Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a healthcare model that removes the insurance middleman from primary care. Instead of billing insurance for every visit, DPC doctors charge a simple monthly membership fee that covers all primary care services. No copays, no surprise bills, no prior authorizations — just you and your doctor.
Use the Connectedly Health directory to browse DPC providers by state or search by city. Each listing shows the monthly membership fee, accepted age groups, telehealth availability, and included services. Most practices are currently accepting new patients — DPC doctors keep small, intentional patient panels so they can actually see new members quickly.
Unlike traditional primary care, DPC pricing is published upfront. Memberships across the practices in our directory average about $91 per month for an adult, with some starting near $29. Many practices offer family rates and pediatric pricing. For a state-by-state breakdown, see the DPC Pricing Index or our full guide to how much DPC costs.
A standard DPC membership typically includes:
Contact the practice to schedule a meet-and-greet or enrollment call. Most DPC practices do not require a referral, and you do not need insurance to join. You pay the monthly membership fee directly to the practice — typically by credit card, bank transfer, or employer benefit account.
As of January 1, 2026, DPC membership fees under $150/month for an individual (or $300 for a family) are qualified medical expenses that can be paid from an HSA under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. If your employer offers an ICHRA or FSA, confirm with your benefits administrator whether it covers DPC fees.
Once enrolled, you communicate directly with your doctor. Most DPC practices offer same-week sick appointments, video or phone visits, and direct messaging — so you are not waiting on hold with a call center or spending 45 minutes in a waiting room for a 7-minute visit.
No — DPC covers primary care only. You still need health insurance (or a cost-sharing plan) for hospitalizations, emergency care, surgeries, and specialist visits. The most common setup is a DPC membership paired with a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). The membership handles the routine care that makes up the bulk of most people's annual healthcare — at a fraction of what traditional primary care costs — while the HDHP covers catastrophic events.
| Feature | Traditional (Insurance-Based) | Direct Primary Care |
|---|---|---|
| Cost structure | Copay + deductible per visit | Flat monthly membership, no per-visit fee |
| Average wait for appointment | 18–24 days (new patient) | Same week, often same day |
| Visit length | 7–15 minutes | 30–60 minutes |
| Direct doctor access | Call center / portal | Phone, text, or email directly |
| Pricing transparency | Billed after the fact | Published upfront |
Browse DPC providers by state or use our directory to search by city. For more on costs, see How Much Does DPC Cost? and the DPC Pricing Index by State. For a deeper look at whether DPC is right for your situation, visit our patient guide.