What Is Direct Primary Care Medicine?

There are a lot of different healthcare models out there, and it can be overwhelming for patients to try to figure out the difference between these models and, more importantly, understand how they directly relate to the type of care they receive so they can make an informed decision about their health. Today we’re talking about Direct Primary Care medicine, an innovative alternative to traditional healthcare delivery models that’s a great solution for individuals or families of any age!

What Is Direct Primary Care (DPC)? 

Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a novel take on the traditional health care delivery system. Instead of centering around insurance companies, prior authorizations, etc., the relationship is directly and solely between the patient and physician. Direct Primary Care practices do not accept insurance of any kind, eliminating the associated red tape and allowing physicians to build rapport with each patient. 

Patients pay their physician directly in the form of a monthly membership fee and in return they get unrestricted access to their physician, as well as easy access to a variety of medical care procedures and administrative services. Additionally, these fees cover a majority of primary care services, including common medications, consultative services, care coordination, and comprehensive care management.

How Is Seeing A Direct Primary Care Doctor Different From Seeing A Non-DPC Doctor?

A doctor working within a Direct Primary Care system is able to operate outside the insurer’s confines, free from the constraints imposed and dictated by insurance parties. On the other hand, a physician who operates under a more traditional “fee for service” or insurance-based healthcare delivery model must operate within the confines of the insurance companies whose payments they accept. This means that the insurance company is dictating what care you’re allowed  to receive, regardless of what your doctor knows is best. 

In general, Direct Primary Care doctors have the time to put into a more in-depth patient interaction and attempt to practice medicine with a personalized touch. Many physicians who work under insurance-based models have to maintain a large patient pool to justify the staff expenditures required for volumes of insurance paperwork, which leads to shorter and oftentimes “rushed” office visits, longer wait times for patients, decreased appointment availability, and a decrease in personalized care. 

Under non-DPC systems many doctors are rushed and, because of high patient volumes, unable to take the necessary time to get to know each patient and their medical history on a personal level, which is a necessary ingredient for optimum health outcomes. Direct Primary Care doctors are always available when you need them, whether that’s for a same day or next day office appointment, a telehealth visit, or even after hours or on weekends for urgent issues. This can be a major advantage for patients because it means less time trying to cram in an office visit or waiting to be scheduled until prior authorization comes in through your insurance. 

What Are the Benefits Of Seeing A DPC Physician?

There are lots of benefits to the Direct Primary Care model, but some of the largest include:

• Cost savings for patients
• Unrestricted access to your physician in-person or via telehealth
• Unlimited office visits that aren’t rushed or restricted in time (patients can discuss multiple issues or take as much time as they need to ask questions without feeling like they’re being rushed out the door)
• No copays
• Closer relationship with a physician who has a deep understanding of your family medical history, personal health, and goals 
• Complete transparency when it comes to their medical costs

Direct Primary Care is quickly becoming the go-to option for combating rising healthcare costs, all while maintaining a high level of quality care. Partnering with providers who offer Direct Primary Care can be highly beneficial for all involved, especially if you are trying to cut healthcare and insurance costs.

Optimum Direct Care

Choosing a Direct Primary Care physician for you or your family’s healthcare needs is one of the best things you can do for your long-term health. Here at Optimum Direct Care we pride ourselves on providing health care that is in the patient’s best interest – even if it does not fit the cost-control constraints mandated by insurance companies – and our patients are empowered to take better control of their health and their lives. 

If you’re looking for a DPC doctor in Orlando, schedule a meet-and-greet with our doctors to learn more about our approach to healthcare and whether Direct Primary Care might be right for you!