Question 1

Is DirectMedicine free to use?

Accepted Answer

Yes, searching for doctors and contacting them is completely free for patients. We never charge booking fees, commissions, or subscription fees to patients. Our revenue comes from providers who choose to list their practices on our directory.

Question 2

What is a cash-pay doctor?

Accepted Answer

Cash-pay doctors (also called direct pay or transparent pricing doctors) are physicians who offer services for a straightforward fee paid at the time of service. They don’t bill insurance directly, which eliminates administrative overhead and often results in lower prices. This includes Direct Primary Care practices, surgery centers with bundled pricing, and specialists who offer transparent fee schedules.

Question 3

Why are cash-pay prices often lower than insurance prices?

Accepted Answer

When doctors don’t bill insurance, they eliminate significant overhead costs: claims processors, billing staff, prior authorization coordinators, and the time spent on denied claims. This can reduce administrative costs by 40% or more. Many cash-pay doctors pass these savings directly to patients. Additionally, insurance negotiated rates are often inflated, so cash prices can be lower than what insurance companies actually pay.

Question 4

Can I still use my health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Cash-pay services are typically paid out-of-pocket at the time of your visit. However, you may be able to submit receipts called superbills to your insurance for potential reimbursement, depending on your plan. You can also use HSA or FSA funds for most medical services. Many patients find that cash prices are lower than their insurance deductible anyway.

Question 5

What types of doctors are listed on DirectMedicine?

Accepted Answer

We list all types of healthcare providers who offer transparent, upfront pricing: primary care physicians, family doctors, internists, pediatricians, specialists, surgeons, mental health providers, dentists, and more. Each provider sets their own prices and services.

Question 6

How do I know if a doctor is legitimate?

Accepted Answer

All providers on DirectMedicine are required to have valid medical licenses in their practicing states. We encourage patients to verify credentials through their state medical board. Provider profiles include information about education, certifications, and practice details. Patient reviews and ratings can also help you make informed decisions.

Question 7

What if I have a medical emergency?

Accepted Answer

DirectMedicine is for non-emergency healthcare. If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. Cash-pay doctors are great for routine care, preventive services, and many non-urgent conditions, but emergency care should always be handled by emergency services.

Question 8

Are the prices shown guaranteed?

Accepted Answer

Prices listed on provider profiles are set by each individual practice and are typically accurate for the services described. However, prices may vary based on complexity, additional tests needed, or other factors. Confirm pricing directly with the provider’s office when you schedule your appointment.

Question 9

How much does it cost to list my practice?

Accepted Answer

We offer a free listing that includes your practice profile, up to 10 services with pricing, and appearance in search results. Our paid plan unlocks patient leads, priority placement, unlimited services, reviews, and analytics.

Question 10

Do you charge booking fees or commissions?

Accepted Answer

No. We never charge per-booking fees or commissions on appointments. You pay a simple monthly subscription or use the free tier. That keeps our incentives aligned with helping your practice grow.

Question 11

What types of practices can list on DirectMedicine?

Accepted Answer

Any licensed healthcare provider offering transparent, cash-pay pricing can list on DirectMedicine. This includes Direct Primary Care practices, fee-for-service practices, specialists, surgery centers, mental health providers, dentists, and more.

Question 12

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Apply for a free listing, complete your practice profile, and our team will review your application. Once approved, your listing can go live in search results, and you can activate paid features from your dashboard if you want additional visibility.

Question 13

Can I control what information is displayed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You have full control over your listing, including services, prices, practice description, photos, and availability information. You can update your profile at any time through your provider dashboard.

Question 14

How do patients contact me?

Accepted Answer

Paid practices can enable direct patient contact through their DirectMedicine profile, including phone visibility and inquiry requests. Free listings stay searchable, but lead capture and direct contact are reserved for paid tiers.

Question 15

Is cash-pay healthcare only for wealthy people?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. Cash-pay healthcare often ends up being more affordable than traditional insurance-based care, especially for routine services. Many cash-pay doctors specifically serve patients who are uninsured, underinsured, or have high-deductible plans.

Question 16

How is this different from concierge medicine?

Accepted Answer

Concierge medicine typically involves a high annual retainer fee for enhanced access to a physician, and often still bills insurance for services. Cash-pay practices generally have lower membership fees or per-visit pricing, and don’t bill insurance at all.

Question 17

Should I still have health insurance?

Accepted Answer

We recommend maintaining health insurance coverage for catastrophic events, hospitalizations, and expensive procedures. Many patients pair cash-pay primary care with a high-deductible health plan or health sharing ministry for a cost-effective approach.

Question 18

Is the quality of care the same?

Accepted Answer

Many patients report better quality of care from cash-pay doctors. Without insurance constraints, doctors can spend more time with patients, order tests based on medical necessity rather than coverage, and focus on your health rather than billing codes.

Question 19

What about prescriptions and lab work?

Accepted Answer

Many cash-pay doctors can help you access affordable prescriptions through wholesale pricing, discount programs, or pharmacy partnerships. For lab work, many practices offer in-house testing at wholesale prices or can direct you to affordable lab services.

Frequently Asked Questions

For Patients

For Providers

About Cash-Pay Healthcare

Still Have Questions?