Along with its strain on frontline medical workers, COVID has also plunged patients deeper in debt.
But one doctor's generosity has given many a brighter outlook to kick off this year.
The end of an era
After nearly 30 years, Dr. Omar Atiq was closing down his Arkansas-based oncology practice. One priority was figuring out what to do about the $650,000 of outstanding patient debt.
At first, he attempted to recoup payment through their billing company. However, he and wife Mehreen instead found the perfect cure.
Some people are just unable to pay
Realizing that there "are people that are just unable to pay," they realized it was in their power to make a difference.
We saw that we could do it and then just went ahead and did it
Dr. Omar Atiq
And so, around 200 of Atiq's patients received a card from the Arkansas Cancer Clinic containing a surprise.
"The Arkansas Cancer Clinic was proud to serve you as a patient," the card read. It also acknowledged that despite insurance coverage, even paying deductibles can be a burden.
"The clinic has decided to forego all balances owed to the clinic by its patients."
Making a massive difference
Patients -- some indebted thousands of dollars for cancer treatments -- suddenly had a massive weight taken off their shoulders.
One of the things that always bothers everyone I believe is to see sick patients having to worry about things other than they’re getting healthy or getting better
Dr. Omar Atiq
Over the years, Dr. Atiq has seen patients go bankrupt trying to make payments, something he says "feels like a totally unfair situation."
Blessed to help
Dr.Attiq realized that he was in a unique position to make a difference. With medical depth rising and cancer patients especially vulnerable to COVID, his gesture made a huge impact.
thank God that we’re fairly comfortable and this was something we could at least do to help the community
Dr. Omar Attiq
While it's important to count our blessings, sharing them with others is even more powerful.
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