Here are some common misconceptions about going the direct care route (I’ve also written EMRs are Just Billing Machines, Health Insurance is a Scam, and Why Trainees Should Consider Making Waves, for reference):
- It is only for those who are wealthy.
Definitely not true.
In fact, most panels that direct care physicians have are not wealthy.
There are a whole host of patients who are not served well by the insurance system: those without insurance, and those with high deductibles.
Direct care is often the most economic option for them, and costs significantly LESS than getting care in system.
- It will never work in my area.
Also not true.
There are successful direct primary care (DPC) clinics in every state.
Rich areas, poor areas etc.
Physicians most damaged by the current status quo (health insurance based care) are the ones that seem to defend it the most.
“There are successful direct primary care (DPC) clinics in every state. Rich areas, poor areas etc.”
- It can’t work for specialty care or for surgeries.
It certainly does work for specialty care and for surgeries.
There are many employers who are self funded who incentivize their patients to go the cash route for surgery.
There are also many with large deductibles who find that a cash based surgery is less expensive than what they would pay normally for smaller things.
While not as developed as primary care, there are new specialists coming into the fold all the time.
