Membership instead of per-visit billing
Members pay a recurring membership fee for the primary care services included in the Firebird DPC membership rather than paying a copay for each included office visit.
Direct primary care
What Is Direct Primary Care and How Does DPC Work?
Direct primary care (DPC) is a membership-based model of primary care built around a direct relationship between you and your physician. Instead of billing insurance for most routine primary care, members pay a clear recurring fee for included care, longer visits when needed, and easier communication with their doctor.
How DPC works
A Simpler Relationship Between You and Your Doctor
More direct access
The model supports in-person care plus direct communication by phone, text, secure portal messaging, and telehealth when clinically appropriate.
More time for primary care
Longer visits when needed can create more room to discuss prevention, chronic conditions, new symptoms, medications, and health goals.
Traditional Primary Care vs. Direct Primary Care
The exact experience varies by practice and patient, but these are common differences between insurance-billed primary care and the Firebird DPC membership model.
| Feature | Traditional primary care | Firebird DPC |
|---|---|---|
| Appointment length | Often shorter and more constrained | Longer visits when needed |
| Access | Often routed through office workflows | Direct physician access through several communication options |
| Pricing | Routine care costs can depend on insurance benefits | Clear membership pricing for included care |
| Communication | Often centered on visits and portal messages | In-person, virtual, phone, text, and secure portal options when appropriate |
| Insurance billing | Insurance is commonly billed for routine care | Membership covers included routine primary care services |
| Continuity | Varies by practice | Ongoing primary care relationship with Dr. Mark Hagen |
Insurance and DPC
DPC Is Primary Care — Not Health Insurance
Direct primary care does not replace insurance for major emergencies, hospitalization, surgery, specialty care, or other large medical expenses. Firebird recommends maintaining insurance or another appropriate cost-sharing arrangement for those needs. Your DPC membership is designed to make routine primary care more accessible and predictable.
Outside services such as certain laboratory tests, imaging, medications, specialist visits, and hospital care may have separate costs. Firebird can help members understand options and coordinate care when outside services are needed.
Common questions
Direct Primary Care FAQ
What is direct primary care?
Direct primary care is a membership-based primary care model. Patients pay a recurring fee for access to included routine primary care services and direct communication with their physician.
Does DPC replace health insurance?
No. DPC is not health insurance. Coverage is still recommended for emergencies, hospitalization, surgery, specialty care, and other major medical expenses.
What does Firebird DPC membership include?
Membership includes routine primary care, preventive care, chronic condition management, longer visits when needed, and direct communication options. See the membership page for current details and pricing.
Who can use direct primary care?
DPC can work for individuals and families who value a continuing relationship with their primary care physician, predictable membership pricing, and fewer barriers to asking for help when primary care is needed.
Firebird Direct Primary Care
Primary Care in Worthington, Ohio
Firebird Direct Primary Care is led by Dr. Mark Hagen, DO, a board-certified family physician. The practice serves Worthington and surrounding Central Ohio communities with membership-based family medicine focused on access, time, communication, and continuity. Learn more about Direct Primary Care in Worthington, Ohio.