Direct primary care (DPC) is a new model of healthcare delivery that is gaining popularity in the United States. In DPC, patients pay a monthly or annual membership fee directly to their doctor. This fee covers a wide range of primary care services, including:
- Routine physical exams and checkups
- Sick visits and urgent care
- Chronic disease management
- Preventive care, such as immunizations and screenings
- Same-day appointments and extended office visits
DPC doctors typically have smaller patient panels than traditional primary care doctors. This allows them to spend more time with each patient and provide more personalized care. DPC doctors are also more likely to offer same-day appointments and extended office visits.
DPC doctors typically have smaller patient panels than traditional primary care doctors. This allows them to spend more time with each patient and provide more personalized care.
DPC doctors typically have smaller patient panels than traditional primary care doctors. This allows them to spend more time with each patient and provide more personalized care. DPC doctors are also more likely to offer same-day appointments and extended office visits.
How is DPC different from traditional primary care?
The main difference between DPC and traditional primary care is the way that patients pay for their care. In traditional primary care, patients pay copays and deductibles when they see their doctor and get other medical services. These copays and deductibles can be expensive, and they can discourage patients from getting the care they need.
In DPC, patients pay a monthly or annual membership fee directly to their doctor. This fee covers all or most of their primary care services. This means that patients don't have to pay any copays or deductibles when they see their doctor.
Another difference between DPC and traditional primary care is the way that doctors are paid. In traditional primary care, doctors are paid by insurance companies for each service they provide. This can lead to doctors over-ordering tests and procedures, because they are financially incentivized to do so.
In DPC, doctors are paid a salary by their patients. This means that doctors are not financially incentivized to over-order tests and procedures. Instead, they are focused on providing the best possible care to their patients.
What are the benefits of DPC?
There are many benefits to DPC, including:
- Affordability: DPC is often more affordable than traditional primary care, especially for patients who have high-deductible health plans.
- Access: DPC patients typically have better access to their doctor than patients in traditional primary care practices. DPC doctors typically have smaller patient panels, which means they can spend more time with each patient and offer same-day appointments.
- Personalized care: DPC doctors are able to provide more personalized care to their patients because they have smaller patient panels and are not financially incentivized to over-order tests and procedures.
Is DPC right for me?
DPC is a good option for patients who are looking for affordable, accessible, and personalized care. DPC is especially a good option for patients who have high-deductible health plans. Also, if you are uninsured or looking for options due to recent unemployment, Frontier will work with you to fill the gap as you can cancel membership at any time should your situation improve.
If you are considering DPC, consider Frontier Direct Health. From our intake process to the day to day maintenance of our patients, we provide a significant benefit to our patients and to the community. With the option of same week appointments (if not same day) we can provide assistance to our patients in office or via remote medicine once membership is established.