What Is Direct Primary Care? How DPC Memberships Work, Cost, and HSA Rules in 2026

Direct primary care has moved from a niche idea to a mainstream choice, and searches for direct primary care doctors near me and direct primary care clinics have grown steadily over the past year. If you are wondering what direct primary care is, how much a DPC membership costs, or whether you can use your HSA for direct primary care, this guide explains how the model works at Restorative Wellness & Aesthetics in Searcy, AR.

Medically reviewed by Scott Cooper, PA-C, DMSc, Restorative Wellness & Aesthetics • Updated September 2026

Quick answer: Direct primary care (DPC) is a membership model where you pay your primary care practice a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance for each visit. The membership typically covers unlimited office visits, longer appointments, direct phone or text access to your provider, and discounted labs and medications. Starting in 2026, federal law allows DPC memberships of up to $150 per month for an individual (or $300 for a family) to be paid from a health savings account without affecting HSA eligibility.

How Does Direct Primary Care Work?

In a traditional practice, each visit is billed to insurance, and providers often manage panels of 2,000 or more patients. That volume leads to short visits and long waits. DPC practices remove insurance billing from primary care and keep patient panels much smaller, so providers can spend real time with each person.

With a DPC membership you generally get:

• Unlimited primary care visits with no copays for covered services
• Same-day or next-day appointments for urgent concerns
• Longer visits that allow time for questions and prevention
• Direct access to your provider by phone, text, or telehealth
• Wholesale-priced labs and medications in many practices
• Chronic disease management for conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid disorders

See details on the primary care membership page and the full list of primary care services at Restorative Wellness & Aesthetics.

What Does Direct Primary Care Cost?

DPC memberships are priced as a predictable monthly fee. Nationally, most adult memberships fall roughly between $50 and $150 per month, with lower rates for children and family bundles at many practices. For many patients, especially those with high-deductible plans, the membership costs less than paying full price for several office visits and labs each year.

Ask any DPC practice what the fee includes, how labs and medications are priced, and whether there is an enrollment fee. Contact Restorative Wellness & Aesthetics for current membership pricing in Searcy.

Can I Use My HSA for Direct Primary Care?

Yes, beginning January 1, 2026. Federal legislation passed in 2025 clarified that a direct primary care arrangement does not disqualify you from contributing to a health savings account, and it made DPC fees a qualified medical expense. The limits are $150 per month for individual coverage and $300 per month for family coverage, adjusted for inflation in future years. Check with your HSA administrator or tax professional about your specific plan.

Is Direct Primary Care the Same as Health Insurance?

No. DPC covers everyday primary care, but it does not cover hospital stays, surgery, emergency room visits, or specialist care. Most DPC members keep some form of coverage for large or unexpected expenses, such as a high-deductible health plan, a health share, or an employer plan. Pairing DPC with a high-deductible plan is a popular way to control costs while keeping protection for major events.

Who Is Direct Primary Care a Good Fit For?

• Families and individuals with high-deductible health plans
• Self-employed people, farmers, and small business owners
• Patients managing chronic conditions who need frequent follow-up
• Anyone frustrated by rushed visits or weeks-long waits
• Employers looking for an affordable health benefit for their team

Direct Primary Care vs. Concierge Medicine

Both models use memberships, but concierge practices often charge higher annual fees and still bill insurance for visits. Direct primary care usually does not bill insurance for primary care and keeps fees lower and simpler. DPC is designed to be affordable for everyday families, not only premium patients.

Primary Care and Wellness Under One Roof

At Restorative Wellness & Aesthetics, primary care members also have convenient access to wellness services that support long-term health, including medical weight loss, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, and IV therapy. Having one team that knows your full health picture makes care more coordinated.

Frequently Asked Questions About Direct Primary Care

Do I still need insurance with direct primary care?

It is strongly recommended. DPC covers primary care, while insurance or a catastrophic plan protects you from hospital, emergency, and specialist costs.

Can a DPC provider refer me to specialists?

Yes. Your DPC provider coordinates referrals to specialists and imaging when needed, and those services are billed through your insurance or paid separately.

Can I cancel a DPC membership?

Most DPC practices use month-to-month memberships without long-term contracts. Ask about the specific cancellation terms before you enroll.

Does direct primary care include labs and prescriptions?

Many DPC practices include basic in-office testing and offer discounted pricing on labs and common generic medications. Coverage varies by practice.

Is there direct primary care in Searcy, Arkansas?

Yes. Restorative Wellness & Aesthetics offers a direct primary care membership at 803 W Race Ave in Searcy, AR, serving White County and surrounding communities.

Join Direct Primary Care in Searcy, AR

If you want a provider who knows you, answers your messages, and has time for your questions, the team at Restorative Wellness & Aesthetics in Searcy, AR can walk you through membership options. Schedule a consultation or call (501) 236-4452 to get started.