What is a DPC? How It Can Help Me and My Small Business Friends Save on Healthcare Costs

choutz
Aug 5
5 min read

Updated: Aug 13

Healthcare costs are one of the most pressing issues for small businesses today. As premiums rise and deductibles climb, many small business owners find themselves facing a difficult choice: provide adequate health insurance and risk pushing your budget to its limits, or cut costs and potentially lose valuable employees.

Enter Direct Primary Care (DPC)—a simple, subscription-based model where employees pay a fixed monthly fee for unlimited access to primary care. It's a proven model that reduces administrative complexity and focuses on preventive care, allowing employees to take charge of their health with less financial strain.

But what if small businesses didn’t have to go through the hassle of researching providers, negotiating rates, or handling all the contract paperwork? Imagine a world where you could create a DPC network with other local businesses, pooling resources to access group rates without the headache of managing the details. That’s where I come in.

I specialize in creating DPC networks for small businesses, and in this blog, I’ll explain how this collaborative model works, how I set it up, and why it’s the perfect solution for businesses looking to provide employees with better healthcare while saving money.

What is Direct Primary Care (DPC)?

Direct Primary Care (DPC) is an innovative healthcare model where employees pay a fixed, predictable monthly fee to access a wide range of primary care services. Unlike traditional insurance models, which are fraught with co-pays, deductibles, and complicated claims processes, DPC cuts out the middleman—health insurance—and focuses directly on the relationship between the patient and their primary care physician.

Key Benefits of DPC:

Unlimited Access: Employees can schedule appointments without worrying about insurance restrictions or waiting for approval.
No Hidden Costs: DPC eliminates surprise medical bills, offering straightforward pricing for services like office visits, preventive care, and chronic condition management.
Emphasis on Prevention: The model focuses on keeping employees healthy, which can reduce the likelihood of expensive emergencies or chronic diseases down the line.

How I Set Up a DPC Network for Small Businesses

As a small business owner, you know how valuable time and resources are. Creating a DPC network with other small businesses might sound like a time-consuming and complex task—but that’s exactly why I’m here. I handle all the work, so you don’t have to. Here’s how I do it:

1. Bringing Like-Minded Businesses Together

One of the greatest challenges for small businesses is knowing where to find other companies that would benefit from the DPC model. That’s where I come in. I actively seek out businesses in your community or network that share similar values and goals when it comes to employee healthcare. These businesses don’t have to be in the same industry—they simply need to value affordable, high-quality healthcare for their employees.

I already have a network of businesses that are interested in exploring DPC, and I bring them together to form a group that can benefit from collective bargaining. Whether you're a tech startup, a small retail business, or a local service provider, I make sure to connect like-minded small business owners who understand the importance of healthcare and are open to collaborating to lower costs.

2. Finding the Right DPC Provider

I’ll help you choose a reputable DPC provider that fits the needs of your workforce. Not all DPC providers are created equal, so it’s important to partner with a provider that offers high-quality care, a track record of success, and transparency in pricing.

I’ll handle the research, vetting, and selection process, ensuring that you’re working with a trusted provider who can offer services like:

Preventive care (wellness exams, vaccinations)
Chronic disease management (diabetes, hypertension)
Mental health support (therapy, counseling)
Same-day or next-day appointments for acute issues
24/7 access to healthcare through phone or video consultations

3. Negotiating Group Rates

One of the biggest advantages of pooling resources with other small businesses is group purchasing power. As your facilitator, I’ll negotiate with the DPC provider to ensure the rates we secure are significantly lower than what you would pay as an individual business. This means your business will have access to lower monthly subscription fees than if you were to go it alone.

In addition to saving money, I’ll make sure the contract terms are favorable and transparent. You won’t have to worry about hidden fees or complicated language—everything will be clear and upfront.

4. Setting Up the Contracts and Legalities

Once we’ve secured a provider and agreed on the rates, I’ll handle all the contractual details. This includes drafting agreements, setting up the logistics of the subscription model, and ensuring that everything is legally sound. You won’t have to deal with the fine print—I’ll take care of it for you.

5. Educating Your Employees

An important part of making the DPC network successful is ensuring your employees understand how it works. I will provide educational resources, training materials, and even workshops if necessary to help your team make the most of their new healthcare access.

DPC isn’t just about access to care—it’s about empowering employees to take charge of their health. I’ll help your team understand the benefits, how to use their membership, and how to access care when they need it most.

6. Ongoing Support and Adjustments

Once the network is up and running, I’ll continue to provide support. Whether it’s answering questions, resolving issues, or making adjustments to the network as your business grows, I’m here to ensure everything runs smoothly. I’ll also keep an eye on the performance of the network and help fine-tune things as needed.

The Benefits of Grouping Together for a DPC Network

1. Lower Healthcare Costs through Group Purchasing Power

By joining a DPC network, small businesses can pool their resources, which gives you access to group rates typically reserved for larger organizations. This means that you’ll pay a fixed monthly fee for each employee, which is often far less than the premiums and out-of-pocket expenses associated with traditional health insurance plans.

2. Streamlined Healthcare Access for Employees

With DPC, your employees gain direct access to primary care with no waiting for insurance approvals, no co-pays, and no deductibles. This means they can see their doctor when they need to, without the hassle of navigating the traditional insurance system. This access leads to better health outcomes, as employees are more likely to seek care early and manage their health proactively.

3. Predictable Healthcare Costs for Your Business

A predictable monthly fee for each employee makes budgeting for healthcare costs easier and more stable. There are no surprises, and no fluctuating premiums or unexpected claims.

4. Improved Employee Health and Productivity

With easy access to preventive care, employees are more likely to stay healthy and catch potential health issues before they become serious. This leads to reduced absenteeism and increased productivity, as employees feel empowered to prioritize their health.

5. Attract and Retain Top Talent

Offering access to a DPC network shows your employees that you value their well-being. It’s a competitive advantage when attracting talent and can significantly improve retention rates, as employees feel more valued and supported in managing their healthcare.

Why Work With Me?

As a small business owner myself, I understand the challenges of navigating the complex world of healthcare. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to help local businesses like yours access high-quality, affordable healthcare through the DPC model. By partnering with me, you get the expertise, negotiation power, and support you need to set up a DPC network that works for you and your employees.

I handle all the work, from finding the right provider to negotiating contracts and educating your team, so you can focus on growing your business and supporting your employees.

Ready to Create a DPC Network? Let’s Talk!

Are you ready to explore how a DPC network can benefit your small business? Contact me today, and let’s set up a consultation to discuss how we can bring your business and other local companies together to save on healthcare costs and improve employee health.