Direct primary care is a billing arrangement where a patient pays for services from a provider, rather than sending their claims to an insurance company. This type of arrangement allows patients to have an easier time with their insurance plans, and reduces the amount of overhead involved in maintaining relationships with health insurers.
Time spent seeking medical care

Direct primary care is a model of primary care that allows the patient to receive primary care services directly from a board-certified physician. Using direct care can lead to improved health outcomes for both patients and doctors.

Many patients find the experience more convenient and more personalized. The direct primary care model also encourages physician-patient interaction and allows more time for the doctor to spend with the patient. This increased interaction can help prevent escalation into emergency or inpatient care.

Direct primary care offers an affordable way to get basic medical care. Doctors often include various screenings and lab work in the cost of their service. Some providers also offer telehealth services, which may be more efficient and less expensive than an in-person consultation.

The patient pays a monthly fee. The fee is usually set by age, which eliminates the need for copays and other out-of-pocket costs. Patients can access care via email, video chat, or phone.
Cost of visiting a specialist in person

Visiting a doctor in person can be costly, particularly when you have insurance. Health care costs vary depending on the specialty, the complexity of the visit, and the patient’s insurance plan. Direct primary care can help you cut down on these expenses.

One of the newest trends in health care is direct primary care. This model uses technology to bypass barriers to care and create a more accountable and personal experience. In exchange for a fee, patients receive unlimited visits with their primary care provider.

Some patients also benefit from discounted medication and diagnostics. These services do not count toward a deductible, and some providers even offer home visits.

A monthly fee is often required, but many providers offer a variety of flexible payment options. Most providers accept credit cards, checks, and cash.

Direct primary care allows patients to take advantage of all the advantages of health insurance, while avoiding the hassles. Rather than having to worry about paying insurance companies for every visit, direct care patients can enjoy a shorter wait time, more one-on-one time with their doctor, and free access to medications and other labs.
Ability to contribute to health savings account

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are a tax-advantaged account used to pay for qualified medical expenses. Funds can grow, and are tax-free. However, withdrawals are only allowed when you have a valid reason. The funds can be used to cover doctor visits, prescriptions, dental care, and vision care.

HSAs are part of the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003, which was signed by President George W. Bush. Since then, enrollment in HSA-qualified high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) has grown at a steady rate of 15% per year. By 2020, about 30 million people will have an HSA.

HSAs were created to encourage people to save money on healthcare expenses. It also provided several tax advantages to those who contributed to the account. Those who consistently saved in the account could end up with a sizeable nest egg for long-term care.

Unlike the standard FSA, which is designed to be used only for vision care, HSAs allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars for qualified medical expenses. You can use your HSA funds to pay for medical care at any time. Alternatively, you can set it up to be invested.
Avoiding overhead and complexity of maintaining relationships with insurers

Direct primary care (DPC) is a method for providing primary care to patients without having to deal with insurers. The typical DPC practice has one to two physicians and a small staff. It usually has a monthly fee that is lower than $100 per month, and patients pay nothing for office visits. A typical DPC practice has a maximum of 600 patients per physician.

Many doctors have found that dealing with multiple insurance companies and Medicare is a lot of hassle. Indirectly, they have had to make costly upgrades to their clinics to compete with larger, more expensive medical practices. This is why many doctors have moved to direct primary care.

By avoiding the overhead of maintaining relationships with insurers, the model allows smaller panels of patients and a shorter wait time. Direct care also reduces sick days and productivity days for workers.

In addition to eliminating the costs associated with insurance, this model reduces the paperwork required by providers and makes payments predictable. A typical DPC practice charges less than $50 per adult, and less than $10 per child.