Direct primary care is a model of primary care in which patients pay a monthly membership fee for care and communicate directly with their physician, without billing insurance for each visit.
It is designed to improve access, allow for longer visits, and create a more continuous relationship between patients and their doctor.
At Hershey Primary Care, Dr. Lauren Doliner, a board-certified Internal Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine physician, uses this model to provide adult primary care in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Why Primary Care Often Feels Frustrating
Most patients are not looking for something complicated.
They want:
- Enough time to explain their concerns
- Access when something comes up
- A doctor who knows them over time
Instead, they often experience:
- Delays in scheduling
- Short visits
- Limited communication outside appointments
- A different healthcare provider at each visit
It can feel like care is happening around them, not with them.
This frustration is not random.
It is largely driven by how primary care is structured.
What Is Driving This Experience
Most primary care practices in the United States are structured around insurance billing.
This model typically requires:
- High patient volume
- Shorter visits
- Tight scheduling
Primary care physicians often manage large patient panels, sometimes numbering in the thousands.
When time is limited, something has to give.
That “something” is often:
- Time spent understanding the full picture
- Access between visits
- Continuity of care
The system works, but it often does not feel personal.
What Is Direct Primary Care
Direct primary care is a model in which patients pay a monthly membership fee for primary care services, and the practice does not bill insurance for each visit.
This changes the structure of care in meaningful ways.
Instead of optimizing for billing and volume, the focus shifts to:
- Time
- Access
- Relationship
The medicine itself does not change. The experience of care does.
How Direct Primary Care Changes the Experience in Hershey, PA
At Hershey Primary Care, care is delivered differently under the direction of Dr. Lauren Doliner.
Time
Appointments are not constrained to short, pre-determined time slots.
They are structured around what is needed for that visit.
This allows for a more complete understanding of a patient’s health.
Access
Patients are typically able to be scheduled the same or next day when concerns arise.
Access is not just about convenience. Timely care can help prevent smaller issues from becoming more complex.
Continuity
Patients see the same physician over time.
There is no need to repeat history at every visit.
Patterns become clearer.
Better decisions are made when care is continuous.
Communication
Patients can reach out by phone, text, or email.
Questions that come up after a visit can be addressed directly.
Clarifications do not have to wait.
Focus on Prevention
Direct primary care allows for more consistent attention to:
- Cancer screening
- Chronic condition evaluation (blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, anxiety and depression)
- Weight and metabolic health
- Lifestyle factors
Chronic conditions improve with consistent attention over time.
Simplicity
There are no copays or visit-based billing.
Patients know the cost upfront as a monthly fee.
This reduces administrative complexity and allows focus to remain on care.
Who Direct Primary Care Is Designed For
Direct primary care is designed to improve the primary care relationship.
It often works well for adults who:
- Want more time during visits
- Prefer direct access to their physician
- Are managing chronic conditions
- Value prevention and lifestyle guidance
- Feel frustrated with traditional care experiences
It is also appropriate for patients who are generally healthy and want to stay that way.
What Direct Primary Care Does Not Replace
Direct primary care does not replace:
- Specialist care
- Hospital care
- Emergency care
Patients can still use insurance for these services.
Direct primary care focuses on the part of healthcare most people use most often: their relationship with their primary care physician.
FAQ
What is direct primary care in simple terms?
Direct primary care is a model where patients pay a monthly fee for primary care services and communicate directly with their physician without billing insurance for each visit. This allows for longer visits, improved access, and a more personalized care experience.
Is direct primary care the same as concierge medicine?
No. Direct primary care and concierge medicine both improve access, but concierge practices often charge higher fees and may still bill insurance. Direct primary care typically uses a simpler monthly membership model and does not bill insurance for routine care.
Can I still use my insurance if I join a direct primary care practice?
Yes. Patients can still use insurance for services such as specialist visits, imaging, hospital care, labs, and medications. Direct primary care focuses on routine primary care and ongoing health management.
What are the benefits of direct primary care?
Direct primary care offers longer visits, improved access, direct communication with your physician, and a more continuous relationship over time. Because the practice does not bill insurance for each visit, care can be structured around what the patient needs rather than time constraints or volume. At Hershey Primary Care located in Hershey, PA, this allows for same- or next-day appointments, direct contact by phone, text, or email, and a stronger focus on prevention and long-term health. The main benefit is not different medicine, but a more accessible and personalized experience of care.
How much does direct primary care cost in Hershey, PA?
At Hershey Primary Care, direct primary care costs $149 per month. This membership includes office visits, virtual visits, and direct communication with your physician, without copays or per-visit charges. Patients still use insurance separately for services such as specialists, imaging, labs, hospital care, and medications. The cost is predictable and transparent, which allows patients to focus on care rather than billing.
Is direct primary care worth it?
Direct primary care is often worth it for patients who value access, time, and a consistent relationship with their physician. Many patients find that easier access, longer visits, and direct communication reduce the need for urgent care visits and improve how confident they feel about their health decisions. At Hershey Primary Care, the model is designed to make care more accessible and easier to navigate. For patients who have felt rushed, delayed, or disconnected in traditional settings, the difference is often noticeable.
A Different Way to Think About Primary Care
Most people assume primary care is defined by:
- Who they see
- Where they go
Over time, something else becomes more important.
How care is delivered.
Time.
Access.
Continuity.
Communication.
When those change, the experience changes.
Take the Next Step
If you have felt rushed, delayed, or unsure after a visit, it is reasonable to ask whether a different approach might work better.
A short conversation is often the best place to start.
You can schedule a free 15 minute Zoom meet and greet with Dr. Doliner to ask questions, understand how the model works, and decide if it feels like the right fit.
Primary care should feel accessible, clear, and consistent. If it hasn’t felt that way, it may be time to try something different.