Restoring Hope: Angela’s Story

When Angela lost her job and insurance, she knew it would be more challenging than ever to manage her chronic health conditions. That is when she found Health Services of North Texas (HSNT).  

“When I lost insurance and I lost my job, you know, when you lose that income, it's really hard to find good medical care when you have no insurance. Your options are very limited,” Angela shares. Through HSNT, Angela was able to access the care she needed at a place she felt valued. “Everybody, I mean, from the people that you check in with, you know, through the lab, the medical technician that checks you in and gets you ready for the doctor, I mean, everybody is just really friendly, and I've never felt like I couldn't approach any of them. Everybody seems very approachable and very just, I don't know, just human.” 

After a couple of years with HSNT, Angela’s trusted primary care accepted a new opportunity and she was due to have a visit with a new HSNT provider. “When I first heard that I had to [make] the change [to a new provider], I was kind of scared,” said Angela “But then as soon as I met him, I was like, oh, this is great.” 

When Angela had her first visit with Dr. Gerardo Rodriguez, she felt reassured that her health was in good hands. Dr. Rodriguez took the time to get to know her and spent time researching her specific health challenges. Angela has psoriasis, and the skin condition was affecting her daily life. “I mean, it covered my whole body and, you know, it's one of those things that people would call you out on it, just random strangers [would say] ‘what's the matter with your skin?’ and things like that. I've been on treatment before, but as [I was] low income with no insurance, I thought it was unattainable to get the injections again,” said Angela. “[Dr. Rodriguez] saw the psoriasis and he was like, ‘let me do some research.’” 

By her next appointment, Angela was on the way to relief from psoriasis. “Dr. Rodriguez did a six-week follow-up appointment. And at that six week [appointment], you know, within a month from there, I was on injections and immediately started to clear up my skin. And it's just been world changing. I work in the service industry and in restaurants primarily. So being able to just be confident in my skin again has been life changing for me.” 

Angela appreciates HSNT’s compassionate staff, as well as the comprehensive approach to care. “While I go to MHMR for my mental health, Dr. Rodriguez and the staff has always made sure to check in with me on how I'm doing and making sure that I'm following up with MHMR. When you have that kind of holistic care and somebody who is genuinely concerned and cares for you as a human being, it means the world, you know. So often in my life, I feel judged. And with finding this PCP, it's been a relief to feel like a respected human being and be treated with such dignity.” 

As Angela got to know Dr. Rodriguez, she began to look forward to his calm and forthcoming attitude. “One thing that I really love about Dr. Rodriguez, other than his just complete realness, is that he will, if he doesn't know something, he will tell you and he'll be like, okay, let me research that and then I'll get back to you. If he can't give me the answer right then and there. And I really, really respect that about him.” 

She has also had a great experience with HSNT’s other staff, especially the case managers. “I want to give a shout out to Cicie, the case manager, and Lydia. They have been really helpful with resources for my CPAP and medications and things like that,” Angela shares.  

For those who are waiting to tackle their health issues due to barriers to care, Angela offers these words of encouragement. “It did take me a little bit of time to get in [with HSNT], but it really wasn't too bad. And once you're an established patient, it's great. You can call in, and if they have openings, they get you in as soon as possible. [Medical appointments] include lab testing on site, so you don't have to go to a separate lab.” 

Angela’s story represents the hope and peace of mind that HSNT aims to provide every patient that walks through our health center doors. “I've been through a lot as [part of] a low-income family the last three years. And it's just, it's been amazing to see the differences in the way I can be treated. It gives you kind of hope when you find people, especially in the medical field, who don't see you as just, oh, somebody with no insurance. They see you as a human being. And you guys have always prioritized my care over the bill. Your sliding scale has just been wonderful.”