How Direct Primary Care Saves You Money in the Long Run: A Case for Forward Family Medicine

David Bigley, DO
15 Aug 2024
5 min read

I want to talk about something I’m really passionate about: helping you get the best healthcare experience without the financial headaches that often come with it. If you’ve ever been hit with high medical bills, surprise charges, or long wait times just to see your doctor for a few rushed minutes, I completely understand your frustration. That’s why I chose to practice Direct Primary Care (DPC)—an approach that’s not only more personal but can also save you money over time.

At Forward Family Medicine, our goal is to make healthcare affordable, transparent, and accessible for everyone. Let me walk you through how our DPC model works and why it could be a smart financial move for you and your family.

1. Predictable Monthly Fees

With DPC, you pay a flat, monthly membership fee that covers most of your primary care services. This means no more surprise medical bills. At Forward Family Medicine, for a set monthly cost, you’ll have unlimited access to your doctor, personalized care, and peace of mind knowing exactly what you’re paying for each month. It’s one less thing to worry about when managing your health.

2. No Co-Pays or Deductibles

In the traditional insurance model, every visit, test, or procedure usually comes with a co-pay or a deductible, and those costs can add up quickly. In our DPC model, there are no co-pays or deductibles for your primary care visits. Your membership fee covers all of that, so you won’t have to reach into your pocket every time you come in for a check-up or need ongoing care for chronic conditions.

3. Wholesale Pricing on Medications and Lab Tests

One of the ways we keep your costs down at Forward Family Medicine is by offering wholesale pricing on medications and lab tests. That means you’ll pay significantly less for things like prescriptions and diagnostics compared to what you’d pay through an insurance-based system. The savings can really add up. Studies show that patients in DPC practices can see a 20% reduction in healthcare costs because of lower prices on medications and labs, and I’m proud to pass those savings directly to you.

4. Focus on Preventive Care and Chronic Disease Management

In our practice, we emphasize preventive care and managing chronic conditions early. By staying on top of your health and addressing issues before they escalate, we can help you avoid expensive hospital visits and emergency care down the line. Regular check-ups and personalized care plans lead to better health outcomes, which ultimately means fewer costly interventions in the future.

5. Less Time Off Work

Another benefit of DPC is the convenience. With same-day or next-day appointments and minimal wait times, we’re able to keep disruptions to your daily life to a minimum. We also offer virtual consultations, so you can connect with me without needing to take time off work. This saves you time and also helps you avoid lost income from missed workdays.

6. No Surprise Bills

One of the biggest frustrations in traditional healthcare is getting hit with unexpected bills weeks after your visit. At Forward Family Medicine, you’ll never have to worry about that. Our transparent membership model means there are no surprise charges—everything is included in your monthly fee, so you know exactly what to expect.

7. Longer, More Thorough Appointments

I intentionally keep my patient panel small so I can spend more time with each of you. This allows me to fully address your concerns in one visit, reducing the need for multiple follow-ups that often lead to more expenses. Instead of the typical 15-minute rushed appointment, you’ll get the time you need for a deeper, more personalized experience. On average, I spend 30-60 minutes with each patient, ensuring that you leave with all your questions answered.

8. Better Health, Fewer Costs

At the end of the day, our goal is to keep you as healthy as possible, and that leads to fewer medical issues—and ultimately, lower healthcare costs over time. Patients in DPC practices like Forward Family Medicine often experience fewer hospitalizations and emergency room visits because they receive consistent, high-quality care. I truly believe that investing in your health now will save you both time and money in the long run.

Consider Forward Family Medicine

If you’re tired of the frustrations that come with traditional healthcare and want to explore a more affordable, personalized approach, I invite you to consider joining Forward Family Medicine. My goal is to provide you with the best possible care while making sure you feel confident and informed about the costs.

If you have any questions or want to learn more about how DPC can benefit you and your family, I’d be happy to talk. I’m here to help, and I look forward to the opportunity to be a part of your healthcare journey.

Let’s take a step toward better health—together.

Sources:
  1. Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine. "Direct Primary Care: Evaluation of a New Model of Care." 
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "The Power of Prevention: Chronic Disease...the Public Health Challenge of the 21st Century." 
  3. American Academy of Family Physicians. "Direct Primary Care: An Alternative Practice Model to the Fee-For-Service Framework."
  4. Society of General Internal Medicine. "The Impact of Direct Primary Care on Health Care Utilization and Costs."
David Bigley, DO
Founder, Forward Family Medicine