Care models

Four ways to get primary care

The right doctor is only half the decision. How a practice is paid shapes how quickly you're seen, how long visits last, and what you'll spend.

A patient and physician talking face to face in a bright clinic.

Traditional practice

The most common way to get primary care. Visits are billed to your insurance, and practices typically care for a large number of patients per physician.

Typical cost: Copay or coinsurance per visit
Insurance: Billed to insurance
Panel size: 2,000–2,500 patients per physician

Learn about traditional practice

Direct primary care

Direct primary care (DPC) practices charge a flat monthly membership instead of billing insurance for primary care. Most include unlimited visits, messaging, and discounted labs and medications.

Typical cost: $60–$150 per month
Insurance: Not billed; pair with insurance for specialists and hospital
Panel size: 400–800 patients per physician

Learn about direct primary care

Concierge medicine

Concierge practices charge an annual fee on top of insurance in exchange for a small panel, long visits, and round-the-clock access to your physician.

Typical cost: $1,800–$5,000+ per year
Insurance: Usually billed to insurance in addition to the fee
Panel size: 300–600 patients per physician

Learn about concierge medicine

Virtual-first care

Virtual-first practices give you an ongoing relationship with a primary care physician through video and messaging, with in-person care arranged when needed.

Typical cost: Often covered by insurance or employer
Insurance: Usually billed to insurance
Panel size: Varies

Learn about virtual-first care

Side by side

What each model typically includes

Every practice is different. Confirm details directly with the practice before you enroll.

Comparison of primary care models
Feature	Traditional practice	Direct primary care	Concierge medicine	Virtual-first care
Typical cost	Copay or coinsurance per visit	$60–$150 per month	$1,800–$5,000+ per year	Often covered by insurance or employer
Patients per physician	2,000–2,500 patients per physician	400–800 patients per physician	300–600 patients per physician	Varies
Billed to insurance	Yes	Usually not	Yes	Yes
Same- or next-day visits	Usually not	Yes	Yes	Yes
Message your doctor directly	Usually not	Yes	Yes	Yes
Extended visit times	Usually not	Yes	Yes	Usually not
In-person physical exams	Yes	Yes	Yes	Usually not

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