Direct Primary Care: A Growing Trend
Milwaukee – There’s an increasing movement to cut costs amidst rising health insurance premiums.
This approach, known as “direct primary care,” offers a more affordable option for managing everyday medical expenses.
What is Direct Primary Care?
Dr. Anna Miller, who has nearly two decades of experience in the medical field, emphasizes the potential doctors have to effect change. She plans to take full control of her services starting in July 2024.
“As a physician-for-hire, I realized I couldn’t deliver the care I wanted until I managed my practice differently,” Dr. Miller stated.
This led her to open Presence Primary Care in Milwaukee, serving as a direct primary care physician.
How Does It Compare to Insurance?
Dr. Miller expresses that her newfound autonomy allows her to provide the patient experience she always envisioned.
Instead of relying on insurance, patients pay a subscription fee to access a “direct primary care doctor,” covering services like physical exams, blood tests, and routine care.
Dr. Miller mentions this model has afforded her increased time with patients and control over her practice. One of her patients, Lauren Burke, shared, “She has been incredibly helpful, guiding me in both my physical health and my mental well-being.”
While direct primary care (DPC) brings peace of mind to some, it has also faced criticism. The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association remarked that the DPC model lacks essential safety and quality measures, as well as integrated technology and care coordination needed to ensure effective patient care.
The Future of Direct Primary Care
Looking ahead, the idea of DPC, which operates separately from insurance regulations, has garnered bipartisan support in the state Capitol but has yet to become law. Notably, conservative groups opposed a recent bill that aimed to prevent discrimination based on gender identity.
Amid these developments, Dr. Miller believes that direct primary care represents the future of healthcare. She points out that while costs are increasing, the value of what patients receive has not improved.
Recently, she’s noted a surge in inquiries from prospective patients concerned about premium hikes anticipated in 2026.
Attempts to connect with other medical advocacy organizations regarding the rise of DPC have not yielded any responses as of yet.
