Direct Primary Care 101: The Cost of DPC

Affordable Care Without the Catch

Let’s talk about the elephant in the exam room: healthcare costs.

Most people assume that truly great care has to be expensive and if it’s affordable, there’s a catch. But at Gaston Family Practice, our Direct Primary Care (DPC) model flips that logic on its head.

Transparent, Predictable Pricing

Our membership costs the same every month. That’s it.
No surprise bills. No copays. No deductibles.
You’ll always know what you’re paying and exactly what you’re getting for it.

 

What’s Included in Your Membership?

When you join Gaston Family Practice as a DPC member, your monthly fee covers:

  • Unlimited office visits — Come in as often as needed without worrying about cost.
  • Same-day or next-day care — Whether it’s a sinus infection or a sprained ankle, we’re here when you need us.
  • 24/7 access to your doctor — Call or message anytime, no more waiting until Monday morning.
  • Preventive care and chronic disease management — From annual wellness exams to diabetes follow-up, it’s all part of your care.
  • In-office procedures — Skin biopsies, EKGs, cryotherapy, joint injections, and more included at no extra charge.
  • Basic labs — Our membership covers all point of care labs (strep, flu, urine, etc.), and all routine labs sent out to our reference lab (including cholesterol, thyroid, blood counts, and more).
  • Care coordination — Need a specialist or imaging? We’ll help arrange it and often find you a better price.

And we’ll never nickel-and-dime you for questions, follow-ups, or refills.

How It Compares to Traditional Costs

Ever paid $150+ out-of-pocket for a quick urgent care visit? Or waited weeks for a PCP appointment only to get a surprise bill for a ten-minute visit?

At Gaston Family Practice, you skip all of that.

Most of our members find they actually save money, especially if they:

  • Visit urgent care a few times per year
  • Have high-deductible insurance plans
  • Manage ongoing conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or asthma
  • Want better access and less frustration with the healthcare system

Even If You Rarely Go to the Doctor

We hear this one a lot: “But I’m healthy. I barely go to the doctor.” Even then, DPC can be a smart move. Here’s why:

  • You get fast answers when you’re sick…think flu, strep, or COVID, without a long wait or a high copay.
  • You can stay ahead of problems with wellness visits, labs, and screenings.
  • You have direct access to a doctor you trust, without wondering if your question is “worth an appointment.”
  • You’re covered for the unexpected, from minor injuries, to infections, or allergic reactions, all without a runaround.

A healthy person might not need us every week, but when you do need care, it’s there and that peace of mind is worth it.

What’s Not Covered (and Why That’s Okay)

Direct Primary Care isn’t insurance and it doesn’t try to be. We recommend pairing your membership with a high-deductible health plan, a health share, or catastrophic insurance to help cover:

  • Emergency room visits
  • Specialist care
  • Hospitalizations
  • Major surgeries or imaging

Think of Gaston Family Practice as your everyday healthcare and insurance as a backup for the big stuff. Together, they make a complete and more affordable solution.

Affordable, Not Cheap

Let’s be clear: this isn’t discount medicine! This is better medicine, made affordable by removing the insurance middleman. You’re paying directly for high-quality, personalized care without the red tape.

What’s Next?

Ready to learn more? Our next article in this series will discuss why parents are making the switch to Gaston Family Practice.

Or, if you’re ready to experience healthcare the way it should be, schedule a free consultation with one of our physicians. Let’s talk about whether DPC at Gaston Family Practice is right for you.

This is Part 3 of our 6-part Direct Primary Care 101 series. Coming up next: “Why Parents Are Making the Switch”