Direct primary care, often shortened to DPC, uses a recurring membership fee for a defined set of primary care services. The appeal is a simpler relationship with the clinic: clearer access, fewer surprise office-visit charges for included care, and more continuity with the same care team.
The exact value depends on the written agreement. Two clinics can both use the term direct primary care while including different services, response times, age groups, and outside costs.
What a membership may include
A membership can include routine primary care visits, follow-up, direct routine messaging, care coordination, and priority scheduling within the clinic's stated hours and capacity. Some practices include basic office procedures or discounted cash prices for outside services. Others do not.
BayouSide's membership emphasizes unlimited included primary care, one-on-one provider care, and priority same-day appointments when clinically appropriate and available. Coverage is defined by the signed written agreement.
What it usually does not include
- Emergency department and hospital care
- Specialist fees, imaging, and outside laboratory charges
- Prescription medication and pharmacy costs
- Elective wellness programs unless specifically listed
- Hormone, GLP-1, peptide, IV, pellet, and similar treatment costs unless the agreement says otherwise
Insurance can still protect against large expenses
Florida law requires a direct health care agreement to state clearly that it is not health insurance. Patients remain responsible for care outside the agreement. A high-deductible or other health plan may still be important for hospitalization, surgery, specialists, and unexpected medical costs.
Read these terms before joining
- Exactly which services and communication channels are included
- How same-day and after-hours requests are handled
- Onboarding, monthly, cancellation, and refund terms
- What happens when the provider is away or the clinic is full
- Which services are billed separately and whether insurance may be used for them
How to enroll at BayouSide
BayouSide's membership is available now through in-office enrollment. Call to choose a plan and arrange a visit. The office will confirm eligibility and review pricing, included care, separate costs, the start date, renewal, cancellation, and the not-insurance disclosure before you sign and pay. Online enrollment is not currently available.
Sources used for this guide