What Is Direct Primary Care — and Why More Rhode Islanders Are Making the Switch
Eric Caballero • March 28, 2022
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!
January is more than just a new calendar year; it is a time dedicated to raising awareness about critical health issues where prevention and early detection are key. As primary care clinicians, our goal is to empower you with the information needed to take charge of your well-being. This month, we're highlighting Cervical Health Awareness, Glaucoma Awareness, and Thyroid Awareness. Here is a brief overview of these important health topics and resources for further information: Cervical Health Awareness Month Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, thanks to regular screenings and the HPV vaccine. The primary cause of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection. Key Prevention Strategies: HPV Vaccination: The CDC recommends the HPV vaccine for preteens (ages 11-12), but it is also approved for young adults and in some cases, adults up to age 45, after a discussion with your clinician. Regular Screenings: Routine Pap tests and HPV tests can detect cell changes before they become cancerous. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) provides screening guidelines based on age. For more information, please visit the National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC) or the CDC's Cervical Cancer page. Glaucoma Awareness Month Glaucoma is often called the "sneak thief of sight" because it usually has no warning signs in its early stages. It damages the optic nerve and is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, but treatment can often stop the damage and prevent further vision loss if caught early. Key Prevention Strategies: Comprehensive Dilated Eye Exams: This is the only way to spot glaucoma early. The National Eye Institute (NEI) provides resources to understand risk factors and the importance of exams. Know Your Risk Factors: High-risk groups include people over 60, those with a family history of glaucoma, African Americans over 40, and people with diabetes. For more information, visit the National Eye Institute at NIH or the CDC's Glaucoma page. Thyroid Awareness Month The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that produces hormones affecting almost every cell in your body, regulating metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature. Common Conditions & Symptoms: Hypothyroidism (underactive) and Hyperthyroidism (overactive) are the most common conditions. Symptoms can be vague, including fatigue, weight changes, dry skin, and hoarseness, making awareness and testing vital. A lump or growth in the neck (nodule) may be a sign of thyroid cancer, which is often curable. For more information, the American Thyroid Association (ATA) offers extensive resources, including information on thyroid function tests and common conditions. We encourage you to use this January as a reminder to schedule your annual wellness exams and discuss these vital screenings with your healthcare provider. Early detection saves lives and preserves quality of life. Stay healthy!
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.
Learn how preventive care through Rhode Island DPC can help you stay healthy, avoid illness, and catch problems early — personalized care made simple.
Discover how Rhode Island DPC helps patients manage chronic diseases with personalized care, frequent check-ins, and better outcomes.
