Short answer: Start with a directory of practices that take payment directly from patients, then call and ask what a visit or membership costs, what is included, and whether the practice bills insurance. Check that the doctor is licensed in your state. If you have an emergency, call 911.
Two common types are direct primary care and concierge medicine. In direct primary care, or DPC, patients pay a regular membership fee, and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) says these practices typically do not accept insurance. Concierge medicine usually means a doctor who charges a retainer, which is an extra fee for being a patient of the practice, often in return for more personal and easier access, according to the American College of Physicians (ACP). Some concierge practices also bill insurance, so ask each practice. You can read about what direct primary care is and what concierge medicine is.
A good first step is a directory that lists direct-pay doctors, so you can compare practices in one place. You can find a direct-pay doctor near you on our site. Then visit each practice's own website or call the office to confirm the details, because fees and services can change. If you have no insurance at all, our guide on how to see a doctor without insurance lists other options, such as community health centers.
Compare the total yearly cost, not just the monthly number. Compare what is included and what is left out. The ACP says doctors in these practices should be open with patients about what they will owe, what services the practice offers and its usual fees, so a practice that is slow to answer is worth noting. If you will not use insurance for a visit, you can also ask for a written good faith estimate. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency that explains this rule, says providers usually must give one to people who do not have or use insurance if they ask or schedule care at least 3 business days ahead.
A state medical board is the government office that licenses doctors. Look for the website of your own state's medical board. The Texas Medical Board, for example, lets the public search its database for physician license information and see board orders where they exist. Your state's board may offer something similar.
If you have chest pain, trouble breathing, signs of a stroke, fainting, a severe allergic reaction or a seizure that does not stop, call 911. A membership doctor is for urgent questions that are not emergencies, and some practices have limited hours, so ask how they handle same-day needs.
The AAFP says DPC practices typically do not accept insurance or take part in government programs. Some concierge practices also bill insurance, so ask each practice.
Use your state medical board's website. The Texas Medical Board, for example, has a public search for physician license information.
Yes, you can ask. CMS says that if you do not use insurance, providers usually must give a written good faith estimate if you ask or schedule care at least 3 business days ahead.
