Doc Asks Patients to Pay It Forward

ATLANTA -- Inside Dr. Jim Braude's medical practice in Midtown Atlanta, goodness starts with a sign posted in every exam room.

It reads, "Ask me about 'Good for a Visit.'"

Braude, an internist, started the program a few months ago after seeing a story on NBC Nightly News.

It was about a cafe in Colorado, called Same, where customers leave a little extra in envelopes to help the less fortunate enjoy their meals for free.

"I thought, 'That's perfect. We can do the same thing here,'" Braude said.

So he brought in his own envelopes.

"For those patients who are financially in good shape, when they check out, that envelope will be at the front desk, put a dollar in that envelope," he said.

Then that envelope helps the next patient who calls in without the money or insurance to pay for a visit.

"We say, 'Here's your ticket. Come in. Whatever's in here, fine, no matter how much.' We'll eat the rest," he said.

Many patients donate more than a dollar.

In fact, one patient started sending in a check for $180 every month.

"If I can at the end of the day, I'll call the person who gave the money and say, 'You paid for someone today with pneumonia or pancreatitis or whatever,'" he said.

"Every patient who calls and says, 'I'm in trouble, I've lost my insurance,' we can see," Dr. Braude said.

Patients have been so generous that there's extra money in the account for those in need.

"I actually get more thank you notes from those giving the money than those receiving it," he said.

"People want to do it again and again and again," he said.

Dr. Braude said he's hoping the idea catches on at other doctor's offices.