Question 1

Is Direct Primary Care legal in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tennessee has one of the clearest DPC laws in the country. HB 2323 was enacted April 27, 2016, making Tennessee the 17th state with DPC legislation. It's codified at Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 63-1-501 through 63-1-504, and it's widely regarded as one of the best-written examples of state DPC law. Read the statute.

Question 2

How much does Direct Primary Care cost in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

Adult DPC memberships in Tennessee typically run $49–$149 a month. Family plans generally cost less per person, and kids' memberships run cheaper still. Prices depend on the practice, so it pays to compare a few. Browse Tennessee practices to see real prices near you.

Question 3

Is a DPC agreement considered insurance under Tennessee law?

Accepted Answer

No, and the statute says so in plain terms. Under § 63-1-503(c), "the offer and provision of medical services or medical products purchased and provided under this part is not an offer of insurance and is not regulated by the insurance laws of this state." Tennessee's law is unusually direct on this point.

Question 4

Can Tennessee Medicaid (TennCare) or Medicare patients join a DPC practice?

Accepted Answer

Yes, without losing their benefits. Under § 63-1-503(a)(3), nothing stops a provider from accepting payment from TennCare or Medicare beneficiaries outside the program. And under § 63-1-503(b), a patient "does not forfeit insurance benefits, TennCare benefits, or Medicare benefits by purchasing medical services or medical products outside the system." That's one of the strongest private-contracting protections in any state's DPC law.

Question 5

Can a Tennessee DPC doctor also bill my insurance for the same services?

Accepted Answer

No. Tennessee law bars a DPC practice from billing a third-party insurer for services already covered under the DPC agreement. Your membership fee is the full payment for those services.

Question 6

Can Tennessee DPC physicians dispense medications?

Accepted Answer

Yes, under Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners rules. Physician dispensing is allowed under Section 0880-2-.14, as long as medications are labeled properly and only dispensed to patients with an established physician-patient relationship. APNs can dispense too. PA dispensing is a gray area right now, a 2023 bill meant to clarify it never got enacted.

Question 7

Do I still need health insurance if I join a Tennessee DPC practice?

Accepted Answer

Yes. DPC covers everyday care, not the big-ticket stuff. It won't cover hospitalizations, ER visits, specialist care, or surgeries, so most Tennessee DPC members keep a high-deductible health plan alongside their membership for that coverage. Learn how DPC fits into your coverage.

Direct Primary Care
Doctors in Tennessee

Browse by city

Highest Rated

Tennessee DPC laws & FAQ

Direct Primary CareDoctors in Tennessee

Browse by city

Highest Rated

Tennessee DPC laws & FAQ

Direct Primary Care
Doctors in Tennessee