Is Direct Primary Care (DPC) Right for Me?
Imagine a Better Healthcare Experience
Are you tired of long waits, rushed doctor visits, and surprise medical bills?
Would you like to contact your doctor directly, get same-day or next-day appointments, and never worry about hidden costs?
That’s the power of Direct Primary Care (DPC)—a modern approach to healthcare that puts you first.
What is Direct Primary Care?
DPC is membership-based healthcare solution that eliminates the insurance. You pay a simple, affordable monthly fee directly to your doctor for access to primary care services.
That means:
- Quality care when you need it
- No insurance copays
- No surprise bills
- No long waits for an appointment
- No insurance headaches
- No rushed discussions with your doctor – you get the time you need
Because this is not insurance, some additional services may be required for proper diagnosis. Some services may still incur additional charges, depending on the practice. Access to your doctor will depends on the individual DPC practice’s availability, but generally you will have same-day or next-day appointment options.
Is DPC a Good Fit for You?
DPC is perfect for you if:
- You want a real relationship with your doctor—someone who knows you, not just your chart.
- You’re tired of waiting weeks for appointments and being rushed out in 10 minutes.
- You have ongoing health needs—like diabetes, high blood pressure, or asthma—and need frequent follow-ups.
- You’re a small business owner looking for affordable healthcare for your team.
- You value transparency and want to know exactly what your healthcare costs.
- You’re healthy and want fast, easy access to a doctor when you need it.
Who is DPC NOT Right For?
While DPC is a fantastic option for many people, it may not be the best fit for everyone. You might want to explore other healthcare options if:
- You have serious or complex medical conditions that require frequent specialist visits, surgeries, or hospital stays.
- You rely heavily on insurance to cover extensive treatments, expensive medications, or specialized care.
- You prefer the traditional insurance model with copays and deductibles instead of a membership-based approach.
- You qualify for comprehensive government programs like Medicaid or Medicare that already cover your healthcare needs.
- You travel frequently and need an insurance plan that provides widespread coverage across different locations.
If you fall into one of these categories, you can still benefit from DPC alongside a more comprehensive insurance plan. This hybrid approach offers many patients the best of both worlds. But for primary care alone, a traditional insurance-based system may be a better option.
What’s Included in a DPC Membership?
Many DPC practices offer these benefits to patients:
- Timely access—appointments are often available within a day or two (availability varies by practice and patient demand).
- Longer, unhurried appointments—many DPC doctors spend 30 to 60 minutes with patients, giving them more time to address concerns.
- Easier scheduling—same-day or next-day visits may be available, depending on the practice.
- Direct communication—some DPC doctors allow patients to call, text, or email them directly for quick questions.
- Discounted labs, imaging, and prescriptions—often at wholesale prices, saving you money. Some of these services may even be included in the monthly membership fee.
- Simple, transparent pricing—one predictable monthly fee with no hidden costs makes DPC very budget friendly.
Since DPC practices are small and independent, services and availability may vary. It’s always best to check with individual practices to understand their specific offerings.
How Much Does DPC Cost?
Most DPC memberships cost between $50 and $150 per month—about the price of a gym membership.
That’s less than the cost of one urgent care visit or a fraction of an ER bill. Plus, some DPC practices even include routine procedures, labs, and medications in their memberships.
Do I Still Need Insurance?
DPC is not insurance, but it pairs well with a low-cost, high-deductible insurance plan for hospitalizations or major medical events. An insurance policy that focuses on everything except primary care is often a great complimentary product to a DPC membership.
Many people find that DPC + a lower-cost insurance plan saves them thousands compared to traditional health insurance.
How to Find a DPC Doctor Near You
- Search online directories like FlexPerx www.flexperx.com/patients/find-a-dpc/ to find a DPC practice near you. DPC Frontier has a nice map with some overlap: www.dpcfrontier.com.
- Call a practive and ask about their pricing and services—some offer free consultations.
- If you own a business, ask how you can offer DPC memberships as a health benefit for employees.
Experience Healthcare the Way It Should Be
If you’re ready for affordable, accessible, and personalized healthcare, DPC might be the perfect fit for you.
- No long waits.
- No surprise bills.
- Just great care, when you need it.
*Note: While DPC provides a more personal and streamlined approach to healthcare, availability, access, and included services vary by practice. Some providers may not offer 24/7 access, and certain services may still incur additional charges. Be sure to verify details with individual DPC practices to ensure it meets your needs.*