Health and Medical News in Austin, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Leander, Hutto and Taylor

Round Rock | Pflugerville Health & Fitness Guide 2010

Local places to help you stay fit in the new year

Anticipated EPA standards will place Austin in nonattainment status

Central Texans will have to hold their breath one more day to find out if the city they live in meets national air quality standards. Initially slated for Dec. 21, the federal agency postponed the announcement until after the winter holidays and pushed the release date again to Jan. 7.

Free H1N1 flu clinic

A free H1N1 flu clinic will be held Thursday, Dec. 17 and is open to students and their siblings on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Taxpayer funded abortion contracts approved

Low-income women in Travis County will continue to have abortion as an option through taxpayer funds.

New Scott & White Healthcare-Round Rock West Clinic under construction

Construction has begun on the Scott & White-Round Rock West Clinic, located at 16420 RM 620, Ste. 104, in Round Rock. The clinic, located near the intersection of RM 620 and O’Connor Drive, is expected to open by spring 2010.

Round Rock ISD offers H1N1, seasonal flu vaccines

The Round Rock ISD Health Services Department will be offering seasonal FluMist, H1N1 FluMist and H1N1 flu shots on Dec. 7 at 4 p.m. at the RRISD Performing Arts Center, located at 5800 McNeil Rd. in Austin.

Organizations unite to help elderly

Three Austin organizations—Family Eldercare, Health Sense Home Care and SouthernCare Inc.—have teamed up for an intensified holiday campaign to collect nonperishable food as well as other specific items to help comfort and sustain Austin’s at-risk elderly.

Experts debate impact of healthcare reform on business, economy

State and national experts gathered to discuss the possible ramifications of healthcare reform on business and the economy at a luncheon Nov. 19 sponsored by the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce in partnership with chambers across the Central Texas region and the University of Texas School of Law.

Phase one of medical plaza complete

After 10 months of construction, the Austin Avenue Medical Plaza celebrated the grand opening of its 100,000 sq. ft. medical complex at 3201 S. Austin Ave. Nov. 19. The facility is 90 percent leased with four tenants moving in this month: CPA Barrick & Company LLC, Urology Associates of Williamson County, Foot Associates of Central Texas LLC and Central Texas Surgical Associates.

Sale of plush dog to support American Cancer Society

A plush toy dog named Paisley will help people join the fight against cancer this holiday season.

Screening, discussion planned for documentary about medical humanitarian group

Elizabeth Vargas, anchor for “ABC News 20/20,” will moderate a town-hall forum about Doctors Without Borders with frontline aid workers, journalists and thousands of audience members in movie theaters across the country, including Cedar Park.

St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center announces trauma center director

Michael L. Craun, a trauma surgeon and critical care specialist, will join St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center as the hospital’s trauma medical director Jan. 1, 2010.

St. David’s Medical Center chooses new chief nursing officer

On Oct. 1, Susan E. Griffin was chosen as chief nursing officer for St. David’s Medical Center. Griffin, formerly the chief nursing officer of Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital, a part of the Memorial Hermann Healthcare System in Houston, has more than 15 years of experience in the chief nursing officer role and more than 31 years of experience in nursing.

South Austin dialysis center recognized

Fresenius Medical Center Austin South, 621 Radam Lane, is one of the five UltraCare dialysis centers in the Austin area named Sept. 17 as a “Center of Excellence” by the company for achieving the highest standards in patient care. The award was based on facility performance for multiple objectives for dialysis care.

Woman plans to beat cancer before it strikes, starts support group

Renee Wasserman calls herself a previvor. The Cedar Park resident didn’t survive cancer—she plans to beat it to the punch.

Hays County welcomes Seton Family doctors’ office

Residents of Hays County and southern Travis County now have access to primary and specialty care physicians closer to home. The Seton Family of Doctors at Hays, a member of the Seton Family of Hospitals, celebrated the opening of a new practice Sept. 3, which offers a wide spectrum of clinical expertise in the new Kyle Crossing at 5103 Kyle Center Drive, across IH 35 from the new Seton Medical Center Hays which opens Oct. 1.

Deadline for students' immunization extended

Parents who did not meet the Aug. 24 immunization deadlines for the 2009-2010 school year now have more time.

St. David's Georgetown Hospital hires new chief medical officer

St. David’s Georgetown Hospital announced the addition of Dr. Jim Donovan as Chief Medical Officer for the facility.

Local hospitals implement steps to encourage breastfeeding for new mothers

Five of Seton Family of Hospitals birthing facilities, Seton Medical Center Austin, Seton Medical Center Williamson, Seton Northwest, Seton Southwest and University Medical Center Brackenridge, have been designated as a 2010 Texas Ten Step Facility by the Department of State Health Services and the Texas Hospital Association.

Seton Medical Center Williamson unveils robotic surgical system

A new robotic surgical system introduced at Seton Medical Center Williamson on Aug. 11 will be used for procedures such as prostate cancer surgery. Hospital leaders said the machine will bring about quicker recoveries and lower risks of infection.

Lone Star Circle of Care receives $2 million in stimulus funds

The Lone Star Circle of Care announced Aug. 11 that it received more than $2 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and is pursuing an additional $6.8 million in stimulus funds to support the build out of its 40,000 sq. ft. clinical hub in Georgetown.

St. David's Foundation grants healthcare scholarships

St. David’s Foundation awarded 27 scholarships to graduating high school seniors in Central Texas Aug. 11 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin.

National Healthcare for the Homeless Day Aug. 12

In recognition of National Healthcare for the Homeless Day on Aug. 12, CommUnityCare will provide free health care services for homeless individuals from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 500 E. Seventh St. (in the covered parking garage behind the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless).

South Austin veterans outpatient clinic to be largest in the nation

U.S. Congressman Lloyd Doggett announced Aug. 6 that construction will soon be underway on a new state-of-the-art Austin Veterans Outpatient Clinic that will be the largest of its type in the entire country — three times as large as the existing clinic with almost twice the clinic staff. The clinic is scheduled to open in three years, and will be located in off Highway 71 on 35 acres near the intersection of Metropolis and Metlink, commonly called MetCenter.

Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute at St. David’s Medical Center to host free atrial fibrillation seminar

The Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute at St. David’s Medical Center will host a free seminar about the most effective ways to treat and correct Atrial Fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder, Aug. 5.

Scott & White prepares to begin work on new healing garden

Scott & White Healthcare - Round Rock broke ground on a new healing garden July 24. Hospital and community leaders said the area will provide patients and their families with a peaceful setting to reflect and recover.

Newborn bloodspots destruction option available

A new law allows parents of children born in Texas to direct the Texas Department of State Health Services to destroy dried bloodspot samples collected as part of a routine “heel stick” screening of newborns for certain inheritable and congenital disorders, after the newborn screening process is complete.

Seton’s President/CEO honored by Daughters of Charity

Seton Family of Hospitals President and Chief Executive Officer Charles J. Barnett, was recently awarded a Bicentennial Medal from the Seton Legacy of Charity in honor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.

EPA honors Seton’s Asthma Center

The Seton Asthma Center is one of five outstanding programs nationwide to receive the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2009 National Environmental Leadership Award in Asthma Management. Chosen for its exemplary efforts to deliver high-quality asthma care, Seton’s program is also the first in Texas to be recognized by the EPA.

National HIV Testing Day June 27

In observance of National HIV Testing Day, the Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department's Communicable Disease Unit will offer free and confidential HIV/STD testing Saturday, June 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the RBJ Health Center, 15 Waller St.

Texas Department of State Health Services warns against eating raw cookie dough linked to E. Coli O157:H7 outbreak

The Texas Department of State Health Services is warning consumers to avoid eating any varieties of prepackaged Nestle Toll House refrigerated cookie dough as state and federal health officials investigate an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7.

Seton’s CNO chosen for American Academy of Nursing fellowship

Seton Family of Hospitals announced Joyce Batcheller, Senior Vice President and System Chief Nursing Officer of the Seton Family of Hospitals, has been selected for a fellowship to the American Academy of Nursing.

Seton receives $250,000 nursing endowment

Emergency Service Partners, LP, a physician-owned emergency medicine group practicing in Central Texas emergency departments, has pledged $250,000 to the Seton Nurse Scholarship Endowment in memory of the late Rick Gastelum.

Austin Regional Clinic opens in Kyle

Austin Regional Clinic opened its first facility in Kyle in May at 4100 Everett, Ste. 400, in the Plum Creek Town Center next to the Hays CISD Performing Arts Center.

Meningitis shots offered June 6 for seventh graders

Students entering the seventh grade this fall will have a chance to receive required immunizations June 6, during a special clinic offered by the Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services. Meningitis shots will be given at the clinic, which is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Far South Health Center, 405 W. Stassney Lane.

AISD prepares for new immunization rules

As the last day of school approaches, three months of summer vacation are just around the corner for AISD students, but before classes start again Aug. 24, some 10,000 Austin students will need to be immunized before they can attend class. The parents of these students will receive letters over the coming days with notification that their student’s immunization records are not current with one or more vaccines.

Changes to vaccination requirements to take effect Aug. 1

New immunization requirements for school children implemented by the Texas Department of State Health Services will be effective before the next school year begins. Five changes include new vaccines for kindergarten and seventh grade students.

Seton study shows physician shortage hitting Central Texas

3,000 new physicians needed by 2020

Shopper's guide to buying organic

Avoiding pesticide contamination may make pricier produce worth the cost, experts say

Bilingual "Congreso" on health education Saturday, March 28

In an effort to educate Austin Hispanics about heart disease and adult-onset diabetes, an all-day fair with free activities featured in both English and Spanish will be held Saturday, March 28. The event, "Congreso para el bienestar de la familia," will be held at the Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 Red River St.

Community health centers will expand services under the new name CommUnityCare

After 30 years as a City of Austin department, Community Health Centers recently became a nonprofit healthcare organization. Under the new title CommUnityCare, the organization will continue to operate the same 18 clinics in the Austin area, but with additional services, Communications Director Laura Walsh said.

Local healthcare clinics expand services

After 30 years as a City of Austin department, Community Health Centers recently became a nonprofit healthcare organization. Under the new title CommUnityCare, the organization will continue to operate the same 18 clinics in the Austin area, but with additional services, Communications Director Laura Walsh said.

Moore-Weis Children's Center of Austin in danger of closing

The Moore-Weis Children's Center of Austin, the acclaimed local school for children with autism and communication disorders, is in jeopardy of closing after 11 years of serving Austin's youth.

St. David’s Georgetown Hospital offers new rehabilitation service

St. David’s Georgetown Hospital announced the addition of the McKenize Method to its rehabilitation services. No other location in Georgetown has certified therapists in this method, according to hospital staff. The overall philosophy of the McKenzie Method is assessment, treatment and prevention of back, neck and extremity pain.

St. David’s Georgetown Hospital hires new chief nursing officer

Following a nationwide search process, Wendy A. Stuart, RN, BSN, MSN, became the Chief Nursing Officer at St. David’s Georgetown Hospital March 1.

St. David’s HealthCare Chief Medical Officer chosen as keynote speaker for patient safety conference

On March 11, St. David’s HealthCare Chief Medical Officer, Steve Berkowitz, M.D., will serve as the keynote speaker at the Fourth Annual Iowa Healthcare Collaborative Patient Safety Conference in Ames, Iowa. Berkowitz will discuss the future of quality in health care and the interrelationships between data transparency, evidence-based practice and pay-for-performance.

St. David’s Georgetown Hospital offers scholarships for Georgetown High School seniors

The St. David’s Georgetown Hospital Auxiliary will award Kenneth Poteete Scholarships to graduating seniors from Georgetown High School who plan to major in health-related fields and have financial need. Up to six students will receive scholarships worth $5,000.

Seton celebrates relocation of administrative offices to east Austin

The Seton Family of Hospitals held a ceremony Feb. 27 to celebrate the relocation of its network administration offices to east Austin. The new office is located in the Mueller Development, 1345 Philomena St., just south of Seton's Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas.

St. David’s North Austin Medical Center offers heart-health education for women

On Thursday, March 5, St. David’s North Austin Medical Center will hold a Women’s Heart Health Education seminar, designed to teach women about ways they can reduce their risk of heart disease.

Free pancakes to raise money for Children's Miracle Network

In honor of Fat Tuesday, always-open pancake house IHOP is giving away free short stacks. On Feb. 24 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., the restaurant will offer customers three free pancakes, asking for a donation to the Children's Miracle Network equal to or greater than what the cost of the short stack would have been.

Heart Hospital of Austin to host giant heart display for students

The Heart Hospital of Austin, 3801 N. Lamar Blvd., will host "Matters of the Heart: A Cardiovascular Exhibition on a Grand Scale" Feb. 25 from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Hundreds of elementary through college-age students have been invited to tour a first-of-its-kind inflatable, 12-foot-tall, 21-foot-long heart. Students are encouraged to discover the workings of the heart through interactive means that will include heart healthy tips and information on automated external defibrillators and CPR.

St. David's to host "Mammo Mixer"

On Feb. 19 from 6-8 p.m., St. David's Medical Center will host a "Mammo Mixer," designed to encourage women to get their annual mammograms. The "Mammo Mixers" will feature complimentary manicures, as well as refreshments. Additional mixers are scheduled for the third Thursday of every month in 2009. The mixer will take place at the Breast Center at St. David's Medical Center, 919 E. 32nd Street, Ste. 111. An RSVP is required, call 544-8803 or 544-8800 and specify a reservation for the "Mammogram Mixer."

Heart Hospital of Austin offers free heart screenings for teens

The Heart Hospital of Austin, 3801 N. Lamar Blvd., will offer free heart screening to high school students 14-18 years old on Feb. 28 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. The test will help detect Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, the leading cause of sudden death in young athletes. Active students who participate in sports or other strenuous sports typically get routine physical exams before participating, now they have the option to take the extra precaution of getting a free heart screening.

Texas Life-Sciences Collaboration Center sponsors medical technology conference

The Texas Life-Sciences Collaboration Center in Georgetown and Texas Instruments will sponsor the Enabling Breakthroughs in Medical Electronics Seminar and Conference on March 11 in Round Rock.

Round Rock Higher Education Center to host medical technology conference

The Texas Life-Sciences Collaboration Center in Georgetown and Texas Instruments will sponsor the Enabling Breakthroughs in Medical Electronics Seminar and Conference on March 11 in Round Rock.

Local legislators tackle health, schools

State Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, and state Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin, have filed bills addressing health insurance, doctors' loans and exchanging medical records. Meanwhile, state Rep. Dawnna Dukes, D-Austin, introduced legislation on reforming poor-performing schools.

Governor announced Emerging Technology Fund investment in stem cell research at Texas A&M Health Science Center

Gov. Rick Perry announced a $5 million investment through the Texas Emerging Technology Fund Feb. 12 to recruit leading scientists focused on regenerative medicine technologies to the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine Institute for Regenerative Medicine at Scott & White.

Watson files bills on ID recovery, health care, open government and health insurance

State Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, filed several bills Wednesday on various topics.

Georgetown Health Foundation donates $1 Million to Lone Star Circle of Care

The Georgetown Health Foundation, a nonprofit group dedicated to promoting quality, accessible health care in the Georgetown area, donated $1 million to Lone Star Circle of Care, a nonprofit organization operating nine community health clinics in Williamson County for the uninsured and medically underserved.

$100K donated to St. David's to go towards local health care needs

On Feb. 5 St. David's Community Health Foundation announced a generous donation of $100,000 to support its mission of providing access to health care for all Central Texans.

Naishtat would open up Texas Health Insurance Risk Pool

State Rep. Elliott Naishtat, D-Austin, filed three bills about the state's insurance pool, suicide statistics and public records on substitute caregivers.

First phase of St. David’s women’s hospital complete

A hospital in northwest Austin is expecting to deliver more than 5,000 babies this year, about 1,200 more than in 2008, making it the largest maternity hospital in Central Texas.

Hospitals of Central Texas

Comprehensive list of Central Texas Hospitals

Central Austin's state representatives address air quality, lobbying, health insurance

Central Austin state representatives Donna Howard, D-Austin, and Dawnna Dukes, D-Austin, filed bills Thursday dealing with air pollution, regional utilities, the revolving door in state government and medical entitlement programs.

Georgetown Health Foundation announces new CEO, launches new website

The Georgetown Health Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of quality, accessible health care for all citizens in the Georgetown area, announced today that Scott Alarcon has assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer. Alarcon has been Chief Operating Officer of the Foundation since 2007. The organization also launched a website and unveiled its new logo.

Black Tie Gala benefits Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas

The Children's Council will host its annual black tie gala Jan. 24at the Austin Convention Center with a "Continue the Miracles" after-party held at Trio in the Four Seasons Hotel.

Georgetown Medical Complex breaks ground

A group of 25 doctors and outside investors will break ground on a $30 million medical plaza in Georgetown in late January.

Seton Medical Center opens maternity space for new Austin moms

Recently, Maternity Services began moving moms and their babies into the new second-floor maternity space at Seton Medical Center Austin. The new maternity floor is part of SMCA's 124,000 sq. ft. expansion that was built to help meet growing demand for care throughout the region, increase capacity and provide comprehensive maternity services all on one floor.

"This is such a great opportunity for me and my partners to take better care of our high-risk and low-risk maternity patients using the latest equipment, ORs and security — all in a beautiful new environment, all on one floor," said Dr. Karen Swenson, obstetrician/gynecologist, Women Partners in Health.

Central Austin legislators address nursing, food stamps, seniors

Central Austin state representatives filed seven bills Wednesday in the Texas House on topics like nursing, food stamps, child protective services and Texas seniors.

New moms first to experience Seton Medical Center Austin expansion

Recently, Maternity Services began moving moms and their babies into the new second-floor maternity space at Seton Medical Center Austin. The new maternity floor is part of SMCA's 124,000 sq. ft. expansion that was built to help meet growing demand for care throughout the region, increase capacity and provide comprehensive maternity services all on one floor.

"This is such a great opportunity for me and my partners to take better care of our high-risk and low-risk maternity patients using the latest equipment, ORs and security — all in a beautiful new environment, all on one floor," said Dr. Karen Swenson, obstetrician/gynecologist, Women Partners in Health.

Central Austin legislators look at children's health insurance, charities

Central Austin legislators have filed a flurry of bills in the past 48 hours, as the 81st Texas Legislature convenes on the second of a 140-day session.

State Rep. Dawnna Dukes, D-Austin, state Rep. Elliott Naishtat, D-Austin, and state Sen. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio, introduced a combined 10 bills in the past two days, on topics including increasing the income threshold for children's health insurance eligibility and exempting charities from certain taxes.

City, Travis County seek applicants for healthcare district board

The City of Austin and Travis County are seeking applications for a vacancy on the Travis County Healthcare District Board of Managers. Deadline for submission of applications is 5 p.m. Jan. 30, 2009.

Health and Fitness 2009

Local gyms, fitness centers and health food stores

Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas is world's first platinum LEED hospital

Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas (www.dellchildrens.net), a member of the Seton Family of Hospitals, is the first hospital in the world to receive the Leadership in Environmental Energy & Design Platinum (www.usgbc.org) designation by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Lone Star Circle of Care hires three new healthcare leaders

Lone Star Circle of Care, a nonprofit provider of primary care in Central Texas, added three new healthcare professionals to help lead its expanding network of services.

Seton Medical Center Austin recognized for excellence in Bariatric Surgery

Obesity has become a significant national health issue, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting that 66 percent of all U.S. adults are overweight or obese. Morbid obesity is closely correlated with a number of serious conditions that severely undermine the health of overweight patients, including heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. Bariatric surgery, when performed correctly, can help obese patients manage these conditions.

Clinic confusion: Where to go for medical help

For someone ill or injured and in need of urgent medical care, there is often little time to find out which care facility is best for treating the problem.

Breaking down basics of health insurance

Texas has the highest rate of uninsured people in the country

Southwest Austin Healthcare Directory

Map and listings for doctors and hospitals in Southwest Austin

St. David's Community Health Foundation awards grants to support local healthcare needs

St. David's Community Health Foundation is awarding $5.15 million in grants to area nonprofit organizations that provide access to health care for Central Texans.

Breaking down basics of health insurance

icon America’s healthcare system has received a grave diagnosis, and the health insurance industry is not medicating the problem with much success.

Labor of love: Central Texas birthing options

icon When Dr. Christina Sebestyen moved to Central Texas two years ago, she longed to open an obstetrics practice combining the nurturing attributes of midwifery with the urgent-care benefits of traditional OB hospital care.

Emergency medical services

icon Travis County, Williamson County, and privately owned emergency medical services

Emergency medical services

icon Travis County, Williamson County, and privately owned emergency medical services

Travis County Health District to purchase land on Braker Lane for North Central Community Health Center

According to an update by The City of Austin Community Care Services Department, "The need for expanded health care services in north central and northeastern Travis County is well-established.

Neighborhood associations meet to hear about North Burnet/Gateway Master Plan and to fight proposed Community Health Center

On Oct. 27, North Park Estates and Gracywoods neighborhood associations met at St. Albert Church, 12041 Bittern Hollow, to learn about the North Burnet/Gateway Master Plan (more.impactnews.com/1274) and to make a plan of action against a new 50,000 sq. ft. Community Health Center being planned at 1200 W. Braker Lane by the Travis County Healthcare District (more.impactnews.com/1402).

Hospice Austin

While many nonprofits serve niche groups of people, Hospice Austin is an organization that deals with something that everyone goes through. Hospice Austin was established to help people in the last stages of life, but while focusing on the patient, the hospice staff takes care of the family as well.

St. David's Georgetown Hospital completes Intensive Care Unit renovations

St. David's Georgetown Hospital completed a $300,000 renovation to the intensive care unit and medical/surgical unit corridors that included a cosmetic update as well as the addition of equipment and technology. The ICU renovation began in May and was completed in late summer.

Court approves 2009 budget and tax rate for Travis County Healthcare District

The Travis County Commissioners Court approved the county healthcare district's 2008 tax rate of .0679 and the 2009 budget totaling $95.2 million. The budget shows a 6.1 percent increase from last year's and includes a $4.2 million increase in direct services. The tax rate is lower than last year's rate of .0693.

Possible healthcare tax district

icon In 2004, Travis County voters approved the creation of a taxing authority known as a hospital district to provide health services to uninsured and underinsured residents.

Health care in a growing county

In 2004, Travis County voters approved the creation of a taxing authority known as a hospital district to provide health services to uninsured and underinsured residents.

District provides medical funding for local uninsured, underinsured

Just a few years ago, the City of Austin owned the University Medical Center at Brackenridge.

Health care in a growing county

In 2004, Travis County voters approved the creation of a taxing authority known as a hospital district to provide health services to uninsured and underinsured residents.

Travis County Healthcare District provides care for indigent

Just a few years ago, the City of Austin owned the University Medical Center at Brackenridge.

Samaritan Health Ministries

On Monday afternoons, people gather at a triple-wide mobile home on the grounds of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church to submit their names for a lottery — but money is not the prize. Those whose names are drawn win a doctor’s appointment.

Local hospitals expand services

Icon Once Seton Southwest Hospital completes its new professional building, the medical facility on FM 1826 will have something in common with the Dallas Mavericks and the San Antonio Spurs, something no one else in town has.

New Medical School

Med school icon The first building on the new Texas A&M University System Health Science Center campus in Round Rock is expected to break ground in late summer or early fall.

Healthcare & Insurance

Alex Cogburn is not indigent, unhealthy or unemployed. In fact, the college-educated 24-year-old shares a house with a roommate, has a car and works almost 40 hours a week at his job using his black belt training to teach karate at a Northwest Austin studio.

Not having insurance wasn’t something Cogburn thought much about since graduating from the University of Texas last year, when he lost coverage under his parents’ insurance plan. But in late December, when an unplanned trip to the emergency room led to Cogburn receiving almost $5,000 in medical bills, he realized that health insurance was something he couldn’t afford not to have.

“I hate having to feel like we have to have insurance, but clearly it really is a necessity or else there’s no way I can ever pay this amount again,” Cogburn said. “If it was something where I had planned to go to the hospital, I would have asked my parents or looked into what I could have done to make it cost less, but since it was unplanned it was like…I didn’t ask for this at all.”

Cogburn is one of 5.7 million Texans who are currently without insurance and make too much to be considered indigent and too little to afford sufficient coverage. Texas has the highest number of uninsured residents in the country according to the 2003 census, and area hospitals, city government and the state legislature are battling a number of factors in an effort to help these residents.

Doctor charged $25 to deliver a baby

In any type of weather, at any time of the day or night, Dr. Charles R. Miller would arrive in his Model T Ford to deliver a baby. Although his fee was only $25, the new parents often said “charge it.” Because many of the residents of Leander and western Williamson County were farmers, doctor’s bills were often unpaid until fall, when the crops came in.

Dr. Miller (1886-1967) arrived in Leander in 1924 and spent 40 years attending to the health needs of the community.

Adult Day/Health Care Center

The Adult Day/Health Care Center in Round Rock has faced challenges in the past 16 years since it opened, but nothing like the one it is up against now, center director Marty Rose said.

A program operated through Williamson-Burnet County Opportunities, the center may have to close its doors in February unless another group is willing to take over operations or funding becomes available.

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