What is Direct Primary Care?

If you’ve ever felt rushed through an appointment, waited weeks to be seen, or avoided care because of surprise bills, you’re not alone. The traditional insurance-based system often creates friction between patients and the care they actually need. Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a different approach—one that rebuilds primary care around a simple idea: a direct relationship between you and your medical provider.

At Mainely Primary Care in Kennebunk, ME, DPC is designed to make primary care feel accessible again, with straightforward pricing, easier access to your clinician, and a focus on prevention and long-term health rather than quick fixes.

Direct Primary Care Defined

Direct Primary Care is a primary care model in which patients pay a flat (usually monthly) membership fee, directly to the clinic for access to a defined set of primary care services. Instead of billing insurance for each visit, the practice operates outside the traditional fee-for-service insurance system for routine primary care.

Here’s a brief contrast with the traditional model.

Traditional model

• Monthly insurance premiums

• Copays and deductibles at visits

• Insurance billing for most services

Direct Primary Care model

• One predictable membership fee

• No per-visit billing for routine care

• A direct financial relationship between the patient and the clinic

DPC is not health insurance. It covers primary care. Many patients pair DPC with a high-deductible or catastrophic insurance plan for hospitalizations, surgery, and specialty care.

What a DPC Membership Typically Includes

Every DPC practice is a little different, but most memberships include many core services that patients use regularly:

• Office visits with no copay at the time of care

• Telehealth, phone, or secure messaging access

• Chronic disease management for ongoing conditions

• Preventive care planning and lifestyle guidance

• Basic in-office procedures, depending on the clinic

• Care coordination, including help with referrals and next steps

• Transparent cash pricing for certain labs or services when available

DPC clinics can dedicate more time to patient care, as eliminating insurance billing for routine services significantly reduces the administrative burden of paperwork.

Why People Choose Direct Primary Care

Predictable costs

One of the most common frustrations in healthcare is not knowing what something will cost until weeks later. DPC replaces most visit-based billing with a clear membership fee, making primary care expenses easier to plan and budget for.

Better access to care

DPC practices typically keep smaller patient panels. This allows providers to be more accessible, offer quicker appointments, and respond more efficiently when patients have questions or concerns.

More time and a preventive focus

Primary care works best when it’s proactive. DPC allows for:

• Longer, more meaningful visits

• Ongoing follow-up instead of rushed check-ins

• Earlier intervention before problems escalate

• Conversations about nutrition, stress, sleep, and lifestyle

Because care isn’t tied to billing codes for every issue discussed, providers can focus on the full picture of a patient’s health.

Less administrative friction

Insurance-driven care often involves prior authorizations, denials, and confusing explanations of benefits. DPC simplifies much of that process, making healthcare easier to navigate for both patients and clinicians.

Who Benefits Most From Direct Primary Care?

DPC works well for many people, but certain groups tend to see especially strong benefits.

People who want accessible primary care

DPC is a good fit for individuals and familieslooking for:

• Faster appointment availability

• Easier communication with their provider

• Fewer urgent care or emergency room visits for routine issues

This includes parents, busy professionals, and anyone tired of waiting weeks just to be seen.

People managing chronic conditions

Chronic conditions benefit from consistency and follow-up. DPC is well-suited for managing conditions such as:

• High blood pressure

• Diabetes and metabolic health concerns

• Asthma and COPD

• Thyroid disorders

• Anxiety, stress, and sleep issues

Regular access and continuity of care can make a meaningful difference in long-term outcomes.

People with high-deductible insurance plans

Many people have insurance but still avoid care because of high deductibles. Pairing DPC with a high-deductible plan allows patients to stay protected for major medical events while still having affordable access to everyday primary care.

Small business owners and employers

DPC is increasingly used as an employee benefit. Employers appreciate:

• Predictable costs

• Improved employee access to care

• Reduced absenteeism from unmanaged health issues

This trend is helping DPC gain traction beyond individual patients and families.

Direct Primary Care Is Becoming More Mainstream. Are You Ready to Join?

Direct Primary Care (DPC) is gaining wider acceptance and is no longer viewed as a marginal concept, due to several factors:

Employers are seeking better value

As healthcare costs continue to rise, employers are exploring models that improve access to care while controlling long-term expenses. DPC’s emphasis on early intervention and prevention makes it appealing in this context.

Growing recognition from medical organizations

Professional medical organizations now formally recognize DPC as a legitimate practice and payment model. This acknowledgment has helped normalize DPC within the broader healthcare landscape.

Changes to HSA rules in 2026

One of the biggest developments for DPC is a change to Health Savings Account rules. Beginning in 2026, many individuals enrolled in qualifying Direct Primary Care arrangements may be able to:

• Contribute to an HSA while enrolled in DPC

• Use HSA funds to pay DPC membership fees

This change removes a long-standing barrier for people who wanted both the tax advantages of an HSA and the accessibility of DPC. As always, individual situations vary, and it’s wise to consult a tax professional.

DPC vs. Concierge Medicine

Direct Primary Care is sometimes confused with concierge medicine; however, the two models are not the same.

Key differences often include:

• Cost structure: DPC memberships are generally more affordable and designed for broader access

• Insurance billing: DPC typically does not bill insurance for routine primary care, while concierge practices often do

• Philosophy: DPC focuses on simplifying care and making primary care widely accessible

In short, DPC is a membership-based primary care model built to serve everyday patients, not just a small, high-end population.

What To Look For In A Direct Primary Care Clinic

If you’re considering DPC, it helps to ask a few practical questions:

• What services are included in the membership?

• How does the clinic handle labs, imaging, and medications?

• What access options are available outside of standard office visits?

• How are referrals and specialist coordination managed?

• Does the clinic emphasize prevention, education, and long-term health planning?

Clarity and transparency are core strengths of a well-run DPC practice.

Learn more about Direct Primary Care at Mainely Primary Care in Kennebunk

Direct Primary Care restores what primary care was always meant to be: a trusted relationship, easy access, clear pricing, and a focus on keeping you well over time.

If you live in or near Kennebunk and want to explore whether DPC is right for you or your family, contact Mainely Primary Care to learn how their membership works, what’s included, and how to get started.