Vermont's Primary Care Gets a New Model: MDVIP Expands Membership-Based Services

BURLINGTON, VT – November 19, 2025

The Rise of Personalized Primary Care in Vermont

MDVIP, a national network of membership-based primary care physicians, has expanded its footprint into Central Vermont, opening new practices in Montpelier and Waitsfield. This move reflects a broader trend within healthcare toward personalized, preventative care models, but also raises questions about accessibility and affordability in a state grappling with rural healthcare challenges.

The expansion, led by Drs. Brian Rodriguez and John A. Wilson, brings a model that limits physician patient panels to around 600, allowing for more extended appointment times, comprehensive annual wellness programs, and enhanced access to care. “Patients are increasingly seeking a more proactive and personalized approach to their health,” says one local healthcare administrator. “The traditional 15-minute appointment just doesn't allow for the kind of relationship-building and preventative care many desire.”

MDVIP's model isn't without its critics, however. The annual membership fees, ranging from $1,650 to $2,200, add an additional cost layer to healthcare, potentially excluding those who can’t afford the premium service. The question remains whether such models can truly bridge the gap in access to quality care or exacerbate existing health disparities.

Addressing Vermont's Unique Healthcare Landscape

Vermont, particularly its rural communities, has long faced challenges in attracting and retaining primary care physicians. The state's aging population and geographically dispersed communities contribute to healthcare access issues. “We’ve seen a steady decline in the number of physicians willing to practice in smaller towns,” explains a Vermont Department of Health official. “Recruitment is a constant struggle.”

The MDVIP expansion could offer a partial solution by providing physicians with a more sustainable practice model. The network provides operational, financial, and legal support, allowing physicians to focus on patient care. “It removes a lot of the administrative burden that often leads to physician burnout,” says one physician familiar with the model. “It allows us to spend more time with patients and deliver higher-quality care.”

However, MDVIP is not a panacea. While the model may attract physicians to underserved areas, the membership fees limit access for many residents. Furthermore, it doesn't address the broader systemic issues affecting healthcare in Vermont, such as insurance coverage, workforce shortages, and the rising cost of care.

The Cost of Concierge Care: Accessibility and Equity Concerns

The affordability of membership-based primary care is a key point of contention. While proponents argue that the enhanced services and preventative care can lead to better health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs in the long run, the upfront membership fee presents a barrier for many. “It’s a significant expense, especially for families on fixed incomes,” says a local patient advocate. “It creates a two-tiered system where those who can afford it receive a higher level of care.”

MDVIP maintains that the model is not intended to replace insurance, but rather to supplement it with enhanced services. However, critics argue that it further fragments the healthcare system and creates a disparity in access to care. “It’s another example of how healthcare is becoming increasingly commodified,” says a healthcare policy analyst. “It’s becoming less about providing care for all and more about catering to those who can afford it.”

While some patients may view the membership fee as a worthwhile investment in their health, others may be deterred by the cost. The key will be ensuring that such models are accessible to all, regardless of income or socioeconomic status. There is a growing discussion about the creation of subsidy programs or alternative financing options to help make membership-based primary care more affordable for low-income residents.

A National Trend, Local Impact

The expansion of MDVIP into Central Vermont is part of a larger national trend toward personalized, preventative care. The direct primary care (DPC) and concierge medicine markets are growing rapidly, driven by consumer demand for more accessible, responsive, and patient-centered care. “Patients are tired of being treated like numbers in a system,” says a healthcare consultant. “They want a physician who knows them, understands their needs, and is invested in their health.”

However, the sustainability of these models remains to be seen. While they may appeal to a niche market of affluent and health-conscious consumers, they are unlikely to solve the broader healthcare access and affordability challenges facing the country. “It’s a band-aid on a much larger wound,” says a healthcare economist. “We need systemic reforms to address the root causes of our healthcare crisis.”

The future of healthcare is likely to be a hybrid model, combining the best of traditional fee-for-service care with innovative approaches such as membership-based primary care, telemedicine, and remote patient monitoring. The key will be finding a balance between providing high-quality, accessible care and controlling costs. In Vermont, the MDVIP expansion represents a step in that direction, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle.