4 Types of Primary Care Models Compared: Concierge, Direct Pay, Urgent Care, & Virtual

Frustrated with how hard it is to get quality primary care today?

If you’ve ever waited days or even weeks for an appointment, only to spend more time in the waiting room than with your doctor, you know something isn’t working.

Maybe your appointments feel rushed. Maybe your doctor doesn’t have the time to get to know you or fully answer your questions. You leave the office with more uncertainty than clarity.

You deserve something better than traditional primary care: a primary care experience built around your needs, your schedule, and your long-term health.

At PartnerMD, we’ve spent years helping people understand the pros and cons of different care models so they can make more confident, informed decisions.

In this article, you'll learn about four different primary care models and how each one compares, so you can choose the right fit for your health and lifestyle.

Each option offers a different approach to access, cost, and continuity of care:

• Concierge Medicine

• Direct Pay Primary Care

• Urgent Care Clinics

• Online-only Primary Care

Let’s take a closer look at how each one works and what you can expect as a patient.

1. Concierge Medicine

Concierge medicine began in 1996 with two Seattle-based physicians who set out to change the way primary care was delivered. In the early years, it was often viewed as an option only available to the wealthy. But over the last two decades, the model has evolved, and the cost of concierge medicine has become much more affordable.

At its core, concierge medicine is membership-based care. Patients pay an annual fee to be part of the practice. That membership allows the physician to significantly reduce their patient panel, from the typical 2,000 to 3,000 patients down to around 400 to 600. 

This structure leads to a more personalized and accessible experience. You get same-day or next-day appointments that last at least 30 minutes, minimal time in waiting rooms, 24/7 access to care, support coordinating with specialists, and more.

Most importantly, concierge medicine gives you the opportunity to build a relationship with a doctor who has the time to listen, understand your health goals, and help you reach them.

Most concierge practices charge between $2,000 and $5,000 per year. At PartnerMD, annual membership ranges from $2,500 to $3,000, depending on location, which breaks down to $208 to $250 per month.

Most concierge practices accept health insurance, and it functions just as it would at a traditional primary care office.

2. Direct Pay Primary Care

Direct pay primary care is a model where you pay your doctor directly, without insurance, for regular visits, checkups, and preventive care.

These practices typically charge a flat monthly or annual membership fee, offering straightforward pricing for services without the paperwork and billing complexity that comes with insurance. 

Most direct pay practices charge a monthly or annual membership fee, allowing them to keep patient panels smaller and spend more time with each patient. A few operate without memberships, offering care to a broader pool but with less personalization.

Many patients pair direct pay care with high-deductible insurance plans to cover emergencies, specialist visits, or hospital stays.

While it may seem similar to concierge medicine, the biggest difference is that direct pay practices do not bill insurance, and patients pay out of pocket. Concierge doctors typically charge a membership fee but still bill insurance for covered services.

If you want a no-insurance, pay-as-you-go option that still offers access to a primary care doctor, direct pay could be a good fit for you.

3. Urgent Care

Urgent care is one of the more familiar options for many people. These clinics are widespread, and there’s a good chance you have at least one in your area.

Patients can use urgent care for primary care needs, and many people do. Clinics like these handle an estimated 206 million visits each year in the United States, accounting for around 20% of all primary care-like visits.

They are often open earlier and later than traditional practices, making them a convenient option for routine issues like minor illnesses or injuries.

However, urgent care is built for one-time visits, not long-term doctor-patient relationships.

Many physicians who work in these settings choose the model for its set hours and minimal follow-up responsibilities. As a result, it can be difficult to build continuity with a provider who truly knows your medical history and goals.

Costs can also vary. Depending on the clinic and your insurance coverage, a visit may be more expensive than seeing a traditional primary care doctor. Many urgent care clinics do not take appointments, so walk-ins are common, which means wait times can be unpredictable.

4. Online-Only Primary Care

Virtual primary care has become a regular part of the healthcare landscape. This model allows patients to connect with a doctor through video or phone for routine care, follow-ups, and ongoing support, without needing to visit a physical office.

For many people, it's a convenient way to get care when traveling, at home sick, or simply trying to fit an appointment into a busy schedule. Some platforms offer access to the same physician for each visit, while others may connect you with whichever provider is available.

While convenient, online-only care can make it harder to build a long-term relationship with your doctor.

And for some health concerns, an in-office exam is still the best way to get an accurate diagnosis or treatment.

Virtual primary care can be a flexible solution, but it's important to consider how it fits with your personal preferences and health goals.

Choosing the Right Primary Care Model for You

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to primary care. Whether it’s concierge medicine, direct pay, urgent care, or online-only care, each model offers a different experience based on how you prefer to access care and build a relationship with your doctor.

The biggest differences come down to time with your doctor, convenience, cost transparency, and continuity of care.

If you’re looking for a primary care experience that’s more personal, more accessible, and built around your long-term health, concierge medicine may be the right fit for you.