“If someone has very complex, ongoing needs, it’s important to fully understand how the guidelines work”
As healthcare costs continue to rise and care feels more rushed, many people are looking for a simpler, more personal experience. At the same time, providers are searching for ways to spend more time with patients and less time on paperwork. This shared frustration is driving growing interest in Direct Primary Care, often called DPC.
Direct Primary Care is a private healthcare model that focuses on direct relationships between patients and providers. It offers a more personal approach to care, with clear pricing and easier access to physicians. Many individuals who explore healthshare memberships find that pairing it with DPC creates a practical and affordable way to manage everyday healthcare needs.
According to Holly Patiño of Health Share101, two main reasons push people to look for alternatives. “The cost becomes unmanageable, and the system just feels broken,” she explains. For many, that frustration opens the door to options that feel simpler, more transparent, and easier to use.
Members often notice the value of a healthshare most when they begin using it. When combined with Direct Primary Care, many experience smoother access to care, more predictable costs, and stronger relationships with their doctors.
Why Providers Are Choosing Direct Primary Care
Interest in Direct Primary Care is growing not only among patients, but among providers as well.
In the traditional healthcare system, doctors often feel pressure to see a high number of patients each day. Visits can feel rushed, and time is often spent handling approvals and paperwork instead of focusing on care. Over time, this can lead to stress and burnout.
Direct Primary Care offers a different path. Providers charge a flat monthly fee for primary care services and avoid third-party billing. This allows doctors to keep smaller patient lists and spend more time with each person.
Appointments often last 30 to 60 minutes, giving space for real conversations and thoughtful care. Many DPC practices also offer secure messaging, virtual visits, and proactive wellness support. These tools help providers stay connected and responsive while helping patients feel heard and supported.
As of early 2026, according to HealthInsurance.org, there were more than 2,800 Direct Primary Care practices across the United States. While still growing, this number continues to rise as both patients and providers seek a better experience.
Meeting Members Where They Are
For many people, Direct Primary Care works best when paired with a healthshare to help with large medical bills. While cost savings often catch attention at first, Patiño notes that the real value shows up when members use their healthshare alongside everyday care options like DPC.
Still, she emphasizes that healthshares are not the right fit for everyone. Individuals with complex or ongoing medical needs should take time to review the member guidelines carefully before joining.
“If someone has very complex, ongoing needs, it’s important to fully understand how the guidelines work,” she explains.
Before joining any healthshare, individuals are encouraged to ask themselves:
- Have I read and understood the member guidelines?
- Do my typical healthcare needs fit within them?
- Am I comfortable being involved, such as asking for cash prices, submitting medical bills, and pairing membership with everyday care like Direct Primary Care?
As frustration with today’s healthcare system continues to grow, interest in options like healthshares and Direct Primary Care is rising too. Together, they offer a path built on clarity, flexibility, and meaningful relationships.
For those looking for a more personal and affordable way to navigate healthcare, this approach reflects what many value most: community support, freedom of choice, and care that feels human again.
* Zion HealthShare is not an insurance company. Neither this publication nor membership in Zion HealthShare are offered by an insurance company. Visit ZionHealthShare.org to view your state-specific notice.