Direct primary care sees growth

In response to the Affordable Care Act, some primary care physicians are moving toward offering direct primary care to avoid complications with the insurance requirement. There are currently more than 400 direct primary care practices nationwide. Before 2010, there were between six and 20 practices.

Under the direct primary care model, patients pay a monthly or annual flat fee directly to a physician. In exchange, the patients receive comprehensive primary care (e.g., medication, lab tests, and follow-up visits). Patients are still required to have high-deductible health plans for emergencies and specialists. However, the cost of a plan and the flat fee still tends to be less than traditional insurance, which usually involves paying a set co-payment for each appointment.

Physicians are attracted to direct primary care model because it lowers their overhead costs because they don’t have to to deal with insurance paperwork. This also allows them more time to treat patients.  

Source: USA Today