Wells Family Medicine

25/07/2026

I have heard many people ask me what is Direct Primary Care and why don’t you take insurance?

Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a membership-based model where you pay your primary care practice a flat monthly fee (typically in the $50–$150 range for adults) that covers most or all routine primary care services. The practice does not bill insurance for those visits.

This removes the insurance middleman from day-to-day care and creates several clear advantages for patients:

1. Longer, Unhurried Visits
Traditional practices often run on tight insurance-driven schedules (sometimes 7–15 minutes per patient). In DPC, appointments commonly last 30–60 minutes or more. You have time to fully discuss concerns, ask questions, and address multiple issues in one visit.

2. Much Better Access
• Same-day or next-day appointments are the norm in most DPC practices.
• Direct communication with your provider is common (phone, text, email, or video).
• Many practices offer after-hours access to a real physician instead of a nurse line or urgent care.

3. A True Provider–Patient Relationship
DPC providers keep far smaller patient panels (often 400–800 patients versus 2,000–3,000+ in traditional practices). This means your provider actually knows you, your history, and your preferences—leading to more personalized and continuous care.

4. Transparent, Predictable Costs
You know exactly what you’ll pay each month. There are no copays, deductibles, or surprise bills for covered primary care visits. Many practices also negotiate steep discounts on labs, imaging, and medications (often near wholesale prices).

5. Less Paperwork and Hassle
No insurance claim forms, prior authorizations, or coverage denials for routine care. The focus stays on your health instead of billing codes.

6. Stronger Emphasis on Prevention and Whole-Person Care
With more time and fewer volume pressures, DPC providers can focus on preventive care, chronic disease management, and coordinating your overall health rather than just treating acute problems.
Important Things to Know
• DPC is not health insurance. It covers primary care only. You still need insurance (often a high-deductible plan) for hospitalizations, specialists, major procedures, and emergencies.
• As of 2026, HSA funds can generally be used for DPC membership fees (within IRS limits).
• Practices intentionally limit new patients so they can maintain the higher level of access and attention.

In short, Direct Primary Care trades the traditional insurance-driven, high-volume model for a simpler, relationship-focused approach that prioritizes time, access, and transparency. Many patients find it especially valuable if they’re tired of rushed visits, long wait times, or unpredictable out-of-pocket costs for everyday care.

Check us out @ www.WellsFamilyMedicine.com

Direct Primary Care clinic at 126 NH-27, Raymond, NH. No insurance required — affordable monthly subscriptions and transparent fee-for-service pricing. Scott Wells, FNP-C.

24/07/2026

🎉 Big News, Raymond! Healthcare is Changing for the Better! 🎉

We are thrilled to announce the Grand Opening of Wells Family Medicine on Monday, July 27!

We are your new Direct Primary Care practice right here in Raymond, New Hampshire.

Tired of rushed doctor visits and insurance headaches? We are too. That is why we are doing things differently. Our direct primary care model skips the insurance middleman to put you first.
What to expect at our practice:
- Relaxed visits with zero rush.
- A provider who truly knows you personally.
- Direct access when you need it most.
We are officially accepting a limited number of new patients to ensure everyone gets the dedicated time they deserve.

📞 Call us: (603) 828-3232

🌐 Learn more & enroll:

Direct Primary Care clinic at 126 NH-27, Raymond, NH. No insurance required — affordable monthly subscriptions and transparent fee-for-service pricing. Scott Wells, FNP-C.

15/07/2026

Tired of tossing and turning? 😴 You aren't alone. Insomnia—having trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early—is one of the most common reasons people visit their primary care provider.

If you are struggling to catch some quality ZZZs, here is what you need to know to reclaim your night:

🧠 The #1 Solution: CBT-I
Many people think sleeping pills are the only answer, but Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is actually the gold-standard, #1 recommended treatment. It’s a structured program that helps you target and rewrite the habits and anxious thoughts keeping you awake—and its benefits last much longer than medication!

Key strategies include:

Stimulus Control: Using your bed only for sleep and intimacy (no scrolling, working, or worrying in bed).

Sleep Restriction: Matching your actual time in bed to how much you are actually sleeping to build up sleep drive.

Cognitive Therapy: Resetting unhelpful thoughts like "If I don't get 8 hours tonight, tomorrow is ruined."

⏰ Quick Habits for Better Sleep (Sleep Hygiene)
While these habits alone might not cure chronic insomnia, they build a solid foundation for great sleep:

Keep a strict schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day—yes, even on weekends!

Set the mood: Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.

Ditch the screens: Put away phones, tablets, and TVs at least 30 minutes before bed.

Watch the clock: Avoid caffeine after noon and skip alcohol close to bedtime.

The 20-Minute Rule: If you can’t sleep after 20 minutes, get out of bed! Go do something quiet in dim light until you actually feel sleepy.

💊 What About Sleeping Pills?
Over-the-counter aids (like melatonin or diphenhydramine) have limited evidence and can cause unwanted side effects, especially for older adults. Prescription medications can sometimes help in the short term, but they aren't recommended as a long-term fix.

⚠️ When to talk to your doctor: If you snore loudly, gasp or stop breathing during the night, or feel exhausted during the day despite "sleeping," you should be evaluated. These can be signs of sleep apnea, which requires different, specialized care.

👇 Drop a comment: What is your go-to routine to wind down at night?

-I

17/05/2026

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🛑 Why Worry About Ticks in NH?
Ticks are tiny but can carry germs that cause serious illnesses like Lyme Disease, Anaplasmosis, and Babesiosis. While they are most active from spring through fall, they can emerge anytime it’s above freezing!
🛡️ How to Prevent Bites
• Dress Smart: Wear light colors to spot ticks easily. Tuck pants into socks.
• Use Protection: Apply bug spray with DEET or picaridin. Treat outdoor gear with permethrin.
• Stay on Path: Avoid tall grass and thick brush by sticking to the center of trails.
• The Post-Hike Routine: * Shower within 2 hours of coming inside.
o Tumble dry clothes on high heat for 10 minutes.
o Perform a full-body tick check (don't forget behind the knees, ears, and hair!).
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📍 Found a Tick? Don't Panic!
The faster you remove it, the lower your risk of getting sick.
1. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grab the tick as close to the skin as possible.
2. Pull straight up with steady pressure. (No twisting or jerking!)
3. Clean the area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
4. Save the tick in a sealed bag with the date written on it.
⚠️ PRO TIP: Do NOT use matches, nail polish, or petroleum jelly. These "old tricks" don't work and can actually make things worse.
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⚠️ When to Call Your Doctor
Contact a healthcare provider if you notice any of these symptoms within 30 days of a bite:
• A "bull’s-eye" rash or a red rash that keeps growing.
• Sudden fever, chills, fatigue, or body aches.
• Joint pain or facial drooping.
Important: If a tick was attached for more than 36 hours, call your doctor right away. A preventative dose of medicine works best if taken within 72 hours of removal.
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✅ DO THIS ❌ DON'T DO THIS
Use fine-tipped tweezers Don't use your fingers
Grab close to the skin Don't squeeze the tick's body
Pull straight up Don't twist or jerk
Save the tick in a bag Don't throw it away

Questions? Visit CDC.gov/ticks for more info. Stay safe out there!

01/05/2026

A New Era of Healthcare is Arriving on the Seacoast.

Over the next few weeks Wells Family Medicine will officially open its doors! Owned and operated by an experienced Nurse Practitioner, we’ve cut out the middleman to put the focus back where it belongs: on you.

Where & How We Care for You:
✅ Virtual Primary Care: Connect with your provider from anywhere in MA or NH.
✅ Seacoast NH In-Person: Visit our local office for a personal, unhurried experience.
✅ Home Visits: Bringing professional care directly to your front door.
✅ After-Hours Access: Appointments available evenings and weekends because life doesn't stop at 5 PM.

By using a subscription or cash-based model, we ensure you get more time with your provider and zero surprise bills.

Follow this page to be the first to know when our founding memberships open!