What is the difference between Direct Primary care and Concierge Medicine?

We think it is like comparing a BMW to a Bugatti!

Direct Primary Care – We are the BMW. A great quality car that is comfortable, performs well, lasts a long time, and is dependable, and while the cost may seem “extra”, it is easy to find the value!

Concierge Medicine – Well, they are the Bugatti! Fast, doesn’t fit everyone, expensive to repair, and comes with a very lavish price tag.

Direct Primary Care is a movement to bring top quality, affordable healthcare to you! Oregon Health Direct Primary Care has decided that there should be NO barriers in your relationship with your doctor, and have taken a GIANT JUMP forward, bringing back the old ways of knowing your patient and having patients trusting their providers. The following will point out how Direct Primary Care differs from Concierge Medicine.

1. Cost! Direct Primary Care costs a fraction of the price of Concierge. Most DPC Practices charge a monthly membership fee, anywhere between $50 – $150. Dr. Yusuf Mathai has set his prices between $30 to $90 depending on age, and he also gives a discount for multiple family members or employees.Concierge Medicine Practices are costly. On average monthly fees are $130 – $160 a month, some are even exclusive and charge up to $25,000 a year. That’s over $2,000 a month! And while the patient is paying this monthly fee, the Practice is still charging their insurance…

This brings me to my next point.

2. Leave your insurance card in your car! Direct Primary Care does not work with insurance, period. You get all of your primary care needs for a reasonable monthly fee. While we do suggest you carry “catastrophic or high deductible” insurance for emergencies or surgery, we can do anything from routine yearly physicals to urgent care. Because we do not work with insurance we are able to keep our costs low, and our time free to be there for our patients. Then in turn you get undiluted attention from your medical team, and we pass the savings on to you!Concierge practices can do all this as well, but are getting paid upfront and in the back by insurance companies.
3. The DPC is accepted by The Affordable Care Act as an acceptable non-insurance option. Concierge Medicine is not.

So, to sum this up, while both practices cater to their patients in many of the same ways, Direct Primary Care is personable and affordable to anyone that may want to change the way they feel about healthcare and their provider. Concierge Medicine just simply is not.