Dr. Oz bringing free medical care to Houston on Saturday Dr. Oz offers a day of help for uninsured

He's bringing his show — and free medical care — here Saturday

When The Dr. Oz Show arrives in Houston on Saturday, hundreds of uninsured people will get more than advice from a television physician.

They'll get to see a doctor in person — maybe even Dr. Mehmet Oz — during a day of free medical care at Reliant Center.

Oz, the National Association of Free Clinics and hundreds of volunteers will provide check-ups, tests and minor procedures at no cost to an expected 1,600 people in what may become the largest event of its kind held in the United States.

Video clips from the day will become an October episode of The Dr. Oz Show, a daily syndicated program that premiered last week.

With the nation's highest uninsured rate, Texas is an ideal location for a day of free care. This week, the U.S. Census Bureau announced that one in three Harris County adults lacks health insurance.

“It's putting a face on the uninsured in America,” Oz said by phone from his New York City studio. The ubiquitous cardiac surgeon is among the Oprah Winfrey protégées who have rocketed to fame.

No-cost medical care

While many without health coverage think they have nowhere to turn but the emergency room, the event shines a spotlight on places that offer no-cost medical care, said Nicole Lamoureux, executive director of the National Association of Free Clinics.

The 1,200 member clinics are federal nonprofits where volunteers provide care. Patients aren't turned away for their inability to pay.

“So many people who do not have insurance don't go to the doctor, so they present with more and more illnesses,” she said. “Free and charitable clinics in Texas can help you find a medical home and take care of yourself.”

Association clinics treated 3.5 million patients in 2008. With the economic downturn and job losses that cut medical insurance for many, those same clinics expect to see 8 million patients this year, Lamoureux said.

Texas has more than 50 free clinics, including at least 10 in the Houston area.

“It's a big part of how we provide health care in America,” Oz said. “You know the only reason the doctor is there is because he cares about you.”

Oz added that he was motivated to celebrate the health professionals, including those from Houston's “rich supply of medical teaching facilities,” who give their time and expertise to free clinics.

Lab work available

On Saturday, patients will be sent from triage to one of 150 medical pods. There will be areas for basic lab work and minor procedures. Ambulances will be available to take patients to hospitals, if needed. Afterward, patients will be referred to free clinics in the Houston area for follow-up care.

“It's just a wonderful opportunity for people who don't have insurance,” said Stacie Cokinos, executive director of downtown Houston's San Jose Clinic. “They'll be able to see providers there and connect with one of several charity clinics that may be located in their neighborhood.”

Cokinos said San Jose volunteer nurses, physicians and administrators will be working with patients on Saturday, which will give the clinic exposure to new patients, new volunteers and new donors.

Both Oz and the association have been involved in other mass free clinics, but this is the first time they will work together.

Oz also has a personal connection to Houston.

His wife, Lisa, spent part of her early childhood in Houston while her father and Oz's mentor, Dr. Gerald Lemole, trained at Baylor College of Medicine with pioneering heart surgeons Dr. Michael DeBakey and Dr. Denton Cooley.

cindy.george@chron.com