What is Personalized Membership Care? 

Personalized membership care is an exciting and rapidly growing model to provide primary care without the costly interference of health insurance companies. Instead, our patients pay us directly through a convenient and affordable flat monthly fee.

This allows us to keep our practice small and provide you with highly accessible, personalized, and preventive care when you need it. Our focus on ensuring a strong and satisfying provider-patient partnership is the key to helping you stay healthy.

In fact, it's the way we've always wanted and expected to practice medicine.

How does our practice differ from the typical traditional practice?

You will see and feel the difference immediately. First of, we will conduct all visits in the comfort of your home, without the hassle of office visits. We can take the time to address your health concerns and questions; your visits will never feel rushed.  Because our practice size is limited, we really get to know our patients so we can take a more proactive role in your health and wellness - and be there when you need us.

Our goal is to provide you and your family with an experience that will not just meet, but exceed, your expectations.

How does our model differ from concierge care?

Typically, a concierge style practice remains in the insurance network. They continue to be part of the traditional billing model, billing for office visits and collecting copays. They must follow the guidelines, mandates and rules set forth by the insurance company. 

Concierge practices also charge a membership fee to cover benefits not covered by insurance, such as 24/7 direct access to your physician.

Our practice is the Direct Primary Care model. We are not affiliated with any insurance company or third party payer and do not receive income from claims billed. We are solely supported by our patient membership fees.

Without the interference of insurance companies, we are free to practice medicine directly with our patients. The welfare of the patient is the primary focus.

What does membership include?

Your membership covers all of the traditional primary care services.

Also, we can provide care and care coordination by phone, email and text, including virtual visits when appropriate.

We are available to discuss urgent concerns nights and weekends when needed.  We are working hard to create a practice where you can reach us when you need us, without having to jump through many hoops.

You will enjoy greater convenience and peace of mind. You may also find a reduced need for visits to specialists and the emergency department.

Appointments, Referrals and Care

What happens if I’m admitted to the emergency room or hospital?

This can be stressful and often confusing for patients and their families. 

We will contact those providing your care to make sure they have the most accurate and up-to-date information they need to treat you. We will communicate with the hospitalist, review your plan of care, answer questions, and make recommendations when needed.  As your health care advocate, we will communicate directly with you and your loved ones, and help you navigate the health care system.

What if I need specialty care?

If you do need to see a specialist we will help you find the right provider and coordinate your care. When making referrals, we can consult with your specialist prior to your appointment, as needed.

After your specialist visit, we will follow up to discuss any questions or concerns you have, and arrange additional testing if needed.

All referrals out to specialists will be billed to your insurance as ususal.

What if I need urgent care?

If you have a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately. A family member or caregiver can call us later so we can be in contact with the emergency room. 

For urgent problems that are not emergencies, you can contact us when you need to. Often, we can diagnose and treat your need without a visit to the ER. In fact, membership medicine has been shown to result in fewer ER visits for members because we can discuss your medical needs any time of the day or night. And you know you can see us the next day.

What if I need medical attention while I’m away from home?

You can speak with us wherever you are and we will help with any medical conditions that can be done by “virtual visit.” If you have a condition that requires in-person evaluation and treatment, we will direct you to appropriate nearby care, and coordinate follow-up when you return home.

What if my doctor is on vacation?

Even when out of town, we will still be available by phone for your urgent needs. You will be notified by email before any vacations. If your primary provider is not available, we will always have another trusted physician available to assist you for any urgent matters or to be seen in the office.

How Insurance Works in the Practice

Do you bill insurance plans?

We have chosen not to. Better than concierge medical care, our practice is unencumbered by the constraints and limited reimbursement from insurance plans so that we may better serve and care for our patients. There will be no charge for office visits or co-pays.  You only pay the membership fee. 

Our model results in significant savings: money, paperwork and time. The membership fee allows us to keep our overhead low and our practice small, and work for our patients, not the insurance company!

Can you see me if I have Medicare?

Absolutely.  Our practice is well suited to handle the more complex medical issues often associated with older patients.  We can spend the time necessary to manage chronic disease and the use of medications, and work together to optimize your health and wellness.

Note: As we have opted-out of Medicare, it means neither our practice nor the member can submit a claim to Medicare for reimbursement for primary care. However, Medicare payment will continue according to your specific plan, without change for medications, blood work, imaging tests, specialty referrals and care, or hospitalization.

Do I still need to have health insurance?

Yes, you do. Our medical practice is NOT a health insurance program. It is very important to maintain insurance (and/or Medicare) to cover outside testing and specialists, as well as expensive, unusual and unpredictable events such as surgery, emergency care and hospitalization.  BUT NOT for everyday preventive primary care. By providing you with connected primary care, your plan use can often be reduced.

The current insurance-based system makes primary care MORE expensive and difficult, and less effective too. Our practice does the opposite.

By charging a set fee, we can spend more time with you and focus on your individual health needs to maintain and improve your health.

How to Join

How much is the membership fee?

$150 per month and a one time $300 enrollment fee.

Can joining Full Circle Medicine actually save me money?

Many people find they can lower the cost of their total medical care by combining a high deductible health plan with a membership practice. Doing so makes joining this practice quite beneficial. Our type of practice is also a good fit for those who have no insurance.

Studies show that direct primary care can lead to:

• Less dependency on medications

• Fewer specialty referrals

• Fewer emergency and hospital visits

• Savings on labs and imaging

• Less need for expensive test ordering

You won't have any hidden costs or bills that come to you after-the-fact from the office. By switching to a higher deductible, lower premium plan, patients may save money.

Is there a limit to how many patients can join Full Circle Medicine?

Yes. One of the most important aspects of personalized membership medicine is limiting the practice size to be able to devote more time and energy to each patient. Therefore, once we have reached our ideal practice size, we will establish a waiting list.

What if I want to cancel my membership? 

You are welcome to cancel your membership after 3 months with 48 hours notice.

How do I become a member?

Call or email the office to begin your membership. (802) 398-7040 or Bconroy@fullcirclemedicinevt.com

I’m still not sure.  Can we sit down and talk? 

Yes. Call or email. We are happy to also arrange a complimentary phone call or “meet and greet” to further discuss our services.

Thank you for your interest in our practice. We look forward to hearing from you!