Yes, Direct Primary Care Does Benefit Patients With Chronic Health Conditions

Anybody who is in the business of selling the idea of direct primary care (DPC) to patients, employers, or politicians can anticipate the usual pushback that will arise in any Q and A format. “Why would I want to pay twice for health care?” “Are these doctors just cherry-picking patients?” “Is this health care delivery model just for the wealthy?” It’s nice that physicians are able to spend more time with their patients, but won’t a smaller patient panel exacerbate the physician shortage problem?” “If DPC is so great, why isn’t there more data to prove it?”

It couldn’t be more predictable. Really.

For those who need a quick explanation of direct primary care, it works like a health care gym membership. In exchange for a membership fee (the industry average monthly payment ranges from $25 to $85), patients have access to around-the-clock primary health care. They can even schedule same-day appointments and longer office visits with their doctors as needed. A major reason why monthly fees are affordable for the masses is because many DPC practices follow a micro-practice philosophy in which most resources focus on patient care. By opting out of insurance contracts and accompanied claims personnel, a DPC practice can sustain itself while devoting just one-third of revenues towards overhead.