DPC Nation: The DPC Movement Explained

Last updated: April 2026

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Quick Answer

Concierge and direct primary care practice sites in the United States increased by over 80% between 2018 and 2023.
Physician participation in these models rose at nearly the same rate during the same five-year period.
This significant growth is a direct response to widespread physician burnout, rising overhead costs, and increasing administrative demands in traditional primary care.
The shift allows doctors to practice medicine with more manageable patient panel sizes, longer visit times, and fewer non-clinical distractions, potentially extending their careers.

Concierge medicine and direct primary care (DPC) are transforming the primary care landscape in the United States. These models have seen significant expansion, with the number of practice sites growing by more than 80 percent between 2018 and 2023, and clinician participation increasing at a similar pace Concierge Medicine Today on 80% growth. This surge is not a mere trend but a systemic response to the pressures physicians face in traditional healthcare settings. Doctors are seeking alternatives that offer manageable patient loads, extended appointment times, and reduced administrative burdens. This allows them to focus on patient care and potentially extend their clinical careers, which is a major factor driving the DPC movement.

What is the DPC Movement?

The Direct Primary Care (DPC) movement represents a significant shift in how primary healthcare is delivered and accessed. At its core, DPC is a healthcare model where patients pay a recurring membership fee directly to their primary care doctor. This fee typically covers a wide range of primary care services, including office visits, preventive care, and chronic disease management, often without involving health insurance for these basic services. This direct financial relationship allows physicians to operate outside the traditional fee-for-service insurance system, reducing the administrative complexity and overhead associated with billing third-party payers. The result is a more streamlined practice environment where doctors can dedicate more time and resources to patient care.

A Focus on Patient-Physician Relationships

One of the defining characteristics of DPC is its emphasis on rebuilding and strengthening the patient-physician relationship. In traditional primary care, doctors often manage large patient panels, leading to rushed appointments and limited time for in-depth discussions. DPC models, however, allow physicians to maintain smaller patient panels. This reduction in patient volume means doctors can offer longer, more unhurried appointments, often lasting 30 minutes or more, compared to the typical 10-15 minute visits in conventional settings. This extended time fosters a deeper understanding between the patient and doctor, enabling more personalized care plans and improved health outcomes. Patients report feeling more heard and understood, which is a crucial component of effective healthcare. This model supports an ongoing relationship, where continuity of care is prioritized, moving away from episodic, transactional interactions.

Operational Freedom for Physicians

For physicians, the DPC model offers a level of operational freedom that is increasingly rare in traditional practice. By bypassing complex insurance billing, doctors significantly reduce their administrative burden. This means less time spent on paperwork, coding, and claims processing, and more time dedicated to practicing medicine. The Editor-in-Chief of Concierge Medicine Today highlighted the core issue, stating, "The real threat to medicine isn’t concierge care—or any other membership or subscription-based practice model. It’s the normalization of physician burnout, and the quiet acceptance of systems that expect physicians to endure it as a cost of doing business. Reversing that trajectory requires less finger-pointing and more leadership." This sentiment underscores how DPC provides an antidote to the burnout prevalent in the current healthcare system. Physicians gain greater control over their schedules, allowing for a better work-life balance and a more sustainable career. This operational efficiency translates into better patient access, with many DPC practices offering same-day or next-day appointments and direct communication channels like secure messaging or telemedicine.

Beyond the Membership Fee

While the recurring membership fee is central to DPC, it is important to understand what it covers and what it does not. Generally, the fee covers primary care services, but patients typically still need health insurance for catastrophic events, specialist referrals, hospitalizations, and expensive diagnostic tests. Many DPC practices negotiate discounted rates for labs and imaging services, further enhancing affordability for their members. The transparency of costs is a major benefit, as patients know exactly what their primary care will cost each month, without unexpected co-pays or deductibles for routine visits. This model is appealing to individuals and families seeking predictable healthcare expenses and a more direct, personal connection with their doctor. The DPC movement is not just about a different payment structure; it is about a fundamental redesign of how primary care services are delivered, aiming for higher quality, greater accessibility, and improved satisfaction for both patients and providers. Readers weighing DPC against the more familiar concierge model can see how the two stack up on cost and care in our DPC vs Concierge Medicine in 2026: Cost & Care Differences post.

How Fast Are Concierge and DPC Models Growing?

Concierge medicine and Direct Primary Care (DPC) models are experiencing rapid expansion across the United States. The growth is not merely incremental but represents a significant shift in the healthcare landscape. New national research shows that the number of concierge and direct primary care practice sites in the U.S. increased by over 80% between 2018 and 2023 Concierge Medicine Today on 80% growth. This substantial rise in practice sites highlights a strong demand for these alternative healthcare delivery methods. The rapid growth indicates that these models are moving beyond a niche experiment to become a significant market signal within the broader healthcare industry.

Clinician Participation Surges

Mirroring the growth in practice sites, clinician participation in concierge and DPC models has also risen dramatically. During the same five-year period, from 2018 to 2023, physician participation increased at nearly the same rate as the number of practice sites Concierge Medicine Today on 80% growth. This indicates that a large number of doctors are actively choosing to transition from traditional primary care settings to these membership-based models. The nearly identical growth rates for both practice sites and participating clinicians underscore a synchronized movement, where both the infrastructure and the medical professionals are rapidly adapting to this new paradigm. This surge in physician involvement suggests that the benefits offered by concierge and DPC models—such as reduced administrative burden and improved work-life balance—are compelling enough to attract a significant portion of the primary care workforce.

A Market Signal, Not Just a Trend

The robust growth of over 80% in half a decade positions concierge and DPC as more than just a fleeting trend. It signifies a profound market signal. Physicians are not migrating to these models because they are fashionable or trendy. Instead, this movement is a system response to deeply rooted problems within traditional primary care. Flat or declining inflation-adjusted reimbursement, escalating overhead costs, increasing demands for documentation, and persistent administrative burdens have placed immense pressure on front-line clinicians. These systemic challenges make it difficult for doctors to sustain their practices clinically, financially, and personally. The shift to concierge and DPC is a direct reflection of physicians seeking viable alternatives to these unsustainable conditions. As Greg Grant, COO of Specialdocs Consultants, noted, "In 2026, the pressures facing physicians will be impossible to ignore. Burnout remains stubbornly high. Administrative burdens continue to grow. Reimbursement models still reward volume over outcomes. And patients are demanding something the traditional system struggles to deliver: time, availability, and continuity. Against that backdrop, concierge is no longer a fringe concept but increasingly viewed as a viable, mainstream alternative." This perspective reinforces that the growth is driven by fundamental issues in healthcare delivery.

Implications for the Future of Primary Care

This rapid growth has significant implications for the future of primary care. It suggests a growing recognition among both physicians and patients that the traditional model is often insufficient for meeting modern healthcare needs. The expansion of concierge and DPC practices indicates a demand for healthcare that prioritizes time, accessibility, and a strong patient-doctor relationship. While some observers express concern about access and equity as these models grow, the data also suggests that this movement may be stabilizing the physician workforce rather than shrinking it. Many doctors entering these models were already contemplating retirement or leaving clinical practice altogether. By offering a more sustainable and satisfying way to practice medicine, concierge and DPC models may be extending the careers of experienced physicians, thereby retaining valuable expertise within the healthcare system. The continued expansion at this rate points to a future where membership-based primary care becomes an increasingly common and accepted part of the healthcare landscape.

Why Are Doctors Shifting to Concierge and DPC?

Doctors are increasingly shifting to concierge and Direct Primary Care (DPC) models because the traditional primary care system has become incredibly difficult to sustain. This difficulty manifests in clinical, financial, and personal challenges that push physicians to seek alternative practice environments. The current system often burdens doctors with excessive administrative tasks, limits their time with patients, and offers reimbursement structures that do not keep pace with rising costs or inflation. This unsustainable environment is a primary driver behind the significant growth in membership-based care.

The Burden of Traditional Primary Care

Traditional primary care models often subject physicians to a range of pressures that make their work challenging. One major factor is the issue of flat or declining inflation-adjusted reimbursement rates. This means that while the cost of running a practice, including staff salaries, rent, and medical supplies, continues to rise, the income doctors receive for their services does not keep pace. This financial strain is compounded by escalating overhead costs, forcing practices to see more patients in less time just to break even. Beyond finances, doctors face persistent administrative burdens. This includes extensive documentation demands, complex coding requirements for insurance claims, and the time-consuming process of prior authorizations. These non-clinical tasks consume a significant portion of a physician's day, pulling them away from direct patient care. The Editor-in-Chief of Concierge Medicine Today emphasized this point, stating that the real threat to medicine is "the normalization of physician burnout, and the quiet acceptance of systems that expect physicians to endure it as a cost of doing business." This highlights how deeply embedded these systemic issues are in traditional healthcare.

Battling Physician Burnout

Physician burnout remains a widespread and critical problem within the healthcare industry. The cumulative effect of long hours, high patient volumes, administrative overload, and emotional stress leads to significant rates of burnout among doctors. This widespread burnout contributes directly to early retirement and workforce attrition, as many physicians simply cannot continue under such demanding conditions. For many, the decision to move to a concierge or DPC model is not about working less, but about practicing longer in a more sustainable way. These alternative models are designed to mitigate the factors that cause burnout. By adopting smaller patient panels, doctors can reduce their workload to a manageable level. This allows them to spend more quality time with each patient, which is often a key motivator for entering medicine in the first place. The ability to focus on meaningful patient interactions, rather than chasing metrics or battling administrative red tape, rejuvenates physicians and helps them rediscover the joy in their profession.

Redesigning Delivery for Better Care

Concierge medicine and direct primary care are not about abandoning responsibility; instead, they represent a strategic redesign of healthcare delivery models. These models empower physicians to practice medicine with manageable patient panel sizes, which directly translates to longer visit times. When doctors are not pressured to rush through appointments, they can engage in more thorough discussions, address multiple concerns, and develop more comprehensive care plans. Furthermore, these models significantly reduce non-clinical distractions. Less time spent on insurance paperwork, administrative tasks, and bureaucratic hurdles means more time dedicated to what matters most: patient care. As Greg Grant, COO of Specialdocs Consultants, pointed out, "Patients are demanding something the traditional system struggles to deliver: time, availability, and continuity." Concierge and DPC models directly address these patient demands while simultaneously offering physicians a more fulfilling and sustainable practice environment. This shift allows doctors to extend their career longevity and reduce early exits from clinical practice, ultimately benefiting the healthcare system by retaining experienced professionals.

Is Concierge Medicine a Threat to Healthcare Access?

The rapid growth of concierge and Direct Primary Care (DPC) models has led some observers to express concern about its potential impact on healthcare access, equity, and the redistribution of the physician workforce. The worry is that as more doctors move to these membership-based practices, fewer will be available in traditional settings, potentially exacerbating existing access issues for those who cannot afford the membership fees. However, a closer look at the data reveals a more nuanced picture, suggesting that these models might actually stabilize the workforce rather than diminish overall access.

Understanding Workforce Movement

Critics often frame membership-based care as "pulling doctors away" from traditional practices, implying a net loss of physicians for the general population. However, the data tells a different story. Many physicians who choose to enter concierge or DPC models were already contemplating significant changes to their careers. These doctors were often considering retirement, moving into administrative roles outside of direct patient care, or even leaving medicine altogether due to burnout and dissatisfaction with the traditional system. The pressures of flat or declining inflation-adjusted reimbursement, rising overhead, escalating documentation demands, and persistent administrative burdens contribute to widespread physician burnout Concierge Medicine Today on 80% growth. For these physicians, transitioning to a concierge or DPC model offers a viable alternative that allows them to continue practicing clinical medicine in a more sustainable and fulfilling environment.

Extending Career Longevity

Instead of shrinking the physician workforce, the shift to concierge and DPC models may actually be stabilizing it. Smaller patient panels and reduced administrative complexity are key features of these models that can extend career longevity for physicians. By alleviating the intense pressures of traditional practice, doctors can avoid early retirement and continue to provide care for many more years. This means that experienced physicians, who might otherwise have left the profession entirely, remain active clinicians. Greg Grant, COO of Specialdocs Consultants, noted that in 2026, "concierge is no longer a fringe concept but increasingly viewed as a viable, mainstream alternative" precisely because of the pressures facing physicians. This suggests that these models are not just attracting new doctors but retaining existing ones. The benefit of retaining experienced physicians is significant, as it preserves valuable institutional knowledge and expertise within the healthcare system, which would otherwise be lost. For more details, see Medical Economics on why doctors choose concierge medicine.

The Broader Impact on Healthcare

While concerns about equity and access are valid and deserve serious discussion, it is important to consider the overall impact. If concierge and DPC models prevent experienced doctors from leaving the profession, they contribute to a more stable physician workforce. Furthermore, by reducing the burden on primary care physicians, these models allow doctors to offer higher quality, more personalized care to their members. This focus on preventive care and chronic disease management can potentially reduce the need for more expensive, episodic care in emergency rooms or specialist offices. The growth in these models is a system response to deep-seated issues in healthcare, rather than a cause of new problems. The Editor-in-Chief of Concierge Medicine Today articulated this perspective, stating, "The real threat to medicine isn’t concierge care… It’s the normalization of physician burnout, and the quiet acceptance of systems that expect physicians to endure it as a cost of doing business." Therefore, addressing the underlying causes of physician dissatisfaction through models like DPC could be seen as a necessary step towards a more resilient healthcare system for all.

What Are the Key Trends in Concierge Medicine for 2026 and Beyond?

Concierge medicine is evolving rapidly, moving beyond its initial perception as merely a way to avoid waiting rooms. The future of concierge medicine, particularly in 2026 and beyond, is shaped by several key trends that reflect a growing demand for advanced, proactive, and globally accessible healthcare. This evolution prioritizes foresight and continuous support, catering to the unique needs of high-performing individuals and global leadership teams. The market is refining itself, focusing on strategic, long-term care solutions that adapt to modern lifestyles and heightened expectations.

Concierge as a Standard for High-Acuity Lifestyles

The concept of high-end concierge medicine is no longer exclusive to a select few seeking ultra-private care. It is increasingly becoming a practical and expected solution for individuals whose demanding schedules, significant responsibilities, or frequent travel make traditional care models unreliable. Executives, entrepreneurs, and remote-first professionals are actively seeking healthcare that can meet them wherever they are, literally across the globe. Companies are recognizing this need and are integrating concierge access into their leadership and international mobility programs as a core benefit. This shift indicates a change in mindset, where proactive, high-access care is becoming the expected baseline for those who operate in fast-paced, high-stakes environments. The growth in concierge medicine reflects a demand for global care access, proactive planning, and continuous support across borders WorldClinic on concierge medicine trends. This trend highlights the move from reactive care to a model built on prevention and immediate availability, tailored to individuals who cannot afford interruptions in their health or their work.

Global Readiness Defines the Market

As clients increasingly live and work across continents, the ability to deliver care seamlessly across borders has become a core requirement for leading concierge practices. The most relevant growth trends in concierge medicine center on developing robust international infrastructure. This includes providing 24/7 physician access, ensuring cross-border prescription fulfillment, coordinating emergency response services globally, and facilitating multilingual communication. These capabilities are no longer luxury add-ons but operational necessities for the highly mobile clientele of today. Global readiness means that a patient can receive consistent, high-quality care whether they are in their home country or traveling internationally, ensuring uninterrupted health management. This focus on international infrastructure is a direct response to the global mobility of clients and the need for healthcare systems to adapt to a world without geographical boundaries for work or life. The future of concierge medicine prioritizes foresight, not just fast response, to serve high-acuity individuals and global leadership teams, emphasizing preparedness for any health scenario, anywhere in the world.

Concierge as a Core Executive Benefit

High-end concierge medicine is rapidly becoming a core executive benefit for companies that prioritize employee retention, resilience, and privacy at scale. Employers are recognizing that providing uninterrupted access to expert care is crucial for the well-being and productivity of their leadership teams and key personnel. This strategic approach to healthcare benefits helps companies retain top talent by offering a tangible advantage that supports their employees' health and reduces potential disruptions due to illness or medical emergencies. The emphasis on privacy is also a significant factor, as concierge services often offer a discreet and confidential healthcare experience, which is highly valued by executives. This integration into corporate benefits packages signifies that concierge medicine is entering a new chapter, shaped by global mobility, heightened privacy expectations, and a more strategic approach to long-term care. What began as a way to sidestep waiting rooms has evolved into a preferred model for individuals and employers who value uninterrupted access to expert care WorldClinic on concierge medicine trends. This trend underscores a broader understanding that health is a strategic asset, and investing in high-quality, accessible care is an investment in human capital.

How Do New Entrants Like Amazon Prime Impact DPC?

New entrants into the primary care space, particularly large technology companies like Amazon with its One Medical offering, are significantly impacting the landscape of Direct Primary Care (DPC) and concierge medicine. These companies bring substantial resources, brand recognition, and a focus on consumer convenience, which can both expand the reach of membership-based care and introduce new dynamics to the market. The availability of services like One Medical through Amazon Prime represents a major step towards making comprehensive, direct primary care more accessible to a wider audience.

Amazon Prime's Role in Membership Healthcare

Amazon Prime members now have the opportunity to purchase a One Medical membership for $99 per year One Medical. This special pricing makes a form of comprehensive healthcare significantly more affordable for millions of Amazon Prime subscribers. Previously, One Medical memberships might have been more expensive, but the Amazon integration lowers the financial barrier for many individuals and families. This move by Amazon leverages its vast customer base and subscription model to bring direct primary care services into the mainstream. It positions membership-based primary care as an accessible benefit, rather than an exclusive luxury. The goal is to make comprehensive healthcare less painful and more convenient, aligning with Amazon's broader strategy of integrating services into daily life.

Expanding Access to Direct Primary Care Services

The partnership between Amazon Prime and One Medical means that direct primary care services become available to a broader demographic. One Medical offers a range of services designed to make healthcare more convenient, including easy online appointment booking, virtual care options, and a focus on preventive health. For many, this could be their first exposure to a direct primary care model, even if One Medical operates on a slightly different structure than a traditional DPC practice. By making membership-based primary care more affordable and easily accessible through a popular platform, Amazon is helping to normalize the concept of paying a fee for enhanced primary care access and services. This expansion could introduce many new patients to the benefits of a system that prioritizes time with doctors and reduces administrative hurdles, thereby transforming care for individuals and organizations One Medical Business Resource Center.

Integration with Corporate Benefits

Beyond individual memberships, One Medical also integrates with corporate benefits programs. This means that many companies can offer One Medical memberships to their employees as part of their healthcare package. This approach aligns with the growing trend of high-end concierge medicine becoming a core executive benefit for companies focused on retention, resilience, and privacy at scale WorldClinic on concierge medicine trends. By including One Medical, employers can provide their workforce with easier access to primary care, virtual health options, and a more streamlined healthcare experience. This can lead to healthier employees, reduced absenteeism, and potentially lower overall healthcare costs for the organization. The presence of major players like Amazon in the primary care market underscores the shift towards consumer-centric, accessible, and integrated healthcare solutions, further solidifying the DPC movement's place in the future of medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between concierge medicine and direct primary care (DPC)?

The main difference lies primarily in how they handle insurance and the scope of services. Both models involve patients paying a recurring fee directly to their doctor for enhanced primary care access. However, concierge medicine often still bills a patient's health insurance for services, in addition to the membership fee, and may offer a broader range of premium services. Direct Primary Care (DPC), on the other hand, typically does not bill insurance for primary care services covered by the membership fee, focusing on a direct financial relationship between patient and provider. This allows DPC practices to simplify billing and reduce administrative overhead, which is a key reason for their over 80% growth between 2018 and 2023 Concierge Medicine Today on 80% growth.

How does the growth of DPC affect patient access to primary care?

The growth of DPC has a complex effect on patient access. While some worry it might reduce the number of doctors in traditional settings, the data suggests that many physicians moving to DPC were already considering retirement or leaving medicine due to burnout. By offering a more sustainable practice model, DPC can extend the careers of experienced physicians, potentially stabilizing the overall physician workforce. This shift allows doctors to manage smaller patient panels and offer longer visit times, improving the quality of care for their members, even as the number of DPC practices increased by over 80% between 2018 and 2023 Concierge Medicine Today on 80% growth.

What are the financial benefits for doctors who switch to DPC?

Doctors who switch to DPC models often experience significant financial benefits through reduced administrative burdens and more stable, predictable income. By eliminating the need to bill insurance companies for routine primary care, practices save substantial time and money on paperwork, coding, and claims processing. This allows them to focus on patient care rather than administrative tasks. The recurring membership fees provide a consistent revenue stream, which can be more reliable than fluctuating insurance reimbursements, helping doctors avoid the financial strain of flat or declining inflation-adjusted reimbursement rates seen in traditional primary care.

Can I use my health insurance with a DPC practice?

Generally, for the services covered by your DPC membership fee (like office visits, direct communication, and some in-office procedures), your health insurance is not billed. You pay the DPC fee directly. However, you typically still need health insurance for services outside the DPC scope, such as specialist visits, hospitalizations, emergency care, diagnostic imaging (like X-rays or MRIs), and prescription medications. Many DPC practices help members navigate these needs, often negotiating discounted rates for labs and imaging.

What kind of patients typically benefit most from concierge medicine?

Patients who typically benefit most from concierge medicine include those with high-acuity lifestyles, such as executives, entrepreneurs, and remote professionals, who require seamless, proactive care. These individuals often value uninterrupted access to expert care, 24/7 physician availability, cross-border prescription fulfillment, and coordinated emergency response, especially as they live and work across continents. Companies are also integrating concierge access into leadership and international mobility programs as a core executive benefit, focusing on employee retention, resilience, and privacy at scale WorldClinic on concierge medicine trends.