Is Direct Primary Care Worth It for Families? Here’s How It Saves You Money
There comes a time in your life when you finally realize that health isn't something that should be taken for granted. And for a lot of people, this realization happens when they're in the position where they need to take care of their family.
Suddenly, you’re not just thinking about your own checkups. You find yourself juggling doctor visits for your kids, managing surprise bills, and worrying about what happens when someone gets sick at the worst possible time.
Traditional insurance doesn’t make it easy either. Between high deductibles, rushed appointments, and unclear costs, it can feel like you’re paying more but getting less.
This is where Direct Primary Care (DPC) steps in as a different kind of solution.
For families who want more predictable healthcare, stronger relationships with their healthcare providers, and better control over their monthly expenses, DPC offers a path that’s simpler, and often more cost-effective.
But still, one big question remains: is direct primary care worth it?
Let’s take a closer look at what DPC really means, how it works, and how it can help your family save money while getting the care you actually need.
What Does DPC Mean and How Does It Work
Direct Primary Care, or DPC, is a simple way to get medical care without going through insurance. Instead of dealing with claims and surprise bills, you pay your healthcare provider a flat monthly fee. That payment covers most of the care your family needs, like checkups, sick visits, follow-ups for chronic conditions, and even virtual visits. Many DPC practices also take a holistic and integrative approach, focusing on your overall well-being rather than just isolated symptoms.
It works a lot like a membership. You pay the same amount each month and get access to care for the services included. Many times the monthly fee usually includes common services like strep tests, minor procedures, availability to help navigate more urgent concerns, and other unique services depending on the practice.
You also get more time with your provider. DPC healthcare providers take care of fewer patients (about 400 on average) so they can give your family more attention. Appointments are usually longer to allow for discussion and less stress, and you don’t have to wait weeks to get seen when something concerning pops up.
DPC also helps avoid extra costs. Since you’re not using insurance for everyday care, you don’t have to worry about deductibles, copays, or bills you weren’t expecting. Everything is clear upfront.
In short, DPC makes healthcare easier. You pay one price, get better access, and build a stronger relationship with your healthcare provider. It’s care that actually works for families.
So, Is Direct Primary Care Worth It for Families?
f you're raising a family, you already know healthcare isn’t just a line item on your budget, it’s an everyday reality.
One ear infection turns into three office visits. One lingering cough means you’re on hold with the pediatrician’s office, scrambling to get an appointment that works around school drop-offs and work meetings. And then there’s the sticker shock of an "in-network" bill that somehow still costs hundreds.
Direct Primary Care, or DPC, offers a calmer, more predictable, and holistic path. And for many families, it’s a long-term investment in both health and financial stability.
Let’s start with the cost savings. At Grove Health Pediatrics, for example, a flat monthly fee (as low as $65 per child after the first year) covers a wide range of pediatric services: from wellness checkups to sick visits, minor procedures, and even secure texting with your provider. There are no surprise bills, no copays, and no chasing down insurance codes for basic care. That monthly fee gives you access to care when you need it, without nickel-and-diming your child’s health. We also include an after-hours nurse triage line that grants peace of mind during those early morning hours when you may need guidance.
And these numbers add up. A national study found that pairing DPC with a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) saves families an average of 20% to 30% annually. Even one avoided ER trip or urgent care bill could pay for nearly a year’s worth of DPC membership, and even more importantly having your healthcare team available to guide you when you may need to be seen in the emergency room because things can’t wait until the office opens, can give parents peace of mind.
Add to that, according to the 2024 Direct Primary Care Study, 98% of physicians practicing in DPC say it improves the quality of care, and 94% say their relationships with patients are stronger.
For families, that means your provider actually knows your child. You’re not starting from scratch at every visit. You’re building continuity, something that’s especially important for kids with chronic conditions, developmental concerns, or special needs. It also creates a safe space for your child to voice concerns and take the lead on living a healthy lifestyle with a support team.
Grove Health takes this even further with a community-centered model. Instead of rushed five or 10-minute visits, families get the time and attention needed to ask questions, discuss nutrition or emotional health, and get help going through real-world parenting challenges. You’re not just paying for access, you’re paying for partnership.
So, is direct primary care worth it for families?
For those who want more consistent care, better communication, fewer billing surprises, and a care team who knows your child’s name, yes, it absolutely is. It's especially smart for families with multiple kids, those managing health on a tight budget, or anyone frustrated by the traditional fee-for-service model. DPC puts your child first.
What DPC Does Not Cover
Direct Primary Care takes care of most of your family’s everyday health needs, but there are a few things it doesn’t include. Knowing these gaps helps you plan ahead and avoid surprises.
Here’s what DPC typically does not cover:
Hospital stays or emergency room visits. If your child needs surgery or has a serious emergency, those costs are not included in your DPC membership.
Specialist care. Visits to a cardiologist, allergist, or other medical specialist will still need to go through insurance or be paid separately.
Lab work and imaging. While some DPC practices offer discounts, services like blood tests, X-rays, or MRIs are usually billed outside the membership.
Prescription drugs. Medications aren’t always covered, but many DPC providers help families access lower-cost prescriptions through partner pharmacies.
Because of this, many families pair DPC with a high-deductible insurance plan. It’s a smart way to stay protected for major medical needs while saving money on everyday care.
DPC helps you avoid using those more expensive services in the first place by catching issues early, giving you better access, and keeping your child (and family as a whole) healthier overall.
Take the Next Step With Grove Health Pediatrics
If you're ready for a simpler, more thoughtful way to care for your child’s health, Grove Health Pediatrics is here for you.
Our membership model gives your family reliable access to care, longer visits, easier communication with your provider, and support that goes beyond checkups.
Even though our practice is currently full, we welcome you to join our waitlist. You’ll be first in line when openings become available, and one step closer to care that actually fits your life.
Join the Grove Health waitlist today and give your family the kind of holistic and integrative care you’ve been looking for.
Thank you for being a part of the Grove Health community! We’re honored to support your family’s health and wellness. Stay connected with us through our monthly newsletters and blog posts—we love sharing helpful tips and inspiration with you.
At Grove Health, our mission is to provide thoughtful, compassionate care that supports the whole child and empowers families. Your trust in us strengthens that mission, and we’re so grateful to walk alongside you on this journey.
With Gratitude,
The Grove Health Pediatrics Team