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Debunking Myths about Direct Primary Care Membership

Direct primary care (DPC) is relatively new to the healthcare scene, so there are indeed misconceptions and myths about the model that are widely believed. But don’t believe everything you hear. To help you get to the bottom of what’s true about DPC membership and what’s totally off the wall, we’ve put together a list of myths and the truth behind them. 

Myth 1: It’s too good to be true. There must be hidden costs somewhere.

Nope, it really is that good. The financial structure of a DPC enables independent physicians to provide quality care for their patients at a reduced cost. There are no copays or per-visit costs, so there is less involved in the practice’s administrative costs. Also, most DPC offices don’t take insurance, so there isn’t the burden of billing and waiting for approval and reimbursement. The patient’s membership fees cover all basic services and many additional lab tests and procedures.

Myth 2: The physician won’t be available to the patient as much as in traditional medicine.

Actually, the opposite is true in most cases. The fact is, independent physicians in a DPC model practice usually spend much more time with each patient because they take fewer of them. Communication is enhanced during longer patient visits and in follow-ups. Plus, patients are encouraged to contact their provider with questions and concerns in-between visits using methods such as telehealth.

Myth 3: It’s not a real form of healthcare.

We assure you this is not true, but nonetheless, the rumor is out there! Some believe that DPC is not a legitimate method of receiving healthcare, but in reality, DPC doctors can not only diagnose patients with ailments but also monitor conditions and provide treatment just as well as providers in traditional practices. 

Myth 4: I don’t have access to tests and procedures.

While there are certain emergency and specialized services we do not offer, most DPC offices offer way more than you may think. From dermatology to gynecology, a DPC provider can be relied on for almost everything you need, including many procedures and tests that patients of traditional primary care practices would have to receive at an alternate facility. 

Myth 5: Every DPC is the same.

It’s very important to know that no two DPC practices are exactly alike. Vendors, location, delivery, scope of care and pricing are components that will vary from one DPC office to the next. The key is to find the right doctor, one who focuses on the patient relationship and care needed for each patient. The success of the DPC office and the impact it has all starts with finding a great doctor.

Myth 6: DPC is an add-on cost to health insurance.

This is only partially true. DPC provides services apart from insurance or traditional medicine. It replaces the insurance-based model with patient-centric care through a fixed membership fee. DPC offers a long-term investment that focuses on prevention and not just medical care of clients after a diagnosis is made. 

DPC is not insurance coverage; at EBO MD, we encourage patients to maintain some level of health insurance to help cover the costs of medical care that they may have to receive from medical providers or facilities outside of our practice. This will help cover costs associated with, but not limited to, prescription medications, labs, imaging (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, etc.), specialist consultations, hospitalizations, and surgeries. If you have questions about how your existing insurance policy will work with direct primary care, contact your insurance provider.


Did we clear up some confusion about direct primary care membership? When considering your healthcare options, we hope a DPC membership with EBO MD is on your shortlist. If you have more questions about this new model of healthcare, please contact us today.

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