DPC vs traditional care | MonadDoc

Compare care models

Direct primary care vs traditional primary care

See why more patients are choosing a simpler, more personal approach to healthcare.

Side-by-side comparison of direct primary care and traditional primary care across seventeen common patient concerns.
Category	Direct primary care	Traditional care
Membership	Simple monthly membership	Insurance billing and copays
Insurance required	No	Usually yes
Doctor relationship	Same physician every visit Long-term relationship	Often whichever provider is available
Appointments	Same-day or next-day availability	Often days or weeks to be seen
Wait time	Minimal waiting	Often longer waits
Appointment length	30–60 minute appointments	10–15 minute appointments
Communication	Text, phone, email, secure messaging directly with your physician	Usually routed through reception or nursing staff
Office visits	Included with membership	Copay or deductible may apply
Preventive care	Included and emphasized	Often limited by visit time
Care coordination	Physician helps coordinate specialist and hospital care	Often managed between multiple offices
Prescription savings	Member access to discounted generic medications	Retail pharmacy and insurance formulary pricing
On-site acute medications	On-site acute medications included free for members	Prescriptions sent to pharmacy for retail pickup
Lab pricing	Discounted wholesale lab pricing	Insurance pricing or retail rates
Imaging	Discounted cash pricing available	Insurance dependent
Panel size	Smaller patient panel allowing more individualized care	Large patient panels
Focus	Preventive care, wellness, and treating the root cause	Often focused on managing illness during shorter visits
Cost transparency	Clear monthly pricing with no surprise bills	Bills can vary depending on insurance coverage