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How Does Membership-Based Direct Primary Care Work?

Solstice Health is Wisconsin’s leading independent, insurance-free Direct Primary Care (DPC) clinic. Founded by Dr. Timothy Murray in 2012, we are dedicated to providing transparent, high-quality, and affordable medical care amid the rising costs of healthcare. Our clinic offers unlimited access to your doctor, along with wholesale pricing on lab work, imaging, and medications through the Direct Primary Care model.

What is Direct Primary Care?

Direct Primary Care is an innovative alternative to the traditional insurance-based, fee-for-service payment model. In DPC, physicians contract directly with patients, typically through a monthly subscription fee. Instead of billing your health insurance for each office visit or service, you pay a flat monthly fee to your doctor, granting you unlimited access to primary care services.

What’s Included with a DPC Membership?

A Direct Primary Care membership provides unlimited access to primary care services, including:

  • Routine physical exams
  • Ongoing care for chronic conditions like diabetes or arthritis management
  • Diagnosis and treatment of common acute illnesses
  • Annual wellness exams
  • Screening for common age-related conditions
  • Referrals and recommendations to specialists

Essentially, it covers everything you would typically visit your primary care physician for. With our membership, you also have access to unlimited labs, imaging, and medications at wholesale prices.

How Much Does a DPC Membership Cost?

Monthly subscription fees range from $39 to $79 per person, depending on the age of the subscriber. We offer three tiers:

  • Ages 0-20: $39 per month
  • Ages 21-59: $59 per month
  • Ages 60+: $79 per month

There are no additional fees per visit, although some DPC clinics may charge a small per-visit fee. We also offer employer contracts, where the employer covers the cost of the subscription fees for their employees.

Do I Still Need Health Insurance with a DPC Membership?

While health insurance is not required to become a DPC member, it’s worth considering a cost-sharing plan like Sedera or leverage a traditional high-deductible health insurance policy for catastrophic issues. A DPC membership is not the same as insurance and does not include catastrophic coverage, dental, vision, or hospital care. However, combining a DPC membership with a high-deductible health plan can provide comprehensive coverage at a lower monthly cost, especially if specialty or hospital care is needed.

Still have Questions about Direct Primary Care?

Solstice Health offers direct primary care, surgical and imaging services, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, weight loss and wellness programs, IV therapy, and direct access labs at our clinics in Oconomowoc, New Berlin, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. If you have any questions about direct primary care, we’re here to help. Visit our Direct Primary Care FAQ page or contact us online to learn more.