Direct Primary Care Gains 78.4% as Doctors Shift to $50-$100 Monthly Memberships
Updated
Updated · Slate · Aug 22
Direct Primary Care Gains 78.4% as Doctors Shift to $50-$100 Monthly Memberships
3 articles · Updated · Slate · Aug 22
Summary
Clinicians in direct primary care and concierge practices rose 78.4% from 2018 to 2023, reflecting a shift away from insurance-billed routine visits toward membership fees.
Traditional primary care often leaves doctors managing more than 2,000 patients with roughly 18-minute visits, while DPC practices average 402 patients and promise longer appointments and direct access.
Federal legislation that took effect this year now lets patients use health savings accounts for DPC fees, typically $50 to $100 a month, making the model easier to finance.
Patients still need separate insurance for drugs, specialists, hospital care and emergencies, leaving many effectively paying twice for primary care to keep a trusted doctor.
Critics say smaller DPC patient panels could worsen access during a projected U.S. primary-care shortage of 20,200 to 40,400 physicians by 2036.