What Is Direct Primary Care?
Direct Primary Care
What It Is
With DPC, members pay a recurring membership fee directly to the practice for routine primary care access. This model allows the care team to focus on the relationship, the conversation, and the plan instead of building every visit around insurance billing.
What It Isn’t
DPC is not health insurance. Many members keep separate coverage for emergencies, hospital care, specialist care, and services outside the membership.
Is Direct Primary Care Right for You?
Individuals
You want a primary care relationship with more time, clearer costs, and less routine-care friction.
Families
You want one place for the whole household’s routine care, with pricing you can plan around.
Direct Primary Care vs. Traditional Primary Care
| Topic | Direct Primary Care | Traditional Primary Care | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payment | Recurring membership fee paid to the practice. | Visits are often billed through insurance. | Members can better understand routine primary care costs. |
| Visit Experience | Designed for longer conversations and stronger relationships. | Appointments may feel shorter or more rushed. | More time can help uncover the full concern behind a visit. |
| Access | Members often have easier ways to communicate with the care team. | Communication may be limited to standard office workflows. | Easier access can reduce friction when questions come up. |
| Insurance Role | DPC is not insurance and does not replace coverage for major care needs. | Insurance is often central to billing and coverage. | Clear expectations help members choose the right mix of care and coverage. |
What Membership Includes
Routine primary care, delivered by a team that has time for you.
- Routine Primary Care VisitsTalk with your provider about everyday health concerns, prevention, and care planning.
- Preventive Care ConversationsDiscuss screenings, health goals, risk factors, and lifestyle changes that fit real life.
- Sick VisitsGet help when common illnesses or concerns come up.
- Chronic Condition SupportWork with your care team to monitor and manage ongoing health needs.
- Care CoordinationGet support understanding next steps, referrals, labs, or outside care needs.
- Easier CommunicationUse the communication options offered by the practice for follow-up questions.
Signing Up Is as Easy as 1-2-3
Joining takes a few minutes. Our team helps with every step.
Step 1
Choose a MembershipReview our membership options and submit the form so the team can help you take the next step.
Step 2
Complete OnboardingShare basic information and schedule your first visit.
Step 3
Use Your Care TeamBuild an ongoing relationship for routine primary care support.
Common Questions
Is DPC the same as concierge medicine?
Both models can offer more personalized care, but DPC usually focuses on transparent monthly membership pricing and accessible primary care rather than luxury services.
Do I still need insurance?
DPC is not insurance. Many members keep coverage for emergencies, hospital care, specialists, imaging, and services outside the membership.
Can I join if I already have insurance?
Yes. Many members use DPC for routine primary care while keeping insurance for needs outside the membership.
Can my employer pay for membership?
Some employers offer DPC memberships as a benefit. Visit our employer page to learn how group memberships work.