Direct primary care vs concierge medicine
Both are membership practices with more time per patient. The difference is insurance: direct primary care replaces it for primary care, concierge medicine adds a fee on top of it.
| Direct primary care | Concierge and hybrid | |
|---|---|---|
| Practices listed | 2,518 | 2,713 |
| Starting membership price | $99/mo typical, $15 to $500 | $99/mo typical, $16 to $400 |
| Insurance | Not billed for primary care. Most members keep a plan for hospital and specialist care. | Usually billed for visits and covered care, with the membership fee on top. |
| What the fee covers | Visits, messaging and most in-office care, often with wholesale labs and medications. | Extra access and time: same-day visits, direct phone or text, longer appointments, an annual physical. |
Common questions
Is direct primary care the same as concierge medicine?
Both charge a membership for more time with a doctor. Direct primary care usually replaces insurance billing for primary care with the fee; concierge practices usually keep billing insurance and add the fee for extra access.
What is a hybrid practice?
A practice that charges a membership and also bills insurance. On these finders a hybrid practice is listed as concierge.
Do I still need health insurance with direct primary care?
A membership covers primary care only. Hospital stays, surgery, specialists and emergencies are outside it, so most members keep insurance or a high-deductible plan for those.