Current Internal Medicine is a direct primary care clinic. There are several advantages.
Why Direct Primary Care (DPC)?
Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a model where patients pay a monthly fee directly to their primary care physician. This fee covers most primary care services, including clinical, and consultative services, as well as care coordination and comprehensive care management. DPC practices don't bill insurance for these services.
VS
Traditional Primary Care operates within the fee-for-service system, where providers bill insurance companies or patients directly for each service provided. This model is what most people are familiar with and is currently the predominant form of healthcare delivery in the United States.
Current Internal Medicine DPC
Same or next-day appointments
30-60 minute visits
Direct access via phone, text, or email
Less than 400 patients
Simple monthly membership fee
No copays or hidden charges
One predictable payment
Most primary care services covered
Preventive and comprehensive
Personalized, detailed plans
Multiple concerns addressed
Personal, consistent care
Collaborative approach to medical decisions
VS
Traditional Primary Care
Long waits, often with urgent care visits necessary
8-15 minute rushed appointments
Layered and indirect communication
Patient panels of 1,400 - 2,400 patients
Complex billing codes
Varying co-pays and coverage amounts
Surprise bills later
Every service is billable
Only reacting to abnormal results
Preplanned and scripted
Only time to cover most urgent needs
Often scene by varying staff
Insurance or Medicare driven medical care