Myths about Direct Primary Care

Monica McKitterick • September 14, 2022

Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a unique healthcare model where providers give their patients the freedom to choose their healthcare providers by removing the hassle that comes with insurance companies. 

As with any emerging concept, DPC is surrounded by myths and misconceptions. We are here to help debunk these myths and tell you the truth behind them. Read on to learn


Myth 1: DPC is more expensive than regular insurance


Research shows that if patients added up the cost of their insurance premiums, deductibles, and copays, they would learn that DPC is a much more affordable healthcare option.


While providers prefer this transparent, membership-based model, in which patients or employers pay their doctors directly on a monthly subscription basis, with the consistency of a membership fee, it covers the cost of all doctor visits and most primary care services. Unlike insurance, DPC has no copays during visits and often offers discounts on some services. 


In turn, it helps patients avoid unplanned out-of-pocket payments, converting to savings both for patients and companies alike.


Check out the discounted prices we have at the Impact Family Wellness clinic.


Myth 2: With DPC I won't have access to tests and procedures


DPC covers more than consultations, it doesn’t end in writing prescriptions and giving test results. This model of healthcare covers a range of services including, lab tests, medical procedures, monitoring chronic & other conditions, health education, and patient follow-ups. All are accessible to patients of traditional insurance models. DPC providers can be relied on for almost all your needs. 


At IFW, our providers offer a range of tests and procedures, which you can see here


Myth 3: My doctor will be unavailable to me most of the time since only a few doctors use this model


DPC providers have been increasing through the years. As of 2018, there were over 1,265 DPC practices nationwide and 465,000 primary care practitioners in the US. 


This model of healthcare is devoid of insurance as less time is spent on filing claims and paperwork. DPC providers devote their time and focus on giving patients quality care through face-to-face time, virtual consultation, telehealth, and 24/7 access to your provider. This results in a strong doctor-patient relationship.


Myth 4: DPC model will not work for me as an employer


Direct primary care is a popular alternative to traditional fee-for-service insurance billing. For small companies, DPC provides healthcare benefits they couldn’t otherwise afford, compared to traditional high-deductible health insurance. They are providing the company with real value and savings. 


Employers can also take advantage of the benefits of direct primary care as it's a convenient way to provide quality care, improve employee health and offer a competitive benefit for recruitment and retention. Additionally, employees who make use of their clinic spend less time away from work and are more productive. DPC is a win-win for both employer and employee. 


Myth 5: There’s no place for insurance under this model


The Healthcare system today is set up so that every single medical cost goes through insurance, even if it’s smaller, predictable, and frequent. That's not the case for Direct Primary Care as a lot of paperwork and claims don't exist. DPC and insurance work hand in hand.


DPC gives patients who lack insurance and would otherwise have poor care options, access to quality healthcare. Research shows that most DPC providers care for more patients who have no insurance than they did when practicing in the traditional fee-for-service model! 


DPC doesn’t attempt to replace the appropriate role of insurance, but rather it enhances service and access to primary care, the foundation of a well-functioning healthcare system.


Myth 6: DPC and Concierge medicine is the same & only for the rich 


According to the Direct Primary Care Coalition, there are DPC services in 48 states and over 450,000 patients. This is proof that DPC caters to the poor more than the rich. People struggling to access quality healthcare and without insurance benefit from DPC. 


From the outside looking in, concierge medicine has some similarities with DPC. The main one is that both are membership-based practices that provide personalized access to physicians and high-quality care. However, they differ where concierge medicine physicians charge both the membership fee and the insurance company for visits. According to the Society of Actuaries, a DPC plan provides all-inclusive care ranging from $40-$85 per person per month, with no insurance involved. 


Furthermore, concierge practices typically operate on full-year contracts, whereas direct primary care memberships are commonly offered monthly, allowing members to adjust membership easily throughout the year. 


There are many myths about the idea of DPC, but it doesn’t mean that everything you hear is accurate. At IFW, we can provide you with membership benefits and can answer any questions you may have about Direct Primary Care. 

 

Calculator, medical billing statement, and stethoscope on a desk.
By Monica McKitterick February 12, 2026
Discover top preventive health habits to avoid medical bills. Start today with expert wellness tips from Impact Family Wellness.
Learn how community‑focused primary care benefits patients and communities alike. Expert family care
By Monica McKitterick February 1, 2026
Healthcare works best when it feels personal, accessible, and grounded in everyday life, yet many patients still experience care that feels rushed, fragmented, or disconnected from their real needs. Community-focused primary care benefits communities by prioritizing relationships, continuity, and prevention within the communities it serves. Below, we explore the community-focused primary care benefits that matter most to patients and families and how this model improves outcomes, engagement, and long-term well-being. Community-Focused Primary Care Benefits for Patient Outcomes Community-focused primary care benefits patients by improving access, strengthening long-term relationships, and prioritizing prevention over reactive treatment. By centering care around people and communities, community-focused primary care delivers better outcomes and long-term well-being. What Patients Gain: Care that feels connected instead of rushed Access that supports early intervention, not last-minute emergencies Relationships that build trust over time Local understanding that leads to practical, realistic care Long-term health wellness Community-focused care also connects patients to additional resources when needed, including wellness programs, mental health support, and local initiatives. These connections strengthen both individual and community health. Community-Focused Care and Why It Matters Healthcare does not exist in a vacuum. The way care is delivered, accessed, and sustained directly shapes patient outcomes over time. As modern systems grow more complex and efficiency-driven, many patients experience care that feels disconnected from their daily realities. This is where community-focused primary care becomes essential, offering a model that restores continuity, trust, and preventive stability by grounding care within the communities it serves. The Need for a Community-Focused Approach in Modern Healthcare Many healthcare systems prioritize efficiency over connection. Patients may see multiple providers, repeat their medical history, and receive care that lacks context. This fragmentation weakens engagement and contributes to poor outcomes. Community-focused primary care is a relationship-based model in which providers practice within the communities they serve. This proximity allows providers to understand shared health challenges and social barriers. Over time, community-focused primary care benefits grow to include better coordination, stronger trust, and improved access to care. Shifting from Symptom-Based Care to Preventive Stability Traditional care often reacts to illness once symptoms become disruptive. Community-focused primary care benefits patients by prioritizing prevention, early intervention, and long-term stability. Providers focus on screenings, education, and monitoring rather than episodic treatment. Because trust and continuity are central, community-focused primary care benefits include better communication and stronger adherence to care plans. Addressing physical, emotional, and social factors together allows providers to support whole-person care that fits into daily life. Primary Care Outcomes Research: The Role of Community-Focused Care Researchers have spent decades examining the influences of primary health care on population health, healthcare costs, and patient satisfaction. Across healthcare systems and regions, the conclusion remains remarkably consistent: when primary care is accessible, well-supported, and relationship-driven, patient outcomes improve in meaningful and measurable ways. Key Research Findings Extensive primary care outcomes research shows that strong primary care improves population health while reducing healthcare costs. Communities with accessible primary care experience fewer preventable hospitalizations and lower emergency room utilization. These findings explain why community-focused primary care benefits are both measurable and reliable. When patients receive care early and consistently, complications are avoided. Community-focused primary care benefits patients and healthcare systems by delivering care at the right time. How Community Context Strengthens Patient Outcomes Providers embedded in their communities understand local patterns of chronic disease, mental health stressors, and access barriers. This insight allows for realistic, data-informed care planning. Because community-focused primary care benefits reflect local context, patients are more likely to follow recommendations. Care feels relevant rather than generic, which strengthens engagement and improves outcomes. These practical advantages are a defining part of community-focused primary care benefits. How the Impact of Primary Care on Health Improves Long-Term Well-Being Ongoing relationships are central to community-focused primary care benefits. Seeing the same provider over time allows for earlier detection of changes and more personalized care. When people feel comfortable reaching out, early providers can respond before problems escalate. Over time, this steady, relationship-based care builds trust and confidence. Patients gain a clearer understanding of their bodies, their risks, and their options. They become more engaged in their care, ask better questions, and participate actively in decision-making. This creates a more stable and sustainable path to long-term well-being. Patient Outcomes in Community Care: Why Access to Primary Care Matters Access as a Driver of Positive Patient Behavior Research examining the impact of primary care on health shows that individuals with reliable access to primary care not only live longer but also experience fewer serious health complications over time. These patients are more likely to catch health issues early, manage chronic conditions effectively, and avoid preventable emergencies. Improved Follow-Through Through Consistent Access and Trust Access supports adherence to care plans. Patients who can follow up easily are more likely to understand and follow guidance. Trust grows when providers are familiar and accessible. As trust strengthens, community-focused primary care benefits include earlier intervention and fewer preventable complications. Community Health and Primary Care Services: Key to Better Patient Engagement Health outcomes improve when patients feel seen, heard, and supported. Community health primary care services are designed to foster that engagement. Unlike transactional healthcare models that focus on quick visits and isolated symptoms, community-focused primary care emphasizes ongoing, relationship-based care. Providers take the time to understand a patient’s personal goals, health concerns, family responsibilities, work demands, and life circumstances. This deeper understanding allows care teams to deliver guidance that feels relevant and achievable rather than generic or overwhelming. Relationship-Based Care and Active Patient Engagement Community health primary care services emphasize communication and shared decision-making. Providers take time to understand lifestyle demands, cultural values, and personal goals. This approach improves engagement because community-focused primary care benefits patients by making them active participants in their care rather than passive recipients. Integration of Local Health Resources into Primary Care Community-focused care extends beyond the clinic. Providers connect patients to mental health services, wellness programs, and local support resources. By integrating medical care with community services, community-focused primary care benefits both individual and community health outcomes. The Benefits of Primary Care Access: Why Continuity of Care Leads to Better Health Continuity matters. Seeing the same provider over time allows for deeper understanding, earlier detection, and more personalized care. The benefits of primary care access become clear when patients don’t have to start over at every visit. Providers recognize subtle changes, track trends, and adjust care proactively. The Role of Continuity in Accurate and Personalized Care The benefits of primary care access are most evident through continuity. Seeing the same provider reduces duplicated tests and improves medication management. These efficiencies are part of the broader community-focused primary care benefits that rely on long-term insight rather than one-time visits. Continuity of Care Across Families and Life Stages For families, continuity creates a sense of stability and reassurance. Parents know exactly where to turn when questions arise, children build familiarity with their provider, and healthcare becomes a predictable part of life rather than a stressful disruption. Over time, this consistent support helps families stay engaged in preventive care, manage ongoing conditions more effectively, and approach health decisions with greater confidence. You can learn more about why having a consistent primary care provider matters for families navigating everyday health needs. Community-Focused Primary Care Benefits for Long-Term Health Community-focused primary care benefits improve patient outcomes by restoring connection, access, and trust in healthcare. These benefits strengthen prevention, engagement, and care coordination while supporting long-term well-being. By centering care around people and communities, community-focused primary care benefits patients, families, and healthcare systems alike. The sustainability of this model is one of the most valuable community-focused primary care benefits for long-term health. Ready to Experience Community-Focused Primary Care Benefits? Choosing care that prioritizes relationships and accessibility can transform how you experience healthcare. Community-focused primary care benefits are central to the care model at Impact Family Wellness. Explore services, schedule a visit, or contact the team to take the next step toward community-focused primary care benefits designed around you. Key Takeaways Community-focused primary care benefits improve access and patient outcomes. Prevention and early intervention reduce long-term health risks. Continuity builds trust and strengthens decision-making. Community-focused primary care benefits support engagement and sustainability. Frequently Asked Questions What are community-focused primary care benefits? Community-focused primary care benefits include improved access, preventive care, stronger patient-provider relationships, and better long-term outcomes. How does primary care improve patient outcomes? Primary care improves outcomes through prevention, early detection, continuity, and coordinated care, all of which are core community-focused primary care benefits. Why is community involvement important in primary care? Community involvement helps care reflect real local needs, strengthening trust and enhancing community-focused primary care benefits. How does primary care affect long-term well-being? Primary care supports long-term well-being through proactive management, education, and prevention, which are key community-focused primary care benefits. Who benefits most from community-focused primary care?  Families, individuals with chronic conditions, and prevention-focused patients experience the greatest community-focused benefits from primary care.
Woman with blonde hair touching forehead, possibly experiencing headache, wearing a sweater.
By Monica McKitterick January 21, 2026
Learn practical, budget-friendly strategies to manage chronic illness without overwhelming medical costs.
Nurse taking a patient's blood pressure with stethoscope and cuff.
By Monica McKitterick January 5, 2026
Learn which preventive screenings you need by age, why they matter, and how early detection helps protect your long-term health.
Leg with visible spider veins, touched by two hands.
By Monica McKitterick December 22, 2025
Learn six key facts about spider vein treatment, including causes, options, recovery, and insurance coverage. Learn why treatment might be right for you.
Woman sitting on a bed, holding a baby, looking sad.
By Monica McKitterick December 5, 2025
Stay-at-home mom depression is real, but so is recovery. Explore 10 compassionate tips to start feeling better today. Read the full guide now.
Doctor smiling at a couple seated at a desk; doctor's office setting with a clipboard.
By Monica McKitterick November 28, 2025
Learn 7 reasons why families choose Direct Primary Care: affordable, easy-to-access healthcare with no insurance hassles or surprise costs.
Syringe injecting clear liquid from a vial with a metal cap, on blue background.
By Monica McKitterick November 12, 2025
Learn the benefits of vitamin injections, including increased energy, better sleep, stronger immunity, healthier skin, and support for weight management.
Doctor and patient reviewing paperwork, doctor smiling, indoors.
By Monica McKitterick October 16, 2025
Learn 5 ways direct primary care can help with testosterone therapy, including Cedar Park, Leander & North Austin. Take the first step toward better health.
Red heart, family figurines, and stethoscope on a wooden table, symbolizing healthcare.
By Monica McKitterick September 19, 2025
Find 8 affordable health insurance alternatives in the USA, including local options in Cedar Park, Leander, and Round Rock. Protect your health today.