Direct Primary Care

A caring primary care physician holds the hand of a patient

At Spectra Health, Primary Care is our “bread and butter“.

A person’s medical care begins and ends with their primary team: not only do we deal with the most common issues that affect an individual’s health, but we also organize and arrange any specialty care that you may need, taking the recommendations from each specialist and making sure their plans of care do not conflict with one another.

We are more than generalists: we are your medical home.

We take pride in being able to do this in a thorough and meticulous manner.

To dedicate the time your care deserves, Spectra has opted to function as a Direct Primary Care clinic.

What is DPC? How is it different from “regular” health care?

Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a distinctive healthcare model designed to provide accessible and patient-focused medical services. Let’s dive into the technical details of DPC, unraveling its mechanisms and highlighting how it differs from the traditional fee-for-service care model.

DPC operates on a straightforward premise – patients pay a fixed monthly fee directly to their healthcare provider for comprehensive and unhurried primary care services. This fee covers a range of services, including routine check-ups, preventive care, and simple procedures such as laceration repair and drainage of abscesses. DPC aims to establish a direct and personal relationship between patients and their healthcare providers.

In contrast to the fee-for-service model, where patients typically pay per visit or service rendered, DPC eliminates the need for per-visit charges. Instead, patients pay a predictable monthly fee directly to their DPC provider. This subscription-based approach allows for greater transparency in healthcare costs and encourages a more personalized and ongoing relationship between patients and healthcare providers.

Direct Primary Care emphasizes accessibility and affordability. Patients enrolled in a DPC plan often enjoy extended appointment times, same-day or next-day appointments, and direct communication with their healthcare provider through various channels, including telemedicine. Additionally, many routine services are covered by the monthly fee, reducing the need for additional out-of-pocket expenses.

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I already pay for health insurance. Why would I want to pay more for my primary care?

DPC offers several advantages, such as improved access to primary care, enhanced continuity of care, and a focus on preventive services. By eliminating the traditional fee-for-service billing model, DPC providers can prioritize patient needs without the constraints of insurance paperwork, leading to more personalized and patient-centric healthcare.

One key differentiator is the number of patients that a physician cares for (called Patient Panels) with DPC compared to fee-for-service models. In traditional fee-for-service practices, physicians often manage a large number of patients to accommodate the fee-per-service model’s financial demands. Physicians are further incentivized to see as many patients as possible, as their pay is directly tied to “how much gets done”, with few checks on the quality of care.

However, in DPC, healthcare providers intentionally keep the number of patients they see smaller. Since DPC physicians have fewer patients to care for, it allows them to dedicate more time and attention to each individual.

3 circular photos in a group showing Dr. Alexandra Arce, Dr. Luis Arch and patients

Advantages of Smaller Patient Panels:

  • Personalized Attention: With smaller patient panels, DPC physicians can spend more time with each patient during appointments, fostering a more personalized and thorough approach to care.
  • Accessibility: Smaller patient panels mean easier accessibility for patients. DPC providers can offer same-day or next-day appointments, reducing wait times and ensuring prompt attention to healthcare needs.
  • Enhanced Preventive Care: The manageable size of DPC patient panels enables physicians to focus on preventive care, health education, and proactive health management, contributing to overall well-being.
  • Improved Patient-Physician Relationship: The smaller patient load fosters stronger patient-physician relationships. DPC physicians have the time to understand each patient’s unique health history, preferences, and goals, resulting in more individualized care.

So, if DPC offers the same services as my regular physician, with lower wait times and greater personal attention, why would I even need insurance?

Direct Primary Care and health insurance can complement each other seamlessly to cover a patient’s comprehensive healthcare needs. While DPC covers primary care services, health insurance can be utilized for specialized care, hospitalizations, and other medical needs beyond the scope of primary care. Health insurance can also cover the cost of medications as well as any lab work necessary to one’s care. This integrated approach ensures that patients benefit from the personalized and accessible care offered by DPC while maintaining coverage for unforeseen healthcare events through insurance.

In summary, Direct Primary Care is a patient-centric healthcare model that prioritizes accessibility, affordability, and personalized relationships between patients and healthcare providers. Its departure from the fee-for-service model fosters transparency and focuses on delivering comprehensive primary care services within a predictable and affordable framework. As with any healthcare decision, individuals should carefully evaluate their needs and preferences to determine if DPC aligns with their healthcare goals.

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