rhode-island-dpc

The Future Of Primary Care For Rhode Island and Beyond

Wed, 27 May 2026 14:40:26 GMT

Discover the Evolution of Care

You've probably had this experience. You call your doctor's office with a problem that's been bugging you for two weeks. The earliest appointment is a month out. You take it. You rearrange your schedule, drive there, sit in a waiting room for 40 minutes, and then get roughly 8 minutes of face time before your provider is out the door to the next patient.

And that's pretty much how it goes every time, because the system was set up to move patients through quickly, not to give anyone enough time. At Rhode Island Direct Primary Care , we do something different at our North Kingstown office. It's worth understanding how it works.

Why Conventional Primary Care Feels So Rushed

The math tells the whole story. Most primary care offices need to see 20 to 30 patients a day just to stay financially afloat after insurance overhead, billing staff, coding requirements, and pre-authorization paperwork eat into the budget. That doesn't leave room for a 45-minute conversation about what's really going on with your health.

When every visit has to be coded, billed, and negotiated through a third-party payer, the business model rewards volume. More patients per hour, more revenue. Longer visits, less revenue.

Direct Primary Care Flips That Mode

Direct Primary Care, or DPC, removes insurance from the primary care relationship entirely. No billing codes. No claims. No pre-authorizations for routine care.

Instead, you pay a flat monthly membership fee directly to your practice. That fee covers your primary care: office visits, preventive care, chronic disease management, acute sick visits, care coordination, and direct communication with your provider by phone, text, or email.

The American Academy of Family Physicians has backed DPC as a legitimate alternative to fee-for-service billing.

Here's what that looks like day to day:

Same-day or next-day appointments. Not three weeks from now.
Visits that last 30 to 60 minutes. Long enough to actually talk.
Your provider's direct line. Call, text, or message when something comes up.
No copays for covered services. Your membership covers it.
A provider who knows your name, your history, and your goals. Because they're not juggling 2,000 patients.

DPC practices keep their panels small on purpose. A typical insurance-based practice carries 1,500 to 2,500 patients per provider. DPC panels are a fraction of that. According to the Direct Primary Care Coalition , more than 2,300 DPC practices now operate across 48 states, serving over 300,000 patients who decided the old model wasn't working for them.

What DPC Doesn't Cover

Let's be straightforward about this. DPC handles your primary care. It does not replace health insurance.

If you need surgery, get hospitalized, or see a specialist, you'll need separate coverage for that. Most DPC members pair their membership with a high-deductible health plan or a health-sharing arrangement. Think of DPC as covering the 80 to 90 percent of healthcare you actually use on a regular basis: checkups, blood work, managing your blood pressure or thyroid, treating a sinus infection, adjusting your medications, talking through a concern before it becomes a crisis.

The insurance plan handles the catastrophic stuff. DPC handles your day-to-day health. Together, many members find they're spending less overall than they were on a traditional insurance plan with high premiums they barely used.

Who We Are

Rhode Island Direct Primary Care was founded by two clinicians who spent years working inside the conventional system and got tired of watching it fail their patients.

Dr. Letitia Horrigan, DO is board-certified in Internal Medicine and has been caring for adults in outpatient primary care since 2011. She grew up in Rhode Island, went to the University of Rhode Island for her undergraduate degree, and earned her medical degree (DO) from the University of New England. After more than a decade of practice, she saw the same pattern over and over: patients who couldn't get in when they needed to, visits that were too short to be useful, and a scheduling system that made it harder to do the job well.

Deanna Wright, MSN, AGNP-C brings over 30 years of healthcare experience, starting as a CNA in high school and working her way through a decade of Medical-Surgical and ICU nursing before earning her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Rhode Island. She's known for building long-term relationships with patients and treating them the way she'd want her own family treated.

Together, they opened Rhode Island Direct Primary Care in North Kingstown to do primary care the way they always believed it should be done: small panels, long visits, real relationships, and zero insurance billing.

What You Get as a Member

Our membership is built around one idea: your primary care should be easy to access, easy to understand, and worth your time. Pricing is posted on our website because we think you should know what you're paying before you sign up.

Members get unlimited office visits, same-day and next-day scheduling, direct phone and text access to their provider, comprehensive primary care (preventive, chronic, and acute), extended visit times, and continuity with the same provider who actually knows their story.

No copays on covered services. No surprise bills. No calling a 1-800 number and hoping someone calls you back.

Who Does DPC Work Best For?

Honestly, most adults. But it's especially good for a few groups.

Self-employed people and small business owners who are paying for expensive insurance they barely use. A DPC membership plus a high-deductible plan often costs less and delivers dramatically better primary care access.

People managing chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, or anxiety. Frequent, unhurried follow-up with a provider who knows your case makes a measurable difference in outcomes.

Anyone who's felt like a number. If your last doctor's visit left you feeling like you were on a conveyor belt, that's exactly why we started Rhode Island Direct Primary Care.

Still have questions? Our FAQ page covers the most common ones.

See If It's a Fit

We start every new patient relationship with a meet-and-greet. No clipboard. No commitment. Just a conversation about what you're looking for and whether Rhode Island Direct Primary Care is the right match.

Schedule a meet-and-greet with our care team.

Rhode Island Direct Primary Care is located at The Meadows Professional Office Park, 1130 Ten Rod Rd, Suite E-205, North Kingstown, RI 02852. Call (401) 409-2033 or reach us online . Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM; Friday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Health Services Resource Fair, Jamestown RI

Sat, 23 May 2026 17:14:04 GMT

Save the Date- June 23, 2026

Join us on Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026 at the Fort Getty Pavilion in Jamestown 3-6 pm. (Rain date: June 24th, 2026)

The Jamestown Ssenior Center is the sponsor for the Aging in Place Resource Fair.

Rhode Island Direct Primary Care will be there to provide blood pressure screening. Bring your questions about Direct Primary Care, membership, and how we aim to improve the patient-clinician relationship.

We look forward to meeting with you!

The Power of Trust in Primary care

Mon, 18 May 2026 15:23:50 GMT

How Trust Drives the Primary Care Patient-Clinician Relationship

Many clinicians today are leaving the insurance, fee-for -service model behind. They are opting in for the opportunity to truly engage and provide compassionate care for their patients on a meaningful level. This opportunity is known as "Direct Primary Care".

Utilizing a membership or subscription-based model (think Netflix), clinicians opt out of the insurance markets, and set transparent, up-front pricing. The key benefits to the patients are known as the "4 Cs of Primary Care".

Contact- Can you talk to your doctor? Direct Primary Care Clinicians receive a 97% satisfaction score in contact. (Hint Health, The DPC Patient Experience Report)
Comprehensiveness: Does your provider handle your health care needs?
Coordination: How well does the provider coordinate care with specialists and hospitals?
Continuity: How strong is the patient-provider relationship over time?

Direct Primary Care providers establish, build, and maintain their relationships with patients. These relationships, over time, build trust.

So ask yourself the questions above. Do you have a relationship with your primary care provider that is built on trust?

We welcome you to explore the opportunity to begin that relationship today with our team at Rhode Island Direct Primary Care.

To view the above article, click here

What is Hantavirus?

Mon, 11 May 2026 17:15:11 GMT

What is Hantavirus?

The news cycle is abuzz about Hantavirus. But what is it? Is it contagious? What are the symptoms?

Hantavirus is a rare but potentially fatal virus spread mainly by wild rodents (such as rats or mice) through their urine, saliva, or droppings.

Hantavirus can cause severe, rapidly progressing illness, such as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), resulting in severe breathing issues. The mortality rate can be as high as 38-40% (CDC).

How does it spread?

Hantavirus is spread mainly through breathing in the virus particles from dried rodent droppings or urine stirred up in dust. It can also be spread by touching contaminated surfaces that rodents have touched, and then touching the nose or mouth.

Hantavirus is common in enclosed, unventilated spaces like cabins, sheds, and barns (where mice like to build nests)!

While rare, the Andes virus strain can spread between people with close, prolonged contact.

What are the symptoms?

Early symptoms are often mistaken for the flu: fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. About half of all patients will also experience headaches, dizziness, and chills. These symptoms appear 1-8 weeks after exposure.

Late symptoms: (4-10 days later): coughing, shortness of breath, lungs fill with fluid (Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome)

Treatment:

No specific anti-viral treatments or vaccines are available. Treatment is supportive. If the person develops respiratory symptoms, ICU-level care may improve outcomes.

Prevention:

Avoid sweeping or vacuuming dried rodent droppings. Use wet cleaning methods with bleach solutions; wear gloves, and seal up homes against rodents.

For further information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Measles Cases Reported in Rhode Island

Sun, 03 May 2026 17:59:28 GMT

What is Measles?

During the month of April, the Rhode Island Department of Health confirmed two cases of measles. The incidents are not related.

According to the Director of Health, Jerry Larkin, MD, “the chance of significant spread of measles in Rhode is very low because we have such a high MMR vaccination rate is very high."

The Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective.

Measles is not “just a rash”. It is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus that lives in the nose and throat of an infected person. It spreads easily when the infected person coughs or sneezes, or through close personal contact. Infected people can spread the virus from four days before the virus to four days after the rash appears.

Symptoms : usually occur 7-21 days after exposure to the virus, and include:

*High fever

*Cough

*Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)

*Tiny white spots on the inside of the cheeks

*Rash: large, flat, red blotches

There is no antiviral therapy for measles . Supportive care for symptoms includes reducing the fever, fluids, and treatment for any bacterial super infections. Complications range from pneumonia, seizures, permanent blindness, brain swelling, respiratory failure and death.

Talk with your primary care clinician about your vaccination status. Ask questions, be informed.

For more information : Rhode Island Department Health or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Doctors Choosing a Different Path to Deliver Health Care in RI

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 14:13:45 GMT

NBC 10 I-Team: More doctors go concierge, leaving gaps in Rhode Island primary care

The Future of Healthcare in Rhode Island: Why Membership Care is the New Standard

Healthcare is changing, and here in the Ocean State, patients and practitioners alike are reclaiming the doctor-patient relationship. You may have noticed a growing national trend toward membership-based care, and Rhode Island is at the forefront of this movement.

Recently, local news highlighted how this shift is helping both clinicians and patients move away from the frustrations of traditional "assembly-line" medicine.

Click here for the full news interview to see how Rhode Island physicians and practitioners are making the transition to a more personal way of practicing medicine.

What is Rhode Island Direct Primary Care?

At Rhode Island Direct Primary Care, we are proud to be a Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice. But what does that actually mean for you?

In a traditional office, your doctor often works for an insurance company or a large hospital system. In a Direct Primary Care model, the "middleman" is removed. The arrangement includes a direct contract between the patient and the clinician. By cutting out the administrative red tape of insurance billing, we are able to focus entirely on what matters most: you.

Why Choose a Direct Primary Care Model ?

Transitioning to a membership model allows us to offer the kind of care that used to be the gold standard—where your doctor actually has time to listen.

Enhanced Access: You aren't just another number on a chart. Our members have a direct line to their clinicians, ensuring your questions are answered when they arise.

Same Day/Next Day Appointments: Health issues don't wait for a three-week opening in a calendar. We offer priority scheduling so you can get care exactly when you need it.

Longer Appointments: No more 10-minute rushed visits. We take the time to understand your history, goals, and concerns in a relaxed environment.

Transparent Pricing: One simple monthly membership covers your primary care needs, with no hidden co-pays or surprise bills in the mail.

Joining the Trend

The shift toward membership care isn't just about convenience—it’s about quality. As more Rhode Island practitioners move toward this model, the goal remains the same: to provide proactive, personalized, and accessible healthcare that keeps our community healthy.

Ready to experience healthcare the way it was meant to be? Explore our membership options and see how Rhode Island Direct Primary Care is bringing the "personal" back to primary care.

National Perscription Drug Take Back Day

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 15:44:13 GMT

National Prescription Take Back Day

Too often, unused prescription drugs find their way into the wrong hands. This April 25th, 2026 is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Dispose of medications your at a collection site near you at www.dea.gov/takebackday

Membership Medicine: Is It Right For You?

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:42:58 GMT

Membership Medicine in Rhode Island

On April 2, 2026, WPRI ran the following news feature on membership medicine. Direct Primary Care is a form of membership medicine. The primary care clinicians do not engage with insurance companies, and receive an agreed upon payment from the patient.

"Patients who can afford membership models are also likely benefiting from improved access to their doctors. In the short term, as the nation’s primary care workforce is struggling to keep up with demand, the physicians and patients remaining in the traditional primary care system are likely facing increased need for primary care access with less physician capacity available.”

Click here for a link to the full interview.

Health Savings Accounts and Direct Primary Care

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 15:55:25 GMT

The Game-Changer: Paying for Direct Primary Care with Your Health Savings Account

For years, patients and doctors alike have hit a frustrating wall when trying to combine the personalized care of Direct Primary Care with the tax benefits of a Health Savings Account. Under old rules, the IRS viewed membership fees as "other health coverage," which often made members ineligible to contribute to their accounts.

That changed with the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Starting January 1, 2026, Direct Primary Care membership fees are officially recognized as qualified medical expenses.

How Direct Primary Care and Health Savings Accounts Work Together

In this new era, you can use pre-tax funds from your Health Savings Account to pay your monthly membership fees, making your primary care more affordable than ever. There are just a few simple limits to keep in mind for 2026:

Monthly Payment Limits: You can use your account funds for membership fees up to $150 per month for individuals and $300 per month for families.

Total Savings: Because contributions to these accounts are pre-tax, using them for your membership essentially gives you a "discount" equal to your tax bracket.

Keep Your Coverage

To contribute to a Health Savings Account, you must still be enrolled in a qualifying High-Deductible Health Plan.

Health Savings Account vs. Flexible Spending Account: What’s the Difference?

Both accounts let you pay for healthcare with tax-free money, but they work very differently. Here is a simple breakdown to help you choose:

Feature Health Savings Account Flexible Spending Account

Who Owns It? You do. It stays with you even if you change jobs or retire. Your employer. You lose the funds if you leave the company.

Rollover Rules Unlimited. All unspent money rolls over every year forever. "Use it or lose it." You must spend most of it by the end of the year.

Eligibility Requires a High-Deductible Health Plan. Available with most employer-sponsored health plans.

Availability Funds accumulate as you contribute each month. Your full annual amount is typically available on Day 1.

Growth Can be invested in stocks or mutual funds tax-free. No investment options; it is strictly a spending account.

Why This Matters for Your Health

By pairing a Direct Primary Care membership with a qualifying health plan, you get the best of both worlds: unlimited, same-day access to your doctor for routine care, and a growing tax-free nest egg for major medical needs or future expenses.

"Explosive Growth of Doctors Choosing Direct Primary Care"

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 21:32:29 GMT

NBC News: December 24, 2025

NBC News' Anne Thompson speaks with one physician who recently made the transition from corporate medicine to Direct Primary Care.

Click here to hear his story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxmgcvAOfIw

Dr. Letitia Horrigan and Deanna Wright, NP-C couldn't agree more. Direct Primary Care places the patient at the center of healthcare.

Health Made Simple. Care Made Personal.

How Rhode Island Residents Can Take Charge of Their Health With Preventive Care

eric@itsjumpstart.com (Eric Caballero) — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 13:38:08 GMT

Learn how preventive care through Rhode Island DPC can help you stay healthy, avoid illness, and catch problems early — personalized care made simple.

Taking care of your health shouldn’t be complicated or expensive. In Rhode Island, preventive care is key to staying well and avoiding serious illnesses. With Direct Primary Care, residents have access to personalized, proactive healthcare that focuses on keeping you healthy — not just treating sickness when it arises.

What Is Preventive Care?

Preventive care includes services that detect health issues early and reduce future risks. Common preventive services covered by DPC include:

Annual physicals and wellness exams
Blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes screenings
Vaccinations and immunizations
Health education and lifestyle guidance

By proactively addressing health, you can catch potential problems early, reduce hospital visits, and improve long-term outcomes.

Why Rhode Islanders Benefit From Preventive Care Through DPC

Personalized Attention
DPC physicians spend more time with each patient, tailoring nutrition, exercise, and wellness advice to your lifestyle and needs.
Easy Access
Same-day or next-day appointments, telehealth options, and direct messaging make it easier for Rhode Islanders to stay consistent with checkups and screenings.
Transparent Costs
Preventive care in a DPC model comes with no surprise fees, making it simpler to prioritize your health without worrying about high copays or deductibles.

Tips for Rhode Island Residents to Stay Healthy

Schedule your annual physical and screenings
Maintain a balanced diet and regular exercise routine
Keep vaccinations up to date
Use your DPC physician as a resource for personalized advice

Preventive care is the cornerstone of lasting health. Rhode Island DPC makes it easy, affordable, and personalized, giving you the tools and support to stay well year-round. Ready to prioritize your health? Give Us a Call Today

Managing Chronic Conditions in Rhode Island With Direct Primary Care

eric@itsjumpstart.com (Eric Caballero) — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 13:38:08 GMT

Living with a chronic condition like diabetes, hypertension, or asthma can feel overwhelming. In Rhode Island, Direct Primary Care (DPC) offers a different approach — one focused on proactive management, consistent monitoring, and strong doctor-patient relationships to keep chronic conditions under control.

What Makes DPC Different for Chronic Disease Management?

Traditional primary care often leaves chronic patients feeling rushed and unsupported. DPC changes that by offering:

Longer, focused visits for personalized care plans
Regular check-ins and follow-ups to track progress
Direct communication with your physician for questions or concerns
Coordination of lab work, medications, and specialists
Benefits of Managing Chronic Diseases Through Rhode Island DPC
Better Access & Communication
Patients can message their doctor directly for updates, medication adjustments, or lifestyle guidance — reducing complications and ER visits.
Personalized Care Plans

Every chronic condition is different. DPC physicians design customized treatment plans, including diet, exercise, medication management, and preventive strategies.

Improved Health Outcomes

Studies show that patients in DPC programs experience fewer hospitalizations and ER visits and better overall disease control.

Chronic Conditions Commonly Managed Through DPC in Rhode Island are

Diabetes
Hypertension
High cholesterol
Asthma and COPD
Thyroid disorders

Managing a chronic condition doesn’t have to be stressful or isolating. Rhode Island DPC provides accessible, personalized care that helps you stay on top of your health and live well every day.

Ready to take control of your chronic condition? Give us a call today to learn more.

What Is Direct Primary Care — and Why More Rhode Islanders Are Making the Switch

eric@itsjumpstart.com (Eric Caballero) — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 13:38:08 GMT

Discover how Direct Primary Care offers affordable, personalized healthcare for Rhode Island families — no insurance or hidden fees required.

Healthcare can be confusing, expensive, and impersonal — especially in Rhode Island, where traditional insurance-based primary care often comes with long waits, high deductibles, and limited time with your doctor. That’s where Direct Primary Care (DPC) comes in. More Rhode Islanders are choosing DPC for its affordable, transparent, and patient-focused approach to primary care.

What Is Direct Primary Care?

Direct Primary Care is a healthcare model where patients pay a flat monthly membership fee directly to their doctor or practice. This fee typically covers most primary care services, including:

Routine checkups and physicals
Sick visits and urgent care
Lab work and preventive screenings
Chronic disease management

Unlike traditional insurance-based care, DPC eliminates co-pays, hidden fees, and billing surprises. You don’t pay per visit — your membership covers it all.

Why Rhode Islanders Are Switching to DPC

Affordable Healthcare
Many families in Providence, Warwick, and Newport are finding that DPC costs less than traditional insurance copays and deductibles. Membership fees are transparent, predictable, and designed to make healthcare accessible to all.
Longer, Personalized Visits
In traditional offices, appointments often last 7–10 minutes. DPC doctors spend 35–45 minutes with each patient, providing thorough care, addressing multiple concerns, and building strong doctor-patient relationships.
Better Access & Convenience
Same-day or next-day appointments, after-hours messaging, and telehealth visits mean Rhode Islanders can get care when they need it — without long waits or ER trips for minor issues.
Preventive Focus
With fewer patients per doctor, DPC emphasizes preventive care, helping patients avoid serious health problems before they start.

Who Can Benefit From DPC in Rhode Island?

Families: Affordable care for kids and adults alike
Couples: Shared memberships to manage health together
Students: Flexible, budget-friendly options for college and young adults
Employers: Group memberships for teams, improving employee wellness and reducing sick days

Direct Primary Care is transforming healthcare in Rhode Island by offering transparent, accessible, and personalized care. If you’re tired of short visits, surprise bills, and rushed appointments, it might be time to explore DPC.

Ready to get started? Give us a call!

rhode-island-dpc

The Future Of Primary Care For Rhode Island and Beyond

Discover the Evolution of Care

Why Conventional Primary Care Feels So Rushed

Direct Primary Care Flips That Mode

What DPC Doesn't Cover

Who We Are

What You Get as a Member

Who Does DPC Work Best For?

See If It's a Fit

Health Services Resource Fair, Jamestown RI

Save the Date- June 23, 2026

The Power of Trust in Primary care

How Trust Drives the Primary Care Patient-Clinician Relationship

What is Hantavirus?

What is Hantavirus?

Measles Cases Reported in Rhode Island

What is Measles?

Doctors Choosing a Different Path to Deliver Health Care in RI

NBC 10 I-Team: More doctors go concierge, leaving gaps in Rhode Island primary care

National Perscription Drug Take Back Day

National Prescription Take Back Day

Membership Medicine: Is It Right For You?

Membership Medicine in Rhode Island

Health Savings Accounts and Direct Primary Care

The Game-Changer: Paying for Direct Primary Care with Your Health Savings Account

"Explosive Growth of Doctors Choosing Direct Primary Care"

NBC News: December 24, 2025

How Rhode Island Residents Can Take Charge of Their Health With Preventive Care

What Is Preventive Care?

Why Rhode Islanders Benefit From Preventive Care Through DPC

Tips for Rhode Island Residents to Stay Healthy

Managing Chronic Conditions in Rhode Island With Direct Primary Care

What Is Direct Primary Care — and Why More Rhode Islanders Are Making the Switch

What Is Direct Primary Care?

Why Rhode Islanders Are Switching to DPC

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Who Can Benefit From DPC in Rhode Island?