Navigating Houston Healthcare

The Texas Medical Center

The Texas Medical Center (TMC) is a 1,345-acre medical district containing 61 member institutions. It sees over 10 million patient visits annually and employs more than 106,000 people. Notable institutions include:

• MD Anderson Cancer Center - Ranked #1 in cancer care in the US
• Houston Methodist Hospital - Nationally ranked in multiple specialties
• Texas Children's Hospital - One of the nation's best pediatric hospitals
• Memorial Hermann - Major trauma and emergency care provider
• Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center - Pioneer in heart surgery

Finding a Primary Care Physician

When you move to Houston, finding a primary care doctor should be one of your first priorities. Here are some tips:

• Check with your insurance provider for in-network physicians
• Ask neighbors and coworkers for recommendations
• Use hospital physician finder services
• Consider proximity to your home and work
• Look for practices that offer telehealth options

Health Insurance in Texas

Texas has a diverse health insurance market. Options include:

• Employer-sponsored plans - The most common option for working professionals
• Healthcare.gov marketplace - For individual and family plans
• Medicare - For those 65 and older
• Medicaid/CHIP - For qualifying low-income families

Urgent Care and Emergency Services

Houston has numerous urgent care centers and emergency rooms throughout the city. Freestanding emergency rooms are common in Texas, but be aware they often have higher costs than hospital-affiliated ERs or urgent care centers. For non-life-threatening situations, urgent care is typically more cost-effective.

Transferring Medical Records

Before you move, request copies of your medical records from all current providers. Most practices can send records electronically to your new doctors. Keep copies of:

• Recent physical exam results
• Immunization records
• Prescription medication list
• Specialist reports and test results
• Dental and vision records