Comparison
How Direct Primary Care compares to concierge medicine and traditional insurance-based primary care — at a glance.
| Direct Primary Care Membership · no insurance billing | Concierge medicine Retainer · plus insurance | Traditional care Insurance networks | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How you pay | Flat monthly membership, paid directly to the practice | Annual or monthly retainer, plus your insurance | Premiums, copays, and deductibles through insurance |
| Bills insurance for visits? | No | Yes (on top of the retainer) | Yes |
| Typical membership cost | ~$50–$100 / month | ~$1,500–$5,000+ / year | Varies (premiums + copays) |
| Typical visit length | 30–60+ minutes | 30–60 minutes | 7–15 minutes |
| Access | Same/next-day; direct call, text, and video | Enhanced, often 24/7 | Often days to weeks to schedule |
| Patients per clinician (panel) | ~300–600 | ~300–600 | 2,000–3,000+ |
| Labs & medications | Often wholesale / pass-through, near cost | Usually billed through insurance | Through insurance; cost varies |
| Best for | Patients who want time, access, and transparent pricing | Patients who want premium access and keep insurance billing | Standard coverage through insurance networks |
Figures are typical ranges for planning and comparison; actual costs and terms vary by practice and location.
Both charge a membership, but Direct Primary Care fees are typically lower (around $50–$100 per month) and DPC practices usually don't bill insurance for visits. Concierge practices generally charge a higher retainer ($1,500–$5,000+ per year) and still bill your insurance on top of it.
Usually, yes. DPC memberships commonly run $50–$100 per month, while concierge retainers are often $1,500–$5,000+ per year plus insurance. DPC also tends to pass labs and medications through near wholesale cost.
Neither fully replaces insurance. Both cover primary care; most members keep a high-deductible or catastrophic plan for specialists, hospitalization, surgery, and emergencies.
Want the full breakdown? Read Direct Primary Care vs. Concierge Medicine, browse the DPC FAQ, or check the glossary.
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