What Is Direct Primary Care (DPC) And Why It Matters
Have you ever been rushed through a doctor’s appointment, waited weeks or even months for a visit, or received a medical bill you didn’t expect? You’re not alone! Frustration with the traditional healthcare system is at an all-time high and that’s where Direct Primary Care (DPC) comes in.
Direct Primary Care is a newer model for healthcare designed to shift the focus back to what matters most, the patient.
What Is Direct Primary Care?
Direct Primary Care is membership based. What does this mean? Instead of using insurance for visits, there is a simple membership fee to be paid once a month. Membership fees cover most primary care services.
With DPC, there are no surprise bills, no co-pays, and the appointments are not rushed. Your provider works for you, not your insurance company.
How DPC Is Different Than Traditional Primary Care
In a traditional healthcare, primary care providers are responsible for caring for thousands of patients and because of this, their appointment times are limited. Patients often feel rushed through visits, leading to important preventative care concerns being overlooked.
Direct Primary Care allows for:
Longer appointments that allow time for real conversations
Transparent pricing
Personalized care
Fewer patients per provider
Easier/quicker access to your provider – often same day appointments are available!
DPC providers are able to give a more patient centered experience by taking insurance out of the equation.
What Does a DPC Membership Include?
While services are not the same for every Direct Primary Care Facility, memberships often include:
Annual physicals and preventive care
Sick visits and chronic condition management
Mental health support
Women’s Health and men’s health services
Basic in-office procedures
Care coordination and referrals
Direct communication with your provider
Knowing which services are covered in the monthly membership fees upfront allows patients to plan their healthcare without the added stress of insurance companies.
Do You Still Need Insurance?
Insurance is still recommended but for different reasons. DPC patients often keep a high-deductible insurance plan. This covers major medical events like hospitalizations or surgeries, while DPC is there to handle aspects of everyday healthcare.
Why Direct Primary Care Matters
For a person who appreciates preventative care and building a trusting relationship with their provider, Direct Primary Care is worth a second look. No more rushed visits and insurance headaches, just direct one-on-one time with your primary care provider allowing you to feel heard, supported, and understood throughout your healthcare journey.
Is Direct Primary Care Right for You?
DPC is a great fit if you value personalized care, easy access to your provider, upfront pricing & a more proactive approach to staying healthy!