Direct Primary Care vs Traditional Primary Care: What's the Difference?

Traditional primary care commonly bills insurance for visits and services. Direct Primary Care takes a different approach by establishing a direct financial relationship between the patient and the medical practice through a recurring membership fee.

How You Pay

Traditional practices commonly bill health insurance, leaving patients responsible for applicable copays, deductibles, coinsurance, or non-covered services. Direct Primary Care patients generally pay a recurring membership fee for a defined set of primary care services.

Appointment Length and Access

Direct Primary Care practices generally aim for smaller patient panels, which can allow more time for appointments. Depending on the practice, patients may also have access to secure messaging, telehealth, and same-day or next-day appointments when available.

Direct Primary Care vs Traditional Primary Care

Preventive and Chronic Care

Primary care can include prevention as well as ongoing management of conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, and thyroid disorders.

Insurance Is Still Important

Direct Primary Care is primarily a model for primary care and is not comprehensive health insurance. Patients may still need coverage for emergencies, hospitalization, surgery, specialists, and other major expenses.