HOUSTON – Imagine needing to go to the doctor’s but being too afraid to because you don’t have insurance. This is the reality for many folks, even myself for many years.
Fortunately, there are dedicated healthcare professionals like Dr. A. Kudrath (otherwise known as Dr. A.K.) who are well aware of patient struggles. He reminded folks that during Thursday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony for his newest Emergency Room clinic, Top Care ER, which opened up in the Heights on N Shepherd.
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Voicing his concern to keep patients healthy without having to worry about whether their insurance will cover treatments, especially life/death treatments, Dr. A.K., said the clinic will cover their costs. Dr. A.K. said part of this is because the focus should be delivering quality care to patients, without them having to worry about things like “surprise costs.”
“We never send surprise bills,” he said. “If your insurance leaves you hanging, we negotiate on your behalf so you don’t get stuck with any bills.”
Part of this, Dr. A.K. said, was to ensure patients can focus on their health.
“I think it’s important to say because I want to alleviate the concern that people might have,” he continued. “So you take that out of the equation, and what’s left? Quality staff and care.”
Off camera, he mentioned to KPRC 2 Digital Producer Ahmed Humble someone may choose to ignore something like a pain in their left arm, because they feel like that’s their only symptom but could be having a heart attack, and not taking it seriously could cause permanent damage to their health.
Top Care’s website’s billing page also claims, “If you do not have insurance, are underinsured, or if paying the full amount for treatment would cause financial significant difficulties, please contact us for financial assistance options, which may reduce the out-of-pocket costs for your visit.”
“Our vision is that this is the place that we would send our own families to,” Dr. A.K. said. “I would send my momma here and hope all of you guys would send your momma’s here and all your family members. Anytime you need something, reach out. We’re happy to be in the Heights.”
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This is not the first time Dr. A.K. has been involved in the community, however. He has been behind several freestanding emergency rooms across the Greater Houston area, along with his partner, Cruize Gaj, a Health & Wellness Marketing Consultant and partner for Top Care ER - Houston Heights.
“We are conveniently located in the heart of the Heights area and want to serve our community for all their medical needs,” he tells KPRC 2 Digital Content Producer Ahmed Humble. “We have also been assisting with patients who have suffered motor vehicle accidents and any work injuries. Our goal is to keep the community safe.”
The event was organized with the help of the Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce.
“We are so excited that Top Care is here in our chamber because they are a great asset and Dr. A.K. is amazing!” Rachel Goldstein, Communications Director for Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce said.
To learn more about Top Care ER, visit their website.