In response to an overwhelming demand for memberships & a simultaneous critical staffing shortage, Birchwood Family Medicine’s new member enrollment is temporarily PAUSED.  Read more about how our WAIT-LIST works here.  As many consider the value of the goods & services monthly budgets pay for in this changing economy, we recommend you review our website & FAQs to learn more about the Direct Primary Care difference.  If you ever find yourself pondering whether Birchwood Family Medicine membership is/would be “worth” its expense, we recommend you conduct a Membership Value Analysis. Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do you have insurance?
   • If yes, move to Question 2.
   • If no, move to Question 4.
2. Is the insurance-based system meeting your needs?
   • If yes, move to Question 3. 
   • If not, we are the alternative.  We are a work in progress, just entering phase 5 of the 6-phase Practice Development plan put into place in mid-2021 when Dr. Dall-Winther founded the clinic. We guarantee a far superior patient experience along your healthcare journey if you are in the “Driver’s Seat,” engaged with your membership to partner with us in your care. This is especially true:
     • If you currently can’t get in to see your Doctor when you need them
     • If you feel rushed or “like a number.”
     • If you find it difficult to communicate with your care team or understand your Doctor’s instructions.
     • You’ve never had the expertise of a Primary Care Physician.  Learn more about the difference between Providers & Physicians here.
3. Does your health insurance annual cost (premium + deductible + co-insurance) total LESS than $5000? 
   • If yes, we recommend canceling or donating your membership.  
   • If not, you are not alone as the average American adult pays ~ $12,000 per year on healthcare.  If your annual cost is > $5000, your membership is saving you money. Read more about how here. If you are lucky enough to not have to utilize your membership very often, your membership dues:
     • secure your access to Dr. Dall-Winther when you do need her
     • support your community by allowing us to provide access to healthcare for your neighbors in/around rural Birchwood.  Move to Question 4.
4. Do you need to cut expenses?  Look at your bank account and tally up your monthly costs, noting what you spend more than $88/month on.  Is each item more valuable than your healthcare?
   • If yes, be sure to communicate with us about your circumstances as you deserve access to healthcare.  Our Pay-it-Forward fund is available & you can find other ways to decrease your healthcare costs in your Virtual Member Resource Library.
   • If not, we recommend you cut expenses elsewhere – you deserve healthcare & research has proven that having a Primary Care Physician leads to a longer life.  We’re happy to help you problem-solve.
5.  Are you engaged with your membership yet frustrated we can’t do more? 

1. • If yes, we too wish we were able to do/be/offer more than we’re able to, though we are limited by the realities of being an innovative clinic in its early years combatting a crumbling healthcare system.  2025 brings our practice development from phase 4 to phase 5 in our 6 phase practice development plan. We recognize that this dynamic model of care depends on the flexibility & trust of our members which we strive to earn through:
     • clear communication
     • transparency
     • consistent delivery of care consistent with our core values, always putting patients over profits
     • Members in this position might consider Membership +.  We appreciate your ongoing feedback.
   • If not, take the time to engage, book an appointment, and communicate with us.  We want to partner with you to help you reach your health goals.  

In response to an overwhelming demand for memberships & simultaneous critical staffing shortage, Birchwood Family Medicine new member enrollment is PAUSED.  Read more about how our WAIT-LIST works here