A different approach to Primary Care: Understanding the Direct Primary Care model

A different approach to Primary Care: Understanding the Direct Primary Care model
By Dr. Abisola Afolalu, MD
Primary Care Physician | Founder, NorthShore Direct Primary Care
A vast majority of patients today feel frustrated with regards to their healthcare services, they
report rushed appointments “the 7 min visit”, wait weeks to get appointments, not to talk of the
many prompts they must go through to reach a member of their healthcare team. Despite having
“good insurance” the rising premiums, unpredictable bills and coverage leaves much to be
desired.
Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a growing model of care that was designed to address these
concerns by restoring the patient–doctor relationship and keeping the patient at the center of
healthcare.
What exactly is Direct Primary Care?
Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a membership-based model in which patients pay a flat monthly
fee typically based on their age group to cover all their primary care needs. This fee typically
covers annual physicals, sick visits, follow-up visits, management of chronic medical conditions
in addition to ongoing communication with their doctor.
Unlike traditional practices, DPC does not bill insurance for any of its primary care services
which reduces the administrative burden thereby allowing physicians to spend more time with
patients and focus on preventive, personalized care rather than seeing more patients in less time.
What DPC Is — and What It Is Not
Often confused with concierge medicine, DPC is not concierge medicine. Concierge practices
often charge high annual fees and may still bill insurance. DPC is designed to be more affordable
and accessible, with transparent monthly pricing and no per-visit charges.
DPC is also not a replacement for health insurance. Patients typically keep their insurance for
hospital/ER care, specialist visits, imaging, lab work and medications. DPC complements
insurance by covering primary care needs in a simpler and more predictable way.
Why Patients Choose DPC
Patients often choose Direct Primary Care for:
• Longer, unhurried appointments
• Direct communication and access to their physician
• A stronger, ongoing relationship with their physician
• An individualized approach to healthcare with a focus on shared decision making.
This model is especially helpful for people managing chronic conditions, navigating midlife
health changes, or simply seeking a more proactive approach to long-term health and wellness.
Why Physicians Are Now Embracing DPC
From a physician’s perspective, DPC allows doctors to care for fewer patients more thoughtfully.
With smaller patient panels, physicians can focus on listening, education, and prevention which
are elements of care that are often squeezed out in traditional systems due to time constraints and
volume.
A Model Rooted in Community and Trust
At its core, Direct Primary Care is about trust, transparency, and partnership, it brings healthcare
back to what it was always meant to be: a relationship between a patient and a physician, built on
time, communication, and shared decision-making.
As healthcare continues to evolve, DPC offers another option for individuals and families
looking for a more personal and sustainable approach to primary care.
If you are still curious whether Direct Primary Care is a good fit for you and want to learn more,
visit Direct Primary Care Alliance (DPCA) website at dpcalliance.org.