How direct primary care works
You join a practice. You pay a membership fee each month or year. The doctor does not bill your insurance for those visits.
The basics
- The fee usually covers visits, check-ups, and many in-office services.
- Many practices offer longer visits and quick ways to reach the doctor, like text or phone.
- Every practice writes its own membership agreement. Read it before you sign.
DPC vs insurance
| Topic | DPC membership | Health insurance |
|---|---|---|
| What it pays for | Everyday primary care from one practice | Hospital stays, surgery, specialists, and more, based on your plan |
| How you pay | Flat monthly or yearly fee | Premiums, plus deductibles and copays |
| Big events | Not covered | Covered based on your plan |
Many practices suggest pairing DPC with a high-deductible plan for things outside the membership. We will not tell you to drop coverage. Talk to a licensed insurance agent or your benefits office.
Often included, often not
Often included
Office visits, check-ups and follow-ups, some in-office tests and small procedures, care coordination, phone, text, or video contact.
Often not included
Hospital stays and surgery, emergency room care, specialist visits, imaging like MRI or CT, many outside lab tests, some medicines.
What it costs
Prices differ by practice, place, and who is covered. These ranges come from public sources. Your price may be different. We do not promise savings.
- A 2026 survey of 465 practices reported an average of about $98 a month (Medical Economics).
- Earlier material from the American Academy of Family Physicians lists about $50 to $100 a month (AAFP).
Sign-up fees, labs, medicines, and imaging may cost extra. Ask for a price list.
DPC vs concierge care
Both are memberships, but they are not the same. The AAFP says DPC usually has lower monthly fees. Concierge usually has a higher annual fee, and concierge practices may still bill insurance for covered care on top of the fee.
HSAs
Since January 1, 2026, federal law lets people in certain DPC arrangements use a health savings account (HSA), within limits set by the IRS (IRS). Whether yours qualifies depends on the details. Confirm with a tax professional.
Emergencies
DPC memberships usually do not pay for emergency room or hospital care. In an emergency, call 911.