Direct Primary Care Vs Concierge

What are the similarities & differences between Direct Primary Care and Concierge?

Similarities

Both Concierge and Direct Primary Care (DPC) limit the total number of patients in their practice in effort to improve the overall care each patient receives. This limited patient panel can range from 400-600 patients. Traditional, insurance-based primary care doctors, have 3,000 to 4,000 patients in their panel. DPC and Concierge charge a periodic membership fee. This is where the similarities end.

Differences: Cost, Value & Insurance Involvment

Concierge practices in the DC metro area generally charge $200-$500 per month, per patient. Additionally concierge will often charge a co-payment, deductible and/or co-insurance at each appointment. The DPC monthly membership fees are substantially less and there is NO co-pay or co-insurance. DPC leaves insurance completely out of the picture, this allows for lower total costs to run the practice and a closer relationship between you and your physician.

Traditionally, concierge practices only offer you improved access to a physician. You have an after hours number directly to your physician, you get quicker and convenient appointments and you may get coordination of your other medical needs, like screening colonoscopies or specialists visit. DPC offers all of this and much more. For example procedures at no extra costs, point of care testing for COVID, flu, strep and mono at no extra costs and significant savings on labs (often 1/10th the typical price).

The goal of the DPC mode is to keep healthcare simple & affordable --one reasonable monthly price for all the doctor visits you need with additional services included.

Join Summit DPC today and experience the benefits of direct primary care.