“Direct primary care is exactly what it sounds like. We are going back to simple. Simple is effective. We do not touch insurance. We cut out the middleman and create that direct relationship between the doctor and the patient.”
As healthcare costs continue to rise and frustration with insurance driven systems grows, Direct Primary Care is quietly reshaping how primary care is delivered across the United States.
The Direct Primary Care model removes insurance from routine care and focuses on restoring time, transparency, and trust between physicians and patients. By eliminating third party billing, DPC practices create a direct financial and clinical relationship that many believe reflects a return to the foundations of primary care.
Dr. Justin Voris, a board certified family medicine physician and founder of Core Health Direct Primary Care in Fort Smith, Arkansas, is among a growing number of physicians leading this shift. After more than a decade working in traditional employed healthcare settings, Voris chose to open his own DPC practice, a move he describes as both challenging and deeply rewarding.
“Direct primary care is exactly what it sounds like,” Voris said during a recent episode of the Uninsured by Choice podcast. “We are going back to simple. Simple is effective. We do not touch insurance. We cut out the middleman and create that direct relationship between the doctor and the patient.”
Reclaiming Time in the Exam Room
In many conventional healthcare settings, physicians are expected to see 20 to 30 patients per day, often limiting visits to 10 to 15 minutes. That pace can restrict meaningful dialogue and comprehensive care.
Under the Atención Primaria Directa model, physicians typically schedule 30 to 45 minute appointments. The extended time allows for more thorough evaluations, preventive care discussions, and relationship building. Supporters argue that this approach improves patient satisfaction and strengthens long term health outcomes.
Predictable Costs and Transparent Pricing
Rather than billing insurance, Direct Primary Care practices charge a flat monthly membership fee that covers most primary care services. Labs, imaging, and medications are often offered at clearly defined, discounted rates.
This transparent pricing structure allows patients to understand costs upfront and make informed financial decisions. As self-pay patients become more comfortable navigating the healthcare system, many learn to research pricing, compare options, and ask detailed questions about services and medications.
Advocates of the DPC model say this increased cost awareness encourages responsible healthcare spending while reducing unexpected medical bills.
Growing Interest Among Employers and Individuals
Recent regulatory updates allowing Health Savings Accounts to be used for Direct Primary Care memberships have increased interest among employers and individuals seeking alternatives to traditional insurance.
“It is a really good model for employers,” Voris said. “They can move to catastrophic coverage the way insurance was originally designed, contribute to HSAs, and then provide their employees with a DPC membership. All of a sudden, their employees have a doctor and real access to care.”
Research consistently shows that strong primary care reduces overall healthcare spending by identifying issues early and managing chronic conditions before they escalate into costly emergencies.
As more physicians transition away from traditional insurance-based systems, private Direct Primary Care practices continue to expand nationwide. For patients exploring alternative healthcare options, the model will continue to offer a simpler, more transparent approach centered on accessibility and long-term relationships.
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