If you’re tired of fighting to get the healthcare you need while struggling with insurance companies to get your medical bills paid, it could be time to explore the benefits of direct primary care. Also referred to as DPC, this unique business model has been around since the mid-2000s but continues to gain in popularity.
What Is Direct Primary Care (DPC)?
In simple terms, direct primary care refers to physicians providing primary healthcare services directly to patients without going through health insurance or another middleman. Patients pay the physician’s practice a monthly membership fee to receive basic medical care, preventative services, and some in-office procedures. Additional services, like lab work or x-rays, can be provided at an additional cost. These additional services are provided at wholesale pricing and all additional fees are discussed up front so there are no surprise bills.
What Are the Top Benefits of Primary Care For Patients?
Imagine a world where you have access to your physician 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. And, you don't have to fight with an insurance company to get the healthcare you need. With direct primary care, that’s not only possible … that’s reality!
From a patient’s perspective, here are 6 reasons why DPC can be an efficient and cost-effective healthcare option:
1. Direct primary care membership fees make quality healthcare affordable.
For a reasonable monthly fee, patients have unprecedented access to as many visits as they need, when they need them, to their primary care physician under the DPC model. This eliminates a common barrier that often prevents individuals from seeking healthcare and can be more affordable than only having a traditional health insurance plan.
2. Patients can access their physician more easily under a DPC model vs. a traditional healthcare model.
It’s no secret that physicians who operate under a direct primary care model typically see fewer patients daily than those running their practice under the traditional healthcare paradigm. With fewer patients to treat, DPC physicians are more available, often offering same-day or next-day appointments. That means patients can get the care they need when they need it most.
3. Patients can enjoy longer appointment times with their physician.
Eliminating the middleman and not having to deal with insurance companies saves a significant amount of time. This enables direct primary care physicians to do what they do best … meet with patients and address their medical concerns. On average, DPC doctors spend 30-60 minutes with each patient, per visit.
4. Doctors can focus on personalized and preventative healthcare.
Longer appointment times mean that as a patient, you’re not limited on how many questions you can ask and there’s no need to feel rushed. Furthermore, your doctor has plenty of time to listen and then address your health concerns. This allows for a more personalized approach to healthcare and a greater focus can be placed on preventive care and overall wellness.
5. Direct primary care benefits patients by providing a more streamlined healthcare experience.
Health clinics operating under the DPC model have a lower administrative burden than those working with traditional health insurance. While this is beneficial for the medical staff, it can also translate to less paperwork for patients, shorter wait times at the office, and a more pleasant experience overall.
6. Patients know exactly how much they’ll be charged for services under the direct primary care model.
Each DPC clinic sets their own pricing. However, most monthly membership fees are very affordable, often similar to what you might pay for a monthly gym membership. This monthly fee covers specific in-office procedures and services, enabling patients to effectively budget for healthcare expenses.
Other necessary services, such as lab work or x-rays, may need to be completed outside of the office. If they’re not included in the DPC contract, they will incur an additional cost. Transparent pricing means the patient will be aware of that cost in advance, however, so there are no surprise bills. Many DPC clinics also offer wholesale pricing so patients can save money on necessary healthcare services that aren’t covered under their direct primary care membership.
7. With direct primary care, patients benefit because they don’t have to deal with insurance companies to get their healthcare covered.
Direct primary care physicians don’t work under the traditional healthcare insurance system. That means you won’t have to deal with insurance-related issues like copays, deductibles, pre-authorizations for care, and rejected coverage for medical bills.
8. Patients have access to their DPC physicians through multiple channels.
Do you have a quick question you wish you could ask your doctor? Many DPC clinics offer a variety of ways you can get in touch with your physician. This includes standard office visits but may also include home visits or being able to reach your doctor by phone, video, text or email.
Patients Enjoy the Benefits of Direct Primary Care at Ark Family Health
Patients throughout the greater Phoenix area have access to all the benefits of direct primary care through our Peoria and Gilbert offices. Thanks to telemedicine, however, we can service clients throughout the East Valley, West Valley, and the entire Phoenix area.
We offer direct primary care memberships for individuals, families, and even businesses that want to offer world-class healthcare to their employees. And, for surgeries, major medical services, and other treatments not covered by DPC, we’re happy to recommend trusted partners who will help you understand your options for getting the care you need and deserve.
Are you ready to take charge of your health and manage healthcare costs? Explore our membership plans today and see how Ark Family Health and direct primary care can benefit YOU!