Is a Direct Primary Care Clinic Right for Your Family?

Diana Muniz June 4, 2023

What if you had a doctor who saw you every three weeks and didn’t want to give you prescription drugs? This might sound too good to be true, but it’s not. There are primary care practices that do not require insurance, called direct primary care clinics. Does this sound like a better fit for your family? In this guide, we will cover what a direct primary care clinic is and how you might benefit from it.

How Much Does It Cost Per Person?

Direct Primary Care (DPC) clinics are becoming more popular and offer more affordable family healthcare solutions for families. DPC operates outside the traditional healthcare system, typically does not take insurance, and charges a monthly membership fee per person.

Costs vary based on the clinic but typically range from $50-150 per person per month. Members typically receive a wide range of services for the fee, including primary care office visits, basic lab tests, and select specialty services. Depending on the services included, DPC can be a good option for families looking to maintain their health proactively.

It can additionally save families money if needed compared to paying for costly office visits through insurance. Given the range of services and fees offered by clinics, it is important to research any given clinic prior to enrolling and ensure it is the right fit for your family.

What About Medications?

A direct primary care clinic may be a great choice for your family because many offer discounted or free medications. This can be a huge benefit if your family members require regular or expensive medications.

Depending on the primary care clinic, most offer medication delivery services straight to your home, making it especially convenient for those with mobility concerns. Also, direct primary care clinics can make it easier to get personalized care when it comes to prescription medications.

Generally, a nurse practitioner or other staff can work with you to review what medicines might be best for each family member. With all that said, it is important to make sure the direct primary care clinic you choose is accredited and stocked with sufficient medications.

What About Specialists?

Specialized care is often needed to treat certain medical conditions, and a direct primary care clinic may not be the best option for receiving this type of treatment. A direct primary care clinic specializes in preventive care and is typically not equipped to handle more complex specialty care.

When seeking specialized care, it’s important to find the right specialist with the necessary training and experience for the particular medical condition. If a direct primary care clinic is unable to provide the type of specialized care needed, it is advised to talk to your primary care doctor about referrals and other options.

When making this decision, patients may also want to research the specialty and determine what type of coverage they have with their insurance provider. Ultimately, a direct primary care clinic may provide a viable option for basic primary care, but when seeking to treat a more complex medical condition, specialized care may be necessary.

Why Should You Consider Direct Primary Care?

For those looking for an alternative to traditional primary care, direct primary care (DPC) clinic may be an option to consider. DPC clinics provide same-day or next-day doctor appointments, extended office visits, digital tools for monitoring patient progress, significant discounts on lab tests and vaccinations, and more.

These clinics are staffed with providers dedicated to providing the highest quality, personalized care. With DPC, no insurance is needed in order to receive care; instead, patients pay their monthly fees and receive access to services. This monthly fee can be a fraction of the cost typically associated with using insurance coverage for primary care services.

Furthermore, DPC clinics are convenient — patients never have to deal with the hassle of getting pre-authorizations, submitting claims, or dealing with insurance companies. These factors together make DPC clinics a worthy consideration for families that are looking for reliable primary care.

How Do I Get Started?

If you are considering a Direct Primary Care (DPC) Clinic for your family, the first step is to do your research. Visit the clinic’s website for direct primary care to view their services, fees, and insurance information, as well as read online reviews. Next, set up an appointment to meet with the doctor.

Ask questions about their services, fees, and policies to ensure they are the right fit for your family. Lastly, if your family is comfortable with the services and fees available at the DPC Clinic, sign up and begin your family’s care.

In some cases, you may need to change insurance providers if the clinic does not accept your current plan. However, the transition to a DPC Clinic could be a rewarding experience for your entire family.

How Can You Find a DPC Provider?

Finding a Direct Primary Care (DPC) provider is an important decision. To begin, it is essential to get as much information as possible about what DPC practices are available in your area and to ask your doctor for referrals.

Next, make sure to research each potential provider and read reviews from other patients. Make sure that they have appropriate licenses and certifications and that their fees are within your budget.

Additionally, look for a provider who offers comprehensive services, including preventive care, same-day or next-day appointments, longer appointments, and referrals to specialists.

Finally, contact the providers and ask questions about their practice to ensure that it is the right fit for you and your family. By taking the time to research and evaluate potential DPC providers, you can ensure that you are selecting the best provider for your needs.