MEGUNTICOOK FAMILY MEDICINE is a newly opened Direct Primary Care practice of Dr. Brian Pierce in West Rockport. While a longtime presence in the Midcoast, having settled and raised his family here, Dr. Pierce is taking medical care in a nontraditional direction — rather, he is taking his practice back to what once was — back before insurance companies dominated healthcare.

Since 2001, Dr. Pierce had, until last year, been an owner at Midcoast Medicine, a multi-specialty office in Rockport Village. But he found himself increasingly frustrated with the demands placed on physicians by the insurance companies, which prevented him from providing the the level of service and quality that he wanted.

In 2014, he decided it was time to do something about it.

After researching direct primary care practices, Dr. Pierce decided that this was the direction that he would like to take his career. Although direct primary care is well known nationwide, MFM is only the third of this type to open in Maine. The other two are in Hampden and South Portland.

Direct primary care is an alternative payment model for primary care being embraced by patients, physicians, employers, payers and policymakers across the United States. The physician provides the patient with primary medical care without insurance or government involvement.  The physician sets a fixed monthly fee and the patient pays this directly to the physician.

Megunticook Family Medicine does not bill insurance for services; instead, its offers a low monthly membership rate. This removes a whole level of aggravation from medical care, and provides a perfect alternative for those who carry high-deductible insurance plans, or have no insurance at all.

Here’s what Dr. Pierce has to say about his business model:

What makes MFM different than other practices in the area? 

Since we do not participate with the insurance companies, this makes the flow of the office much simpler, which in turn, makes it more affordable for our patients. We have flexible office hours and dedicated staff that can provide our patients with quality primary care and access to their own doctor. 

What about after office hours?

After hours, your call gets forwarded directly to Dr. Pierce's cell phone. You get to talk to your own physician, even after office hours.

What type of services does MFM provide?

MFM is a primary care office, so we see all patients from a simple cold to your annual preventative health exam. We can even do simple office procedures, like sutures or splinting, which helps to avoid a hefty emergency room bill. Dr. Pierce is also certified for Department of Transportation medical exams, which we also offer to non-members. 

Can patients with insurance still join?

Of course. We just do not bill the insurance for any of our services that we provide and are considered ‘out-of-network’. As part of the membership, we will provide you with the information needed to be reimbursed by your insurance company. 

Why pay a membership fee to see a doctor if I have insurance?

Since the majority of affordable insurance policies come with a high deductible, many patients are having to pay out-of-pocket for the majority of their medical expenses. Paying a monthly membership fee instead of paying per visit saves you money. As part of the membership, you also get great access to your own physician. We can see you the same day, next day, or when you want to be seen. Your visits with Dr. Pierce are not rushed are you are not limited to just one concern per visit. Many concerns can be handled over the phone, saving you time and money. 

How do you become a member?

Give us a call at 207-390-8570! We have a small amount of paperwork that we need to have you fill out and we’ll handle the rest.  Visit the practice at its website, MegunticookFamilyMedicine.com on Facebook (www.facebook.com/megunticookdoctor).