Concierge Medicine vs Direct Primary Care

Concierge medicine and direct primary care are two different business models that offer low-cost or no insurance options as well as high deductible plans, which allow people with limited incomes access to top-quality medical care at a lower cost. In this blog we will discuss the main differences between concierge-style medicine and the direct primary care model.

Direct Primary Care DPC Model

Direct Primary Care model of providing concierge service is similar to an HMO where a flat fee or retainer has been negotiated, usually annually, by the patient directly with his/her physician for all services provided by the physician. Direct Care physicians have the ability to spend more time with their patients and take calls from patients.

Direct primary concierge medicine has a significant overlap in membership with direct primary care, but concierge members also receive additional services that include: annual physicals; wellness and prevention programs; coordination of specialty referrals; home or office visits when needed; and concierge communication (e-mail and telephone). 

Direct Primary Care physicians are compensated by patients via monthly payments similar to insurance premiums; whereas concierge service providers are paid by fees directly from patients in addition to whatever financial support is received from third parties. Some concierge medicine services may not be covered by insurance companies.

The Direct Primary Care concierge model requires that patients pay monthly fees that are similar to the cost of insurance premiums in exchange for medical services, whereas concierge medicine physicians charge fees directly to their patients in addition to whatever financial support is received from third parties. 

Concierge Medicine Model

The concierge medicine model requires that patients pay monthly fees that are similar to the cost of insurance premiums in exchange for medical services whereas concierge service providers are paid by fees directly from patients in addition to whatever financial support is received from third parties. Direct primary concierge doctors are not reimbursed by any outside organizations. For either concierge medicine or concierge services through direct primary care, membership fees are not covered by insurance companies. 

Concierge medicine charges fees in addition to insurance costs and deductibles to provide concierge service. These physicians make house calls at any time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They can perform x-rays in their offices due to the fact they make house calls. Concierge medicine is like having your own private family doctor.

Concierge members can call concierge doctors any time of the day to discuss non-emergency health concerns, receive non-urgent medical advice and care, or schedule an appointment. While concierge doctors do not provide emergency services, they will always refer concierge members to urgent care centers or to their primary care physicians for immediate attention if necessary. Direct Primary Care membership does not include any additional services that go above the level of basic concierge medicine membership. 

Concierge service providers are paid by fees directly from patients in addition to whatever financial support is received from third parties. Direct Primary Care physicians are not reimbursed by any outside organizations. For either concierge medicine or concierge services through direct primary care, membership fees are not covered by insurance companies. 

So Which one should you choose? Concierge Medicine Membership or a Direct Primary Care Membership?

As you can see, there are a lot of factors to consider when deciding on the best type of healthcare for your needs. It is not as simple as it seems and we have only begun to scratch the surface in this article. If you’d like some guidance from our experts about which membership might be right for you, subscribe to our mailing list so that we can help guide you through the process.