Direct Primary Care vs Traditional Primary Care

What is Direct Primary Care?

Direct Primary Care, often called DPC, is a healthcare model where patients pay a flat monthly or semi-annual membership fee directly to their primary care practice. This membership covers most primary care services without billing insurance.

At All Care Medical in Salem, NH, Direct Primary Care focuses on longer visits, easy access to your physician, transparent pricing, and relationship based care.

What is traditional primary care?

Traditional primary care typically relies on insurance billing. Practices must follow insurance rules, coding requirements, and reimbursement limitations. As a result, doctors often see many patients per day, appointments are shorter, and access can be limited.

Patients usually pay monthly insurance premiums plus copays, deductibles, and coinsurance for each visit or service.

What are the main differences between Direct Primary Care and traditional primary care?

The biggest differences are how care is paid for and how time is spent with patients.

In Direct Primary Care:

• You pay a predictable membership fee
• Insurance is not billed for routine primary care
• Visits are longer and not rushed
• You often receive same or next day appointments
• Your doctor manages a smaller patient panel
  
  

In traditional primary care:

• Insurance determines coverage and billing
• Appointments are often limited to short time slots
• Access may involve long waits
• Patients pay copays, deductibles, and coinsurance
  
  

Does Direct Primary Care replace health insurance?

No. Direct Primary Care is not insurance.

Many patients pair Direct Primary Care with a high deductible or catastrophic insurance plan. Insurance can then be used for emergencies, hospitalizations, surgeries, or specialty care, while Direct Primary Care handles day to day healthcare needs.

What services are typically included in Direct Primary Care?

While services vary by practice, Direct Primary Care at All Care Medical generally includes:

• Unlimited office visits
• Annual physicals and preventive care
• Chronic condition management
• Basic in office procedures
• Many labs at no or low additional cost
• Telemedicine access when appropriate
• Direct communication with your care team
  
  

This allows care to focus on prevention and long term health rather than volume based visits.

Who benefits most from Direct Primary Care?

Direct Primary Care is a strong fit for many individuals and families in Salem, NH, especially those who want predictable costs and better access to care.

Small business owners

Small business owners often face high insurance premiums and limited coverage options. Direct Primary Care offers predictable healthcare costs without sacrificing quality or access.

Freelancers and 1099 workers

Independent workers often purchase high deductible insurance or go without consistent care due to cost. Direct Primary Care provides affordable, ongoing access to a physician without surprise bills.

People with catastrophic or high deductible insurance

If your insurance plan has high copays, deductibles, or coinsurance, Direct Primary Care can reduce out of pocket expenses for routine care and help you avoid unnecessary urgent care or emergency room visits.

Patients with chronic conditions

Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disorders, or asthma benefit from frequent follow up and longer visits. Direct Primary Care allows your physician to spend the time needed to manage these conditions effectively.

Patients who value access and relationships

If you want a doctor who knows you, responds promptly, and has time to listen, Direct Primary Care is designed around that relationship.

Is Direct Primary Care more affordable?

For many patients, yes.

When you combine a Direct Primary Care membership with a high deductible insurance plan, overall healthcare costs are often lower than traditional insurance based care. There are fewer unexpected bills, no copays for visits, and more transparency around costs.

Why is Direct Primary Care growing in Salem, NH?

Patients are increasingly frustrated with rushed visits, long wait times, and confusing medical bills. Direct Primary Care offers a simpler, more human approach to healthcare.

All Care Medical adopted the Direct Primary Care model to provide personalized, accessible care without the constant changes and restrictions imposed by insurance driven systems.

How do I know if Direct Primary Care is right for me?

If you want:

• More time with your doctor
• Easier appointment access
• Predictable healthcare costs
• Fewer insurance headaches
• A proactive approach to your health
  
  

Then Direct Primary Care may be an excellent fit for you.

How can I get started with Direct Primary Care at All Care Medical?

Enrollment is limited to ensure quality and access for existing members. If you live or work in Salem, NH and are interested in learning more about Direct Primary Care, contact All Care Medical directly to discuss membership options and availability.