ArchWell Health, a new primary care center for patients ages 60 and up, is now open in Germantown, with a business model designed not just for a specific age group but to address pricing, geography and networking.

During a recent ribbon-cutting at ArchWell’s new location at 6201 Germantown Ave., members of the community were invited to learn more about the new facility, and to give ArchWell caregivers a way to learn more about the Germantown community. Part of the goal is to respond to specific neighborhood needs with a holistic approach to care. For one thing, ArchWell is for Medicare Advantage patients only, with many people choosing those plans to save money over traditional Medicare.

For another thing, “if you look at the Germantown area specifically, people really don’t have good access, and have to travel many miles to get to good primary care,” said Dr. Doron Schneider, the company’s Philadelphia medical director.

A core value of ArchWell Health is that holistic approach, Schneider says, that takes into consideration the physical, spiritual, behavioral and social needs of patients. ArchWell has already begun contacting organizations in the area like Center in the Park, a community organization providing social services, classes and fitness programs for older adults; the Greater Philadelphia Alliance Social Services Center, which connects people citywide to needed resources and information; Community Legal Services, which offers free civil legal assistance to low-income Philadelphians; and faith-based communities.

“There’s very much an appetite to stay local, to be finding partners who have a similar mission,” Schneider said.

The goal, he says, is more effective use of the health-care system.

“We are trying to reduce unnecessary emergency room utilization and unnecessary hospitalization,” he said. “And so when you look at it, you know, ultimately, what we’re bringing to communities are the conditions for health to emerge.”

ArchWell Health accepts a number of Medicare Advantage plans like Aetna, United and Humana. It does not accept commercial or business insurance, and does not participate in straight fee-for-service Medicare.

The company’s doctor-to-patient ratio is small by design.

“Our providers see just a fraction of the total number of patients that a usual primary care provider physician would see,” Schneider said. “... We’re able to spend more time with you, and build the relationship with you and your family.”

From their opening on Feb. 19 in the former RiteAid pharmacy building, ArchWell has been trying to build bridges into Germantown, even offering opportunities for social activities and events.

“I think that people saw that space, saw that it was vacant for some time, and a lot of different options could have gone into that space. We are really doing this for the long haul. We’re here, not in a transient way. We intend to be here for many, many years, and to be a part of the community,” Schneider said.

ArchWell Health has been in business for about five years. Over the past year, the company has launched at least 50 centers across the country, including eight in Philadelphia, doubling the organization’s size, now operating in 14 different markets.

To learn more about care offered through ArchWell providers, visit archwellhealth.com/locations/germantown. The center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon.-Fri.