Two Models That Promise the Same Thing — For Very Different Prices
Direct primary care (DPC) and concierge medicine both promise the same appealing thing: a doctor who actually has time for you. Longer visits, same- or next-day access, and a direct line to your physician instead of a phone tree. But underneath that shared promise, the two models work very differently — and the price gap can be enormous. Across the 2,000+ DPC practices listed on Connectedly Health, the average membership is about $91 per month, with some practices starting as low as $29. Concierge practices commonly charge $150 to $500+ per month — and most still bill your insurance on top of that retainer.
If you're weighing "membership medicine," this guide breaks down exactly how DPC and concierge care differ on cost, insurance, what's included, and who each one actually fits.
What Is Direct Primary Care?
Direct primary care is a flat monthly membership that covers your primary care — office visits, basic procedures, care coordination, and direct messaging with your doctor. The defining feature is that DPC practices don't bill insurance at all. By cutting out insurance billing, they cut overhead and paperwork, which is how they keep panels small (often 300–600 patients vs. 2,000+ in a traditional practice) and fees low. Many DPC doctors also negotiate wholesale pricing on labs and generic medications, passing the savings to members.
What Is Concierge Medicine?
Concierge medicine (sometimes called "retainer medicine") also charges a recurring membership fee for enhanced access. The key difference: most concierge practices still bill your insurance for the actual visits and services. The membership fee is a retainer for amenities — 24/7 access, same-day appointments, longer physicals, and a smaller panel. Because you're paying the retainer and using insurance, concierge care typically sits at a higher total cost and is often aimed at patients who want a premium experience on top of comprehensive coverage.
DPC vs. Concierge: Side-by-Side
| Feature | Direct Primary Care | Concierge Medicine |
|---|---|---|
| Typical monthly fee | $29–$150 (avg ~$91) | $150–$500+ |
| Bills your insurance? | No | Usually yes |
| What the fee covers | Primary care visits, messaging, care coordination, often discounted labs/meds | Retainer for access and amenities; visits often billed to insurance |
| Panel size | Small (≈300–600) | Small (≈300–600) |
| Best fit | Predictable, affordable primary care; uninsured or high-deductible patients | Patients wanting a premium experience alongside full insurance |
The Cost Math
Consider a healthy adult who wants better access to a primary care doctor. With DPC, the math is simple: a flat fee — say $91/month, or about $1,092 a year — covers unlimited primary care visits with no copays or surprise bills. With concierge care, you'd typically pay a higher retainer (often $1,800–$6,000+ per year) plus your insurance premiums, deductibles, and copays for the visits themselves.
That doesn't make concierge "bad" — for someone who wants both comprehensive coverage and a white-glove primary care experience, it can be worth it. But for most people focused on affordable, predictable primary care, DPC delivers the same time-with-your-doctor benefit at a fraction of the membership cost. For a deeper breakdown of DPC against traditional coverage, see our DPC vs. insurance cost comparison.
Do You Still Need Insurance With Either One?
Yes — for both models, you should keep some form of insurance for major medical events. Neither DPC nor concierge primary care covers hospitalization, surgery, specialist care, or emergencies. DPC pairs especially well with a high-deductible health plan or catastrophic coverage: you get day-to-day primary care through your membership and reserve insurance for the big, unpredictable costs. Read more in Do I still need insurance with DPC?
Which One Is Right for You?
Choose DPC if you want affordable, predictable primary care, you're uninsured or on a high-deductible plan, you're self-employed, you manage an ongoing condition that needs frequent visits (see DPC for chronic conditions), or you simply want more time with your doctor without a premium price tag.
Consider concierge if you want a premium, amenity-rich experience, you value having your visits run through insurance, and the higher retainer fits your budget.
Not sure DPC is worth the monthly fee? We walk through the honest trade-offs in Is direct primary care worth it?
How to Compare Real Prices Near You
DPC pricing varies by region. You can compare actual membership fees on the National DPC Pricing Index, or browse DPC providers by state. Popular markets include Texas, Florida, Washington, Colorado, and Arizona.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is concierge medicine the same as DPC?
No. Both charge a membership fee for better access, but DPC does not bill insurance and is usually far less expensive (averaging about $91/month), while concierge practices typically charge a higher retainer and still bill your insurance for visits.
Is DPC cheaper than concierge medicine?
Almost always. DPC memberships commonly run $29–$150/month, while concierge fees often start at $150 and climb past $500/month — and concierge care usually adds insurance costs on top.
Can I use a concierge or DPC membership with insurance?
Concierge practices typically require and bill insurance. DPC works best alongside a high-deductible or catastrophic plan, but the DPC membership itself does not run through insurance.
Does DPC or concierge replace insurance?
Neither replaces insurance. Both cover primary care only; you still need coverage for emergencies, hospitalization, and specialist care.
View the National DPC Pricing Index | Browse DPC providers by state