Direct Primary Care vs. Concierge Medicine in San Diego, CA
Both are membership-based ways to get more time with a doctor. Here is how the two models differ, plus the 93 direct primary care and 7 concierge practices we list in San Diego.
How the two models compare
| Direct Primary Care | Concierge Medicine | |
|---|---|---|
| How you pay | Flat monthly or annual membership paid to the practice | An annual retainer or membership, often higher than DPC |
| Insurance billing | Usually does not bill insurance for primary care | Often still bills your insurance on top of the retainer |
| What the fee covers | Office visits, messaging, and care coordination; labs/meds vary | Enhanced access and amenities; covered services vary by practice |
| Panel size | Smaller panels for longer, same/next-day visits | Also smaller panels with priority access |
| Best for | People wanting affordable, relationship-based primary care | People wanting premium access who keep using insurance |
General characteristics of each model; specifics vary by practice. Always confirm fees and what is included in writing. Definitions informed by the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Direct primary care in San Diego
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Concierge medicine in San Diego
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Common questions
What's the difference between direct primary care and concierge medicine?
Both are membership-based models with smaller patient panels. Direct primary care (DPC) charges a flat membership and usually does not bill insurance for primary care. Concierge medicine charges a retainer that is often higher and frequently still bills your insurance on top of it. The right fit depends on whether you want to keep using insurance and what level of access and amenities you are paying for.
Do DPC or concierge practices take insurance?
DPC practices typically do not bill insurance for the primary care covered by your membership, though you can still use insurance for specialists, hospitals, labs, and prescriptions. Concierge practices more often continue to bill insurance in addition to the retainer. Always confirm the specific arrangement with the practice in writing.
Is concierge medicine more expensive than DPC?
Concierge retainers are commonly higher than DPC memberships, but the total cost depends on the practice, what is included, and whether insurance is still billed. Ask each practice for its written fee schedule and what the fee does and does not include before deciding.