What Direct Primary Care (DPC) Is and Some Ways to Think About It!
And Why It Might Be the Best Way You’ve Never Heard of to Get Great Healthcare
Imagine having a doctor who actually has time for you. Who doesn’t rush you. Who texts back. Who knows your name, your story, & your preferences for different treatment modalities.
Now imagine all of that without needing insurance, copays, or the “call a call center to make an appointment” game. Better yet, no long waits to see your doctor when an issue arises.
That’s Direct Primary Care, or DPC. And it’s the primary model we use here at Northwest DPC in Spokane.
Let’s break it down — simply, personally, and with the transparency you deserve.
So What Is Direct Primary Care?
Direct Primary Care is a monthly membership — think of it like the gym, Netflix, or how many dentists may offer billing.
You pay a flat monthly fee — in our case, $110/month — and in return, you get:
Unlimited visits (in-person or message)
Frequently Same-day or next-day appointments
Extended time with your doctor
Acute management (infections, rashes, new pain, etc.)
Chronic disease management (blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid, etc.)
Preventive care, mental health support, and more
Discounts on labs, procedures, and injections
And zero insurance interference
In fact, because we don't use insurance, we don't report to insurance unless there is something we recommend that you want covered.
Let’s Be Real: Why Does This Matter? Why Shouldn't I Use The Usual System?
Because for most people, the traditional model is broken. You wait 3 weeks for a 12-minute visit. You may or may not leave with your questions answered. Then you get a bill in the mail for $373.12 and no one can explain why.
What is worse? Many of those visits could’ve been solved over a quick message, but your doctor is too overloaded to respond — because if they responded personally to all 1500-2500 patients of theirs, they wouldn't have time to do anything else.
DPC Flips That On Its Head
We strip away the middlemen. You and I work directly together, on your terms, with full price transparency and access.
No copays. No deductibles. No surprise billing. Just care.
What About Cost? Will This Actually Save Me Money?
Yes — especially if you have a high-deductible plan or no insurance at all. Many patients on a higher deductible plan will break even at 2-3 visits over the course of the year!
If you have a high-deductible plan with a lower monthly premium and an HSA attached.
Some individuals may purposefully change to an insurance with an HSA, which may open up the same amount of money as the cost of having Direct Primary Care. But with an HSA, you have a route of investing pre-tax dollars into mutual funds or ETFs that can be later spent on health care expenses, including Direct Primary Care services starting in January 2026. In fact, HSA funds are the only way to give you three tax advantages on your money. An HSA is like a supercharged IRA, but for your health.
In other words:
Let an HSA build wealth
Let your DPC protect your health
Still Curious If Direct Primary Care Is Right for You?
Direct Primary Care isn’t for everyone — but if you’re looking for a doctor who knows your name, transparent pricing, and care that’s built around you, it might be the best decision you make for your health (and your wallet).
Whether you're managing chronic conditions, tired of urgent care roulette, or just want more from your healthcare experience — we're here to offer something different.
🟦 [Take the 2-Minute Quiz →] See if DPC fits your needs.
🟦 [Join the Waitlist →] Be one of the first 100 members to join the DPC and get a discount on your first year.
Check out other blog posts and our pages on DPC and Headache for more information!
Still have questions? Please Contact Us — we’re happy to talk, no pressure.
