Why More Families Are Switching to Direct Primary Care
- Dean Cranney
- Jul 22
- 3 min read
In a world of rising deductibles, long wait times, and impersonal care, more families are seeking a better way to access their doctor. Enter Direct Primary Care (DPC)—a growing model of healthcare that puts the patient-physician relationship back at the center.
Across the country—and right here in the Inland NW—families are switching to DPC for its simplicity, affordability, and personalized approach.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re just a number in the healthcare system, keep reading. DPC might be exactly what your family needs.
What Is Direct Primary Care, and How Does It Work?
At its core, Direct Primary Care is a membership-based model where patients pay a flat monthly fee—usually between $50–$100—for unlimited access to their primary care doctor. That fee covers most day-to-day services, including:
Preventative care
Sick visits
Chronic disease management
Annual exams and labs
Direct communication via text, phone, or video
Because there’s no insurance middleman, DPC doctors can spend more time with each patient—often 30 to 60 minutes per visit—and provide care that’s proactive, not reactive.
Why Families Are Making the Switch
Better Access to Your Doctor
No more waiting weeks for an appointment or spending 15 rushed minutes with a stranger. In a DPC model, your doctor knows your name, your story, and your family’s unique needs. You can text your physician, schedule same-day appointments, and actually have time to ask questions.
Transparent Pricing
With DPC, you know exactly what you’re paying—and what you’re getting. There are no surprise bills or hidden fees. Many DPC clinics also offer wholesale pricing on medications, labs, and imaging.
Studies show that patients who pair direct primary care with a high-deductible health plan can save 20–30% annually on healthcare costs by reducing overhead and unnecessary services.
More Time with the Doctor = Better Health
Longer doctor-patient visits lead to better health outcomes. A doctor who has time can spot issues earlier, personalize your care, and help prevent problems before they start.
Perfect for Families with Kids
Parents especially love DPC. You can reach your doctor after hours for questions about fevers, rashes, or minor injuries—without heading to urgent care. Plus, most DPC memberships include children at a reduced rate.
Support for Chronic Conditions
If someone in your family has diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, or another chronic illness, DPC provides the continuity and follow-up that’s often missing in traditional care. With regular check-ins and personalized plans, conditions are managed more effectively.
DPC Is Not Insurance—And That’s a Good Thing
DPC works best when paired with a high-deductible insurance plan or health-sharing membership for major events. For everyday healthcare, it often reduces total out-of-pocket costs while improving the quality of care.
Real Families, Real Results
Here in the INW, Dr. Cranney’s practice has seen firsthand how DPC changes lives. Parents feel empowered, elderly patients feel heard, and busy professionals appreciate the convenience. It’s healthcare that fits your life—not the other way around.
Is Direct Primary Care Right for Your Family?
If you value time, trust, and affordability in healthcare, DPC is worth exploring. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition or just want a doctor who actually knows your name, DPC delivers a level of access and service that’s hard to beat.
Dr. Cranney’s DPC clinic in Spokane offers free meet-and-greet visits so you can decide if the model is right for you.
Ready to Learn More?
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