A Letter To Our Patients

We are grateful for the privilege of developing meaningful relationships with each of you. The patient-physician relationship provides the most fulfilling aspect of our work, and that is the impetus for introducing a new personalized service. We are excited to tell you about our Rural Family Direct Care program, an option for established and new patients* of Dr. Pritchett and Dr. Winkeler. 

Why Rural Family Direct Care?

The healthcare landscape is changing in ways that make it increasingly difficult for medical practices to provide the high quality, customized care our patients deserve. There are greater demands on physicians from insurance companies and regulatory forces. Face-to-face time between patients and their physicians in many practices is being eroded. As a result, the interest of the individual patient can be lost in an increasingly complex healthcare system.  

Our new program model was born from a desire to wrestle control back from these outside forces. You will now have easier and more convenient communication with us. We will be directly involved in every level of your care and will be better able to put the utmost focus on the patient-physician relationship. This enhanced interaction will allow us to better focus on your health and wellbeing. 

More Time for You

Joining our direct care program will allow you to receive all-inclusive care and enjoy significant additional benefits. You can always see us, your doctor. Each visit. Every time. We will have more time to provide medical care with an emphasis on prevention and health maintenance. 

We are confident Rural Family Direct Care will redefine your expectations for medical care!

What does joining Rural Family Direct Care mean for you?

By using a membership model, it has been shown patients have fewer hospitalizations, have less need for specialist referrals, and take fewer overall medicines, while also gaining a sense of control of their health. This model eliminates the rush of an overbooked schedule; we can take more time to understand your history and know your goals for the future, as well as foster a greater connectivity with you to meet those goals.

Your membership includes an individualized comprehensive evaluation. This exam goes beyond what insurance covers, and allows us to gather more in-depth information about your health and lifestyle factors. 

These are just a few of the many benefits you will experience:

  • Direct availability to your doctor via cell, text, video and email throughout the year — for your peace of mind and possibly eliminating the need for an appointment altogether.
  • Extended and relaxed office visits so that all your questions can be addressed and to allow us time to explore more deeply the root cause of issues and create a plan for optimal health.
  • Same-day or next-day appointments for your convenience, and brief or no office wait time so you can get on with your day as soon as possible.
  • All medical services we provide in the office are included, as well as access to medications, laboratory tests and radiology testing at reduced prices.
  • Potential for reduced need of emergency or urgent care visits and hospitalization.
  • No co-pays or deductibles.

We will accept a limited number of patients, so once we meet capacity, a waiting list will be started.

We encourage those of you who wish to join this program to inform us as soon as possible to assure your place. 

Although your membership fee will cover the vast majority of your primary care needs, it is essential that you and your family maintain a medical insurance policy to cover those fees not included in your membership (such as hospitalizations, services provided by specialists, diagnostic testing and prescription drugs). 

Ready to become a member of Rural Family Direct Care?

Please call us at 618-268-3444 (Stephanie Schatte RN, Membership Coordinator) or fill out our contact form. We are happy to answer your questions or help you become a member.

Again, it is a privilege to be your physician. We are very passionate about our Rural Family Direct Care program. It will allow us a better opportunity to practice medicine at our utmost skill, which should lead to a healthier and happier you.

With warm regards,

Steven Pritchett, MD

Brett Winkeler, MD

*At this time, Medicare/ Medicaid patients are not eligible for the Rural Family Direct Care program.