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Care free: Local medical show talks about public health options

Care free: Local medical show talks about public health options
Greg Romenski

Public health care does exist in Brooklyn, and these doctors want you to know about it!

The latest episode of Medcast Plus, a locally produced medical television show, aims to inform Brooklynites about their right to access public health care from Kings County Hospital.

The episode, which will air on June 15 on Free Speech TV, focuses on how New York City doctors care for patients who are uninsured.

During the 30-minute episode, host Dr. Jack Braha and Dr. Steven Pulitzer tackle some common misconceptions about citizens who do not have the luxury of insurance — namely, that they have no options.

Pulitzer, who is the Chief Medical Officer of Kings County Hospital, described the services that the Prospect-Lefferts Gardens medical provider offers free to those without insurance.

“What Pulitzer and his team are doing is providing in-patient and out-patient care to those who have a high deductible, or have to pay out-of-pocket,” Braha said.

According to Braha, Kings County provides innovative preventative care to those who normally would not be able to afford it. For example, patients can go to Kings County to attend a diabetics class, which informs patients how to eat healthier and take measures to improve their lives; along with other programs to help prevent hospitalization.

“I learned from this conversation that Kings County, especially Dr. Pulitzer, is shifting their focus for preventative outpatient care, such as social services and mental health,” Braha said.

The Medcast Plus episode also has a message for the large population of Brooklynites who are under-insured, or who stay at home when they really need to seek out professional health care.

“I hope those who watch the episode understand that even if you are uninsured or undocumented, public hospitals are picking up where national health care is lacking,” Braha said. “The main point is, those who are staying home out of fear of not being able to afford care should go to city hospitals, because they will help you out.”

“Medcast Plus” airs on Brooklyn Free Speech Channel 3 (Channel 79 on Spectrum, 9415 on Dish, 348 on Direct TV, www.bricartsmedia.org/tv-shows-videos/brooklyn-free-speech-tv). June 15 at 12:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., and 2 p.m. Free.