What is Direct Primary Care (DPC)?

Direct Primary Care is an innovative healthcare model where patients pay a low, flat monthly fee directly to their primary care doctor. This fee covers most in-office and virtual services, removing the need for insurance companies for routine primary care.

How is DPC different from traditional healthcare?

In traditional healthcare, doctors work with insurance companies, which can lead to limited appointment times, rushed visits, and high administrative costs. DPC focuses on the doctor-patient relationship, offering more time, direct access to your doctor, and transparent pricing.

What does my monthly membership fee cover?

Your membership fee typically covers office visits, extended appointment times, and direct communication with your doctor via phone, text, or email. Many practices also include common in-office procedures, lab draws, and certain generic medications.

Do I still need health insurance if I join a DPC practice?

Yes, it's highly recommended that you keep a health insurance plan. DPC covers your primary care needs, but you'll still need insurance to cover major medical events like hospitalizations, specialist visits, emergency room care, and expensive procedures. DPC is not a substitute for health insurance.

How does DPC save me money?

By focusing on proactive and preventive care, DPC can help you avoid costly ER visits and hospital stays. Additionally, many DPC practices offer wholesale pricing on labs, imaging, and medications, which can be significantly cheaper than what you'd pay through insurance.

What are the main benefits of joining a DPC practice?

The primary benefits are increased access, personalized care, and cost savings. You get more time with your doctor, don't have to wait weeks for an appointment, and can communicate directly with them, building a trusting, long-term relationship focused on your health.

How long are appointments in a DPC practice?

DPC appointments are typically much longer than traditional visits, often lasting 30 to 60 minutes. This allows your doctor to address all your concerns without feeling rushed and to focus on preventive care.

What about specialists? How does that work with DPC?

Your DPC doctor can refer you to specialists just like a traditional doctor. However, because they have more time to get to know you and your health history, they can often provide more personalized and effective referrals.

What if I need to see a doctor after hours or on a weekend?

Many DPC doctors offer after-hours access via phone or text for urgent concerns. This direct line to your doctor can often prevent unnecessary and expensive trips to the urgent care clinic or emergency room.

Can I use my Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for my DPC membership?

Yes. Current federal law allows many patients to use Health Savings Account (HSA) funds to pay for DPC membership fees, within IRS limits and eligibility rules. Check with your HSA administrator or tax professional to confirm your individual eligibility.

Is DPC a good fit for my whole family?

Yes, DPC is an excellent choice for families. The monthly membership model makes it easy to budget for primary care, and the direct access to your doctor is especially valuable for parents of young children.

What about my privacy?

DPC practices operate outside of the insurance system, which means your personal health information is not shared with third-party billing companies or insurance carriers. This can result in a higher level of privacy for your medical records.

How do I join a DPC practice?

The process is simple. You typically sign a membership agreement and set up a monthly payment. There are no co-pays or deductibles for your primary care services.

Can I cancel my membership at any time?

Yes, there are flexible cancellation policies, allowing you to end your membership with a simple written notice. There are no long-term contracts.

Is DPC right for me if I'm generally healthy and don't go to the doctor often?

DPC is not just for sick people; it's designed for everyone. The model emphasizes preventive care, so even if you're healthy, having a strong relationship with your doctor can help you stay that way.