You wait weeks for an appointment, only to spend a few rushed minutes with a physician before being handed a bill that is difficult to interpret. For many patients, this has become the standard healthcare experience.
So what is direct primary care, and why is it gaining attention across the country, including in Colorado Springs?
Direct primary care (DPC) is a membership-based healthcare model designed to simplify access to medical care. Instead of relying on insurance for routine visits, patients pay a predictable monthly fee for direct access to their physician.
This approach removes many of the administrative barriers found in traditional healthcare and allows for longer visits, more personalized care, and easier communication between patients and their doctor. As a result, DPC is increasingly being recognized as a more transparent and relationship-focused way to manage everyday health needs.
How Direct Primary Care Works
Direct primary care is a membership-based model where patients pay a recurring monthly fee directly to their physician or clinic. In exchange, most routine healthcare services are covered without additional billing through insurance.
These services typically include preventive care, sick visits, chronic disease management, and basic lab coordination. Because insurance is not billed for these services, the process is often simpler and more transparent.
In practices like Pearl Primary Care in Colorado Springs, this model allows physicians such as Dr. Rachael Degurse, MD to maintain smaller patient panels. This results in longer appointment times, often ranging from 30 to 60 minutes, and more direct access through phone, text, or email communication.
The goal is to create a more accessible and consistent healthcare experience, where patients can address concerns early and work collaboratively with their physician on long-term health planning.
The model appeals to anyone tired of rushed visits and confusing bills. It also works well for retirees, self-employed individuals, and families who want affordable primary care without surprise charges. If you have a high-deductible health plan, a direct care physician can manage most of your everyday health needs for the flat monthly fee. Your insurance then covers major events like hospital stays or surgeries. A 2022 study in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine found that DPC patients had 33% fewer emergency department visits compared to those in traditional insurance-based practices.
Want to see exactly what is covered? Check our membership pricing page for full details.
Direct Primary Care vs. Concierge Medicine: What’s the Difference?
Direct primary care and concierge medicine are often grouped together because both models prioritize access, longer visits, and a more personalized patient experience. However, there are important differences in how each model is structured.
Direct primary care operates on a flat monthly membership fee that covers most primary care services. Insurance is not billed for routine visits, which simplifies both pricing and access to care. Patients typically know exactly what is included and can contact their physician directly without navigating insurance requirements.
Concierge medicine, on the other hand, usually involves an annual retainer fee while still billing insurance for office visits and services. This means patients pay both the retainer and any applicable copays, deductibles, or additional charges through their insurance plan.
Another key difference is cost structure. Concierge practices often have higher annual fees, while direct primary care is designed to be a more accessible option for individuals, couples, and families seeking consistent primary care.
Both models emphasize a stronger physician-patient relationship and increased access to care. However, direct primary care is distinct in its goal of removing insurance from routine primary care entirely, creating a more straightforward and transparent healthcare experience.
| Feature | Direct Primary Care | Concierge Medicine | Traditional Insurance-Based |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payment model | Monthly membership | Annual retainer + insurance | Insurance-based (copays, deductibles) |
| Insurance billing for visits | Not used for routine care | Still billed per visit | Billed per visit |
| Typical visit length | 30–60 minutes | 30–60 minutes | 10–15 minutes |
| Cost Structure | Predictable monthly fee | Higher annual cost + insurance | Variable and often unpredictable |
As awareness of alternative healthcare models grows, more patients in Colorado Springs are exploring direct primary care as a way to simplify access to routine medical care and improve continuity with their physician.
The Real Benefits of a Direct Primary Care Membership
The advantages of direct primary care extend beyond convenience. At its core, the model is designed to improve how care is delivered, with a stronger emphasis on prevention, continuity, and patient-physician communication.
One of the most significant benefits is time. With smaller patient panels, physicians can spend more time during each visit, allowing for more thorough evaluations and meaningful discussions. This is particularly important for patients managing chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or thyroid disorders, where consistent monitoring and adjustment are essential.
Improved access to care also plays a key role. Many direct primary care practices offer same-day or next-day appointments, along with direct communication through phone, text, or email. This level of access allows patients to address concerns early, often preventing minor issues from progressing into more serious conditions that require urgent or emergency care.
Research supports this approach. A study published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine found that patients in direct primary care models had fewer emergency department visits and hospitalizations compared to those in traditional insurance-based systems (Eskew & Klink, 2022).
Another important benefit is care continuity. Seeing the same physician over time allows for a deeper understanding of a patient’s medical history, lifestyle, and long-term health goals. This continuity can lead to more accurate diagnoses, better treatment adherence, and improved overall outcomes.
Financial transparency is also a defining feature. Rather than navigating copays, deductibles, and unexpected bills, patients pay a consistent monthly fee for routine care. This structure can make it easier to plan for healthcare expenses while reducing administrative complexity.
In practices such as Pearl Primary Care in Colorado Springs, this model allows physicians like Dr. Rachael Degurse, MD to focus on proactive, relationship-based care. Instead of reacting to illness alone, the emphasis shifts toward long-term health optimization and patient education.
To learn more about how this works in practice, visit our primary care FAQ for answers to common questions.
Is Direct Primary Care Right for You?
Direct primary care is best suited for individuals who value consistent access to their physician and a more personalized approach to healthcare. Rather than brief, transactional visits, this model supports ongoing collaboration between patient and doctor.
It may be a good fit for:
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Adults managing chronic conditions that require regular monitoring and follow-up
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Individuals or couples focused on preventive care and long-term health planning
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Self-employed patients or those with high-deductible insurance plans
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Anyone seeking a more transparent and simplified primary care experience
At the same time, direct primary care is not a replacement for major medical insurance. It is designed to cover routine and preventive care, while insurance remains important for hospitalizations, emergencies, and specialty services.
For this reason, many patients choose to pair a direct primary care membership with a high-deductible or catastrophic insurance plan. This combination can provide strong day-to-day access to care while maintaining financial protection for unexpected medical events.
In Colorado Springs, practices such as Pearl Primary Care reflect this model by focusing on accessibility, continuity, and a more thoughtful pace of care. Physicians like Dr. Rachael Degurse emphasize a relationship-driven approach, where patients have the time and support needed to make informed decisions about their health.
The Bottom Line: What Is Direct Primary Care?
Direct primary care is a membership-based approach to healthcare that prioritizes access, continuity, and a stronger physician-patient relationship. By removing insurance from routine care, this model allows for longer appointments, more direct communication, and a greater focus on prevention and long-term health outcomes.
For patients seeking a more consistent and personalized healthcare experience, direct primary care offers a practical alternative to traditional insurance-based systems. As awareness continues to grow, more individuals are exploring this model as a way to simplify care while maintaining a higher level of engagement with their physician.
In Colorado Springs, practices such as Pearl Primary Care reflect this approach by emphasizing thoughtful, relationship-driven care. Under the guidance of Dr. Rachael Degurse, MD, patients benefit from a model that prioritizes time, accessibility, and clinical insight. The result is a more comprehensive understanding of each patient’s health and a more proactive approach to care.
If you are considering whether this model is the right fit for you, the best next step is a brief conversation.
Schedule a 15-minute Meet & Greet with Dr. Rachael Degurse:
Book your Meet & Greet here
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References
Bashshur, R. L., Howell, J. D., Krupinski, E. A., Harms, K. M., Bashshur, N., & Doarn, C. R. (2016). The Empirical Foundations of Telemedicine Interventions in Primary Care. Telemedicine journal and e-health : the official journal of the American Telemedicine Association, 22(5), 342–375. https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2016.0045
Eskew, P. M., & Klink, K. (2015). Direct Primary Care: Practice Distribution and Cost Across the Nation. Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine : JABFM, 28(6), 793–801. https://doi.org/10.3122/jabfm.2015.06.140337