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Direct Primary Care Explained

Mar 20, 2023
Direct Primary Care Chart — Sugar Land, TX — Intouch Primary Care

Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a well-established, simplified health care model that puts patients first by removing complexities in the system. By cutting out insurance companies from the doctor-patient relationship, we avoid restrictions that affect traditional care practices. As a result, DPC allows easy access, significant cost savings, and higher quality care.

Is Direct Primary Care the same as Concierge Medicine?

The principles are the same, and the terms are often used interchangeably. The focus is on meeting the needs of patients by offering easy, consistent, convenient access to care. With un-rushed visits, personalized care, and a focus on prevention, you receive proactive rather than reactive healthcare.

However, direct primary care charges tend to be lower than the typical concierge practices. Furthermore, to achieve a personal doctor-patient relationship, Direct Primary Care practices do not accept health insurance but work directly with the patient (as the name implies). With a low monthly fee, you can save a lot of money due to convenient access, no-cost procedures, and wholesale test pricing.

Is Direct Primary Care insurance? 

No, Direct Primary Care is not insurance. Having health insurance or a health plan can help pay for health care services not provided in a primary care setting (such as emergency room care, specialist visits) and for expensive tests.

Why should I pay a subscription fee (especially if I have insurance)?

  1. You can save money.  A deductible means you pay out of pocket until a certain amount before your insurance starts to pay. Many deductibles are $2000 or more, and many do not ever meet it, so you are already paying out of pocket for health care.  At InTouch, your yearly membership costs $900 (18-44) -$1200 (45 and older). Then you save more money on low prices for labs (ex: CBC $3, A1c (Diabetes screen) $3), and we try to find you the best deals on medications. In addition, you are less likely to spend money on acute care because you can easily reach us. You get personalized care at a lower cost!
  2. You will save a lot of time. You don’t have to wait weeks to see your doctor. Enjoy peace of mind, knowing you can easily reach your doctor between appointments, via phone, email, or text.
  3. You do not have to delay care. At InTouch Primary Care, like with many other DPC practices, we do not overlap appointments, your wait time is minimal, and our waiting room is not crowded. Since your monthly fee covers all your visits, there are no copays or deductibles. You do not have to delay care because of high costs.
  4. You don’t have to feel rushed during your visits. We take the time to address your concerns.
  5. You never have to worry about a surprise bill. Prices are transparent. You know exactly how much you will pay.
  6. You can still use your insurance for expensive items like specialist visits, emergent visits, and hospitalization. You use insurance how it is used in most other instances (ex. home or car insurance).
  7. You do not have to switch your doctor with changes in your insurance or insurance status.
Doctor and Patient — Sugar Land, TX — Intouch Primary Care

InTouch Primary Care is direct care practice. We offer comprehensive, high-quality, affordable, personalized care regardless of insurance status.

At InTouch Primary Care, the relationship is with you and your doctor. A doctor who knows you well, which makes all the difference. 

Still have questions? Check out our FAQ page for more information, or come get to know us!  Call, fill out our Contact Form or schedule a Virtual Meet and Greet.  We look forward to connecting with you as we begin what we trust will be a long, productive, healthy relationship.

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