Direct Primary Care (DPC) vs Concierge Medicine

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Direct Primary Care (DPC) and Concierge Medicine are very similar healthcare models, but they are not exactly the same thing.

In this post, I will go over the similarities and differences between Direct Primary Care and Concierge Medicine so you can see which healthcare model is the best fit for your needs.

What is Concierge Medicine?

Concierge Medicine is a retainer-based healthcare model where patients pay a fee to have access to their Concierge Doctor, usually in the form of an annual retainer fee. In return, patients receive additional time and personalized care from their Concierge Doctor. It’s common for Concierge Doctors to give their personal cell phone number to their patients, advocate for them in a hospital setting, and they will even go to a patient’s house for appointments.

Most Concierge Medicine clients are top income earners who are willing to pay for convenience and the additional level of care. The Concierge Medicine retainer is typically in addition to their Health Insurance.

What is Direct Primary Care?

Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a membership-based model for healthcare. Members pay a small monthly fee to enjoy a better healthcare experience, greater access to their primary care provider, and steep discounts on labs and medications.

Direct Primary Care members come from all income levels, since most people are able to afford their fees. This is a great model for those who do not have Health Insurance, since 90% of a member’s healthcare needs can be met with their Direct Primary Care Doctor. For the large and unexpected medical expenses, members will usually have a catastrophic Health Insurance plan or a Health Share plan.

Direct Primary Care and Concierge Medicine: The Similarities

Both healthcare models focus on having smaller patient panels to provide more time and better care to their patients. While most Physicians will see an average of 4 patients in an hour, a Direct Primary Care or Concierge Doctor will see just one patient an hour. This additional time allows for Direct Primary Care and Concierge Doctors to have the time needed to provide better healthcare to their patients. Through both healthcare models, patients can get the help they need to improve or maintain their health.

It’s common for Direct Primary Care and Concierge Doctors to give patients their personal cell phone number to call or text after hours with questions, concerns, or emergencies.

With Direct Primary Care and Concierge medicine, they both save time by not going through Health Insurance, which helps keep overhead costs low.

Direct Primary Care (DPC) vs Concierge Medicine

Now, let’s go over what makes Direct Primary Care and Concierge Medicine different from each other.

Accessibility To Your Doctor

Concierge Doctors are more likely to go to a patient’s house for an appointment and allow their patients access to them 24/7.

Direct Primary Care Doctors are less likely to go to a patient’s home or give their patients 24/7 access to them, but some still do!

Health Insurance

Concierge Medicine may still bill your Health Insurance for certain office visits or other medical procedures.

With a Direct Primary Care model, there is no Health Insurance, service fees, or third-party billing.

Cost

Direct Primary Care – Less than $150/month (per person)

On average, Direct Primary Care memberships cost anywhere from $65 to $120 per month. Many Direct Primary Care memberships will have affordable add-on rates for additional family members to join the plan.

Memberships also includes discounted labs and medications at wholesale prices.

Concierge Medicine – $250+/month (per person)

For Concierge Medicine, the average cost is between $3,000 to $5,000 a year, but there are plans that cost significantly more (I’ve heard of some Concierge Medicine retainers costing as much as $10,000 a month).

Conclusion

Direct Primary Care is a more affordable and accessible version of Concierge Medicine. If you have the money and feel you need the additional care, Concierge Medicine is a great healthcare model. Direct Primary Care is perfect for those that want to experience a higher level of healthcare, similar to the Concierge experience, at more accessible prices.

If you would like to find a Direct Primary Care doctor, there are a few websites that offer a “map” to find a Direct Primary Care near you. I personally used https://mapper.dpcfrontier.com/ and I just provided my zip code to find a Direct Primary Care office within just a few miles from my home!

While most medical visits can be done through a Direct Primary Care or Concierge Doctor, you may want to consider joining a Health Share for the large and unexpected medical expenses. The HealthShare that I recommend offers even better pricing for those that have a Direct Primary Care (DPC) membership.