Direct primary care (DPC)
Direct primary care (DPC) is a membership model where patients pay their primary care practice a flat monthly fee for unlimited access, cutting insurance out of the primary care relationship entirely.
- Flat monthly membership, no insurance claims
- Smaller panels and longer visits than insurance practice
- Distinct from concierge, which usually still bills insurance
- A growing partner and talent channel for virtual care
How the DPC model works
A flat fee — commonly $50–$150 a month — covers visits, messaging, and basic services, with no claims filed. Removing billing overhead lets DPC physicians carry panels of hundreds instead of thousands, and the model has grown steadily among physicians exiting insurance-driven practice. It differs from concierge medicine, which typically charges a retainer on top of still billing insurance.
Why DPC matters to digital health
DPC normalized two ideas the DTC world runs on: patients will pay directly for access and convenience, and care relationships can live outside claims. DPC practices are also natural partners and buyers — many bolt on telehealth, at-home labs, and pharmacy programs to deepen their membership value, and clinicians leaving insurance medicine are a recruiting pool for virtual-care networks.
Compliance handled, so you can build
Lithos runs the clinicians, pharmacies, and 50-state rules behind your care program — one API.
Frequently asked questions
Do DPC patients still need insurance?
Usually yes — for hospitalization, specialists, and drugs. DPC replaces primary care billing, not catastrophic coverage.
Is DPC the same as concierge medicine?
No — concierge typically adds a retainer on top of insurance billing; DPC replaces insurance in primary care with one flat fee.
Can DPC be delivered virtually?
Yes — virtual-first DPC practices exist, and hybrid models pair a membership with telehealth access and at-home labs.