Is this the same thing as “concierge medicine?”
No, though they have some common elements.
Like direct primary care, concierge medicine is a subscription-based practice in which patients get easier and faster access to their doctor.
The main difference is that with concierge medicine, your doctor still retains his or her relationship with the insurance company. They will still bill your insurance company for your visit – and charge you copays and coinsurance on top of that.
In contrast, DPC physicians do not require payment from an insurance company. Memberships are paid for entirely with your monthly subscription fee. You won’t pay additional copays.