Services Abound for Undocumented

Adding to the price tag of a doctor’s visit is the costly medication prescribed to a patient. It’s well known that local family owned pharmacies tend to be kinder on the pocket to people who don’t have insurance than those of bigger pharmaceutical chains like Duane Reade and Walgreens.

Dr. Paul Klein, a dentist who has been serving the Woodlawn and Yonkers community for over three decades, provides reliable services at minimal cost. Depending on the procedure, a trip to see Klein can cost anything from $40 to $150.

“It really depends on what the person needs to have done,” said an employee at Klein’s office on the corner of McLean and Kimball Avenues. “For example if a person hasn’t been to the dentist in a long time and needs a thorough checkup then it would cost $50.”

Klein’s office accepts payment plans according to the amount of work needed to be done. X-rays are additional costs. Appointments are a must.

Located just off Woodlawn is Mercy Community Care Dental Surgery, part of Montefiore Hospital. An appointment is required and the initial visit is $168, which is to be paid upfront.

“The $168 includes a check-up and x-ray,” said an employee at the surgery. Each visit after that depends on what work needs to be done.

“On the second visit we work out a payment plan with the patient,” she said.

Woodside Family Dental charges $45 for an initial consultation with the dentist. This price includes an examination, a cleaning and x-rays. A receptionist at the center told the Irish Voice that such a service usually costs $125.

Each appointment after that is priced individually depending on a patient needs. Although it’s preferred that a patient settle their bill at the end of each visit, if it’s a large amount is due then a payment method can be worked out over the course of a year.

For an undocumented woman who is pregnant, the Parental Care Assistance Program (PCAP) is available to care for the mother and child pre and post birth free of charge. PCAP offers complete pregnancy care and other health care services to women and teens who live in New York State. All hospitals participate in this program.

For more information contact your local community center or check out www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/pcap/.

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Nster.com