By Direct Primary Care Directory Editorial Team
Published August 20, 2026 · Updated August 20, 2026
Educational information only. This is not medical, legal, insurance, tax, or professional advice.
The central difference
Direct primary care generally uses a recurring membership fee for a defined set of primary-care services and commonly does not bill insurance for those services. Concierge practices may charge a membership fee and also bill insurance. Individual practices can structure and label their models differently.
Questions to ask
Ask whether the practice bills insurance, what the membership includes, which services cost extra, how after-hours access works, whether routine procedures are included, and whether the model serves individuals, families, employers, or a narrower population.
Compare facts, not labels
Review the actual agreement, prices, renewal terms, physician credentials, availability, insurance approach, and clinical scope. A directory classification describes reported business practices; it is not a legal, clinical, or quality determination.
Continue comparing
Search DPC practices, review the objective comparison fields, or read the professional advice disclaimer.
Editorial standards
This guide uses general educational information and objective comparison questions. Practice terms change. Confirm all facts directly with the practice and seek appropriately qualified professional advice for medical, legal, insurance, tax, benefits, or financial decisions.