Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a new and innovative way for patients to receive healthcare. Rather than patients communicating with insurance companies, paying co-pays, and submitting claims, there is a new model to be utilized – and enjoyed! DPC involves patients paying a retainer – typically on a monthly basis – to have a “membership” with a particular doctor.

That retainer guarantees service whenever it is needed and eliminates the need for an insurance company to be involved. There are a range of benefits associated with a DPC membership, and we will explore them below.

It can reduce stress

Let’s face it: millions of Americans are stressed about healthcare in this country. From rising prices, decreased ease of access, and an abundance of questions around the topic, it’s not hard to see why it’s a source of stress.

Becoming a member of a DPC practice reduces stress as it eliminates the need for individuals to stress about their coverage and their bills. Rely on your DCP doctor for quality and prompt care and don’t be surprised with a bill at the end since your retainer covers it all.

It helps save money

Enrolling in DPC can help patients to save money – and lots of it!

The first way this happens is due to the fact that the monthly retainer paid covers appointments and services rendered, regardless of how many visits a patient makes to their doctor’s office. Another way this model helps save those enrolled money is by offering added financial benefits.

Many DPC practices offer their patients additional perks, such as savings on prescriptions by up to 50 percent as well as discounts on lab work and ambulance rides and services. These can present quite the savings that will add up quickly.

More face time with doctors

In a traditional primary care practice, it’s difficult to get an appointment. Then, even when you do get one, you typically end up feeling like you haven’t gotten any quality time with your doctor. That can be frustrating, and DPC eliminates these frustrations.

This is because when insurance companies are taken out of the equation, doctors are freed up to spend more time with their patients rather than filling out an abundance of paperwork. With DPC, you can get same-day doctor’s appointments and actually spend time with your doctor to get to the bottom of your questions and health problems.

Additional perks

DPC practices also have other things to offer that you wouldn’t typically receive with a traditional primary care physician. For instance, DCP doctors and memberships may offer things like wellness classes, yoga sessions, tai chi instruction, or even nutrition information classes.

This benefits patients and can present a time for them to get to know their doctor if they attend any of the sessions, get to know others that subscribe to the service, and to increase their general well-being.

Learn more about how DPC can benefit you.