The Way Medicine Should Be: Understanding Direct Primary Care
Direct Primary Care, or DPC, is an innovative solution to a very complex problem in our country - healthcare.
Our current private healthcare system involves the patient, the provider, and a variety of “middle men” : the insurance company, the pharmacy, the drug company, the lab, etc. Direct primary care was created to eliminate all the “middle men” and bring the focus back to the patient and provider relationship as was traditionally the case. With DPC, the patient, or a patient’s employer, pays one low monthly fee and in return receives a personalized type of care.
The benefits of DPC include:
24/7 direct access to a provider through phone, text, email or video
same day or next day appointments
little to no wait time for appointments
unlimited appointments per month
affordable (low-cost) lab prices paid directly at the time of service (no surprise lab bills months later!)
low cost medication on site at the office (no waiting at the pharmacy)
clear price transparency for all services and products
a comfortable, trusting relationship with the staff and provider
Many consumers elect insurance plans in which they pay a lower monthly premium, but have a higher deductible (for catastrophic needs: surgery, hospitalizations, etc.) and pay the low monthly subscription for a DPC membership to address their day to day acute or chronic health care needs (sick visits, physicals, visits for any health concern). Often times, expensive hospitalization can be avoided due to the quick, efficient and direct communication a patient has with the office and their provider. For example, at A New Way Healthcare we can draw labs in the office, offer IV therapy, and can treat minor injuries. Those with traditional insurance, often elect to use their insurance plans to pay for their lab costs, imaging, specialist referrals, etc while benefiting from the many conveniences and value of a direct primary care practice.
If you have questions about DPC or would like to discuss your unique situation, please schedule an appointment with one of our care providers and we will be happy to share more details with you!