Have you ever been to see your doctor and they were able to tell you exactly how much the visit was going to cost? If you’re getting your healthcare in the traditional insurance-based system then I know your answer is NO! I worked in that system for many years and it was so frustrating that I could never answer that question for my patients. This is one of the many reasons I left the traditional healthcare system and started my own direct primary care practice.
How Direct Primary Care Can Be the Game-Changer You Need for Your Health AND Your Wallet
Have you ever felt frustrated or angry by how the cost of healthcare is so unpredictable? Maybe you have even put off going to the doctor, not because you didn’t need to, but because you had no idea what it would cost. Unfortunately, you’re not alone—there are so many patients that face the same dilemma everyday. Patients are being forced to wait and wait, until sadly their health becomes a crisis, and then they end up needing to be seen in urgent care or the emergency room.
In fact, according to a 2021 consumer research study, 83% of patients want more accurate information on their out-of-pocket costs, and 67% want more control over their healthcare expenses. It totally makes sense and patients deserve to have this transparency and control over their healthcare costs! Healthcare is something we all need, but the current insurance-driven system is not about getting patients healthcare, it is built to be confusing and overwhelming and in most cases leaves you guessing how much you will owe at the end of the visit.
One of the major benefits of Direct Primary Care (DPC) is that it provides transparency so you can understand your health care costs - before you even get care! Imagine if you knew exactly how much your care would cost before you even set foot in the clinic. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, with DPC, that is a reality and there are currently more than 20,000 providers nationally that are providing care in DPC clinics. In a DPC clinic, patients pay a flat monthly fee, there’s no guessing game, copays or surprise bills after the visit. You know upfront what you’re paying for, whether it is a a routine check-up, a more complex visit or an acute issue that has come up.
Traditional insurance-based care, on the other hand, leaves patients in the dark, unsure of what will happen to their wallets after a visit. Studies show that patients want to know their out-of-pocket costs before they receive care. No one likes surprises—especially when it comes to medical bills.
Availability: One of the Top Things Patients Look for in a Physician
According to the same consumer survey, patients are not just concerned about the cost and transparency of their healthcare, but physician availability is also a big concern. When you need to see YOUR doctor, you don’t want to be told you have to wait weeks, or even months, for an appointment. The situation is even worse for those that are trying to establish care with a new doctor. One report sites that In Portland, Oregon patients are waiting an average of 45 days before they can be seen by a new doctor!! I honeslty think it is much longer, like 3 - 6 months, based on what I'm hearing from patients and friends.
According to recent studies, physician availability is ranked in the top 5 most important thing. This is yet another area where DPC truly shines. The average patient panel for a doctor in the transitional healthcare model is 2,500, whereas DPC practices will have an average of 500 patients. Since the doctor-patient ratio is much lower in a DPC model, YOUR doctor is more accessible and available to you when you need them. In fact, in most cases you will be seen the same-day or next-day, with longer appointment times and you can even text YOUR doctor directly. Are you able to text your current physician?
Avoiding Care Because of Cost? You’re Not Alone
Money is very often a barrier to getting the healthcare patients need. Whether it is worrying about a high deductible or simply not knowing the cost of the care you are about to get, financial stress can cause many people to put off important medical care. In fact, up to 25% of patients are avoiding care altogether because they don’t know how much it will cost. That is a major problem and represents a huge percentage of people choosing to forgo potentially life-saving treatments or early interventions because they are worried about the surprise bill they are going to get. However, in DPC, this concern completely fades away. The predictable, flat monthly fee erases the fear of unexpected medical bills, which then empowers you to take control of your health without the added stress of financial surprises.
The Value of Direct Primary Care
When you choose Direct Primary Care, you’re investing in your peace of mind. You’re getting more than just healthcare—you’re gaining a trusting relationship with YOUR physician, transparency, availability, and control. Instead of wondering how much your care will cost or if your doctor has time to see you, you can focus on what really matters: your health.
Imagine a healthcare system where you are the priority, where the relationship between you and your doctor is at the forefront, and where you know exactly what to expect.
That’s the beauty of Direct Primary Care. So, if you’re tired of the hidden and surprise costs, the long waits, and the uncertainty of traditional healthcare, DPC is the fresh start you need.
Your health is worth it—and with DPC, you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for.
If this is your first time hearing about DPC it can bring up a lot of questions! Be sure to join the conversation and drop your questions below!
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