What is a DPC?
Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a healthcare model that rethinks the fundamental partnership between patient and physician to improve access, enhance quality of care, and reduce cost.
Patients pay an affordable price directly to their primary care physician through a recurring flat-rate membership fee (monthly, quarterly, or annually) instead of billing through traditional insurance companies.
Benefits of a DPC:
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More Time with the Doctor: Physicians in DPC practices typically have smaller patient panels, allowing for longer and more personalized appointments.
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Improved Access: Easier and faster access to care, often with same-day or next-day appointments and direct communication with the doctor.
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Transparent and Predictable Costs: The fixed membership fee makes budgeting for primary care easier, with no surprise co-pays or bills for included services.
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Focus on Prevention and Wellness: With more time and a direct relationship, physicians can focus more on preventive care and building a strong doctor-patient relationship.
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Reduced Administrative Burden: By not dealing with insurance companies, practices can spend more time on patient care.
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Potential Cost Savings: For individuals with high-deductible plans or those who pay out-of-pocket for most primary care, DPC can potentially be more affordable.
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Direct primary care is not a substitute for insurance. It is recommend that patients still carry a separate health insurance plan, often a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), to cover costs for services outside the scope of primary care (specialty care, hospitalizations, etc.).
