Anybody who is in the business of selling the idea of direct primary care (DPC) to patients, employers, or politicians can anticipate the usual pushback that will arise in any Q and A format. “Why would I want to pay twice for health care?” “Are these doctors just cherry-picking patients?” “Is this health care delivery model just for the wealthy?” It’s nice that physicians are able to spend more time with their patients, but won’t a smaller patient panel exacerbate the physician shortage problem?” “If DPC is so great, why isn’t there more data to prove it?”

It couldn’t be more predictable. Really.

For those who need a quick explanation of direct primary care, it works like a health care gym membership. In exchange for a membership fee (the industry average monthly payment ranges from $25 to $85), patients have access to around-the-clock primary health care. They can even schedule same-day appointments and longer office visits with their doctors as needed. A major reason why monthly fees are affordable for the masses is because many DPC practices follow a micro-practice philosophy in which most resources focus on patient care. By opting out of insurance contracts and accompanied claims personnel, a DPC practice can sustain itself while devoting just one-third of revenues towards overhead.

So, how about those DPC myths? Let’s tackle the skepticism that DPC physicians have a vested interest in cherry-picking healthy patients to ensure lucrative business.

Dr. James Breen, co-founder of Vitral Family Medicine, a direct primary care practice located in Greensboro, NC, is one of many providers I’ve interviewed on the cherry-picking sticking point. He turns this notion on its head by providing an example of how DPC provides fast access to care for patients who need lots of medical attention. One of his current patients, a 50-year old male, initially scheduled a visit with an insurance-based primary care practice to be seen for complaints of blurry vision and was referred to an ophthalmologist. He left his specialist appointment without a diagnosis.

Dissatisfied, the patient decided to see what Vitral Family Medicine had to offer. At his initial assessment, he was diagnosed with diabetes for the first time in his life. His blood sugars read above 500. “It’s pivotal moments like these where DPC doctors can get back to the heart of doctoring,” says Breen.

The practice coordinated prescriptions for a glucometer, diabetic testing devices, and insulin. That same evening, the patient and his wife picked up these supplies at a nearby pharmacy after work and proceeded to spend two hours learning about effective diabetes management in his direct primary care doctor’s office; everything from administering insulin to checking blood sugar levels.

“For the first two weeks, we were in daily communication with him, either by phone or our electronic portal. As he improved, we were able to space out our communications. Now a few months into treatment, he is doing exceptionally well and we’re excited to anticipate the improvement in his quarterly labs for glucose control,” said Breen.

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