State officials came to the region Thursday to take a close look at a unique medical clinic. The  Secretary of Human Services and the Medicaid Director of Pennsylvania visited the Empower 3 Center for Health in Altoona. They toured the clinic established by Dr Zane Gates, which  sees Medicaid members under a contract with the UPMC Health Plan.

 

Patients pay  a flat monthly fee and receive an unlimited number of medical visits, X-rays, lab visits, and pharmacy care. Secretary of Human Services Ted Dallas said efforts are underway to transform about 30 percent of Medicaid payments to this type of model over the next 3 years.

  

“I think  the clinic and things like Dr. Gates runs are part of the future in healthcare in Pennsylvania and across the country. His approach I think tries to reduce the complexity of the system and also treat the whole person,” Dallas explained.

 

Secretary Dallas said  he was particularly impressed by Empower 3’s emphasis on providing comprehensive care in order to achieve good outcomes for patients.