Direct Primary Care

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Comparison w/ Insurance Company and Traditional Clinic

After a few hours on the phone with a health insurance company and a traditional clinic, this is how they compare to Direct Primary Care Practices in the same area:

Transparency - Obtaining any specific information from the clinic and insurance company was almost impossible. All the insurance company would tell me was how much the monthly fee would be. Very little information was provided about coverage and out-of-pocket expenses. After much insistence and wrangling, they finally told me that the annual exams I need would cost $700 (on top of the monthly payments and the out-of-pocket doctor's visit fee), but they couldn't even tell me what those $700 included. When I asked for pricing info at the clinic the doctor's office directed me to the lab, which directed me to the administration, which directed me back to the doctor's office. Conclusion: the exam I need could cost anywhere between $350 and $1500. - Almost all DPC practices list the prices, services and additional fees on their website—in detail—with no hidden costs. One practice even publishes a complete table of costs for all imaging and lab work.

Cost - The insurance company charges $153/month + $50 for each doctor's visit. The clinic charges $230 for the doctor's visit + who knows how much for the exams. - DPC practices charge between $50 and $90 monthly for unlimited visits to the doctor + annual check ups + direct access to the doctor via phone, email, text and video chat. They also typically offer: medications at wholesale prices, discounts for imaging exams (x-rays, CAT scans, MRIs), and free in-office procedures (including the same exam the clinic charges $1500 for). Some of them even offer group or family discounts.

Access - Almost all DPC providers offer direct access to the doctor via phone, email, text, and video chat.