Routine primary care is tied to better health outcomes and lower healthcare costs.
It is a simple idea, but as anyone who has dealt with the U.S. healthcare system knows, the reality is more complex.
Many patients wait weeks or even months to get an appointment with their primary care physician (PCP). Appointments are often rushed, and providers are unable to address all of a patient’s needs in such a short time span.
Yet a strong relationship between a patient and their PCP is crucial to members’ health outcomes. Without that patient-provider connection, patients are less likely to go to their PCP when they get sick, heading directly to the emergency department or an urgent care center instead.
For employers, these access barriers can be costly. Research shows that access to high-quality primary care is associated with better health outcomes. Without it, health-related absenteeism can wreak havoc on organizations, costing them valuable time in lost productivity.
Absenteeism is also a burden for HR teams, who are forced to spend more time managing these absences.
Healthcare continues to get more expensive. In 2025, the cost of family premiums for employer-sponsored health insurance reached an average of $26,993, a six percent increase from 2024, according to a recent benchmark survey by KFF. That means it’s even more important for employers to take a strategic approach to their employee benefits.
Prioritizing primary care can help organizations avoid unnecessary healthcare spending and lead to a healthier workforce overall.
So, how does an employer devise a strategy that emphasizes the value of primary care?
One route gaining interest among employers is direct primary care (DPC), an alternative model in which employers usually pay a fixed monthly fee in exchange for employees to receive access to high-quality primary care. More than 2,700 DPC practices are scattered across the U.S., according to DPC Frontier.
The DPC model represents a significant departure from traditional employer-sponsored health insurance. Employers contract directly with DPC providers to provide employee care by establishing partnerships with local clinics or working with specialized groups to create on-site solutions.
The idea behind DPC is that providing accessible, cost-effective primary care can improve patient satisfaction and lead to lower healthcare costs. The model places a large emphasis on routine screenings and preventive services and fostering strong relationships between patients and providers.
At its core is the philosophy that comprehensive primary care helps prevent illness, keeping patients healthier and out of emergency departments or urgent care centers. Here are some of the hallmarks of DPC:
Direct access to care: Patients are usually able to schedule same-day or next-day appointments with zero or minimal waiting room delays.
Most DPC appointments are at least 30 minutes, giving patients the time to delve into their health questions and concerns with their provider. This allows the provider to flag potential concerns before they become bigger problems, helping to avoid long-term costs. For most major cancers, an early diagnosis results in 20-30% less in mean cost compared to a late-stage diagnosis, according to the American Cancer Society.
No co-pays for visits: The flat monthly fee means that patients can see their doctors multiple times per month without incurring additional costs.
Comprehensive care: The DPC model emphasizes holistic, preventive care, which may include integrated behavioral health services. The overall goal is to keep people healthier, reducing the likelihood of them needing costly specialist visits or hospital stays in the long run.
Virtual care offerings: Many DPC providers offer 24/7 virtual support, allowing patients to connect with a physician in minutes. Some providers also offer virtual or in-person options for chronic disease management or therapy.
Adopting the DPC model can encourage employees to prioritize preventive care, helping them detect illnesses at earlier stages and avoid unnecessary procedures or visits to the emergency department. It also eliminates the financial barriers that often deter members from seeking primary care services.
Stressing the importance of primary care and preventive services can also lead to a healthier workforce, which can reduce health-related absences and cut down on lost productivity.
While DPC can help employers curb healthcare costs, there are some considerations to keep in mind.
DPC can be a game-changing solution for your organization. Working with a trusted benefits advisor can help you design a DPC program with hospital connectivity integrated within the benefit.
Our team is well-equipped to help you provide a benefits program that underscores the value of primary care, enabling you to exert greater control over your costs while providing excellent care for your workforce.
