Questions about DPC

What is DPC?

Direct primary care is a new way to deliver health care. It combines the close doctor-patient relationship from your grandparents' day with modern means of communication like texting, emailing, and telemedicine

How does a DPC membership work?

You pay a monthly fee and you have unlimited access to appointments and you can contact your primary care doctor outside of normal business hours for urgent problems. You can usually get an appointment the same or next day and you have access to your doctor via texting, emailing, telemedicine, as well as regular office appointments

How much does DPC cost each month?

Since each DPC office is owned and run by a different physician, the monthly cost of membership does vary but it is usually less than $150 per month. Many membership prices are based on your age

What services are included in a DPC membership?

Individual DPC offices vary but generally membership includes all office and telemedicine appointments, emails, phone calls, and texting. Some DPC offices may charge extra for weight management, injections, or other services

Why is direct primary care better for my health?

Because DPC offices limit the number of patients they accept to around 200-600 patients (compared to 2000-3000 patients per physician in traditional care) they are able to spend more time with each patient. Longer appointments mean you have time to really discuss your health concerns and you can get an appointment generally same or next day. Your physician knows you as a individual because she has spent quality time getting to know you and your individual healthcare goals.

Is DPC covered by health insurance?

No, DPC is not covered by health insurance. Therefore, the relationship is directly between the physician and the patient and there is no middleman (insurance). Any patient can see a direct primary care physician and is not limited by his/her insurance.

Do I still need health insurance with DPC?

No, you do not need insurance with DPC. However, if you are able to, I would recommend that you purchase a high deductible insurance plan. High deductible plans have less expensive monthly premiums and higher deductibles; this plan would help you if you have a major medical problem like a hospitalization. Health share organizations (like Zion) can also pair well with DPC; members contribute to a shared pool of money that helps to cover some medical needs.

What if I have Medicare already?

By combining Medicare with DPC you have a great combination! Older individuals who value time spent with their primary care doctor as well as preventative care can benefit from this. You can use Medicare to cover your specialist visits, radiology, labs, and prescriptions.

Can I use an HSA to pay for my DPC membership?

Yes, starting January 2026, you are allowed to use your HSA (health savings account) to pay for your DPC membership

Does DPC treat chronic (ongoing) conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes?

Yes, DPC is a great choice for patients who have chronic medical problems because you are able to spend more time being educated on how to treat your condition by your physician who knows you well and you can easily access your physician for any questions you may have

How is DPC different from conceirge medicine?

DPC and conceirge overlap in many areas. However, DPC does not bill insurance and only charges patients a monthly membership fee. Conceirge practices generally bill insurance as well as having a monthly patient membership fee. DPC is also usually a more affordable option.

Are labs, medications, or imaging included?

This depends on the particular DPC office. Some DPC offices offer discounted labs and are familiar with less expensive self pay imaging prices. Some DPC offices do distribute medications as well.

I travel a lot. How can DPC benefit me?

If you get sick while you are away from home you can contact your DPC physician and he/she can evaluate you via telemedicine (video) or on the phone if this is appropriate. Therefore, you do not need to waste time or money trying to find a walk in clinic and your own physician who knows you the best can treat you.

The content of this post is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not serve as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your personal physician for any health concerns.

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