Direct Primary Care X The Business Owner
By Dr. Abisola Afolalu, MD
Primary Care Physician | Founder, NorthShore Direct Primary Care
Being an employer and running a business comes with its own set of challenges: Ensuring
customers are satisfied, supporting employees, and maintaining productivity, all while trying to
build a thriving business.
As a business owner, providing health insurance for employees can also be challenging and
overwhelming. Employers want to take good care of the very people who keep the business
running, but the rising premiums and unpredictable costs make it increasingly difficult.
What if there was another way—an affordable and predictable option?
Direct Primary Care (DPC)– This is a membership-based model of care that provides
comprehensive primary care services to enrolled patients. Unlike the traditional practice, it is
affordable, accessible, and efficient, making it an attractive option for small businesses and their
employees.
How Does Direct Primary Care Work for Businesses?
As a business owner, you contract directly with a DPC practice to provide primary care services
to your employees at an agreed monthly rate per employee, which in turn gives your employees
access to comprehensive primary care services without the barriers commonly associated with
the traditional insurance models.
While DPC is not a health insurance plan, it covers the core primary care needs of employees
with a focus on prevention, early detection, and management. This approach helps reduce serious
health conditions and supports employees’ overall health and wellness.
The subscription fee typically covers annual physicals, sick visits, follow-up visits, management
of chronic medical conditions in addition to ongoing communication with the doctor. Because
DPC is not volume driven, employees have easier access to appointments, there is minimal wait
times to see the doctor and visits are more meaningful. This results in fewer missed workdays
and time away from work for medical appointments which ultimately increases productivity.
Who benefits most from DPC?
Direct Primary Care works well for: Small to mid-sized businesses employers who cannot afford
to offer health insurance. Small to mid- sized businesses offering high-deductible plans.
Organizations looking for a predictable, affordable healthcare solution.
DPC may not be a fit for businesses seeking a full insurance replacement, but it remains a good
complement to health insurance.
Interested in learning more? A brief conversation can help determine whether this model is a
good fit for your team.