What is the difference between direct primary care (DPC) and concierge “boutique” medicine?
Direct primary care (DPC) and concierge “boutique” medicine are both membership-based healthcare models that emphasize a closer doctor-patient relationship and improved access to care. There are, however, key differences between the two models.
HOW DO DPC AND CONCIERGE MEDICINE COMPARE?
DIFFERENCES
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COST STRUCTURE​
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DPC: Generally lower membership fee covering a wide array of primary care services and cost is more predictable. Patients have access to low cost labs or can choose to use their insurance for lab fees.
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Concierge Medicine: Typical insurance billing and generally a higher membership fee for patients to have 24/7 access to their doctor and have extra conveniences.
SERVICE FOCUS​
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DPC: Emphasizes affordability and accessibility with a straightforward service model.
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Concierge Medicine: Emphasizes luxury and extensive physician access.
SIMILARITIES
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Both models aim to improve the quality of primary care by enhancing the doctor-patient relationship, reducing patient load, and providing more personalized care.
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Both offer benefits like same-day or next-day appointments, longer consultation times, and better overall patient satisfaction compared to typical insurance-based primary care models.
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In summary, while both DPC and concierge medicine offer membership-based care, DPC focuses on affordability and easier access, whereas concierge medicine offers a higher level of accessibility and personalized care in addition to billing insurance.
MEDICAL SCENARIO #1
48 48-year-old gentleman with a strange sensation yesterday of heart racing and mild difficulty catching his breath. He has health insurance and has not paid anything into his $1000 deductible
DPC ($100/month)
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Patient was able to schedule an office visit the next day. His office visit cost $0. His EKG cost $0. The doctor recommends a chest x-ray and some labs. Since he hasn’t met his deductible, the patient chooses to use the DPC contracted prices for labs which is a total of $75. He also decides to pay for his chest x-ray without insurance and it costs $50. He has a follow-up appointment in 1 week to discuss results which costs $0.
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Total cost: $225 ($100 for the monthly membership + $75 for labs + $50 for a chest x-ray)
Concierge ($250/month)
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Patient was able to schedule an office visit the next day. His office visit cost $150 (insurance contracted rate goes towards his deductible). His EKG cost $100 (insurance contracted rate goes towards his deductible). The doctor recommends a chest x-ray and some labs (insurance contracted rate $750 total and it goes towards his deductible. He has a follow-up appointment in 1 week to discuss results which costs $35 (copay for PCP visit after deductible met).
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Total cost: $1285 ($250 for the monthly membership + $150 for the office visit + $100 for the EKG + $450 for labs + $300 for a chest x-ray + $35 copay for follow-up visit)
MEDICAL SCENARIO #2
12 y/o girl with a severe sore throat. Mother is concerned about strep. The family has already met the deductible. Mother can’t get off work until 5 pm to bring the patient in for evaluation.
DPC ($50/MONTH)
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Mother was offered a same-day appointment at 3 pm or the next day at 9 am. She was seen the next day at 9 am. Her office visit cost was $0. Her rapid strep test was $0.
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​Total cost: $50 ($50 for the monthly membership + $0 for in-office lab)
CONCIERGE ($250/MONTH)
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Mother was able to schedule a same-day appointment at 6 pm. Her office visit cost $35 (copay). Her rapid strep cost $25 (insurance contracted rate).
Total cost: $310 ($250 for the monthly membership + $35 for the copay + $25 for the rapid strep test)