Katy and Fulshear residents are seeking alternative health care options, including membership-based care and mobile clinics. Next Level Urgent Care, a membership-based care clinic, offers medical treatment at a flat monthly or annual cost. Chief Operating Officer April Gillam said patients enjoy the after-hours and 24/7 telemedicine access, comparing it to the convenience of services like Uber and Amazon.
Mobile Clinics
Mobile clinics, like those operated by Harris County Public Health, offer health services to areas with limited access to care. The county’s mobile clinic program provides treatment at little to no cost and has grown to include three RVs specializing in health services and one in dental care. Services offered include immunizations, wellness exams, and chronic disease screenings.
Community Health Centers
Community health centers, such as Spring Branch Community Health Center, offer family medicine, pediatric medicine, and behavioral health services. Director of Strategic Partnerships Bruno Gonzalez said patients pay on a sliding fee scale based on their income and household size, making health care more accessible.
AccessHealth, with a location in Brookshire, also offers a range of services, including family medicine, women’s services, and dental care, with fees on a sliding scale. As the financial strain on patients continues to grow, many physicians are taking on more responsibilities, with over 43% of doctors experiencing some level of burnout, according to the American Medical Association.
Ravi Aron, professor of health care strategy and technology at the University of Houston, said the supply of physicians and clinicians is not expanding to meet the demand for clinical services, with a report by the Texas Department of State Health Services showing the Texas physician shortage is projected to increase through 2032. Aron believes a multitude of factors, including lack of education, rural geography, and financial issues, lead to difficulties in obtaining adequate health care.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Houston — read the source article.
