Direct Primary Care: How Investing in a Direct Doctor Relationship Actually Saves You Money
As a physician who has spent years navigating the traditional medical system, I’ve seen firsthand how the fee-for-service model often places a price tag on time and a barrier between you and your health. Patients often hesitate to call their doctor because they’re worried about a surprise bill, a high co-pay, or simply not being heard during a rushed ten-minute slot.
At True Insight Direct Care, I’ve chosen a different path—one that prioritizes your well-being over insurance regulations. Direct primary care (DPC) is often celebrated for the time and access it provides, but it actually saves you money as well!
By uncoupling your primary care from the complexities of insurance, we create a direct doctor-patient model where your health is an investment, not an expense.
The Power of Proactive vs. Reactive Care
In the traditional system, many people wait until they are truly sick to seek help. Why? Because the barriers—scheduling weeks out, navigating automated phone responses, and facing unpredictable costs—make it easier to just wait and see. There is also the very real financial anxiety that comes with modern insurance. For those in the corporate world with high-deductible plans, a single routine visit can easily cost $300 or $400 out of pocket before you ever see a dime of coverage. It’s understandable why someone would hesitate to call their doctor when every conversation feels like a financial gamble.
With our direct doctor-patient model, you have direct access to me via text, email, or phone. This means we catch the small things before they become big (and expensive) problems. Whether it’s managing blood pressure through lifestyle or identifying a respiratory issue early, staying proactive prevents the need for costly specialty interventions later.
By removing the "per-visit" price tag, we ensure that you never have to choose between seeking medical advice and sticking to your budget. We focus on keeping you healthy and out of the hospital, providing a safety net that protects both your physical well-being and your wallet.
Significant Reductions in ER and Urgent Care Visits
The emergency room (ER) is the most expensive place to receive care, yet many people go there simply because they couldn't get an appointment with their primary doctor.
With our direct doctor-patient model, you can simply text me about a sudden rash or a spiking fever, bypassing the expensive bills and long hours spent in an urgent care or ER waiting room. I’m on your team, providing the safety net that keeps you out of the hospital whenever possible and catches small concerns before they become costly crises.
Predictable Costs and Wholesale Savings
Healthcare is one of the few things we buy without knowing the price until weeks later. DPC changes that. With a flat, transparent membership fee, your direct doctor care is all-inclusive, allowing you to budget for your health and confidence.
No Co-pays: Whether we talk once a month or three times a week, your cost doesn't change.
Wholesale Pricing: I don't work for insurance companies, I work for you. This allows me to pass on wholesale pricing for labs and medications.
This model of care is about more than just convenience; it is about real sustainability. In fact, research from the Direct Primary Care Coalition has shown that members can save between 30% and 50% on total healthcare costs compared to traditional, insurance-based primary care. By removing the financial guesswork, we can focus entirely on the only thing that matters: your long-term health.
A Whole-Person Approach (OMT)
Unique to my practice as an osteopathic physician is the use of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). By using hands-on techniques to restore structural balance, we can often address chronic pain, migraines, or mobility issues without the need for expensive imaging (like MRIs), long-term pain medications, or referrals to multiple specialists. By treating the root of the issue rather than just the symptom, we save you both time and money.
Synergy with High-Deductible Plans and Health Shares
Many of my patients find that pairing a DPC membership with a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) or a health share provides the best financial protection. You use the HDHP or health share for catastrophic events (surgeries or major accidents) and use your DPC membership for everything else.
If you don’t have expensive medical needs (such as a costly biologic medication), a health share can often be even more cost-effective than traditional insurance plans. Because health shares aren't structured like corporate insurance, they often offer lower monthly contributions, allowing you to save more while still having a safety net for the unexpected. Some also cover pre-existing conditions after 1 year of membership.
Regardless of which path you choose, the goal is the same: reducing your monthly premiums and significantly lowering your out-of-pocket spending over the course of the year.
The Bottom Line
Direct primary care isn't just about convenience; it’s about restoring the value of the direct doctor-patient relationship. When I have the time to truly listen to you—to understand your mind, body, and spirit—we make better decisions together.
By investing in a direct doctor who knows your history and is available when you need them, you aren't just saving money—you’re gaining peace of mind.
If you’re ready to experience healthcare that values your time and your wallet, I’d love to chat. Contact us or schedule a meet & greet to learn more!
