Health insurance is one of the biggest costs that Americans face. However, there are plenty of options for keeping health care costs low and making sure that you stay healthy in all areas of your life.
Direct Primary Care (DPC) is leading the charge here, offering a great option for people who want personalized, easy-to-access healthcare that won’t break the bank.
With clear pricing and predictable costs, DPC not only helps with financial concerns but also encourages proactive health management through direct access to primary care physicians.
Direct Primary Care is a membership model in which you pay a modest monthly fee to have all your primary doctor care covered—no matter how many times you go to see the doctor. You can find memberships that fit your health needs and lifestyle for as little as $100 a month.
Colorado – The Leader in Direct Primary Care
Colorado leads the country in DPC—it has almost 10% of all the Direct Primary Care clinics in the United States, even though Colorado has only 2% of the country’s population!
Colorado DPC leaders noticed the need for a new healthcare model because many people in Colorado were having difficulty accessing affordable healthcare. They now work to make this healthcare model sustainable for both providers and patients.
Practitioners providing DPC in Colorado are able to spend more time with their patients. They understand the value of having a relationship with their patients and place great importance on getting to know them. They focus on preventative care and finding the root of the issue, not simply prescribing medication to relieve symptoms.
DPC physicians see fewer patients in a day which allows them to provide more thorough care. This has led to greater job satisfaction and better patient care. Many practitioners who used to serve the community through a primary care model have moved over to a DPC clinic.
They know that not everyone can afford a subscription-based healthcare plan, so a good portion of providers also offer charity services in conjunction with their DPC panel. They may also run a parallel practice that also accepts insurance while still providing the same level of care that they give to their DPC clients.
Why Colorado Citizens Choose Direct Primary Care
Citizens of Colorado value their health. They also know that their budget is important and they have to make their money go further.
Choosing DPC means that all your traditional healthcare needs are covered. Because you have already paid your monthly membership, you don’t have to worry about being able to afford an appointment when you need one.
Many Colorado citizens felt that accessing healthcare was a struggle. The offices covered by their insurance plans were far away, didn’t offer appointments that worked for them, or the wait times to see their desired doctor were too long.
DPC appointments are much more flexible, allowing patients to be seen when it’s convenient for them. Since DPC providers see fewer patients, getting in with your preferred doctor is much easier.
Subscribing to Colorado Direct Primary Care means you aren’t forced into a healthcare plan that doesn’t fit your needs or lifestyle.
Benefits of Direct Primary Care
- Direct access to your preferred doctor: Immediate access to your primary care physician via in-person visits, telemedicine, and direct communication channels like text and email. Skip the wait times and bureaucratic hurdles often associated with traditional healthcare models.
- Affordability: Transparent, predictable monthly fees. Reduced out-of-pocket costs for routine visits and services due to inclusive membership benefits.
- Personalized care: Extended, unhurried appointments, averaging 30-60 minutes, allow for thorough discussions of health concerns and personalized treatment plans. Comprehensive wellness plans are tailored to individual health goals and needs.
- Accessibility and convenience: Same-day or next-day appointments minimize wait times and ensure timely access to healthcare. Patients with mobility issues or time constraints can benefit from the option of having a house call (based on provider availability).
- Comprehensive healthcare services: Coordinating care and referring to specialists as needed ensures continuity and comprehensive management of health conditions.
- Patient-centered approach: Focus on building long-term relationships between patients and providers, fostering trust and continuity of care. Empowerment of patients through education and shared decision-making in healthcare planning and management.
- Better provider-patient relationship: Increased physician availability and responsiveness promote better communication and understanding of patient needs. The result is higher patient satisfaction rates and improved health outcomes resulting from individualized, compassionate care.
DPC in Colorado State – Specifics You Need to Know
DPC is a subscription service that goes above and beyond traditional health insurance.
Although both options (DPC and traditional primary care) provide coverage for normally covered services and appointments, DPC providers practice a more patient-centered model and can offer more comprehensive and personalized care. For example, DPC appointments can last up to an hour, while traditional office visits covered by basic health care are generally only 10-15 minutes.
There are approximately 63,000 Colorado residents subscribed to a DPC, while a little over 3.2 million use traditional primary care. Each DPC provider typically has 600-800 patients in their panel, while primary care docs often see upwards of 2,000.
Colorado residents enrolled in a DPC typically pay less than $100 per month for healthcare, whereas traditional health insurance comes with much higher monthly prices, and usually with high copays for every single doctor visit.
Keep in mind that traditional health insurance or a health share plan is still necessary in the event of hospitalization or the need for emergency room services. However, since your regular doctor visits and checkups will already be covered, you can choose a health share plan that doesn’t include those types of expenses, which helps keep your costs down.
Many people choose a health sharing plan in addition to their DPC coverage. This guarantees coverage for regular visits and emergency room visits, which could cost thousands of dollars if they aren’t insured.
Here’s how it works:
- Choose your Colorado Direct Primary Care membership.
- Wait for your membership to become active and then enroll in a DPC-friendly health sharing plan such as DPC Direct.
- Use your DPC coverage for day-to-day and traditional office visits and your health sharing plan for unexpected ER trips.
Once you enroll in a program such as DPC Direct, you will be able to benefit from the program’s offerings, such as:
- Cost-sharing for non-traditional medical bills
- Access to 24/7 telemedicine visits for a few extra dollars a month
- The choice to participate in the Rx Share prescription program for affordable generic prescriptions
Why Combine DPC with Health Sharing Plans?
As individuals seek more control over their healthcare costs and options, combining a DPC with a health sharing plan offers a compelling solution.
Some benefits include:
- Cost savings: DPC memberships are renowned for their affordability. They provide high-quality primary care at a fixed fee. Combining them with a health sharing plan can further decrease healthcare expenses, as health sharing plans often come at a fraction of the cost of traditional insurance premiums.
- Comprehensive care: DPC provides comprehensive primary care services, while health sharing plans can cover a wide range of healthcare needs, including hospitalization and specialist care. Together, they offer a well-rounded healthcare solution.
- Flexibility: Health sharing plans offer broader provider networks, providing more flexibility in choosing healthcare providers, including specialists. This allows individuals to enjoy the personalized care of DPC while still having access to a variety of medical professionals.
- Shared values: Both DPC and health sharing plans emphasize patient-centered care, transparency in healthcare costs, and empowering individuals to take charge of their health decisions. Combining these models aligns with the values of cost-effectiveness, comprehensive care, and patient choice.
Finding a Colorado DPC Doctor
Finding a clinic that provides DPC in Colorado is easy!
You can use the map on this page to find one near you. Most clinics are easily accessed from the Front Range cities, such as Boulder, Fort Collins, and Denver. However, clinics also reach far to the northeast of Colorado into Sterling and west into Grand Junction.
Set Yourself Up Today
Set yourself up with affordable, personalized healthcare that prioritizes your well-being with Direct Primary Care (DPC) today.
The first step is to simply set up an appointment to learn all your options. You can also click here to learn more about DPC Direct and how it can help you. There is also a Direct Primary Care Coalition that goes more into detail about DPCs.
When you choose DPC, you gain access to comprehensive primary care services, predictable costs, and direct communication with your physician—all without the complexities of traditional insurance.
Take control of your healthcare and enjoy peace of mind knowing that DPC covers your needs. Explore your options and discover how DPC can simplify and improve your healthcare experience.
For Further Reading: Can I Use an HSA With a Health Sharing Plan in Colorado? | What is a Direct Primary Care Physician? | Colorado Direct Primary Care – 2024 Guide | The Ten Best DPC Practices in Colorado
Colorado Direct Primary Care Directory
FAQs
How does Direct Primary Care save money?
Direct Primary Care saves money by eliminating the overhead costs associated with billing and administrative tasks for insurance.
What services are typically included in Direct Primary Care?
Direct Primary Care usually includes comprehensive primary care, such as routine check-ups, management of chronic conditions, vaccinations, basic laboratory services, and minor procedures. Some practices may also offer telemedicine consultations and access to discounted medications and labs.
Is Direct Primary Care a replacement for health insurance?
Direct Primary Care is not health insurance and should not be considered a replacement for traditional health insurance. DPC focuses on providing primary care services directly to patients for a monthly fee. At the same time, health insurance typically covers a broader range of medical expenses, including specialist care, hospitalizations, and emergencies.
How much does Direct Primary Care cost?
The cost of Direct Primary Care varies depending on the practice and location, but it typically ranges from $50 to $150 per month for adults. Some practices offer family plans or discounts for children. Patients should inquire about what services are included in the membership fee to understand the overall value.
Christine Corsini is a health insurance and medical cost sharing expert, and a Personal Benefits Manager at ColoHealth. Her goal is to help people embrace life’s amazing possibilities by staying healthy, saving money, and making the best decisions when it comes to healthcare.
