Gateway Community Health Center: Services & Hours

Laredo & South Texas · Patient Guide 2026

Find Gateway Clinics, Medical Services & Affordable Appointments

Gateway Community Health Center (Gateway CHC) is a nonprofit healthcare network serving Webb, Zapata and Jim Hogg counties in South Texas. It provides primary care, children’s healthcare, dental treatment, women’s health, behavioral health, laboratory testing, pharmacy services and selected specialty care.

The main Laredo Central Clinic is located at 1515 Pappas Street, Laredo, TX 78041. Call 956-795-8100 for clinic information or to begin arranging an appointment. Patients may receive care with or without insurance, and qualifying households can apply for income-based discounts.

General Telephone956-795-8100
Central MedicalMon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM
Central DentalMon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM
Central PharmacyMon–Fri 8:30 AM–7 PM
After-Hours ClinicWeekdays 6–9 PM
Saturday Care9 AM–Noon
Medical emergencies: Gateway’s outpatient and after-hours clinics are not emergency departments. Call 911 for life-threatening symptoms, serious injuries or other medical emergencies.

Information reviewed October 29, 2026. Confirm the exact department, provider, appointment availability and holiday schedule before visiting.

Gateway Community Health Center Locations

Gateway has several clinics, and services are not identical at every site. The official 2026 service booklet and location directory list the following locations.

ClinicAddress & Appointment Information
Laredo Central1515 Pappas Street, Laredo, TX 78041
Medical, dental, pharmacy, imaging, women’s health, behavioral health and after-hours care.
Laredo North208 Shiloh Drive, Suite 1, Laredo, TX 78045
Primary and additional outpatient healthcare; check department hours.
Laredo South2007 S. Zapata Highway, Laredo, TX 78046
Medical, dental, women’s health, lab, X-ray, pharmacy and behavioral health.
Laredo College South5500 S. Zapata Highway, Laredo, TX 78046
Scheduled medical and preventive healthcare services.
West Clinic1702 Lafayette Street, Laredo, TX 78040
Community medical appointments.
Gateway Pediatrics6010 McPherson Road, Suite E1, Laredo, TX 78041
Children’s healthcare and pediatric appointments.
Dr. Garza Clinic6801 McPherson Road, Suite 336, Laredo, TX 78041
Pediatric specialty services; check referral requirements.
Dr. Martinez Clinic7210 McPherson Road, Suite 108, Laredo, TX 78041
Pediatric services and scheduled appointments.
Zapata Clinic210 N. Rathmell Avenue, Zapata, TX 78076
Hebbronville Clinic473 State Highway 285, Hebbronville, TX 78361

Network telephone: 956-795-8100. The 2026 booklet also lists medical and women’s mobile clinics; their locations change, so use the latest Gateway mobile-service announcement rather than traveling to a fixed address.

Address warning: Older directories and brochures sometimes show different McPherson Road clinic details. Confirm your exact specialty clinic and suite using Gateway’s current appointment confirmation.

Official Gateway clinic addresses and individual location pages.

Laredo Central Clinic: Hours by Department

Central Clinic is one of Gateway’s most comprehensive locations. Its pharmacy, laboratory and evening care operate on different schedules from the standard medical office.

DepartmentPublished Schedule
Medical ClinicMonday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM
Dental ClinicMonday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM
LaboratoryMonday–Friday, 7 AM–5 PM
PharmacyMonday–Friday, 8:30 AM–7 PM
After-Hours ClinicMonday–Friday, 6–9 PM
Saturday After-Hours Clinic9 AM–Noon
SundayNo regular department hours published.

Standard medical and dental hours should not be confused with evening walk-in availability. The evening service is designed for certain acute non-emergency problems, not all types of ongoing or specialty care.

Official Laredo Central Clinic hours and services.

South Laredo Clinic: Medical, Dental & Pharmacy Hours

Gateway’s South Clinic is at 2007 S. Zapata Highway and offers multiple departments in one facility.

DepartmentPublished Schedule
Medical ClinicMonday–Friday, 8 AM–7 PM
Dental ClinicMonday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM
LaboratoryMonday–Friday, 7 AM–5 PM
PharmacyMonday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:30 PM

The South Clinic also lists primary care, pediatrics, obstetric and gynecological services, family planning, STI testing, X-rays, behavioral health, nutritional support and diabetes education.

Late appointment option: South Laredo’s published medical schedule extends to 7 PM on weekdays. Confirm whether your requested clinician or service is offered during those later hours.

Official South Clinic service and department schedule.

Medical, Dental & Behavioral Health Services

The official Gateway service booklet identifies the following types of care. Availability and referrals depend on the selected clinic.

ServiceWhat Patients Can Request
Adult Primary CarePreventive checkups, illness evaluations, ongoing treatment of diabetes or high blood pressure, screening and medical referrals.
PediatricsWell-child care, childhood illness visits, developmental concerns, immunizations and preventive appointments.
Women’s HealthObstetric and gynecological care, family planning, pregnancy-related appointments and breast or cervical cancer screening.
DentalExaminations, X-rays, cleanings, fillings, extractions, preventive care and selected specialty dental treatment.
Behavioral HealthCounseling, therapy, assessments, emotional support, care planning and coordination with medical care.
LaboratoryClinically ordered blood tests and other diagnostic laboratory services.
RadiologySelected X-ray, ultrasound and mammography services at participating locations.
PharmacyPrescription services and medication support during department operating hours.
Specialty ServicesSelected cardiology, sports medicine, weight-management, pediatric neurology and developmental pediatric care.
Health EducationDiabetes self-management, nutrition counseling and other preventive health education.
Best scheduling approach: Tell Gateway the exact care you need rather than asking only for an appointment. A dental examination, pediatric specialist visit and primary care checkup may need different clinics and scheduling teams.

For an example of another FQHC combining primary care, dental treatment and behavioral healthcare, read our Partnership Community Health Center services guide. It covers a separate provider in Wisconsin.

After-Hours Walk-In Clinic: Who Can Be Seen?

Gateway offers an After-Hours Clinic at 1515 Pappas Street for acute, non-emergency conditions. The clinic welcomes walk-ins from the general public.

DayAfter-Hours Schedule
Monday–Friday6–9 PM
Saturday9 AM–Noon
SundayClosed

What the Clinic Is Intended For

The provider describes it as a service for acute, non-emergency concerns rather than routine management of conditions lasting more than two weeks. Staff assess patients and determine whether their concern can be treated there.

Important Exclusions

Gateway’s official instructions say the after-hours clinic does not handle certain situations, including:

  • Chest pain in patients over age 30 or respiratory distress.
  • Significant trauma, deep cuts, limb deformities or motor vehicle accident injuries.
  • Eye injuries and foreign bodies in the eye.
  • Suspected overdose, vomiting blood or black stool.
  • Third-degree burns and dog bites.
  • Infants younger than six months.
  • Children ages six months to three years with a temperature of 103°F or higher.
  • Pregnancy-related or gynecological complaints.
  • Routine prescription refills or chronic-care follow-up visits.
Do not use the exclusion list to diagnose yourself. Severe symptoms may require an emergency department or emergency medical services. Call 911 for life-threatening conditions. When uncertain about an urgent non-emergency problem, call Gateway for appropriate directions.

How to Use After-Hours Care

  1. Check whether the concern is acute and non-emergency.
  2. Confirm the current after-hours schedule.
  3. Travel to the Central Clinic at 1515 Pappas Street.
  4. Bring available identification, insurance information and medication details.
  5. Check in and explain the symptoms to staff.
  6. Follow the provider’s decision about same-day evaluation, treatment or referral.

Official after-hours clinic hours, walk-in rules and exclusions.

How to Become a Gateway Patient

Gateway accepts patients regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. New patients must complete registration before receiving a scheduled appointment.

  1. Choose the service. Decide whether you need primary medical care, dental treatment, women’s health, pediatric care or another service.
  2. Find the right clinic. Check the location directory for the department offering your service.
  3. Start registration. Use the official Become a Patient page or call 956-795-8100 for instructions.
  4. Prepare identification. Gateway requests a current photo ID showing your name and date of birth.
  5. Prepare insurance information. Bring your Medicaid, Medicare or private insurance card if applicable.
  6. Request financial assistance if needed. Gather income documentation for the sliding-fee program.
  7. Arrange your appointment. Once registered, use the official scheduling process or patient portal.
  8. Confirm the exact address. Record the clinic, suite, service, date and arrival instructions.

Walk-Ins Without an Appointment

Gateway says patients arriving at a medical or dental clinic because of pain or illness may be evaluated by staff to determine whether a same-day visit is needed. Being assessed does not guarantee an available appointment. Patients may face a wait, be placed on a waiting list or be asked to return another day.

Sliding-Fee Discounts, Insurance & Payments

Gateway offers a Sliding Fee Discount Program for patients with household income at or below 200% of the applicable federal poverty guidelines. The discount is based on family size and income.

Patient SituationWhat to Do
Medicaid or MedicareProvide the plan details and confirm that the specific service is covered.
Private InsuranceAsk whether the insurer, plan and clinician participate.
No InsuranceRegister for care and ask about the current sliding-fee schedule.
Income at or Below 200% FPGApply for the appropriate discount with supporting documents.
Cannot Pay Full AmountAsk registration or billing staff about financial assistance and payment arrangements.
Uninsured Planned CareRequest information about a Good Faith Estimate before treatment.

Accepted Proof of Income

Gateway’s patient registration brochure lists these examples:

  • Current income tax return, W-2 or relevant self-employment tax documents.
  • Four recent paycheck stubs when tax documents are unavailable.
  • Social Security, SSI or disability benefit statements.
  • Recent bank statements showing eligible direct-deposit benefits.
  • Applicable self-attestation of unemployment.

How to Apply for Sliding Fees

  1. Ask about eligibility. Call 956-523-3619 for sliding-fee information.
  2. Confirm the current income scale. Ask which federal poverty guideline year and household-size threshold applies.
  3. Collect documents. Prepare your income records, ID and insurance information if applicable.
  4. Complete registration. Request the discount application from Gateway’s eligibility staff.
  5. Submit the required proof. Without documentation, Gateway says the discount cannot be approved.
  6. Discuss expected charges. Ask about office visits, dental work, lab tests, imaging and prescriptions separately.
  7. Review the decision. Confirm your discount category and any remaining payment responsibility.
Gateway is not automatically free: Charges depend on services, insurance and discount eligibility. Its published policy states that patients will not be denied an office visit solely because they cannot pay. Ask staff about payment arrangements when necessary.

The provider’s website currently displays a 2027 sliding-fee guideline image. Because annual thresholds change, use the official eligibility team’s calculation rather than an older article’s dollar amounts.

For a comparison of income-based clinic assistance at another community health center, our Aria Community Health Center guide explains services and financial assistance at a separate California network. Aria’s fees and eligibility rules do not apply to Gateway.

Children’s Care & Pediatric Specialists

Gateway offers general pediatric care for children and adolescents and additional specialty services at selected locations.

Its 2026 service booklet identifies pediatric neurology and developmental pediatric care, including specialty locations on McPherson Road. These appointments may require a referral, medical records or a specific clinician.

Booking a Pediatric Visit

  1. Call 956-795-8100 and explain the child’s age and appointment reason.
  2. Ask whether general pediatric care or a pediatric specialist is appropriate.
  3. Confirm the exact pediatric clinic and suite number.
  4. Ask about required immunization records, referral information or previous evaluations.
  5. Verify insurance coverage or a sliding-fee application.
  6. Complete the appointment through Gateway’s registration team.

Specialty appointments and general pediatric visits should not be assumed to use the same hours. The network’s mobile and school-based telehealth services also have separate arrangements.

Women’s Health, Pregnancy & Screening

Gateway’s women’s health services include family planning, obstetric care, gynecological appointments, breast and cervical cancer services and other clinically appropriate preventive care.

Its main website advertises pregnancy testing services. Eligibility and locations for free testing or screening programs should be confirmed directly.

How to Arrange a Women’s Health Appointment

  1. Choose the reason for your visit: pregnancy testing, prenatal care, gynecology, contraception or screening.
  2. Call Gateway and request women’s health scheduling.
  3. Ask which clinic provides your chosen service and whether a referral is needed.
  4. Confirm any program-specific income, age or insurance eligibility requirements.
  5. Ask about preparation, required records and follow-up results.
  6. Attend your confirmed clinic appointment.

Official Gateway women’s health and other service departments.

Pharmacy, Laboratory & Imaging

Gateway’s Central and South clinics list on-site pharmacy, lab and diagnostic services. These departments may open earlier or close later than ordinary medical appointments.

Before Laboratory Testing

  1. Confirm the clinician’s test order is available.
  2. Ask whether you need to fast or follow other preparation instructions.
  3. Check the lab hours at your assigned clinic.
  4. Bring identification and insurance or discount information when required.
  5. Ask how results will be delivered and when to contact the ordering clinician.

Before Diagnostic Imaging

Gateway identifies X-rays, ultrasound and mammography within its services. Confirm that your exact examination is available at the chosen clinic, whether a clinician order is needed and whether your insurer requires authorization.

For a practical explanation of how outpatient clinics and diagnostic procedures differ from hospital services, see our Will County Community Health Center guide, covering a separate FQHC in Illinois.

Patient Portal, Appointments & Medical Records

Gateway offers a patient portal for existing patients and a separate registration process for new patients.

Using the Patient Portal

  1. Open Gateway’s official patient information page.
  2. Choose the existing-patient portal link.
  3. Sign in using your registered patient credentials.
  4. Use the available appointment, account or record-related features.
  5. For account access problems, call Gateway rather than sharing passwords.

To request complete records for another clinician, ask Gateway about its current medical-record authorization process. Do not use unsecured general email to transfer sensitive patient records.

Missed Appointment Policy

Gateway’s registration brochure instructs patients to cancel or reschedule at least one business day before their scheduled visit. It also describes restrictions after repeated missed appointments within six months, potentially limiting future visits to walk-in or same-day availability.

Useful reminder: Call as early as possible if you cannot attend. Reschedule during clinic business hours and confirm that the cancellation was recorded.

After-Hours Telephone Advice

Gateway states that patients can reach its after-hours answering service through 956-795-8100. Staff can contact the on-call provider when appropriate.

This does not mean every physical clinic operates 24 hours. For in-person evening and Saturday care, use the published Central After-Hours Clinic schedule.

General Gateway Number956-795-8100
Central Evening Clinic1515 Pappas St., Monday–Friday 6–9 PM
Saturday Clinic1515 Pappas St., 9 AM–Noon
Life-Threatening Emergency911
Immediate Mental Health CrisisCall or text 988 in the United States.

Directions & Choosing the Correct Location

Laredo Central: 1515 Pappas Street, Laredo, TX 78041. Use this address for the listed Central Clinic medical, dental, pharmacy, laboratory and after-hours services.

Before Traveling

  • Verify the correct clinic name, street address and suite.
  • Confirm your service is available at that branch.
  • Ask about patient parking and accessible entry where needed.
  • For a medical visit, use medical hours, not laboratory or pharmacy hours.
  • For after-hours walk-in care, use Central Clinic at Pappas Street.
  • For specialty appointments, follow the exact location provided in your confirmation.

For more information on comparing medical clinics, dental services and sliding-fee eligibility at a different nonprofit provider, see our Community Health Centers Burlington visitor guide. It covers an independent Vermont network.

Before-Your-Visit Checklist

  • Call 956-795-8100 to confirm your appointment and branch.
  • Know whether you need medical, dental, behavioral or specialty care.
  • Complete new-patient registration before requesting a routine appointment.
  • Bring photo identification and insurance information, if available.
  • Prepare medication, allergy and relevant medical history details.
  • For children, ask about guardian and vaccination documentation.
  • For sliding fees, bring income and household documentation.
  • Confirm costs for labs, imaging, pharmacy or dental treatment separately.
  • Use the Central After-Hours Clinic only for appropriate acute non-emergency concerns.
  • Cancel or reschedule promptly if you cannot attend.
  • Ask for interpretation or accessibility support when booking.
  • For life-threatening symptoms, call 911.

10 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is Gateway Community Health Center located?

Gateway’s main Central Clinic is at 1515 Pappas Street, Laredo, TX 78041. The organization also has clinics elsewhere in Laredo, Zapata and Hebbronville.

2. What is Gateway Community Health Center’s phone number?

The main Gateway telephone number is 956-795-8100. Patients can use it for clinic information and after-hours provider contact.

3. What are Gateway’s Central Clinic hours?

Central medical and dental departments operate Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM. The laboratory is open weekdays 7 AM–5 PM, and the pharmacy operates weekdays 8:30 AM–7 PM.

4. Does Gateway have an evening or Saturday clinic?

Yes. The Central After-Hours Clinic at 1515 Pappas Street operates Monday–Friday, 6–9 PM, and Saturday, 9 AM–noon, for appropriate acute non-emergency concerns.

5. Can patients without insurance use Gateway?

Yes. Gateway accepts patients regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Eligible patients may receive sliding-fee discounts, but not every service is automatically free.

6. How does Gateway’s sliding-fee program work?

Gateway offers discounts based on household income and family size for eligible households at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines. Supporting income documentation is required.

7. Does Gateway provide dental care?

Yes. Gateway offers dental examinations, X-rays, cleanings, fillings, extractions and selected specialized dental care. Central and South Laredo clinics list weekday dental services.

8. Does Gateway offer pediatrics and prenatal care?

Yes. Gateway provides children’s healthcare, pediatric specialty services, women’s health, pregnancy-related appointments, gynecology and family planning. Availability varies by clinic.

9. Do new patients need to register before booking?

Yes. Gateway requires registration for services before a routine scheduled appointment. Patients arriving with pain or illness without an appointment may be assessed for same-day care, but availability is not guaranteed.

10. Is Gateway open 24 hours a day?

No. Individual Gateway clinics have published operating hours. The organization provides access to an after-hours telephone answering service through 956-795-8100, which may contact an on-call provider. This is not a 24-hour walk-in clinic.

Official Sources & Patient Actions

Independent patient information guide, reviewed October 2026. Community-center.org is not affiliated with Gateway Community Health Center, Inc. Gateway controls appointments, clinician availability, eligibility decisions, fees and records. This guide provides facility-navigation information, not individual medical advice.