How Much Does Direct Primary Care Cost in Columbus, Ohio?

One of the first questions people ask about direct primary care is simple: How much does it cost?

Direct primary care, commonly called DPC, uses a membership model rather than billing health insurance for routine primary care included in the membership.

At Firebird Direct Primary Care in Worthington, Ohio, patients pay a predictable membership fee for ongoing access to primary care.

But understanding the cost of DPC involves more than looking at the monthly membership price. It is also important to understand what the membership includes—and what it does not.

How Does Direct Primary Care Pricing Work?

Traditional primary care commonly involves insurance billing, copays, deductibles, and other cost-sharing.

Direct primary care takes a different approach.

Patients pay the primary care practice directly through a membership. At Firebird DPC, routine primary care included in the membership is provided without billing your health insurance for each visit.

This can make the cost of your primary care more predictable.

You can see Firebird's current rates on our Membership page.

What Is Included in a Firebird DPC Membership?

A Firebird DPC membership is designed around an ongoing relationship with your family physician rather than paying separately for each routine office visit.

Depending on your individual medical needs, care may include:

• Preventive and wellness care
• Evaluation of illnesses and new symptoms
• Chronic disease management
• Medication management
• Follow-up for conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol
• Blood draws and selected laboratory services
• Coordination with specialists when needed
• Selected office procedures
• Osteopathic evaluation and treatment when appropriate

You can review the primary care services available at Firebird DPC.

Does DPC Charge a Copay for Every Visit?

The DPC membership model is different from a traditional fee-for-service office visit.

Routine primary care visits included in your Firebird membership are not accompanied by a traditional insurance copay each time you see your physician.

That can be particularly useful for patients who need ongoing follow-up rather than avoiding a primary care visit because each appointment creates another charge.

The goal is to make the primary care relationship more accessible and predictable.

Are There Medical Costs Outside the Membership?

Yes.

A direct primary care membership covers primary care provided through the practice as described in the membership. It does not mean that every healthcare expense is included.

Costs outside the membership may include:

• Emergency department care
• Hospitalization
• Surgery
• Specialist services
• Advanced imaging
• Outside laboratory services
• Prescription medications obtained outside the practice
• Other services provided by outside healthcare organizations

Patients should consider these potential expenses when deciding how they will manage their overall healthcare costs.

Does Direct Primary Care Replace Health Insurance?

No. Direct primary care is not health insurance.

DPC is a model for providing primary care. Health insurance or other coverage may help protect against larger medical expenses such as hospitalization, emergency care, surgery, and specialty treatment.

Some patients combine DPC with health insurance, including high-deductible plans. Others may be uninsured or use different approaches to paying for healthcare.

The important point is to understand the difference between paying for primary care and protecting yourself against potentially much larger medical expenses.

Learn more about how direct primary care works.

Is Direct Primary Care Cheaper Than Traditional Primary Care?

There is not one answer that applies to everyone.

Your total healthcare spending depends on factors such as:

• How often you need primary care
• Your medications and medical conditions
• Your insurance premiums and deductible
• Whether you need specialist or hospital care
• Laboratory and imaging needs
• Your family's healthcare needs

For that reason, it is better to compare the actual costs and services available to you rather than assuming DPC will always cost less.

One potential advantage of the membership model is predictability: you can know the cost of your Firebird membership in advance rather than wondering what each routine primary care visit will cost.

What If I Don't Have Health Insurance?

Health insurance is not required to become a Firebird DPC member.

That makes DPC one option for people who want an ongoing primary care relationship without using insurance to pay for routine primary care.

However, an uninsured patient remains financially responsible for medical care outside the DPC membership.

If this applies to you, read our guide to primary care without insurance in Columbus, Ohio.

How Should I Decide Whether DPC Is Worth the Cost?

Start by asking what you want from primary care.

Consider questions such as:

• Do I want an established physician who knows my medical history?
• Would I benefit from easier access for questions and follow-up?
• Do I have chronic conditions that require ongoing management?
• Do I value predictable primary care expenses?
• What am I currently paying for insurance premiums, deductibles, copays, or cash-pay visits?
• How will I cover medical expenses outside primary care?

The answer will be different for different patients and families.

Direct Primary Care in Worthington and Columbus

Firebird Direct Primary Care is located in Worthington and serves patients from Worthington, Columbus, and surrounding Central Ohio communities.

If you are comparing the cost of direct primary care with your current primary care arrangement, you can review our current membership pricing.

You can also schedule a free 15-minute Meet & Greet with Dr. Mark Hagen to learn more about the practice before deciding whether membership is a good fit.

Firebird Direct Primary Care
7100 N. High Street, Suite 202
Worthington, Ohio 43085