Information updated Mar 1, 2024
Carbon Health vs. Circle Medical: What are the differences?
There are more options than ever when it comes to primary care. These two healthcare providers offer similar services, but some key differences set them apart - find out why Circle Medical is a great alternative to Carbon Health and if it might be a better fit for you.
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Neither practices charge an annual fee, and both accept insurance
Our mission is to create the technology that makes delightful primary care accessible to everyone on the planet. As part of that mission, we make appointments open to everyone - cash pay or insurance - without a membership fee. Carbon Health also follows provides incredible access to primary care.
No annual fee
Accepts insurance
Cash pay patients
Both practices offer in person and virtual primary care appointments.
The vast majority of patients in both practices choose video appointments for their convenience and efficacy. For situations that require more than a video appointment, both clinics also offer physical clinics.
Virtual treatment
In person
Mobile app
Circle Medical is typically rated higher by patients.
Being patient-obsessed is at the center of everything we do, and our patients have taken notice. We rank amongst the best primary care practices on all major review platforms.
TrustPilot
3.6 / 5
1.9 / 5
Better Business Bureau
A
F
App Store
4.8 / 5
4.8 / 5
Play Store
4.7 / 5
3.8 / 5
Circle Medical is licensed to practice in more states, while Carbon Health has more in-person clinics.
Carbon Health has many in-person clinics, with 66 in California alone and 51 more across 12 other states. Circle Medical has 3 full-service Primary Care clinics in San Francisco, Beverly Hills and New York City. Circle Medical also operates 20+ small clinics across the US for the purpose of annual physical exams, and operates virtually in 30 states.
Clinics
25+
100+
States licensed
30
13
Mobile app
Read a detailed comparison
A Brief Overview
The number of healthcare options can be overwhelming, but it's a decision that you should take your time with. Primary care is your main point of contact for your health care needs, so you want to make sure to choose someone you can trust and who can assist you with your ongoing care. Circle Medical can be the solution for you. Let's dive into some of the reasons why.
Why People Choose Circle Medical versus Competitors Like Carbon Health?
Before breaking down the major differences between Circle Medical and Carbon Health, let's take a look at some of the main reasons people choose Circle Medical as their healthcare provider in the first place.
A trusted primary care clinic
As mentioned, primary care is your first point of contact for any non-emergency health care needs. You want your primary care provider to be someone you can build rapport with and who can learn your unique individual medical needs, allowing them to personalize and tailor your treatment over time. Circle Medical is a full-stack primary care clinic that is focused on comprehensive and quality care, so you can count on us for anything from routine checkups to ongoing care for chronic conditions.
We offer both virtual and in-person primary care appointments
At Circle Medical, we understand the need for flexibility. This is why we offer both virtual and in-person primary care appointments. Virtual care is highly convenient, as you can save time and receive care from the comfort of your own home. Of course, some people prefer in-person care, which is why we offer that too. We show our commitment to patient-centered care by understanding what people expect from the modern healthcare experience and by giving you the option to receive care the way you prefer.
Circle Medical puts patients first and believes in evidence-based care
Circle Medical prioritizes our patients above all else. We also believe in providing our patients with evidence-based care. We make sure that our providers are up-to-date with the latest research, clinic expertise and advancements in the medical field. We also take your individual needs and concerns into account. These factors combined allow us to provide highly personalized care to each patient.
We strive to make high-quality health care accessible to everyone
Part of our mission here at Circle Medical is to make high-quality health care more accessible to everyone. We believe that you should be able to get the care you need regardless of your background, medical condition or financial situation. You can count on us to make health care as convenient, affordable and inclusive as possible.
Our providers are board-certified and meet the highest standards
We also hold our providers to high standards, ensuring they are board-certified and up-to-date on the latest in healthcare advancements. Our providers undergo comprehensive training so you can have peace of mind and trust you're in good hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about how Circle Medical differs from One Medical? We have the answers for you! Compare Circle Medical and One Medical below to determine which option is best for you.
How is Circle Medical different from Carbon Health?
Circle Medical and Carbon Health are both prominent health care providers, but there are some key differences between the two. The primary difference is that Circle Medical is more accessible than Carbon Health, serving twice as many states. Circle Medical is certified to operate in 30 states, while Carbon Health only operates in 13. Overall, Circle Medical offers a broader reach and more diverse care options compared to Carbon Health.
What makes Circle Medical a good alternative to Carbon Health?
Unfortunately, quality virtual health care isn't always easy to find in every part of the country. Circle Medical operates in numerous states, and we are gradually expanding our operations. While both are excellent options, you may have better access to care with Circle Medical depending on where you are in the country.
What are the benefits of choosing Circle Medical?
As a full-stack primary care clinic, you get the benefits of flexibility, quality and modern health care when you choose Circle Medical. You'll work with a board-certified primary care provider either in person or virtually. Even with virtual care, you can get checkups, diagnoses, referrals, treatment plans and even prescriptions when medically appropriate. Ready to learn more?
Book an Appointment with a Circle Medical Provider Today!
Circle Medical is here for all of your primary care needs. We even offer same-day appointments so you can get started on your journey to better health today. Book your appointment to get started as soon as possible!
Circle Medical Patient
"Very kind and informative. Absolutely one of the best interactions I have ever had with a health care provider."
Frequently Asked Questions
General
Do new patients need to prepare anything for their first appointment at Circle Medical?
How to Prepare for Your First Appointment
Why would I choose a virtual telemedicine appointment over going to my doctor's office?
Virtual appointments allow our patients to see their providers in the comfort of their own homes, without the hassle of travel, finding parking, or taking time off of work. Our providers are also able to offer more flexible hours beyond what in-person doctor's offices provide.
What if I need in-person testing or examinations?
How much does this cost me?
For those without insurance, we provide the self-pay costs of each appointment when a patient is booking their appointment.
What states do you operate in?
You must be currently residing in the state of treatment as well as have your primary pharmacy be in that same state in order to be a patient at our practice.
Behavioral Health
Am I seeing a psychiatrist through Circle?
Although it is a commonly accepted practice for many primary care providers to refer their patients to psychiatrists for ADHD diagnosis and treatment, primary care providers are actually also able to diagnose and treat mild to moderate forms of ADHD themselves. If you have mild to moderate ADHD, you can benefit from having your ADHD managed by your primary care provider at Circle while getting access to all of the general practitioner services you would find at your normal doctor's office.
More complex cases will require psychiatrists to diagnose. We encourage you to please read through this entire FAQ to make sure our practice is a good fit for your needs before you book a medical appointment with a provider.
Billing
How do I know how much my specific appointment will cost?
When do I get charged for my appointment?
For those without insurance (or with out of network insurance), we will send you the invoice 1-2 days after your appointment is completed. You can then opt to pay through the app, or we will automatically charge the payment card on file after 48 hours of sending you the invoice.
Insurance
How long are the appointments?
What insurance do you accept?
What if I am having issues verifying my insurance plan coverage?
What is the total cost of diagnosis and treatment?
If you are on an HDHP and have confirmed your insurance information in our mobile app, your remaining deductible for the year will be displayed on the “Book Appointment” page. Note that this amount may be outdated if you have had recent insurance claims processed.
“Quick and easy appointment setup. Accepted my insurance. Provider is helpful and understanding. All around good experience.”
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