What is Direct Primary Care?

Instead of waiting months to get an appointment to see a physician, patients can be seen regularly every couple of weeks, depending on availability. Some examples of Direct Primary Care include membership plans which have a clear outline of what type of services are provided. Access to high-quality care is more likely since appointments can be in person, through virtual meetings, and even through phone calls. Visits are more convenient and personally catered toward the patient's specific needs.

Patients can spend less time in waiting rooms and have more one on one time with their physician. Physicians have more time to focus on improving health outcomes for patients. The average time patients are seen in direct primary care physicians is 30-60 minutes vs 7 minutes at traditional providers.6 Trusting relationships can be developed over time as physicians get to know a patient's health history, and this creates a better opportunity to personalize care.

Patients can spend less time in waiting rooms and have more one on one time with their physician. Physicians have more time to focus on improving health outcomes for patients. The average time patients are seen in direct primary care physicians is 30-60 minutes vs 7 minutes at traditional providers.6 Trusting relationships can be developed over time as physicians get to know a patient's health history, and this creates a better opportunity to personalize care.

Monthly or annual membership fees paid by patients cover not only clinic visits but also laboratory services, consultative services, and care coordination.2 Prices and fees are usually flat rates that do not vary based on the services provided. This eliminates confusion on what services the patient is being charged for and how much the cost of a visit or service is. DPC may suggest alternative pricing options for services such as x-rays, medicine, and labs which lowers the cost of services in comparison to traditional practices. DPC also offers the ability to work with already existing insurance plans. The monthly fees cover primary care consultations and insurance plans can help cover additional testing.

Individuals who cannot afford health insurance plans benefit from the fixed-price plans offered by direct primary care because it gives patients the ability to receive services not covered by their insurance. Traditional fee-for-service plans prevent patients from receiving care beyond what is included in the fixed fee which does not allow patients to have adequate service.9 Those without insurance bypass the restrictions imposed by insurance companies which allows a better healthcare experience.