Where I Can Go for Medical Attention- Low to No Income

R., I am so sorry that you are in pain....I agree that you can go to Parkland - it's not exactly free but they will see you and treat you regardless of your ability to pay. You will receive bills - make no mistake - health care is never free but you can pay this bills in small amounts over time - even if just $20/month. Now I want to address something you mentioned that you may be needing. The MRI with contrast. Let me warn you to be EXTREMELY CAREFUL and make sure your doctor understands that you are struggling with renal healthiness. My son spent 99 days in the hospital after batteling for his life with MRSA septic shock. Because of the illness, he had renal failure that thank God was only temporary. My son needed an MRI as well but after agonizing over the decision, his very wise and "on the ball" attending doctors decided the risk was too great. Apparently, there are recorded cases where the dye that is used is extremely harmful to patients who are compromised renally. I know you are not in kidney failure but I would surely say that you could be "compromised" with all of the recurring infections you've had. Bryce's doctor said the dye can cause calcium deposits on the skin that are debilitating and permanent and with him, they were not willing to risk it so he and a nuclear bone scan instead. I usually don't take much time to respond in this long of a matter but I am on this one because I want you (and your doctor) to be very safe with your health. Please, please, please, if you do find yourself being prescribed the dye contrast MRI, ASK IF THERE ARE ANY POTENTIAL PROBLEMS BECAUSE OF YOUR RENAL COMPLICATIONS.
Again, Parkland is an option, but be prepared to be there for many, many, many hours just waiting. If you go, bring something to keep you busy while you wait.
Hope you find some answers and get some relief,
Glenda Wilson

Hi R., sorry for all that you've gone thru and dealing w/ pain on top of that has to be so stressful. Shame on the Dr's for not helping you locate a resource they should have that info. I was at Centennial Med Center's health fair (Frisco) a few weeks back where they did all the health screenings including your bone density for free, it's not as accurate as what your dr is requesting I'm sure but provides you w/ a baseline. They also have a low income service for children, you cannot have any insurance and only costs $5. maybe a hospital closer to your area has something for adults or downtown Dallas may have a clinic it's worth some phone calls to find out. Best of luck, hope things turn around soon for you!

Go to the ER at Parkland. I realize that would be a drive for you but they are a very good hospital and do not charge. Unfortunately I do not know of any hospital for adults that comps all charges for continuing care like childrens does for kids someone really needs to build one.

I would go ahead and go to your local ER! Otherwise, contact your general physician and ask them for a referral as to where you could go ASAP!!

JPS has a program called JPS Connection to help people with low income. For a family of 6 the max income s $75K.

Doctor visits are $5 to $10 each. Other services have low copays and it's reasonable.

http://www.jpshealthnet.org/For-Patients/JPS-Connection.aspx

Hope this helps. If you have any add'l questions.

TRL

A lot of Dr's will see you as a self paying patient and give you a self pay discount. I would try that.

Try a Care Now or place like that as a self pay. It is all over the news how people are going to ER not because of ER but because of insurance issues which boggles down the ER.

I'm in no way saying you are not sick. You need to see a specialist and there are some good Dr's out there who do care for patients and cut them a break.

We go to Plano Orthopedic for all bone issues. They have been wonderful for us.

Good luck finding a solution.