More and more Colorado doctors are making a bold move—leaving behind the headaches of traditional healthcare to embrace Direct Primary Care (DPC).
Imagine a system where doctors focus on patients, not paperwork, and you get personalized care without surprise bills or rushed visits.
That’s exactly what DPC offers.
By paying a simple monthly or annual fee, patients gain unlimited access to primary care services, and doctors regain the freedom to practice medicine the way they always wanted.
In this post, we will explain why so many physicians are choosing DPC and how it’s changing healthcare in Colorado.
Colorado’s Shift to Direct Primary Care
Colorado has become a national leader in Direct Primary Care (DPC).
The state hosts nearly 10% of all DPC clinics in the United States, despite comprising only 2% of the country’s population.
According to reporting from the Denver Post, Colorado now has at least 90 direct primary care practices serving more than 63,000 patients. That represents more than a 256% increase since 2018 which is 256% more patients than in 2018.
This significant growth reflects a shift away from the traditional fee-for-service model, which often burdens physicians with extensive administrative tasks and high overhead costs.
In the conventional system, doctors frequently spend considerable time on paperwork and managing insurance claims, leaving less time for patient care.
To counter these challenges, many Colorado physicians are transitioning to the more streamlined and efficient DPC mode.
Why Colorado Doctors are Switching to Direct Primary Care
1. More time with patients
The DPC model allows more face time with patients.
In a traditional fee-for-service model, doctors must see a large number of patients in a short amount of time in order to be financially successful.
With traditional practices, each primary care physician must typically maintain a load of more than 2000 to 2500 patients in order to justify a full-time doctor’s salary.
This can lead to rushed visits and less time for building strong relationships with patients. This not only causes doctors a great deal of stress, frustration, and burnout; it also forces doctors to compromise on patient care.
Patients themselves are also frustrated at the traditional fee-for-service approach, because it results in “surprise” billing issues. They don’t feel they have the time for more than a cursory appointment with their doctors.
In contrast, Colorado direct primary care doctors have the freedom to spend as much time as necessary with each patient. They can take the time to get to the bottom of what’s causing their medical issues.
Instead of cramming in 20 to 30 patients per day, a DPC practitioner may only see 8 to 12 patients. That translates to much longer average appointment times.
The extra time Colorado physicians can spend face-to-face with their doctors can result in more personalized care, more rewarding doctor/patient relationships, and better health outcomes.
2. Financial stability for Colorado doctors
The DPC model offers Colorado doctors a reliable income they can count on.
Instead of worrying about fluctuating patient visits or unpredictable insurance reimbursements, DPC practices benefit from steady monthly or annual fees paid directly by patients.
This consistent cash flow helps doctors feel more secure about their finances. This makes it easier to plan for things like hiring staff, upgrading equipment, or expanding their services. It also cushions them from seasonal slowdowns or unexpected changes in the healthcare landscape.
For many Colorado doctors, the financial stability of DPC is a pathway to building a more resilient and sustainable practice.
3. Increased job satisfaction
Many primary care doctors in Colorado feel exhausted and frustrated with the pressures of traditional healthcare.
Long hours, overwhelming patient loads, and endless administrative tasks often leave little room for meaningful patient interactions.
Switching to the DPC model has given these physicians a fresh perspective on their work. With fewer patients and more time for each visit, they can build stronger relationships and focus on delivering personalized, high-quality care.
For many, this renewed focus on patient well-being brings a deeper sense of fulfillment and reminds them why they became doctors in the first place.
DPC allows doctors to practice medicine on their own terms, with less burnout and more opportunities to connect with patients. This balance improves their professional satisfaction and improves the overall care experience for their patients.
4. Greater autonomy
DPC gives Colorado doctors the freedom to run their practices their way.
Unlike the fee-for-service model, where insurance companies and healthcare organizations set quotas or enforce rigid protocols, DPC puts decision-making back in the hands of the physician.
This model allows doctors to focus on what’s best for their patients without interference from outside parties.
They can tailor care to each individual’s needs, choose their own schedules, and prioritize quality over quantity. For many doctors, this level of autonomy allows them to practice medicine in a way that aligns with their values and expertise.
With DPC, doctors regain control of their practice, creating a more rewarding and personalized experience for both themselves and their patients.
5. Lower administrative burden
Finally, DPC can help reduce the administrative burden that physicians face.
In a fee-for-service model, doctors may spend a significant amount of time dealing with insurance companies, filling out paperwork, and navigating complex billing systems.
DPC eliminates much of this bureaucracy, allowing doctors to focus more on patient care and less on administrative tasks.
The growth of direct primary care is a welcome development. It’s more cost-effective, efficient, and leads to better patient outcomes than the traditional model which leads to burnt-out doctors and frustrated patients.
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COLORADO HEALTH INSURANCE
DPC Limitations
First, direct primary care plans don’t provide any protection against the potentially catastrophic costs of hospitalizations, surgeries, ER visits, and critical illnesses. These types of costs can be financially devastating for many families.
Instead, DPC plans focus on low-cost but high-frequency needs such as checkups, immunizations, well baby visits, well woman visits, and routine medical care.
For this reason, DPC plans should not be used alone. They are not a substitute for a good traditional health insurance or healthsharing plan.
Advantages for Patients
Direct primary care often allows patients the ability to choose a higher deductible health plan with lower premiums.
DPC plans also simplify billing for patients.
Typically, traditional insurance plans require a complicated set of deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. These out-of-pocket costs are difficult to keep track of. They also cause people to put off needed care and screenings because of cost.
DPC plans replace this convoluted array of charges with one low monthly fee for an unlimited number of visits. The flat monthly subscription arrangement is beneficial for both doctors and patients.
The Future of Healthcare: Why DPC is Leading the Way in Colorado
This patient-centered model is reshaping how care is delivered, providing a more personal and fulfilling experience for both doctors and their patients.
If you’re exploring healthcare options, consider combining a Direct Primary Care plan with a health share plan. Pairing it with the right insurance can increase savings and provide peace of mind.
Choosing a plan that aligns with your values and needs doesn’t have to be complicated. Reach out to a Personal Benefits Manager to explore health share plans or insurance options that fit your lifestyle.
For Further Reading:
Misty Berryman is a Personal Benefits Manager at ColoHealth. Her aim is to help you make smart and informed healthcare coverage decisions that will fit your needs and budget. Read more about Misty on her Bio page.
