Everything You Need to Know About Direct Primary Care

March 21, 2025

Ever thought about paying to get basic healthcare the same way you pay for your Netflix

subscription?


It might sound unconventional, but that's a little bit of how Direct Primary Care (DPC) works. It is concierge medicine, without the hefty price tag and the need for insurance. 

The core of DPC is its affordability: making primary care services accessible to virtually everyone.


But there’s more to it than just that. This guide discusses everything you need to know about how direct primary care could change your relationships with healthcare for good.


What is Direct Primary Care and How Does It Work?


Picture this: You finally get a checkup for that stubborn cough you’ve been dealing with for the past month.


After sitting in the waiting room for almost an hour, the physician sees you for barely two minutes, gives a quick diagnosis, hands you a prescription, and leaves you with more questions than answers. 


Days later, a bill arrives—it's nearly $1,000. You're stunned, wondering if there's anything you can even do about it. 


Unfortunately, experiences like this are all too common in the U.S., where people regularly skip medical visits out of fear of exorbitant healthcare bills.


Direct Primary Care (DPC) flips this frustrating script entirely. Instead of worrying about surprise charges or rushed appointments, you pay a straightforward, affordable monthly membership fee directly to your healthcare provider.


Think of it as having a healthcare provider on retainer: you pay even during months when you don't visit, but when you do need care, there’s no hesitation or additional cost holding you back.


With DPC, you can get an appointment the same or next-day and you'll meet directly with your healthcare provider who gives you ample time and attention.  DPC providers usually spend significantly longer with patients and with appointments lasting 30 to 60 minutes (or more) you have plenty of time to discuss concerns, review test results, or even just focus on preventive care.


Why Direct Primary Care is Worth It


Here are some key reasons why people often find value in the DPC model:


  • Predictable costs: DPC offers a straightforward monthly membership fee with transparent pricing. Patients know exactly what they're paying each month without surprise bills or hidden charges

  • Convenience and accessibility:  DPC prioritizes ease of access to healthcare providers. Patients typically enjoy direct communication with their providers through SMS messaging, in-clinic visits, video consultations, telehealth, or even house calls.

  • More time and attention: DPC providers usually have fewer patients, which gives them more time per patient per consultation. Visits last often 45 minutes to an hour.

  • Focus on proactive and preventive care: The convenience and accessibility of DPC encourage patients to be proactive about their health. Regular preventive care, timely screenings, and early interventions are more feasible when patients can easily communicate concerns without worrying about costs or availability.

  • Reduced stress and anxiety about getting care: With easy access to medical services patients often feel less stress when addressing health concerns. People no longer need to delay care due to financial concerns or lengthy processes.

  • Stronger patient-provider relationships: DPC providers take on only a small volume of patients, which means they can better understand each patient’s unique needs, history, and lifestyle, and tailor better healthcare as a result.


  • Unlimited visits:  With our monthly membership, you get unlimited visits with no co-pays—whether you prefer in-person appointments, telehealth consultations, or direct communication via email and text. This means you can reach out to your provider as often as needed, without worrying about extra costs or hidden fees. Your care should be convenient, accessible, and built around your needs.


  • Discounts on lab testing, imaging, and medication: Beyond the low-cost membership fee, DPC also helps you save on essential healthcare expenses. We offer discounts on lab test, imaging services, and prescriptions, making high-quality care more affordable and accessible.


Direct Primary Care may not fit every healthcare need or situation, but for those seeking simplicity, transparency, and personalized attention, it offers valuable benefits worth considering.


What are the Downsides of Direct Primary Care?


Direct Primary Care isn’t without its limitations. Before you jump in, here are some disadvantages worth keeping in mind:


  • No effect on deductibles:  Your DPC membership fees won't count toward your health insurance deductible. If you face significant healthcare expenses later, such as a hospital stay or specialist visits, you'll still have to meet your deductible separately.

  • You will still need your existing insurance: Direct Primary Care typically covers routine care, preventive screenings, and minor acute illnesses. However, it doesn't cover catastrophic events, specialized treatments, major surgeries, or extended hospital stays. To remain fully protected, you'll likely need additional insurance or medical cost-sharing for these more significant health concerns.

  • Membership fees may not qualify as expenses for HSAs (Health Savings Accounts):  This limitation means you can't use pre-tax dollars to fund your DPC membership fees. However, you’ll need to check with your provider to be sure, as some of them do consider membership fees as expenses.

  • Geographical limitations: DPC providers aren't equally available everywhere, and provider choice can sometimes be limited. If you're in an area with fewer DPC options, finding the right fit could be challenging.


Is Direct Primary Care Worth It If You Have Insurance?


Yes, insurance is still important for unexpected events, catastrophic illnesses, or significant hospital stays. DPC complements your existing coverage—including traditional health insurance or Medicare—by providing convenient, personalized primary care at a predictable monthly fee.


Insurance is still recommended, but many choose Direct Primary Care (DPC) because traditional healthcare costs can be overwhelming. While it may not be a perfect solution for everyone, it provides affordable, accessible care that ensures they get the attention they need without the financial strain.


You can choose DPC alongside your insurance to balance everyday healthcare with financial protection against major medical expenses.


How Direct Primary Care Works with Medicare


Let’s say you’re enrolled in Medicare and experience an unexpected injury (like a broken bone) that requires hospitalization. Your hospital stay, specialist consultations, and advanced diagnostic testing like MRIs or CT scans and treatments would be covered under your Medicare benefits.


But for routine care, preventive checkups, minor illnesses, or regular follow-ups (services that often involve primary care providers), you could supplement Medicare by enrolling in a DPC membership.


In short, your Medicare coverage continues to handle significant medical events and specialty care, while DPC membership supports your ongoing healthcare needs.


Can Medicaid Patients Use Direct Primary Care?


It varies by state. Typically, Medicaid policies like Colorado's prohibit providers from privately billing Medicaid patients for services already covered by Medicaid.


Since Medicaid rules differ significantly by state, it's best to contact your local social services agency or visit your state's official Medicaid website for accurate, state-specific information.


What’s the Average Monthly Cost of a Direct Primary Care Membership?


DPC memberships typically range between $50 and $100 per month for individual adults, though the cost can vary based on factors like location, provider, and specific services included. Some practices offer discounted family plans or tiered pricing based on age.


While fees can fluctuate depending on your region and the scope of care provided, most DPC memberships remain significantly more affordable than concierge medicine or traditional healthcare out-of-pocket costs. To illustrate, concierge medicine fees can cost anywhere from $150 to over $500 monthly, often in addition to regular insurance premiums.


Traditional healthcare, on the other hand, involves copays, deductibles, and hidden charges. A brief emergency room visit or appointment with a specialist can quickly escalate into thousands of dollars, especially if the patient hasn’t met their insurance deductible.


Do DPC Clinics Have Specialists?


Typically, no. However, most DPC providers maintain strong relationships with external specialists. If you require personalized care, your provider can help coordinate referrals and connect you with trusted specialists in their network. They may even assist in scheduling appointments or managing follow-ups.


What’s the Difference between Direct Primary Care and Concierge Medicine?


DPC and concierge medicine share similarities: both involve paying a membership fee directly to healthcare providers for personalized, accessible medical services. However, the main difference lies in affordability and insurance involvement.


Concierge practices typically charge premium fees, cater to wealthier clients, and often still bill insurance providers for services rendered.


In contrast, DPC aims to be accessible to a broader range of patients by offering lower monthly fees and typically does not bill insurance at all.


What’s the Difference between Direct Primary Care and Fee-for-Service?


In a fee-for-service arrangement, patients or their insurance plans pay separately for each healthcare service, procedure, or visit. It may lead to unpredictable and higher healthcare costs as patients face varying charges for each service.


This is different from the DPC model where a patient or a “member” pays a fixed, predictable monthly fee to the provider. This already grants them access to primary care services without additional charges per visit or procedure.


How Many Patients Does a DPC Provider Serve?


On average, a DPC provider may care for around 300 to 600 patients, while traditional practices often handle between 2,000 to 3,000 patients per physician. This reduced patient load allows DPC providers to spend substantially more time with each individual.


Experience a Different Kind of Healthcare


Direct Primary Care brings clarity, convenience, and personalized attention back into focus. While it may not eliminate the need for insurance, it can transform your everyday care experience by putting you in control.


Ready to experience a different kind of healthcare?Balanced Healthcare is a Direct Primary Care clinic servicing Denver Colorado. We offer accessible primary care without the complexities of insurance. With a simple monthly membership, you get direct access to your provider, longer appointment times, and a focus on preventative care.


Interested?Explore how to become a member of Balanced Healthcare today!

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Man and woman practicing deep breathing exercises to maintain their lungs healthy.

15 Tips to Keep Your Lungs Healthy

June 20, 2025
Key Takeaways Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke to reduce your risk of lung disease and cancer. Even quitting later in life brings health benefits. Protect your lungs from indoor and outdoor pollutants by improving air quality at home, avoiding poor air days, and using protective gear around irritants. Support your lungs through healthy habits like regular physical activity, a nutrient-rich diet, staying hydrated, and practicing deep breathing. Stay ahead with preventive care by getting vaccinated, testing for radon, keeping up with check-ups, and monitoring changes in your breathing. Limit indoor burning and manage stress to prevent lung irritation and maintain a calm, steady breathing pattern throughout your day. 15 Tips to Keep Your Lungs Healthy and Breathe Better Daily Most of us don’t think about our lungs until something feels off. But every breath you take depends on how well your lungs and the rest of your respiratory system are working. The challenge is that lung health often declines quietly—without obvious symptoms—until it becomes serious. Many adults who are active and health-conscious are still exposed to hidden risks like air pollution, allergens, and poor indoor air quality. In fact, the CDC reports that over 25 million Americans live with asthma or chronic lung conditions. On the bright side, there’s a lot you can still do, starting now. In this blog, you’ll find 15 simple, research-backed tips to help keep your lungs strong and breathing easy every day. 1. Breathe Easy by Quitting Smoking or Never Starting Smoking is one of the leading causes of lung disease. Cigarettes and vapes contain chemicals, many of which are toxic to your lungs. These include formaldehyde (used in embalming fluid), benzene (found in gasoline), ammonia (a household cleaner), and arsenic (a poison). Many of these chemicals damage the lining of your lungs and airways, causing inflammation and scarring. Over time, this can lead to chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or even lung cancer. Even if you’ve smoked for years, quitting now can still improve your lung function. Within a few days of quitting, your lungs begin to heal as your body clears out some of the toxins. If you’ve never smoked, that’s a good decision for your lungs. Avoiding nicotine from the start helps your respiratory system stay stronger for longer. 2. Avoid Secondhand Smoke and Pollution Secondhand smoke and air pollution can be just as harmful as smoking. Breathing in smoke, exhaust, or fine particles in the air can cause inflammation in your lungs. Over time, this may lead to asthma or other chronic breathing problems. Try to avoid spending time near people who smoke or in areas with poor air quality. Check your local air quality using resources like AirNow.gov . On days when air pollution is high, it's best to stay indoors and keep windows closed. If you have to be outside, try to stay away from busy roads and construction sites. 3. Create a Breathable Home with Better Indoor Air Quality You spend a lot of time indoors, and the air in your home matters. Dust, mold, cleaning chemicals, and smoke can make it harder for your lungs to work well. To keep indoor air clean, ventilate your space often by opening windows when the air outside is safe. Use a HEPA air purifier, especially if you have pets or allergies. Avoid using strong cleaning sprays or air fresheners. Choose unscented, natural products when possible. Also, don’t allow smoking inside your home. Simple steps like these can help lower your risk of breathing problems and support your lung health over time. 4. Eat a Healthy Diet Our lungs work differently depending on what we eat. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins gives your body the nutrients it needs to stay strong. Foods rich in antioxidants, like berries, leafy greens, and nuts can help reduce inflammation in the lungs. Some research suggests that a diet rich in vitamins C and E may support better lung function . Try to avoid processed foods and too much salt, which can cause water retention and make breathing harder. 5. Drink More Water Your lungs have a thin layer of mucus that helps trap germs and dust. Drinking water helps keep this layer thin, so your lungs can clean themselves more easily. When you're dehydrated, the mucus becomes thick and sticky. This can make it harder to breathe and easier for germs to grow. Staying well-hydrated supports healthy airways and can even help prevent infections like the common cold or flu. Aim for about 6 to 8 glasses of water each day. If you're active or live in a dry climate, you may need a bit more to stay hydrated. 6. Be Physically Active Exercise helps your lungs work better. When you move your body, your breathing gets faster. This gives your lungs a workout. Over time, your respiratory muscles get stronger, and your lungs become more efficient at moving oxygen through your body. Even simple activities like walking, biking, or swimming can make a difference. Aim for at least 30 minutes of movement on most days. If you’re new to exercise, talk to your healthcare provider to find what’s safe for you. 7. Keep Current with Preventive Care Respiratory infections like the flu, pneumonia, COVID-19, and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) can damage your lungs. RSV is a common virus that spreads through coughs, sneezes, or close contact. While many people recover with mild symptoms, RSV can cause serious lung infections, like bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways) and pneumonia, making it harder for the lungs to move air and oxygen properly. For many people, staying up to date on recommended vaccines is an effective way to help prevent serious respiratory infections. Vaccines help your body build immunity so you can fight off infections before they become serious. Flu shots are highly recommended every year, along with pneumonia vaccines for older adults or people with chronic conditions. Staying up to date on your vaccines helps reduce hospital visits, breathing trouble, and long-term lung damage. To find vaccine resources near you, visit Vaccines.gov , a tool provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Disclaimer: At Balanced Healthcare, we support evidence-based recommendations provided by the CDC while also honoring patient autonomy and individual choice. We encourage open conversations with your provider to determine what’s right for you. 8. Don’t Skip Regular Health Check-Ups Some lung conditions, like asthma or COPD(chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), can develop slowly and may not cause symptoms at first. Regular check-ups help identify these issues early, when they’re easier to treat and manage. During a visit, your provider may listen to your lungs, check your oxygen levels, and ask questions about your breathing patterns or any changes you’ve noticed. If traditional annual visits feel too expensive or difficult to schedule, you might consider more accessible care models like Direct Primary Care (DPC). In DPC, patients often pay a flat monthly fee for unlimited visits and better access to their provider. This kind of ongoing relationship makes it easier to track lung health over time and catch concerns before they become serious. 9. Practice Deep Breathing to Boost Lung Function Most people breathe without thinking about it, often taking quick, shallow breaths. Over time, this can limit how well the lungs expand and move air. According to Harvard Health , practicing slow, controlled breathing can help regulate the body’s stress response and improve overall function. Deep breathing gently stretches the lungs, improves airflow, and increases the amount of oxygen your body takes in. It also helps calm the nervous system, which can ease tension that makes breathing feel harder. Try this simple method: Breathe in through your nose for four seconds, hold for a count of four, then breathe out slowly through your mouth. Repeat a few times each day. Over time, deep breathing can support stronger, healthier lungs. 10. Keep Your Hands Clean to Prevent Infections Many lung infections start when viruses or bacteria enter your body through your hands. Keeping your hands clean is a simple but powerful way to lower your risk of respiratory illness. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in public places or touching your face. If soap isn’t available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Good hand hygiene helps reduce the likelihood of respiratory infections like the common cold and flu, all of which can make it harder to breathe or lead to serious lung problems. 11. Test for Radon to Make Your Home Safer Radon is a natural gas you can't see, smell, or taste, but long-term exposure can damage your lungs and increase your risk of lung cancer. It comes from the ground and can enter your home through cracks in floors or walls. In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., after smoking. Testing for radon is simple and inexpensive. You can buy radon test kits online or at most hardware stores. To use the kit, follow the instructions and mail it to the lab listed. If the results show high levels of radon, contact a certified mitigation specialist to reduce it. Keeping radon levels low helps safeguard your respiratory health over time. 12. Wear Protective Gear Around Dust or Fumes If you work in a place with dust, smoke, or chemicals, you may be breathing in things that can irritate or harm your lungs. This includes construction sites, cleaning jobs, or certain factory work. Repeated exposure over time can lead to chronic lung diseases like asthma or occupational lung conditions. Wearing the right protective gear, such as a mask or respirator can help limit what you breathe in. Make sure your equipment fits well and is designed for the job you're doing. At home, you can also wear a mask while cleaning or working with strong products. 13. Pay Attention to Changes in Your Breathing Your lungs often give you early signs when something is wrong. A cough that doesn’t go away, shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest tightness may all point to a problem. These signs could be caused by asthma, an infection, or even early-stage chronic lung disease. Don’t wait until symptoms get worse. Talk to your healthcare provider if you notice anything unusual. We encourage you to reach out to a healthcare provider as soon as something feels off, because early care makes a big difference. Listening to your body is an important part of staying well. 14. Avoid Burning Wood or Trash Indoors Burning wood, charcoal, or trash releases fine particles and gases that can harm your lungs. These pollutants irritate the airways and can worsen breathing conditions like asthma or COPD. Wood smoke contains many of the same toxic chemicals found in tobacco smoke, including carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These substances can damage lung tissue and increase the risk of chronic respiratory problems. To reduce exposure, use fireplaces and wood stoves that are properly ventilated and burn only clean, dry wood. Never burn trash, plastic, or treated wood indoors, as they release even more harmful toxins. Improving ventilation and using air filters can also help keep indoor air safer to breathe. 15. Support Lung Health by Managing Stress Your lungs and nervous system are closely connected. When you're stressed, your breathing becomes shallow and fast. This can reduce the amount of oxygen your body gets and make you feel more anxious. Over time, high stress levels may worsen symptoms in people with asthma or other lung conditions. Simple stress-reducing habits, like stretching, journaling, or going for a short walk can help support steady breathing and keep your lungs relaxed. Practicing calm, slow breathing each day can improve how your lungs and body respond to stress. Final Thoughts  Keeping your lungs healthy is about making consistent, everyday choices that protect and support your respiratory system. Avoiding smoke and pollutants, staying active, eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and practicing deep breathing all help your lungs function at their best. Regular check-ups and staying current with vaccines also lower your risk of serious illness and long-term damage. If you're ready to take action, start with just one change from this list and build from there. Small steps, like improving your indoor air or drinking more water can lead to real improvements in how you breathe and feel each day. Your lungs work for you every moment; it’s worth investing in habits that help them work well for life.
balanced healthcare staff during ribbon cutting ceremony for the clinic

Balanced Healthcare Celebrates Five Years of Affordable, Patient-Centered Care in Denver

June 5, 2025
Balanced Healthcare marks a major milestone this year—five years of redefining the way primary care is delivered in Denver. Founded by nationally certified Physician Associate Cora Mattie, the clinic continues to deliver on its mission to make healthcare simpler, more affordable, and centered around real relationships between patients and providers. Since opening its doors, Balanced Healthcare has helped patients avoid costly urgent care visits and long wait times through its Direct Primary Care (DPC) membership model. By removing the red tape of traditional insurance, members enjoy direct access to their provider through same-day or next-day appointments, virtual visits, and text communication—all for a transparent monthly fee. "I founded Balanced Healthcare to return medicine to its roots—patient-centered care,” said Mattie. “Five years later, that commitment hasn’t changed. We take the time to truly listen, empower patients to take control of their health, and provide transparent, insurance-free care that puts people first." Through its DPC model, Balanced Healthcare provides a full spectrum of primary care services , including wellness exams, chronic condition management, mental health support, women’s health, weight management, and minor procedures. Members benefit from longer appointment times, continuity of care, and a consistent relationship with their provider—something often missing in today’s fragmented healthcare system. Over the past five years, the clinic has grown its patient base while maintaining its commitment to personalized care. From individuals and families to employees of small businesses, Balanced Healthcare remains a trusted source for high-quality, transparent care across Colorado. As it looks ahead, Balanced Healthcare remains focused on expanding access to its model of care while staying true to its core values: simplicity, affordability, and genuine patient-provider connection. Visit us at www.balancedhc.org today to learn more. About Balanced Healthcare Founded by nationally certified Physician Associate Cora Mattie, Balanced Healthcare is a Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice based in Denver, Colorado. With extensive experience in family medicine and urgent care, Mattie established the clinic to address common frustrations patients face with traditional healthcare—rushed appointments, long wait times, and insurance-driven restrictions on patient care. Balanced Healthcare prioritizes personalized, accessible, and convenient care, allowing patients direct communication with their provider and unlimited visits through a straightforward, affordable membership model. The clinic offers comprehensive medical services such as preventative care, chronic disease management, mental health support, medical weight loss solutions, and acute care. For more information, visit balancedhealthcare.org or learn more about them .