size. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the clinic also accepts charitable donations from the public to bridge gaps in care for uninsured and underinsured patients.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Clínica Romero is a Federally Qualified Health Center delivering integrated, affordable, bilingual healthcare to underserved communities of greater Los Angeles through six clinical sites and street medicine mobile units. Its core offering is direct patient care across medical, dental, vision, pharmacy, behavioral health, substance use disorder, women's health, HIV prevention and care, homeless services, and telehealth, supported by a Sliding Fee Discount Program, Eligibility and Enrollment assistance, and a long-standing Promotoras community health worker program that ensures culturally responsive access for patients regardless of ability to pay.

Product overview

Clínica Romero is a federally qualified health center operating as a single unified clinic organization with multiple service sites. The organization provides an integrated suite of healthcare services organized around seven core offerings: Medical Services (primary care, pediatrics, chronic disease management, prenatal care), Dental Services, Vision Services, Pharmacy Services, Behavioral Health Services (mental health and psychiatry), Substance Use Disorder Treatment, and Homeless Services/Street Medicine. Additional specialized programs include Women's Health, HIV Prevention and Care Services, Telehealth virtual visits, Sliding Fee Discount Program, Eligibility and Enrollment Assistance, and Community Outreach. All services are designed to serve underserved communities in the greater Los Angeles area regardless of ability to pay, with translation services and culturally responsive care.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Medical Services Low-cost comprehensive primary care and disease prevention services for men, women, and children of all ages, including adult wellness exams, preventative vaccines, cancer screenings, chronic disease management, pediatrics, and prenatal care. Designed for underserved families of greater Los Angeles regardless of ability to pay.
• Dental Services Low-cost dental services for adults and children including preventative services, periodic periodontal maintenance, restorative services, and pediatric services such as prophylaxis, fluoride varnish applications, sealants, and restorations. Available at Clínica Romero clinic sites regardless of ability to pay.
• Vision Services Comprehensive eye examinations, ocular health screening and management, spectacle prescriptions, glaucoma evaluation and management, LASIK consultation, and optical retail services with a wide selection of frames. Includes the Retinal Scan Program that screens patients for diabetes retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts.
• Pharmacy Services Low-cost prescriptions with on-site, same-day filling within 30 minutes, prescription refills, curbside pharmacy services, medication management coordination with primary care physicians, and free home delivery service Monday through Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Substance Use Disorder Treatment Outpatient substance use disorder treatment for adults, youth (ages 12-18), and perinatal women including individual sessions, group therapy, anger management, parenting classes, domestic violence programs, grief counseling, and drug/alcohol testing.
• Behavioral Health Services Culturally responsive, trauma-informed mental health services including therapy for individuals, couples, families, and groups; psychiatry services with medication management; case management; and educational workshops. Uses Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) in an integrated care model.
• Homeless Services / Street Medicine Mobile medical, psychiatric, and case management services delivered to unsheltered individuals through daily mobile rounds serving encampments, parks, and transitional sites in Boyle Heights and vulnerable neighborhoods. Includes MAT initiation, mental health evaluations, chronic disease management, wound care, and housing linkage.
• Women's Health Services Preventative care including well-woman exams, routine screenings, mammograms, birth control, contraceptives, STI screening and treatment, nutrition counseling, exercise guidance, specialty care, and GYN surgery.
• HIV Prevention and Care Services Routine HIV screening, at-home test kits, lab testing, PrEP and PEP medications, DoxyPEP, primary HIV care with antiretroviral therapy (ART), and linkage to specialized care. Part of HRSA's Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative.
• Telehealth Virtual appointments via phone or video for routine check-ups, follow-up care, lab result reviews, medication management, chronic condition management, and mental health counseling support.
• Sliding Fee Discount Program Discounted services for eligible patients based on income and family size. Provides healthcare regardless of ability to pay — no patient is turned away for inability to pay.
• Eligibility and Enrollment Services Assistance with healthcare coverage enrollment including Medi-Cal, Covered California, and Medicare Advantage plans. Department assisted 59,208 members during 2024, including 10,101 new patients under Medi-Cal coverage.
• Community Outreach and Development Weekly health talks at clinics, consulate outreach with El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, and Guatemala, and Community Health Workers (Promotoras) providing culturally relevant health guidance and navigation support. Program has operated for over 15 years.

Quantifiable outcome

• 59,208 members assisted in 2024 by the Eligibility & Enrollment Department, including 10,101 new Medi-Cal patients
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature4 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• LA County DPH - Division of HIV and STD Programs (DHSP)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2026Clínica Romero participates in HRSA's Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. (EHE) initiative and partners with LA County DPH's Division of HIV and STD Programs to expand HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services in Los Angeles.
• Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)coreOthersClínica Romero receives grant funding under 42 U.S.C. § 254b as a Federally Qualified Health Center and is deemed a Public Health Service employee for purposes of liability protections including Federal Tort Claims Act coverage under 42 U.S.C. § 233(g)-(n).
• L.A. Care Health PlancoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorL.A. Care Health Plan is listed as a supporter, serving as a key managed care plan partner for Clínica Romero's Medi-Cal and Medicare patients.
• California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)coreOthersDHCS is listed as a supporting government agency, providing funding and regulatory oversight for Medi-Cal programs and healthcare services at Clínica Romero.
• California Department of Public Health (CDPH)minorOthersCDPH is listed as a supporting government agency contributing to public health initiatives at Clínica Romero.
• California Department of Social Services (CDSS)minorOthersCDSS is listed as a supporting government agency contributing to social services programs at Clínica Romero.
• Los Angeles CountycoreOthersLos Angeles County is listed as a key supporter, providing funding and partnership for community health programs including homeless services and street medicine.
• City of Los AngelesminorOthersCity of Los Angeles is listed as a supporting government entity for Clínica Romero's community health initiatives.
• USC (University of Southern California)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUSC is listed as a supporter. Clínica Romero serves as a training site for Physician Assistant and Medical Students through academic partnerships. USC's healthcare executive program and training for international medical graduates supports the clinic's staff development.
• California Hospital Medical CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCalifornia Hospital Medical Center is listed as a supporter and referral partner. Hospital delivery services for prenatal care at Clínica Romero are located at California Hospital and White Memorial.
• White Memorial Medical CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWhite Memorial Medical Center is listed as a supporter and referral partner for hospital delivery services for prenatal care patients.
• Community Health Center Partners (CHCP)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity Health Center Partners is listed as a supporting organization, providing collaborative network support for FQHC operations.
• Concorde Provider NetworkminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorConcorde Provider Network is listed as a supporter, serving as a provider network partner for Clínica Romero's patient referral and care coordination.
• CCHP (Chinese Community Health Plan)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCCHP is listed as a supporting health plan partner, contributing to the network of payer relationships at Clínica Romero.
• Hope on HydeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHope on Hyde is a shelter and housing provider partner collaborating with Clínica Romero's homeless services and street medicine programs.
• Bridge to Home ShelterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBridge to Home shelter is a partner providing housing services coordination with Clínica Romero's homeless outreach and street medicine services.
• North Valley Caring ServicesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorth Valley Caring Services is a partner collaborating with Clínica Romero's homeless services program, providing supportive housing and social services coordination.
• TCE (The Children's Clinic)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Children's Clinic (TCE) is listed as a supporting partner of Clínica Romero, collaborating on pediatric and child health services.
• Taproot FoundationminorOthersTaproot Foundation is listed as a supporter, providing pro bono professional services support to Clínica Romero.
• Orange County Pediatric SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrange County Pediatric Society is listed as a supporting partner of Clínica Romero.
• Consulates of El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, and GuatemalacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerClínica Romero conducts weekly consulate outreach with El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, and Guatemala to provide health information and referrals to community members at consular locations.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• T.H.E. (To Help Everyone) Health and Wellness Centers: Los Angeles FQHC offering primary care, behavioral health, dental, vision and SUD services to underserved South LA communities — directly comparable integrated-care FQHC peer.
• AltaMed Health Services Corporation: Large FQHC serving predominantly Latino, low-income populations across greater Los Angeles with integrated medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, and HIV services — the most directly comparable Los Angeles FQHC peer.
• Asian Pacific Health Care Venture: LA-based FQHC providing multilingual primary care, behavioral health, and enabling services to limited-English-proficient Asian and Pacific Islander and broader underserved populations — comparable FQHC with community-driven model.
• South Central Family Health Center: Federally qualified health center in South Los Angeles providing medical, dental, vision, behavioral health and SUD services to underserved, predominantly Hispanic communities.
• Watts Healthcare Corporation: Federally qualified health center in South Los Angeles providing primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services to predominantly low-income African American and Latino residents.
• St. John's Well Child and Family Center: Los Angeles-based FQHC network offering primary care, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, and street medicine to underserved South LA families — directly comparable in service model and target population.
• El Proyecto del Barrio: FQHC in the San Fernando Valley providing medical, dental, behavioral health, and SUD services to Latino and other underserved populations in LA County — strong service-overlap peer.
• Northeast Valley Health Corporation: Federally qualified health center operating multiple San Fernando Valley sites with primary care, dental, behavioral health and homeless services — directly comparable to Clínica Romero's Canoga Park/Van Nuys footprint.
• Venice Family Clinic: FQHC serving low-income and uninsured populations on LA's westside with integrated primary care, behavioral health, dental, and pharmacy — comparable community-health-center operating model.

Others

• Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County (CCALAC): Trade association representing community clinics and FQHCs across LA County — a network and policy counterpart rather than a direct operator, but a key ecosystem participant for any LA FQHC peer comparison.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/clinicaromero
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/clinicaromero
• Instagraminstagram.com/clinica_romero?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles20 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Clínica Romero