WellStone provides medical alternative

Monday, 14 January 2013 by Grayson Edds

Tyler Elementary School students celebrated Cinco De Mayo with a special program last Thursday. This was the third year students from Tyler have participated in the program.A new healthcare option has come to Belton. Located inside Bluebonnet Plaza at 2851 N. Main St. is Wellstone Family Medicine Clinic, which opened their doors to clients Mon., Dec. 17.

Wellstone was established this year as a 501A for physicians who wish to practice medicine without the difficulties of owning their own practices.

"Wellstone was designed as an employed physician model," said Group Operations Manager Scott Smith. WellStone Health Partners is a multispecialty group practice without walls and the physicians are excited to provide medical care to the citizens of Bell and surrounding Counties.

Wellstone physicians range from Family Medicine to Pulmonology, and more physicians are being added each month. Wellstone incorporates doctors from all over the U.S. who have chosen to make Bell County their home.

One of the primary benefits to choosing Wellstone is that all physicians are all board certified specialists in their chosen field, Smith said.

Of the 12 physicians who work at Wellstone, Dr. Andrew Dale is the primary family medicine doctor at the Belton clinic. While he will work full time at the clinic in Belton, the remaining seven physicians will rotate between the Belton clinic while also working in Harker Heights.

Dr. Dale has 15 years of experience delivering quality medical care to patients in Central Texas. He received a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University and his medical degree from the University of Texas at Galveston.

Lindsey Ross, Registered Nurse, Dr. Andrew Dale and Patty Philen, Patient Service Specialist are among the many who are excited to offer Belton an additional medical clinic to the community. He completed a family practice residency at Florida Hospital in Orlando, where he served as chief resident until he returned home to Central Texas. He has spent the last 15 years providing direct medical care to patients from College Station to Austin and areas in between.

"Dr. Dale believes in not only providing high quality medical care, but also in the continuing care of his patients," Smith said. "He believes in student health, whether it's pediatrics, young adults or college students."

Currently, the existing doctors at Wellstone specialize in Ear, Nose and Throat, Gastroenterology, OB/GYN, Pulmonology, Orthopedic Surgery and General Surgery.

Supporting the Wellstone Clinic are four local residents, all of whom graduated from Belton High School before continuing their education. Lindsey Ross works as the Registered Nurse, Patty Philen is the Patient Service Specialist, Smith as Group Practice Manager and Luke Potts, who works as the physician liaison and as business development director.

To make an appointment with Dr. Dale, call (254)939-1844.