Direct primary care offers a health care option that eliminates the middleman.
Rethinking Primary Care Access
The thought of going without health insurance feels dangerous for many people; insurance is a safety net that, theoretically, should guard against mounting medical costs. Affording insurance is easier said than done, though, and, in recent years, an alternative has been gaining popularity. It’s an option that removes insurance companies from the equation while still giving patients access to high-quality medical care. It’s called direct primary care, and it gives those without insurance a safety net of their own.
Membership-Based Medical Support
Direct primary care reimagines the doctor-patient relationship. Patients pay a flat monthly membership fee to receive routine medical care, urgent care and ongoing management of chronic conditions. It’s not a replacement for catastrophic coverage or hospitalization, but it does provide access to a wide range of services designed to keep patients healthy.
“Direct primary care is really about getting back to what medicine used to be,” said Sam Velasquez, practice manager at Charleston Direct Primary Care. “You have a physician who knows you, knows your family and takes care of everyone. That relationship is the foundation; our doctors spend time with each individual patient, figure out their needs and serve them without the interference of insurance red tape.”
Same-Day and Next-Day Availability
The model is refreshingly straightforward for patients. Charleston Direct Primary Care, for example, charges a one-time initiation fee followed by a monthly membership. Patients can then see one of the practice’s two physicians, Dr. Kevin Hinson or Dr. Laura Helgren, for routine visits, chronic disease management, minor procedures and urgent concerns. Patients don’t have to wait weeks or months for an appointment.
“One of the things we hear most often from new patients is how surprised they are to get same-day or next-day access to their physician,” Velasquez explained. “A lot of primary care providers are booked out weeks in advance, sometimes longer. We really prioritize being available when our patients need us.”
A Predictable Cost Structure
That kind of availability stands in contrast to the frustrations many patients feel in today’s health care system. For the uninsured, the problem is magnified: Routine care is often skipped because of cost, which means minor conditions can escalate into major health crises. With DPC, the predictable monthly fee makes it easier to budget for health care, while the emphasis on preventive care can reduce the risk of larger expenses down the road.
How It Differs From Concierge Medicine
It’s easy to confuse direct primary care with concierge medicine, but there are key differences. Both emphasize time and access, but concierge practices offer a higher-level experience at a higher cost. The concierge price allows for perks like house calls and round-the-clock physician availability.
“Concierge care is like the VIP version of health care. It’s the white-glove service,” Velasquez said. “What DPCs offer is the same core idea of restoring the doctor-patient connection but in a way that’s more affordable and realistic.”
Comprehensive Services Close to Home
At Charleston Direct Primary Care, affordability doesn’t mean cutting corners. The practice provides comprehensive primary care, from managing diabetes and high blood pressure to stitching up cuts, running X-rays and performing lab work. For patients who need hospital-based care or specialty referrals, the team helps coordinate next steps.
“We can handle a wide range of issues right here in the office,” Velasquez said. “But, of course, there are times when someone needs hospital care. In those cases, we still serve as their primary care provider, helping manage medications and ensuring they get the follow-up they need.”
Meeting Community Needs
The practice has expanded its services to meet the specific needs of its community. Located on Johns Island, Charleston Direct Primary Care offers both direct primary care, concierge care and also operates an urgent care center with extended hours. The easy accessibility has been helpful in an area that previously lacked urgent care options.
“When someone entrusts us with their health, we take that seriously,” Velasquez said. “If a patient needs to be seen, we do what we can to make it happen. People deserve to feel heard and cared for, and that’s our priority.”
A Relationship-Based Model
For uninsured patients, the benefits of direct primary care go beyond cost savings. The consistency of seeing the same doctor, ease of scheduling and focus on building long-term relationships create an experience that feels comforting in contrast to today’s rushed health care landscape.
“We want to know our patients, not just their charts,” Velasquez said. “That’s the way medicine was meant to be.”
While direct primary care doesn’t cover every medical need – like surgeries, hospital stays or expensive specialty care – it fills a gap for uninsured patients. It’s a way to take charge of health without fear of costs and proves that high-quality care doesn’t have to be out of reach without insurance.
By Anne Toole
