Question 1

What is Direct Primary Care (DPC)?

Accepted Answer

Direct Primary Care is a monthly membership with your doctor. You pay a flat fee, typically around $50–$150 a month, directly to your doctor. In return, you get comprehensive, relationship-based primary care. That includes unlimited visits with no copays, same or next-day appointments, appointments that last between 30–60 minutes, calling or texting directly with your doctor, and a doctor who understands your health history. Many memberships may also include minor in-office procedures, routine lab work, and access to medication at more affordable prices.

Question 2

How much does Direct Primary Care cost per month?

Accepted Answer

Adult DPC memberships typically cost around $50–$150 a month. Many DPCs offer a family plan that runs less per person than an individual membership. For children, individual memberships range between $20 and $75 a month. In some cases, infants and younger children may cost more than adult memberships due to the more frequent well-visits and vaccination schedule in the first few years.

Question 3

What's the difference between DPC and concierge medicine?

Accepted Answer

Direct primary care provides a more affordable, everyday version of concierge medicine. Concierge medicine charges a premium membership fee for luxury-tier care, typically $2,000 to $5,000 a year, and usually still bills insurance for the actual care. DPC removes insurance completely and provides a more everyday quality of care for its membership. Since DPC is a newer type of healthcare model, some practices may label themselves as "concierge" while actually offering an affordable, everyday care membership.

Question 4

What does a DPC membership include?

Accepted Answer

A DPC membership covers unlimited primary care visits and direct access to your doctor by phone, text, and/or email, and comprehensive care management. Many DPC memberships may also include telehealth or in-home visits, basic in-office procedures (EKGs, stitches, and joint injections), and routine labs. DPC memberships may also offer discounted lab panels, medications, and imaging.

Question 5

Do I still need health insurance with DPC?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many people pair a Direct Primary Care membership with insurance to cover hospital stays, surgery, and emergencies. A DPC membership covers primary care. DPC members may also add a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) to cover the unexpected, like a hospital stay, major surgery, or specialty care. For self-employed members, a DPC membership combined with an HDHP often costs less than a traditional monthly premium while providing access to a higher quality of care. Some members may consider a health care sharing plan, which splits large medical costs across a pool of members for less than a traditional premium. While these aren't legally insurance, some members use them along with DPC for an even lower-cost option.

Question 6

Can I use my HSA to pay for Direct Primary Care?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can use your HSA funds to pay for a DPC membership. The One Big Beautiful Bill allows you to use HSA funds to cover a DPC membership fee, up to $150 a month for an individual and $300 a month for a family. Those caps adjust for inflation each year.

Question 7

Is DPC a good option for people with chronic conditions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, DPC is one of the strongest options for managing chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension. According to the AAFP, a DPC doctor manages around 400 patients, compared to 2,000 or more in a traditional practice. Fewer patients means longer visits and regular follow-ups instead of one rushed annual exam. Many memberships also include discounted labs and medications, which adds up when a condition needs ongoing monitoring.

Question 8

Is Direct Primary Care worth it?

Accepted Answer

DPC is worth it if you want more access to your doctor for less than what copays and premiums typically cost. A $100 monthly membership paired with a low-cost high-deductible plan often costs less than a traditional premium alone, with far better access to your doctor. The value is strongest if you skip appointments over copays, wait weeks to get seen, or feel rushed through visits. If you rarely see a doctor at all, the math is less clear, since you pay the flat fee whether you go or not.

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