What is Direct Primary Care?
Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a healthcare model that removes insurance companies from the equation, creating a direct relationship between you and your doctor.
Find a DPC Practice Near YouHow Direct Primary Care Works
Choose Your Doctor
Find a DPC practice that fits your needs and sign up for membership.
Pay a Monthly Fee
A flat monthly fee (typically $50-$150) covers most primary care services.
Get Unlimited Access
Enjoy unlimited visits, direct communication, and personalized care.
Benefits of Direct Primary Care
More Time with Your Doctor
Appointments typically last 30-60 minutes, not the rushed 7-minute visits common in traditional practices.
24/7 Access
Direct communication with your doctor via phone, text, or email - even after hours and on weekends.
Transparent Pricing
One monthly fee covers most primary care services. No surprise bills or copays for covered visits.
Same-Day Appointments
With smaller patient panels, doctors can see you when you need care - often the same day.
Smaller Patient Panels
DPC doctors typically care for 400-800 patients, compared to 2,000+ in traditional practices.
Personalized Care
Your doctor knows you as a person, not just a chart number. Care is tailored to your unique needs.
DPC vs Traditional Primary Care
| Feature | Direct Primary Care | Traditional Care |
|---|---|---|
| Average appointment length | 30-60 minutes | 7-15 minutes |
| Wait time for appointments | Same day or next day | Days to weeks |
| Direct doctor access | Phone, text, email, video | Through office staff only |
| After-hours care | Included | Urgent care/ER |
| Patients per doctor | 400-800 | 2,000-3,000 |
| Billing | Simple monthly fee | Complex insurance claims |
| Preventive care focus | Primary focus | Often reactive |
Common Questions
Do I still need health insurance?
DPC covers primary care, but you may still want insurance for specialists, emergencies, and hospitalizations. Many DPC patients pair membership with a high-deductible health plan or health sharing ministry for significant savings.
What services are included?
Most DPC practices include office visits, preventive care, chronic disease management, minor procedures, and some offer discounted labs and medications. Check with each practice for their specific offerings.
Is DPC only for wealthy people?
Not at all! Many DPC memberships cost less than a cell phone plan ($50-$100/month). When you factor in avoided copays, reduced ER visits, and wholesale medication prices, many families actually save money with DPC.
Can I use my HSA/FSA for DPC?
In most cases, yes! DPC membership fees are typically eligible expenses for Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). Check with your plan administrator.
Ready to Experience Better Healthcare?
Find a Direct Primary Care practice near you and discover what personalized healthcare feels like.
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