Why Primary Care is Broken—And How Direct Primary Care Puts Your Health First
If you’ve ever felt frustrated trying to get an appointment, rushed during a visit, or confused by an unexpected medical bill, you’re not alone. The truth is, what’s happening in doctor’s offices across the country—including right here in North Carolina—isn’t just bad luck or bad service. It’s the result of a deeply flawed system that’s pushing physicians to the breaking point while leaving patients to foot the bill. That’s exactly why as a Direct Primary Care (DPC) physician, I prioritize direct patient care. I want your healthcare to feel personal, your cost predictable, and your entire experience built around you, not insurance.
What’s Happening Right Now
Each year, new contract disputes emerge between major health systems and insurance carriers, leaving patients caught in the middle. Letters arrive without warning, and suddenly familiar doctors are “out of network,” forcing people to start over—finding new providers, transferring records, and navigating coverage gaps.
These disruptions point to a deeper, ongoing issue within our healthcare system. Insurance companies are allowed to keep 15% of every premium as long as they spend 85% on care. This creates a distorted incentive structure: the more they spend, the more they can keep. That’s why inflated costs often go unchecked, even when the true price of care is far lower.
When insurers deny or only partially cover inflated charges, the remaining balance falls to the patient. In many cases, paying directly for care can actually cost less than going through insurance at all.
The system wasn’t built for simplicity or fairness—but understanding how it works is the first step toward navigating it with clarity and control.
How the System Rushes Care—and how DPC Fixes it
When insurance reduces reimbursement rates, doctors earn less per patient. To stay afloat, many physicians have to see more people each day, which leads to shorter, rushed visits, growing burnout, and sadly a patient who feels unseen.
Here’s the thing: it’s not that doctors want to rush you—it’s that the system forces them to. Every year, operating costs rise (staff, rent, equipment, supplies), while insurance reimbursement rates actually go down. Imagine running a business where you get paid less each year to do more work—that’s the reality for most primary care practices today.
DPC flips that script. With a simple monthly fee, doctors can spend more time with fewer patients. That means same-day or next-day appointments, longer visits, and direct patient care focused on prevention—not paperwork. I’ve had patients walk in with long lists of concerns that would normally take three rushed appointments to cover but with DPC, we handle it all in one visit.
Insurance Doesn’t Have to Break You
Even as insurers pay doctors less, your premiums and deductibles keep climbing. Patients end up paying more for less access, less time, and less satisfaction—while insurers maintain their profit margins. The fear of surprise bills keeps families away from the care they need.
DPC provides a safety net.
You still have access, even if insurance falters.
DPC runs on a predictable monthly fee that covers most everyday healthcare needs—visits, procedures, treatments, and preventive care. Even if your insurance network changes or disputes arise, your direct patient care doesn’t disappear.
You can use it alongside insurance.
Starting January 1, new legislation will allow Direct Primary Care (DPC) memberships to be paid for using Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and, in some cases, reimbursed by insurance plans. That means you can pair DPC membership with traditional insurance or a medical cost sharing program (often called a health share) for major emergencies, while relying on your DPC doctor as your trusted partner for everyday care and long-term health. We provide security in healthcare and ensure consistent, accessible care regardless of changes on the insurance front.
You get more value for your money.
With transparent pricing and no middleman, DPC doctors can focus on you instead of paperwork required by insurance. That way, documentation is for the patient and the doctor—not a third party looking for any reason to limit or deny payment. That means more time listening, explaining, and addressing your needs—and yes, you can actually finish a sentence before your doctor has to run out the door.
The Bottom Line
Primary care isn’t broken because doctors stopped caring—it’s broken because the system stopped valuing direct patient care the way it should. I’ve seen it firsthand: patients rushed out the door, doctors burned out, and everyone left frustrated. I’ve also experienced it personally—feeling dismissed, scared, and left suffering while a physician told me to “relax,” focused on a number on a device instead of assessing me, the patient in front of them.
The good news? You don’t have to wait for the system to fix itself. DPC gives you consistent, affordable, and meaningful access to direct patient care—whether your insurance company is cooperating or not. I believe in it because I’ve seen it work. Patients feel heard, doctors feel human again, and everyone gets back to what healthcare was always meant to be: people taking care of people.
Ready to experience healthcare that actually puts you first? Learn how Direct Primary Care can give you the time, attention, and care you deserve—schedule a meet and greet or contact us today.
