The healthcare landscape is always changing, and many of us are seeking alternatives to traditional in-office visits. Two options gaining popularity are Direct Primary Care (DPC) and Concierge Medicine. Both promise more personalized care and better relationships with your doctor, but they go about it in different ways.

Whether you’re tired of long wait times, feeling rushed during appointments, or just want a more involved approach to your health, these models might be worth considering. Together, we will explore these innovative healthcare options and help you understand which might fit your needs!

What is Direct Primary Care (DPC)?

Direct Primary Care is an evolving healthcare model that offers a more personal approach to primary care. With DPC, patients pay a monthly membership fee that covers a range of services, including:

• Office visits
• Virtual consultations
• Basic lab work
• Some medications

Many newer DPC practices are expanding their offerings to include:

• 24/7 hybrid access to care
• A wider network of providers
• Comprehensive disease management
• A strong focus on preventative care

At Healthcare2U, our standout feature is our dedicated Patient Advocacy Line (PAL™). This team acts as your personal healthcare guide, helping you easily navigate the system. They’re available 24/7 to answer questions, schedule appointments, and ensure you get the right care at the right time.

DPC is a competitive healthcare option if you’re tired of feeling like just another number in the healthcare system and want care that’s more personal and accessible. The DPC model aims to foster stronger patient-physician relationships and emphasize preventative care. Since your physician isn’t dealing with filing claims and administrative overhead, they can focus on you, not your paperwork.

Curious about how Direct Primary Care can benefit your company and your team? Learn more about Direct Primary Care for employers and employees to see how this innovative model can transform your workplace healthcare experience.

What is Concierge Medicine?

Concierge Medicine is akin to having a doctor on speed dial. Patients pay an annual fee, often in addition to regular insurance, for premium care and enhanced access to their primary care physician.

Key features include:

• 24/7 physician access
• Extensive, unhurried appointments
• Comprehensive health management

Concierge doctors typically have smaller patient panels, allowing for highly personalized care. However, this model offers the highest level of individualized attention and so it often comes with a higher price tag. Due to these premium services and costs, traditional concierge medicine isn’t always in everyone’s budget. This model appeals to those valuing immediate physician access, those with complex health needs, or those preferring a more luxurious healthcare experience.

Wondering what exactly a membership primary care practice entails? Dive into our guide on, “What is a Membership Primary Care Practice?” to understand this innovative healthcare model.

How to Choose Between DPC and Concierge Medicine

When deciding between Direct Primary Care and Concierge Medicine, consider these key factors:

• Cost: DPC offers affordable monthly fees for quality healthcare, while concierge care often comes with a higher price tag.
• Insurance Interaction: DPC operates alongside your regular insurance, covering many services outside your plan and with no need for physicians to file a claim. You pay a flat membership fee and small visit fees, avoiding typical copays and deductibles. Concierge practices usually still accept insurance for most services, but with added complexity.
• Service Scope: DPC covers most of your primary care needs. Typically, about 80-85% of people see a primary care physician for each, such as acute care or chronic disease management.
• Physician Availability: DPC can offer same-day or next-day appointments, often with virtual options. Concierge care might provide more extensive access, but DPC’s availability suits most needs.
• Practice Size: DPC maintains a balanced patient load, offering personal attention without the exclusivity of some concierge practices.

It’s also worth noting that DPC is often a great fit for both employers and employees. Companies can save on healthcare costs while providing better care, potentially reducing sick days and boosting productivity. Employees enjoy easier access to doctors and simpler, more affordable primary care.

When it comes down to it, both DPC and concierge medicine aim to improve your healthcare experience, just in different ways. Your choice depends on what you’re looking for in a doctor-patient relationship and what fits your lifestyle and budget. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all in healthcare—it’s about finding what works best for you.

How Healthcare2U is Redefining Healthcare Delivery

We’re actively transforming healthcare with our innovative, integrated, hybrid Direct Primary Care model. Our approach addresses the challenges employers and employees face in the complex healthcare landscape.

At the heart of our service is our Patient Advocacy Line (PAL™). This group of bilingual certified medical professionals:

• Are your first point of contact for all health concerns.
• Navigate you to the most appropriate care option.
• Find nearby providers and schedule all appointments.
• Coordinate your virtual care consultation.

Our membership-based approach provides unlimited access to primary and urgent care services in all 50 states. Our DPC offers unlimited appointments for acute care visits. Additionally, we focus on early detection, treatment, and management of acute and chronic conditions.

What Sets Us Apart?

• Comprehensive Care: From preventative services to disease management.
• Nationwide Access: A physicians’ network covering all 50 states.
• Cost-Effective: Flat monthly fee and a minimal visit cost of just $10 or less for an in-office visit and $25 or less for urgent care.
• Personalized Approach: Consistent patient-physician relationships.
• Annual Physical: Receive personalized care to address your wellness goals each year.
• Our Patient Advocacy Line: Direct access to medical professionals who can assist you through your healthcare options.

We’ve built our service on four key pillars:

1. Affordability: No-claims membership aligns incentives, lowering costs
2. Accessibility: Care when and where you need it
3. Transparency: Clear pricing and no hidden fees
4. Mobility: Your healthcare moves with you

From unlimited doctor visits to 24/7 virtual care, our membership makes healthcare easy and stress-free. With our PAL as your guide, navigating the healthcare system becomes simple and efficient!

Ready to experience a new approach to healthcare? Ready to take control of your healthcare experience? Contact us today to learn how our services can meet your unique health needs and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can Direct Primary Care help manage chronic conditions?

Direct Primary Care offers more frequent and longer appointments, allowing primary care doctors to spend more time managing chronic conditions. This increased attention often leads to better health outcomes and can help prevent complications associated with chronic diseases.

Is Direct Primary Care suitable for families?

Yes, Direct Primary Care can be an excellent option for families. Many DPC practices offer family plans that provide comprehensive primary care for all family members at a bundled rate, making healthcare more accessible and affordable for the entire family.

How does Healthcare2U’s Patient Advocacy Line work?

Our Patient Advocacy Line serves as your first point of contact for all health concerns., They assess your needs, guide you to the most appropriate care option, and can schedule all appointments or arrange virtual consultations with a healthcare provider.

What benefits does your DPC membership offer to employers?

Our membership model offers employers a way to provide comprehensive primary care to their employees at a predictable cost. By emphasizing preventive care and early intervention, we help reduce overall healthcare expenses while improving employee health and productivity.

Still have questions? We’ve got you covered! Visit our FAQs page, where we’ve addressed the most common inquiries about our services.

Are you frustrated with scheduling doctor appointments only to be rushed through a five-minute visit when you get there? Have you ever had to wait several weeks just to see your doctor? Maybe you want help managing your health, but it’s too overwhelming and expensive.

At Healthcare2U, we believe access to quality healthcare shouldn’t be a luxury—it should be accessible to everyone. With healthcare costs continuing to soar in the U.S., our newest product, My Direct Primary Care plus (MyDPCplus), is an affordable healthcare solution designed with the individual in mind. In the past, we were only able to provide our easy-to-use healthcare memberships to employer groups through health insurance brokers. Now we can offer them directly to whoever needs them, allowing for our memberships to be easily accessible.

What is My Direct Primary Care plus?

MyDPCplus builds upon the foundation of our traditional Direct Primary Care (DPC) model and offers a streamlined approach that allows individuals to purchase the membership directly—there is no need to speak to a representative, we provide a simple “self-serve” option. You can click the button above or here to be taken to our MyDPCplus homepage, where you can start your membership today!

Key Features of MyDPCplus:

1. Concierge and patient advocacy. Staffed with a team of bilingual medical professionals, our Patient Advocacy Line (PAL) guides members through options toward the most affordable and convenient choice. They will also schedule appointments!
2. 24/7 virtual care. For a $0 visit fee, members receive unlimited access to bilingual licensed medical providers online or by phone, 24/7/365, for minor illnesses and injuries.
3. In-office primary care. Receive unlimited doctor visits for a $10 visit fee, urgent care visits for a $25 fee
4. Annual This includes four basic labs: Complete metabolic panel (CMP), Complete blood count (CBC), Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and Lipid panel.
5. Chronic disease management. For the same $10 visit fee, you’ll receive unlimited treatment and management of 13 chronic disease states.
6. Easy-to-navigate mobile app. The Healthcare2U app is where your MyDPCplus membership lives online- schedule appointments, learn more about your benefits, and more!

MyDPCplus is not just a healthcare service—it’s a movement toward a more accessible and patient-centered approach to medical care. Whatever your situation, My DPCplus is here to support you every step of the way.

Who is MyDPCplus for?

• The self-employed
• Freelance workers
• 1099 employees
• Students
• Families

Simply put, MyDPCplus is for everyone.

A Better Patient/Physician Relationship

MyDPCplus allows patients to receive quality care, including uninterrupted time with their Primary Care Physician (PCP). With the DPC model, your physician isn’t bogged down by seeing too many patients a day and dealing with the administrative woes doctors usually have—they’re able to develop a relationship with you built on quality care and trust.

Traveling? You’re still able to see a PCP virtually or see a physician in person wherever you go within the U.S., and your medical records go with you.

Shorter Wait Times

MyDPCplus was made with convenience and efficiency in mind – the average wait time to see a doctor in the U.S. in person in 2023 was 20 days. With MyDPCplus, the typical wait times are 1-2 days for sick visits, 2-3 weeks to establish care with an annual physical, and no wait time for virtual care. No more putting off getting the care you need because of long waiting periods. You have the option of virtual or in-person care because your healthcare should work for you, not against you.

Experience My Direct Primary Care plus Today

Interested? Discover an easier way to receive healthcare with MyDPCplus. Click here to learn more about our services, membership options, and how you can benefit from joining our growing community of empowered healthcare consumers. Our team is dedicated to helping you navigate your healthcare journey with confidence and convenience.

Take the first step toward a healthier future with MyDPCplus—where affordable, accessible, and personalized healthcare is within reach for everyone, anytime, anywhere.

Open enrollment may be over, but you don’t have to wait until Q4 to start building your revenue stream. Maybe you’re thinking, “I’ll just wait a few months until I can start signing people up for healthcare again, right?” WRONG. Maybe you’ve experienced a letdown after signing up for a new group only to realize many employees decided to opt out of the plan. How can you fix that? Luckily, there’s a way you can increase your revenue without searching for new clients, and it starts with Direct Primary Care (DPC). DPC is a voluntary membership offering that solves systematic coverage gaps while significantly boosting revenue. DPC gives employees who lack day-to-day care healthcare access, helping with employee retention and cutting costs.

What is Direct Primary Care?

Direct Primary Care is a non-insurance, no-claims membership healthcare alternative that is slowly rising to become a fixture in healthcare. In fact, DPC memberships are seeing an average annual growth of 36%, reaching a total growth rate of 241% from 2017-2021.

How exactly does Direct Primary Care help increase revenue?

DPC gives you the option to explore new opportunities for your employer groups and those individuals who may have opted out from participating in an employer-sponsored health plan. Since it’s not insurance, DPC can be implemented at any time of the year.

Here’s how it works:

You’ll receive a “marketing fee” for each employee that you sign up for our DPC membership, and those marketing fees are paid every month a member is enrolled in our DPC offering. You’ll be able to offer this membership during the off cycle, so there’s no reason to keep putting pressure on yourself to sell, sell, sell during open enrollment. Our membership can be offered to employers with as little as two employees and up to thousands spread across the county. Our flexibility allows employers to offer our affordable membership as a voluntary or company-paid option. We are nationally scaled and our willingness to pay health advisors a marketing fee makes us an attractive option.

Here’s what DPC has to offer:

• Affordability: A no-claims membership coupled with aligned patient/physician incentives drive affordability—enabling employers to offer lower care costs, empower employee health, and deliver better patient experiences.
• Accessibility: Unlimited access to our proprietary private physician network (PPN), in-person chronic disease management, urgent care during business hours and 24/7 access to virtual care, provides peace of mind to our members.
• Transparency: Upfront fixed pricing gives transparency to empower patients to make smart, budgeted healthcare decisions—preventing post-visit surprise charges or opaque payment responsibilities.
• Mobility: A nationwide footprint for our members allows them to have access to medical care anywhere in the country. Our unique structure allows us to share medical records between our physicians in our PPN to better service members —eliminating care fragmentation and chances for misdiagnosis.

Why Healthcare2U?

Healthcare2U has a proven history of offering quality care to people who need it. For the past ELEVEN years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to perfecting our DPC membership so employers can offer a healthcare benefit that truly fits their workforce. Our hybrid membership is like no other, and we’re proud to offer something that no other DPC company can.

Here’s why we’re different…

• Our membership is available in all 50 states.
• We focus on chronic disease detection, prevention, and management. Six in ten adults in the US have a chronic illness, and it costs $4.1 trillion in annual healthcare costs.
• Our membership emphasizes the doctor-patient relationship, so members don’t just feel like another patient.
• We offer a Patient Advocacy Line (PAL) that’s staffed with bilingual, certified medical professionals who walk employees through their membership and schedule all care for members.

With Healthcare2U’s DPC membership, you’re not only helping increase your revenue during off-cycle, but you’re also helping employers offer an affordable, quality healthcare option to their employees. If you’re interested in learning more about how DPC works, fill out this form to contact us, and a representative will reach out to you soon!

For years, skyrocketing healthcare costs have become an overwhelming and burdensome challenge, impacting individuals, families, and businesses. As a nation, we are consumed by the complexities of our healthcare system. This includes insurance hurdles and expenses surrounding affordable access to healthcare. Going forward, it’s worthwhile for employers and individuals to understand the key factors contributing to escalating costs and take time to explore viable alternatives.

During the past several years, a promising solution known as Direct Primary Care (DPC) has gained traction. This model aims to address the root causes of rising healthcare expenses by facilitating access to primary care physicians at an affordable cost. This article delves into the driving forces behind the increasing cost of healthcare and highlights how DPC can emerge as a sustainable solution…and why we should take notice.

Factors Driving Healthcare Costs

Administrative Overhead: The administrative process is a major reason why healthcare costs have become inflated. Doctors rely heavily on skilled staff to facilitate the all too often challenging payment process with insurance companies. The traditional fee-for-service model is antiquated and offers complexities surrounding billing, paperwork, and compliance requirements. The costs associated with administration and staffing to manage this process are unavoidably passed on to patients, increasing the financial strain on individuals and the entire healthcare system. As an example, with 70,000 procedure codes, properly coding an office visit has become extremely burdensome and has made it difficult for physicians to receive payment from insurance companies, resulting in what is known as bad debt. This is not only driving doctors out of primary care but also driving up costs of care because of the billing complexities insurance carriers have implemented to deny claims.

Fragmented Care Delivery: According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, care fragmentation occurs when the delivery of health care is spread across an excessively large number of poorly coordinated providers. This lack of coordination is a potentially important source of inefficiency in the U.S. healthcare system. Because most healthcare professionals do not have a shared electronic health record platform, it results in frustration for the patient as the need for repetitive procedures causes them to incur additional costs and can compromise patient outcomes. A streamlined and integrated approach is crucial to address these inefficiencies.

High Prescription Drug Prices: In 2022, overall pharmaceutical expenditures in the U.S. grew by 9.4% compared to 2021, for a total of $633.5 billion according to the National Library of Medicine. These exorbitant prices, driven by factors such as research and development costs, utilization, and new drugs contribute significantly to the overall cost of healthcare. As a result, patients often find themselves saddled by the financial strain of essential medications.

Defensive Medicine: Defensive medicine is widespread and is utilized by physicians who seek to protect themselves against malpractice lawsuits. This, unfortunately, has consequences for patients and doctors while, at the same time, impacting overall healthcare costs. Fear of lawsuits prompts healthcare providers to practice defensive medicine, ordering additional or unnecessary tests, prescribing medication at higher doses, overtreating patients with antibiotics, or avoiding high-risk patients and procedures altogether to safeguard against potential legal action. While this approach may offer a degree of protection, it adds unnecessary costs to the healthcare system and truly undermines the patient-physician trust.

Chronic Disease Epidemic: The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases places a substantial financial strain on the healthcare system. Managing conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity requires ongoing care, medications, and lifestyle interventions, contributing to long-term healthcare expenditures. Many chronic illnesses can lead to cancer and even death, and health professionals need to play a vital role in supporting those struggling with chronic diseases. To do so, physicians need to be afforded the time to truly evaluate a patient and their lifestyle. Unfortunately, the current fractured healthcare system does not allow for those intimate relationships. Visits to the doctor have become a revolving door as doctors rush through patient after patient daily. This can lead to misdiagnosis, overmedication, or worse, a lack of a meaningful doctor-patient relationship.

Direct Primary Care as a Solution

As a direct primary care member, you develop a close relationship with a doctor who is familiar with your medical history. There is no longer a need to schedule appointments months in advance; your DPC doctor is easily accessible. If an in-person visit is required, you can typically secure an appointment within days. Ideally, your doctor will proactively manage your health, conduct preventive tests, diagnose illnesses, and prescribe medications.

DPC providers can sidestep the need to prepare and submit insurance paperwork, enabling them to conduct more comprehensive visits and dedicate additional time to you. Unlike practices that accept insurance and often manage larger patient loads, DPC practices treat fewer individuals. This affords providers the luxury of delving into the intricacies of their health history, paving the way for more personalized and attentive care.

Lastly, research indicates that individuals with direct primary care providers experience improved health outcomes, such as reduced hospitalizations, more effective blood pressure control, and better management of diabetes.

In conclusion, the shift to direct primary care emerges as a compelling solution to the challenges in healthcare. By fostering a more personalized, accessible, and preventative approach, DPC not only addresses the immediate needs of patients but also sets the stage for a transformative and sustainable future in healthcare. As we embrace this innovative model, we move closer to a healthcare system where the emphasis is on individual well-being, fostering healthier communities one patient at a time.

The holidays are here, and something that’s on a lot of people’s minds is food and health. Does turkey actually make you sleepy? Does sugar make kids hyper? Are the holidays really the most stressful time of the year?

We sat down with Healthcare2U’s co-founder and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. John Rodriguez, to ask him if he thinks these holiday health “myths” are true or false.

Turkey makes you sleepy- FALSE

We’ve heard this theory numerous times, but it is, in fact, false. Tryptophan, the chemical in turkey that people are referring to that causes sleepiness, doesn’t make you sleepy on its own. What does make you sleepy, however, is when you eat foods that contain this chemical and a large number of carbohydrates. This includes carb-heavy foods like bread, desserts, potatoes, etc. So no, you won’t fall asleep if you eat turkey on its own, but if you add a whole Thanksgiving meal on top of it, you might need a nap!

Sugar makes kids extra hyper- FALSE

Research shows that while some people may believe children experience a “sugar rush” where they become hyperactive, studies show that is not the case. Doctors have surmised that the extra energy is due to emotions of excitement, not from extra sugar in their system. Having said that, it is still not advised to give children large amounts of sugar at once, as it isn’t healthy!

The holidays are the most stressful time of the year- TRUE

Unfortunately, this myth is very true. Most American adults – 74 percent – say that Christmas is stressful, and 55 percent say it is the most stressful holiday of the year. A large percentage of the stress is due to the extra money spent, preparing one’s home for guests, and spending time with family.

Here are some suggestions for people who find themselves stressed around the holidays:

• Make sure you’re planning ahead and keeping everything organized, as the holidays can easily become chaotic, and that adds to the stress.
• Keep track of holiday spending- overspending is a large part of holiday stress.
• Take time for yourself. Take some deep breaths and maybe do a hobby that you enjoy to take your mind off any stress you might be experiencing.
• Ask for help if you need it!
• Limit your drinking. While some people drink around the holidays to help relieve stress, it can make it worse.

Were you surprised by any of these myths? We hope you enjoyed us debunking some classic holiday health myths, and if you’re interested in learning more about how to manage holiday stress, check out our blog from the last holiday season or a WAFB-9 News interview Dr. Rodriguez was featured in.

Why are physicians making the decision to switch to a Direct Primary Care (DPC) model for their practice? In part three of our three-part blog series, Healthcare2U’s Dr. John Rodriguez shares why he moved to a DPC model and some hesitations he had before the switch. Don’t forget to check out our first blog in this series, which discusses the benefits of working with this type of model, and the second, which discusses “bad debt” for physicians and why some are moving over to the DPC model.

Q: What excited you about DPC enough to begin your practice?

A: Many years ago in San Antonio, Texas, I started a traditional fee-for-service clinic. I became a preferred provider on the main commercial insurance plans and began to see patients under those contracts. After filing claims, I noticed that the payments were rather low. I felt that for the time I spent with patients, I was not appropriately reimbursed, if I was at all. I also began to notice a great deal of bad debt. Many insurance companies were not paying the bill, and I had to spend a lot of time on the phone trying to find out why. Having those struggles as a practitioner, I began to deal with the true frustration of running a practice. I saw many of my local physician friends struggle and eventually close their practices. I knew that this could be in my future as well, but I was really set on trying to keep my clinic open and continuing to take care of patients at all costs.

Several years ago, the DPC model began to show up on my radar through the internet, web searches, etc. There were a few physicians here in San Antonio who were beginning to do it. Although their price points were much higher, I felt that I could do the same thing at a much lower monthly cost and take care of most of my patients without them breaking the bank and allowing me to keep my doors open. This new DPC practice was leading to very satisfied patients and was creating a lifestyle that I was happy with.

My practice was not driven by how many patients I could see in a day but by quality and cost-effectiveness because many of these patients either had no insurance or had high deductibles. Everything they had to pay for came out of their back pockets, so I had to be very mindful of the cost impact they would experience with prescription medications, testing, etc. That journey has led me to a place where I firmly believe the DPC model works. It’s made for every primary care physician, and if possible, they should adopt this model in some form or fashion in their practice.

Q: What are the hesitations physicians typically have when starting a DPC practice?

A: As you can imagine, the horror stories that many physicians and residents hear of having their own practice have dissuaded them from having a private practice clinic. Many become employed with hospitals or insurance companies, and most become very unhappy being just an employee. The thought of starting one’s own practice leads to hesitation because of a fear of the unknown; “how do I do it? What do I do? Whom do I talk to?” All that can frighten many away from DPC, but I believe if you do your due diligence- if you read about it and talk to other physicians who are doing it- you develop your own model, it can be done. Seek out good legal counsel to make sure that everything is appropriate with what you’re going to do. If you have the desire and the drive to make healthcare better and do what’s right for the system, you will be successful and, I believe, have a quality of life and a practice that most physicians would dream of.

Healthcare2U’s DPC program is changing healthcare

As mentioned in the first blog, DPC is growing in popularity because of its benefits to physicians and patients. In addition to those benefits, Healthcare2U’s DPC focuses on the benefits for employers, helping them contain their healthcare costs. Now offering even more benefits than before with our new Direct Primary Care advantage (DPCa) product, you’ll see why Dr. John and many others agree DPC is a growing trend that’s here to stay.

With DPCa, you’ll receive:

• $0 visit fee for annual physicals and labs
• $0 visit fee for unlimited in-person acute care
• $0 visit fee for unlimited in-person urgent care
• $0 visit fee for unlimited in-person chronic care
• $0 visit fee for 24/7 virtual care
• Concierge and patient advocacy through our Patient Advocacy Line (PAL)
• Nationwide footprint of physicians ready to provide quality care

DPCa advocates for preventative care to lower costs for employers and keep employees happy and healthy. With our PAL, employees are also guided through every step of their benefits and have a bilingual medical professional who will triage and book their appointments, so they’re never left to figure out their membership alone.

If you’re an employer or broker and would like to learn more about Healthcare2U’s DPC memberships, check out some of our other blogs or contact us.

Figuring out the right model of care for you is something physicians can struggle with. There are pros and cons to both, but studies show the Direct Primary Care (DPC) model is rising in popularity. In part two of our three-part blog series, Healthcare2U’s Dr. John Rodriguez shares why he thinks physicians are distancing themselves from the traditional fee-for-service care model and some of the “bad debt” they can carry. If you haven’t read it yet, don’t forget to check out our first blog in this series, which discusses the benefits of working with a DPC model.

Q: Why are physicians interested in moving away from fee-for-service care to direct primary care?

A: Currently, the majority of clinics operate under the fee-for-service arrangement with insurance companies. In other words, we see a patient, submit that visit to the insurance company, they reevaluate the charges at a significantly reduced rate, and if we are fortunate, they send a payment to us maybe 30 days later. Unfortunately, those payments have not kept up with the pace of medical inflation. Over the years, many physicians have had to leave health care altogether or become employed by hospitals or insurance companies.

Some practices have adopted a DPC model, which involves receiving payment from either the employer or individuals for healthcare services. Payments can be structured as monthly memberships, or individuals can pay per visit. Considering many high deductible plans, it makes a lot of sense to engage a physician practice under a DPC model because that’s going to, in the long run, save money and keep you healthier because you have meaningful and quality time with the provider.

There are different types of arrangements that can be made through hybrid models. This can be a combination of partial insurance payments and/or a membership payment in addition. All this helps to lower the cost of health care and improve the time spent with patients, which improves patient satisfaction as well as physician satisfaction.

Q: Can you talk us through the “bad debt” that many physicians carry?

A: Bad debt is one of the many struggles physicians have suffered with for years, and if it’s not dealt with properly, can break a clinic. That debt is made up of two components: insurance companies not paying their bills or patients not paying their share of the bill. Ultimately, it’s the physician or the clinic who goes unpaid. To try and overcome it, physicians must hire more employees to try and capture that bad debt – you would hope and think that we shouldn’t have to do this. Unfortunately, debt collectors do exist in society, and it’s even more problematic in health care because we have a battle of wages against insurance companies, which are never nice to independent practices. Again, bad debt will make or break a clinic, and to be able to be paid for your services is extremely important.

Stay tuned…

Make sure to stay tuned when we feature our third and final blog with Dr. Rodriguez, where we discuss how he started his journey of working in a DPC practice. For more information on Healthcare2U’s Direct Primary Care membership, check out some of our other blogs.

While the cost of goods and housing continues to rise, so does the cost of healthcare. The cost of other necessary items has increased, such as groceries rising 20 percent since 2021 and a significant surge in the cost of utilities and gas in 2022. Healthcare costs have been steadily rising since 2012, with the average monthly cost of traditional insurance being $659 in 2022. This has resulted in financial stress for many Americans. Of those insured, more than two-fifths of working adults consider themselves “inadequately insured”. How can we reconcile spending so much money on health insurance that isn’t fulfilling our needs?

In this blog, we’ll discuss why health insurance plans have a hard time being inclusive, why they’re not the best option for today’s workforce, and how traditional plans and Direct Primary Care (DPC) memberships can partner together to create the perfect solution for everyone.

It’s expensive for a health insurance plan to be inclusive

The soaring costs of healthcare in the United States have become a major concern for individuals and communities across the nation. With health insurance premiums reaching unprecedented levels, finding a sustainable solution has become a priority.

The typical cost per year employers paid for employee insurance in 2022 was $7,911 for single coverage and $22,463 for family coverage. Employees and employers contribute this money, but sometimes the benefit is not utilized, resulting in a waste of finances for both parties.

There are five main factors that affect a plan’s monthly premium: location, age, tobacco use, plan category, and whether the plan covers dependents. These factors make it difficult for employers to keep up with the expensive premiums, as each employee affects the cost differently.

Traditional health insurance plans are not adaptable for a modern-day workforce

Traditional insurance simply isn’t working for today’s modern workforce. Apart from traditional insurance being expensive, it’s also confusing. Fifty-eight percent of Americans say they’ve run into problems when using health insurance within the past year. This includes problems with denied claims, provider networks, and pre-authorization. Through traditional insurance, employers also suffer from surprise bills like “shock claims”, which are claims that are unexpected financial blows to the insured.

Traditional insurance doesn’t prioritize the patient’s experience, affecting people’s motivation to book appointments and seek the medical care they need. Whether it’s because of a lack of flexibility like virtual options, or doctors not having ample time to discuss underlying issues with the patient, traditional insurance doesn’t foster the patient/doctor relationship, and that leads to people being less inclined to access care.

Traditional health insurance is rooted in fee-for-service delivery, not value-based care

Traditional insurance operates by a monthly payment to cover the health plan, with the member paying a fee for each service. The insured are required to meet a deductible before their insurance starts pitching in, and you can also get hit with unexpected bills after treatment or service.

The cost of health insurance and the level of satisfaction people feel toward it are also not equal, and it doesn’t seem like insurance companies have any interest in helping solve this problem. Fee-for-service delivery treats the insured like they’re just another number, but with DPC, the patient/physician relationship is at the forefront, and employers know their employees are receiving quality care.

How traditional insurance plans and DPC memberships partner together

DPC is a healthcare membership that gives its members access to unlimited primary care for a low monthly fee. DPC, at its core, is centered around chronic disease prevention and championing the doctor-patient relationship, supporting members to live a healthy, happy life.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the benefits of DPC:

• Low monthly membership fee and cost transparency
• Unlimited access to primary care for a minimal fee and virtual visits for no fee
• Unlimited access to primary care, urgent care, and chronic disease management for a minimal fee
• Easy-to-understand benefits
• More one-on-one time with your healthcare provider
• Upfront pricing
• In most cases, appointments to see a physician can be made within days
• Continuity of care
• No deductibles

With DPC, you’ll receive continuity of care and a physician who takes the time to listen to you and assess your concerns, whether it’s virtually or in person. This, combined with traditional insurance, allows employees to receive day-to-day care as well as peace of mind for more serious health concerns.

DPC is an answer to many challenges we are facing in healthcare today. To learn more about DPC and how it can partner with traditional insurance, click here.