Direct Primary Care

Learn about direct primary care (DPC), how it can benefit you and your patients, and what resources can help you start or optimize your own DPC practice.

What is direct primary care?

The direct primary care model gives family physicians a meaningful alternative to fee-for-service insurance billing, typically by charging patients a monthly, quarterly, or annual fee. This fee covers all or most primary care services, including clinical and laboratory services, consultative services, care coordination, and comprehensive care management.

Because some services are not covered by a retainer, DPC practices often suggest that patients acquire a high-deductible wraparound policy to cover emergencies.

DPC vs. Concierge Care

Direct primary care is different than concierge care: it typically offers low monthly fees, does not participate in any payer programs, and applies the patient's membership fees to a broader range of services.

DPC Practices

Monthly membership fees paid by patients or, sometimes, the patient’s employer
Patient fees cover extended visits, clinical, lab and consultative services, care coordination, and comprehensive care management
Do not accept insurance or participate in government programs, relying solely on patient fees

Concierge Practices

Annual patient membership contract with higher fees that can be paid annually or monthly
Membership fees cover an in-depth physical exam and screenings
May continue to accept insurance plans and government programs and bill patient’s insurance company for covered services
Cater to higher income populations

DPC stats

See how DPC physicians described their practices. Download the 2024 direct primary care data brief for more details.

Average DPC practice patient panel size is 413 patients

Most popular procedures are EKG and biopsy/excisions

99% of practices provide same day appointments

Monthly membership fees range from $50 to $100

What are the benefits of DPC?

DPC benefits patients by providing substantial savings and a greater degree of access to, and time with, physicians.

DPC allows family physicians to care for the whole person while reducing the overhead and negative incentives associated with fee-for-service third-party-payer billing. Benefits of DPC to physicians include:

More time with patients
Simplified revenue structure
Decreased practice overhead
Reduced adminstrative burden
High practice satisfaction and low burnout

What are my career options in DPC?

Family physicians can be employed by a DPC practice or DPC practice owners. DPC practices are available in a variety of geographic locations and community types, from rural to urban. DPC practices often serve all income levels, and sometimes contract with local employers to provide health care to employees.