A Grassroots Approach to Affordable Healthcare

Dr. Melita Tate’s cash-based practice does not deal with insurance or Medicare.

Dr. Melita Tate, M.D.; Jane Velezquez, CMA; and Monica Winford, NP-C.

Winter has settled in, and with all the snow, ice and holidays, flu season threatens to undermine everyone’s New Year’s resolutions. For those who worry about long waits in crowded hospital rooms, overpriced and impersonal doctor visits, Grassroots Healthcare offers a unique alternative to help families keep costs low without sacrificing health.

    Grassroots Healthcare opened in May of 2011 near the corner of 91st and Sheridan. Since then, word has travelled fast about the “third-party free” clinic. Melita Tate, M.D., and Monica Winford, NP-C, lead a small team dedicated to providing quality, affordable healthcare.  

    “We do not deal with insurance, nor do we take Medicare,” says Dr. Tate, who heads the practice. The clinic is simple and to the point. A patient schedules an appointment; the doctor meets and treats the patient. The patient pays. No extra paperwork and no hidden costs. In fact, fees for procedures are listed prominently in the front lobby. By eliminating third parties from the doctor-patient equation, costs are kept low, doctors and patients can spend more time discussing treatment and everyone wins.

    This straightforward approach, reminiscent of small-town practices, is advantageous for several types of patients. “Some of our patients have coverage, but want to avoid the wait times associated with larger hospitals,” says Dr. Tate. Others who have coverage may face high deductibles, and would rather not deal with paying the inflated cost of services at larger hospitals. And, for those who have no insurance at all, the clinic represents a surprisingly affordable alternative to urgent care or emergency room visits. Many of Dr. Tate’s patients are regulars because they trust her knowledge and appreciate the attention she dedicates to their health.

    Dr. Tate’s upbringing in a rural Oklahoma community guides her practice. A mother of five children, she understands the importance of trust in her role as physician. A graduate of OU College of Medicine, Dr. Tate is board certified in both internal medicine and pediatrics and has been practicing medicine since 1999. With extensive experience in urgent care, she is well qualified to treat just about any situation that may present itself at a general practice. And, if it turns out a patient needs to be referred to the emergency room, the fees are waived.

    It is that sort of reasonable and straightforward mindset that characterizes Grassroots Healthcare. “We treat our patients like people,” says Jane Velezquez, medical assistant. This motto is displayed by all staff, as well as in the procedures of the clinic. Medical records, though digitized, are not uploaded to “the cloud,” to ensure the strictest security and confidentiality. Because the majority of patients schedule appointments, wait times are always short – no one waits for an hour. Patients can count on the best rates, service, experience provided in a trusting and family-oriented environment.

    Now that flu season is in full swing, more and more people are discovering the convenience of a small-town clinic in the city. Dr. Tate and her team have seen their days fill up with appointments. Grassroots offers affordable flu shots, in addition to the usual services.

    Beyond getting the flu shot, Dr. Tate offers a few tips to ensure patients are at their best during this time of year. “Lemon with honey is helpful and boosts immunity,” she says, a tasty addition to hot tea. And, of course, washing hands and using sanitizer is a practice that cannot be encouraged enough. Finally, if flu symptoms such as fever or aches are noticed, she recommends people “visit a doctor as soon as possible,” so any medications that may be prescribed need to be taken early in the illness.

    If you're seeking an affordable and personable healthcare experience, call Grassroots Healthcare at (918) 878-7733 to schedule an appointment.

For more information, contact

Grassroots Healthcare

www.grassrootstulsa.com 

About Author Christopher Davis

Christopher Davis is an educator and musician, as well as a writer. A California native, he resides in Tulsa with his wife, two sons and a modest menagerie of pets. When he isn't inspiring young minds, you will most likely find him spending time with his family or playing drums and percussion with Project Huckleberry or the Movetet. In addition to Value News, Davis also writes for Currentland. You can view his work at https://seedavis.wordpress.com.