Membership Program FAQ
Everything you need to know about our new membership program at Circle of Life Family Medicine.
What is the Membership Program?
Our Membership Program is a direct primary care model that gives you a closer, more personal relationship with your doctor for a simple monthly fee. It's designed to give you faster access, longer visits, and more day-to-day support from Dr. Pichay.
What's included in the membership?
| Feature | Circle of Life Membership | Traditional Insurance-Based Care |
|---|---|---|
| Same-day or next-day appointments | ✓ | Rarely |
| Extended visit times | ✓ | 7-15 min average |
| Direct access to your PCP | ✓ | ✗ |
| Priority scheduling | ✓ | ✗ |
| No copays per visit | ✓ | $20-$50 per visit |
| Doctor who knows your full history | ✓ | Varies |
| Care coordination and referrals | ✓ | ✓ |
| Predictable monthly cost | ✓ | ✗ |
How much does it cost?
- Individual: $50/month
- Couple: $90/month
- Family (up to 3 members): $120/month
Founding member rates are locked in for as long as you stay enrolled — these rates will increase for new members joining later.
Is this health insurance?
No. This is a membership for primary care services only. We strongly recommend keeping your existing health insurance for hospitalizations, specialist visits, labs, imaging, and emergencies. This membership works alongside your insurance, not instead of it.
Can I still use my insurance for visits?
Membership visits are not billed to insurance — the monthly fee covers your primary care. You can still use insurance for labs, referrals, specialist care, and anything outside our office.
What are "founding member" rates?
Patients who enroll now will lock in the current rates permanently. As the program grows, pricing for new members will increase. Founding members are grandfathered at today's rates for the life of their membership.
Are spots limited?
Yes. To ensure every member gets the access and attention they deserve, we are keeping the program small. Once we reach capacity, new enrollment will close or move to a waitlist.
Do I have to be a current patient?
Yes, the membership is currently available to established patients of Circle of Life Family Medicine only.
How do I cancel?
You can cancel anytime with 30 days' notice. No long-term contracts.
What if I need specialist or hospital care?
Your membership covers primary care at our office. For specialist referrals, hospitalizations, or other care outside our office, your insurance applies as usual. We'll coordinate your care and referrals as always.
Ready to get started?
Email us and we'll send you your personalized enrollment link:
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We'll get back to you within one business day.
Why this is required
Dr. Chris and Dr. Jen built this practice on one idea: that good primary care takes time. Time to listen. Time to think. Time to actually know your history before you walk through the door.
The insurance-based model has made that harder every year. Reimbursements shrink, appointment slots get shorter, and the pace pushes toward the kind of rushed, fragmented care that helps no one. We reached the point where continuing on that model meant continuing to fall short of the standard this practice was built around.
The membership changes that. A flat monthly fee replaces per-visit billing, which is what drives 7-minute appointments and overbooked schedules. Members get same-day acute appointment slots reserved just for them, visits long enough to actually solve problems, direct access to their doctor, and in-house extras like discounted infrared sauna sessions.
Membership is now required for all active patients. We do not say that lightly. This is a real change, and we understand it may not fit every family. But it is how we protect the level of care you came to this practice for.
If the monthly cost creates a genuine hardship, please reach out before making any decisions. We have a financial assistance program and review every situation individually and confidentially. We want to keep you as a patient.