With nearly a quarter of Americans reporting that they’ve faced delay or been denied coverage within the last two years, it seems insurance companies have been sticking their nose into doctors’ offices with the goal of profit over people. However, with Direct Primary Care (DPC), doctors are able to keep insurance out of the conversation entirely.
Although it’s been long reported that most Americans are satisfied with their health insurance, the assassination of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thomson in Dec. 2024 lacked sympathy from the general U.S. population. The grim reaction to Thomson’s death prompted the discussion of these delays and denials.
This raises the question: Should insurance companies be the ones to make decisions about patients health, or their doctors?
Direct Primary Care is a relatively new medical system being implemented by doctors all over South Carolina.
Direct primary care is a membership health care model where a set fee provides access to a broad range of primary care services. Patients have easy and unlimited access to primary care.
– Prisma Health
“You can watch as many shows as you want or no shows. So you can come to the office as often as you need and there is no barrier (Fox Carolina),” McCarthy said.
The DPC model rids doctor’s offices of many of the administrative and financial roadblocks related to insurance. With this model, patients pay monthly, or annual fees directly to their physicians. Depending on the program, these fees can give patients access to unlimited doctor’s visits, routine exams, urgent care, and more. There is no overhead inflation.
Some business are even offering DPC programs for their employees rather than insurance. According to John Trone, Hub City’s Vice President of Human Resources, Hub City Hospitality in Spartanburg, are covering 50% of the DPC fee; employees are left to cover just $28 a month.
While the DPC is a new approach to solving issues around health insurance, it might not be the right choice for everyone. It is important to consider your own individual health needs, and choose a plan that will cover your costs the most.