"Direct Primary Care" means the physician works directly for the patient or employer without insurance or government involvement. The patient or employer pays a fixed monthly fee directly to the physician. The physician and the practice do not bill insurances for care.
While this is a big change for many patients, it has many advantages. Removing the middlemen (insurance) from primary care makes it affordable for most patients, less than the cost of typical cell phone or cable plans. Without the restrictions of insurance plans, physicians have more time for each patient and can address additional problems at one visit. Flexible, open schedules reduce unnecessary ER visits. When medically appropriate, some care can be managed over the phone or via secure messaging, without an office visit - saving time and money. Multiple problem visits, shorter waits, flexible office hours and more care outside of office visits means less time lost from work or family.
Direct Primary Care is NOT insurance and patients are strongly encouraged to have insurance or health sharing plan coverage for emergencies and large medical expenses. Many patients and employers find a lower cost, higher deductible insurance plan works well with direct care and saves more than the price of a direct primary care membership.
