What is direct primary care?

Direct primary care (DPC) is a membership model for primary care: patients pay the practice a flat monthly (or annual) fee for a defined set of primary care services, instead of billing insurance for each office visit.

DPC practices are usually led by a licensed MD, DO, NP, or PA. The membership often includes longer visits, same-day or next-day access, and direct messaging. Lab work, imaging, specialists, and hospital care are usually separate and may still involve insurance or cash pay. DPC agreements are generally treated as medical services contracts, not insurance — check your state’s rules and the practice’s written membership terms.

Ask what the monthly fee covers, what costs extra, whether the practice is accepting new members, and how they handle after-hours care and referrals. This site lists practices; it does not sell memberships or give medical advice.