UPDATED 3-25-2011: Employees who wish to be seen at the Wellness Center are advised, for the time being, to call ahead for an appointment. Walk-ins will be accepted on a time-available basis.

By JOCELYN NICHOLS
Pasadena ISD Communications Office
  The new Pasadena ISD Wellness Center, a provider of free basic health care services to district employees with Pasadena ISD medical insurance, opened its doors to patients on March 14.
  "We are excited about the wellness center," said Pasadena ISD Superintendent Dr. Kirk Lewis. "It will provide our staff with an affordable health care option for illness and preventative care."
  The center is located in the district's Frank Braden Center, 1850 E. Sam Houston Pkwy. S.
  Hours of operation for the center are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  The center will also be open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  Appointments may be made by calling 713-740-5300. Walk-ins are also welcome.
  PISD employees and their dependents who are on Plan 1 or Plan 2 coverage will be seen and be treated without charge. All other employees will be charged $50 per visit plus the cost of any tests that may be required.
  The clinic is not available for the dependents of employees who are not on district medical insurance.
  All patients with Pasadena ISD medical insurance must bring proof of that insurance. A system to identify covered employees is still being developed.
  Dr. Jaime Hurtado has been named managing physician for the center. Dr. Hurtado is board certified in family medicine with the American Academy of Family Physicians. His professional memberships include the Harris County Medical Society and the Texas Medical Association. 
  Dr. Hurtado is experienced in primary care, internal medicine and intensive care.
  "We are dedicated to patient care and we want to provide the Pasadena ISD family with the best treatment available," Dr. Hurtado said. 
  The center will offer a full range of primary care services, including physical exams, X- rays, immunizations and the treatment of acute and/or chronic illnesses.
  The center will eventually offer free prescriptions for many generic drugs. This service will be available only to employees with district health insurance. 
  The district is in the process of obtaining a license to dispense medicine. For now, patients who are prescribed medicine can get those prescriptions filled at local pharmacies.
  The district is also working to get the center approved by other health insurance companies. Once approved, employees with other health insurance may visit the center as long as they meet their deductable.
  Last September, the Pasadena ISD Board of Trustees approved a contract with First On-Site to establish the center. The district is providing $750,000 in initial funding for the center with the expectation that those costs will be recovered in the form of lower health-care costs to the district.