Direct Primary Care was introduced as an alternative to fee-for-service payment methods involving a passive third party unconcerned about a patient’s welfare. The Direct Primary Care (DPC) model leaves financial negotiating to the two parties actively involved: the patient and the physician. This model has gained popularity over the years, with about 1,855 DPCs operating in 48 states of the U.S. and Washington, DC. Looking below at just a few advantages of Direct Primary Care, it’s no wonder it is increasing in popularity.
Individual Approach to Patients
A good Primary Care Provider (PCP) will develop a tailored plan to bring about the best recovery for each patient. Within a DPC, this plan can more easily be put into place because insurance companies are not involved in dictating which treatments and services a patient “needs”.
Such plans can only be formulated because DPC physicians can spend time getting to know each patient’s health history in detail, providing better one-on-one consultations, relaxed patient-provider meetings and phone conversations.
DPC opens the door for a more customized approach to patient care. PCPs can ensure an in-depth session with each new patient. If there is a need to take the discussion further, the patient can come again the following week, or continue the discussion via telephone or video chat.
No Co-payments or Hidden Costs When Visiting the Doctor
Some membership plans may include an initial enrollment fee and/or an initial three-month commitment subscription, which can be canceled after giving a month’s notice. At Osteopathic Healing Arts, there is no minimum commitment time unless a patient comes to us specifically for the HCG weight-loss program. Otherwise, our patients remain with us on a month-to-month basis and we request the courtesy of 30-days written notice for cancellation.
All office visits and telemedicine visits are covered by most membership plans, whether monthly or quarterly. Patients still need to pay for things like prescriptions, labs, imaging and house calls, but these are able to be offered at a fraction of the cost patients would pay for these services under the traditional medical model. Pricing can be given to members upfront so they can decide when it is best for them, financially, to purchase a recommended service/treatment. And, since there is no insurance company in this mix, there is no need for pre-certification or co-payments.
No Age Restriction
The Direct Primary Care model caters to everyone. Age is not a determinant of whether a person can get a membership. Most DPC’s are family practices which treat everyone from infants to senior citizens. If both parties accept the contract terms, all family members can be added to the membership plan at an agreed cost per person.
Occasionally, there are reasons for rejecting a person as a member. This is most often associated with the severity of an ailment if, in the physician’s opinion, the individual requires a specialist to handle certain complicated health challenges. Failure to make regular membership payments may cause a patient to be dismissed and/or to be unable to enroll again if he or she has canceled a past membership.
Opportunity to Contact Your Provider at Any Time
Direct Primary Care boils down to a transaction between two individuals: the doctor and the patient. So in this model, accessibility is one of the services included in a paid membership. Calling, texting, emailing, and video chatting are among the ways to communicate with your healthcare provider when necessary. DPC physicians are available 24/7 in case you have an urgent need after hours.
Some DPC doctors and nurse practitioners even provide home visitation if you are compromised and unable to physically make it to the clinic. Depending on the membership agreement, some PCPs even show up on the weekends.
Osteopathic Healing Arts Direct Primary Care
At Osteopathic Healing Arts, our goal is to render affordable, efficient, quality healthcare. This is why our founder, Dr. Joseph Starkman, D.O. transitioned from a traditional family medicine practice model to a Direct Primary Care model at the end of 2017. You can expect quick answers to your questions, longer appointment times, friendly front office staff, easier scheduling as well as wholesale pricing on labs and medications. We also give members a 15% discount on high-quality supplements. In addition, our providers will offer you natural options, whenever possible, to help you improve your health.
We’re proud of what we’ve created here in Libertyville, IL and are privileged to be able to serve families from the Northwestern Suburbs of Chicago, IL as well as families from Southeastern Wisconsin. Learn more about the Direct Primary Care Movement.