Direct Primary Care, Explained

Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a membership model: you pay the practice directly for primary care rather than routing every visit through insurance. It suits some people very well and others not at all.

What the model actually changes

In a conventional practice, revenue is tied to visit volume, which is a large part of why appointments are short. A membership decouples the two. The practical effects patients notice most are longer appointments, easier access to their own physician and simpler, more predictable pricing.

Who tends to benefit most

• People with a high-deductible plan who pay out of pocket for most primary care anyway
• Anyone managing one or more ongoing conditions who values continuity and time
• People who want direct access to their physician rather than a queue
• Small business owners looking at what they can realistically offer a small team

Who it may not suit

A DPC membership covers primary care. It is not health insurance and does not replace it. If you have significant specialist needs, or you would struggle to cover a hospital admission, you still need appropriate insurance coverage alongside it.

If you rarely see a doctor and have no ongoing conditions, a membership may simply not earn its keep.

Questions worth asking any DPC practice

• What exactly is included in the membership, and what is billed separately?
• How are labs and imaging handled and priced?
• How quickly can I usually be seen?
• How do I reach the practice outside office hours?
• What is the notice period if I want to stop?

We are happy to walk you through the numbers for your own situation — including telling you if the membership would not be worth it for you. See our Direct Primary Care page for details.

This article is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot account for your individual circumstances. Please discuss your own care with Dr. Vijay Katari, MD or your regular physician. In an emergency, call 911.

Reviewed August 2026 by Dr. Vijay Katari, MD.