FAQ’s: Top 8 Questions Regarding Health Care and Where to Find Assistance
In light of the Coronavirus, and the implications it has had on our economy and health, many North Texans are finding themselves asking questions regarding their health and are looking for who they can turn to for help.
Health Services of North Texas (a partner of Serve Denton) is a diamond in the rough buried in the heart of the city. From prenatal to elderly care, chronic illness management, and behavioral health, they support you in every one of life’s milestones.
You are not alone in your search for quality health care, regardless of where you find yourself financially, emotionally, or physically. Contact HSNT to schedule a healthcare appointment, and see which next steps are right for you.
It’s time to get your questions answered and put your mind at ease. Here are the most common questions asked by patients just like you:
1. I am now unemployed and have lost my insurance. I need a refill on my prescriptions, but my doctor will no longer see me since I can’t afford to pay for the office visits. What do I do?
First of all, you are not alone.
Nearly 3.8 million Texans have filed for unemployment relief since the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic, and the state’s unemployment rate remains more than double what it was at the start of the year.
People have lost their jobs, income, and insurance, and are looking for help. Many doctors will cease care once a patient loses their insurance, but you won’t find that to be the case at Health Services of North Texas.
HSNT accepts patients with or without insurance and believes lack of insurance should never be a reason you are unable to receive the healthcare you need. Sliding scale fees and payment plans are available for patients without insurance, and quality healthcare is provided regardless of where you find yourself financially.
Don’t let insurance or money stop you from maintaining your health. HSNT is willing and able to provide care to anyone and everyone regardless of your situation.
Even better, HSNT also accepts a variety of insurance plans. To see if your insurance provider is accepted, click here.
2. If I access your services using the sliding fee scale, will that count against me as I seek citizenship?
Although there is a short application process you must go through in order to qualify for the sliding scale fees, none of your personal information is reported. Your information is completely safe, and completing this application process has no impact whatsoever on your ability to seek citizenship.
3. I am pregnant. When should I start prenatal care?
With more accurate technologies available over the counter, some women are able to have a positive pregnancy test as early as 5 weeks. Whether you have received a positive pregnancy test, or think you might be pregnant, schedule your prenatal appointment with HSNT as soon as possible.
The earlier you can start your prenatal care the better. Don’t fall into the trap of believing that prenatal care is just for the health of your baby—it is for the mother’s health as well.
Some women who have had previous pregnancies avoid prenatal care thinking they’ve got it under control. After all, this isn’t their first rodeo. However, regardless if this is your first pregnancy or sixth pregnancy, prenatal care is vital to the health and development of your growing baby, and you.
Again, don’t let finances or insurance be a barrier. HSNT is here to help you through this process in every way possible. If you are eligible for Medicaid or CHIP Perinatal, HSNT will help you get enrolled. If you are not eligible, HSNT will work to provide a payment plan that works for you.
4. My child needs immunizations. Should I bring them to the HSNT clinic or the Health Department?
One of the benefits of coming to Health Services of North Texas to have your pediatric well visit and receive your immunizations at the same time is that your healthcare provider can get their eyes on your kiddo. Receiving these more personalized visits allows the provider the opportunity to discuss with you the developmental milestones of your child and any concerns that might arise.
Receiving care for either you or your child is never an “in-and-out” situation. HSNT providers seek to provide quality care through intentional interaction and building a foundation of trust.
This is also why not delaying your prenatal care is important. Consistent prenatal care provides you the opportunity to build a trusting foundation with your healthcare provider and transition organically into pediatric care.
5. I think I might have an STD, what do I do?
STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) don’t always cause symptoms, or may only cause mild symptoms. Therefore, it is possible to have an infection and not know it. That is why it is important to get tested if you are having sex.
Health Services of North Texas provides full-scale STD (sexually transmitted disease) screening and treatment, whether you have insurance or not. If you are symptomatic or suspect you might have been exposed to an STD, contact HSNT for a private and confidential appointment.
Additionally, one of the specific services HSNT provides is a preventative medication called PrEP. This is a treatment for individuals who are involved in risky behaviors to prevent them from contracting HIV.
6. Am I a candidate for PrEP, and should I take PrEP?
While everyone should be aware of HIV, certain individuals are especially likely to come into contact with the virus. If you are, or have been, in a relationship with an HIV-positive partner, or have shared equipment used for injecting drugs, you are at a higher risk than the rest of the general population. In these cases, PrEP can be used to significantly reduce the risk of contracting HIV.
The contraction of HIV can often be avoided by following proper prevention methods. PrEP can be a necessary treatment for individuals of all genders, sexualities, and ages, depending on their lifestyles. Potential patients should weigh over 77 pounds and test negative for HIV before beginning treatment.
For further information on PrEp, or to discuss your options with an HSNT healthcare provider, schedule an appointment today.
7. Where can I find affordable access to medications?
HSNT is committed to providing quality care and treatment regardless of financial strains.
HSNT has a number of partner pharmacies around North Texas where patients can receive discounted medications with or without insurance.
If you have been prescribed a medication intended for one or two-time use (as in, it is not an ongoing medication), you will have the opportunity to fill your prescriptions inexpensively through one of the HSNT partner pharmacies.
However, if you are needing an ongoing medication that is on the pricier side, HSNT offers a Prescription Assistance Program where more expensive medications such as insulin, are brought in at more affordable prices. For patients who qualify for this program, these medications are free of charge.
8. I need to talk to someone about my mental health. Can I come to HSNT for counseling?
1 in 5 people will experience mental health struggles in their lifetime. Everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health. Add a global pandemic on top of that and the need for mental health support is even higher.
If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, depression, or any other mental stressors, you are not alone.
HSNT offers full-scale behavioral health services. The doctors, nurse practitioners, social workers, and counselors at HSNT work hand in hand to provide a holistic health plan specific to your overall needs.
Take your next steps and schedule an appointment with one of their medical providers and discuss what appropriate mental care looks like for you.
With dedicated healthcare professionals, it’s no wonder they are many North Texan’s top healthcare provider.
Whether you find your question listed here or not, contact Health Services of North Texas to discuss how you can take ownership of your health.