According to NextMD's research the average primary care visit in the US is less than 18 minutes. This leaves little time for patient and doctor to connect on major issues.
Many patients are choosing to upgrade their medical providers from traditional primary care practices to doctors who offer Direct Primary Care or Concierge Medicine. Upgrading to a concierge medicine or Direct Primary Care (DPC) allows more time and care from your doctor.
Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you switch with confidence, including realistic timelines, insurance navigation tips, and common red flags to watch for.
Step 1: Assess Your Needs and Budget (1–2 Weeks)
Before you contact any practice, get clear on what you’re looking for:
Health priorities: Do you need frequent chronic care management, preventive/wellness focus, family coverage, or 24/7 access for travel/executive lifestyles? These will determine the type of DPC or concierge doctor you should look for
Budget fit: Review the latest 2026 pricing based on NextMD's database. We analyzed over 2,500 practices and 4,000 doctors. Here is what you can expect in pricing
DPC:$50–$200/month
Concierge: $2,500–$12,000+ per year (with some ultra-premium options higher).
Prices vary largely per city with NYC being one of the most expensive locations
Family or individual: Check if the practice accepts spouses, kids, or has age-specific policies.
Tip: Use NextMD.ai’s filters for location, model (concierge vs DPC), price range, and services to narrow options quickly. Many profiles already show panel size, exact fees, and included services.
Step 2: Research and Shortlist Practices (1–3 Weeks)
Browse verified listings and compare 5–10 practices.
Review physician credentials, patient panel size (smaller is usually better for access), and what’s truly included vs. extra fees.
Reach out for a discovery call or meet-and-greet (many offer these at no or low cost).
Make sure that you like your doctor, you agree with their general style of practicing medicine and you feel like it is a good fit with them as a person.
For more steps in what to ask your doctor check out our 10 essential questions from our recent guide
Step 3: Understand Insurance Implications (Key Decision Point)
This is where concierge and DPC differ most:
Concierge Medicine: Most practices still bill your insurance for covered services (office visits, labs, procedures). The membership fee is for enhanced access, longer appointments, and coordination. You’ll likely keep your existing health insurance for specialists, hospitals, imaging, and prescriptions.
Direct Primary Care (DPC): Practices almost never bill insurance for primary care services. The monthly fee covers most of what you need from your doctor. Pair it with a high-deductible insurance plan or catastrophic coverage for bigger events.
Important 2026 Update: Recent changes mean DPC membership fees can now more seamlessly work with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) in many cases—check with your tax advisor or plan administrator.
Insurance Tips:
During Open Enrollment (typically Nov 1–Jan 15 for marketplace plans), consider pairing your switch with a high-deductible plan to maximize savings.
Notify your current insurer if needed, but most people keep major medical coverage.
Ask the new practice exactly what they bill insurance for (if anything) and how they handle referrals.
HSA/FSA: Many membership fees or included services qualify—confirm eligibility.
If you have employer-sponsored insurance, check whether your plan allows direct-pay primary care alongside it.
Step 4: Timeline for Making the Switch (Realistic Expectations)
A typical transition takes 4–12 weeks, depending on timing and availability:
Best time to switch: Based on NextMD.ai's enrollment data across 2,500+ practices, January is the most popular month to switch, driven by new insurance plan years and renewed health goals. That said, most practices offer rolling enrollment year-round, and you may get more personalized attention not joining in January. In short, there no perfect time.
Week 1–2: Research and shortlist.
Week 3–6: Interviews, contract review, and decision.
Week 6–8: Sign contract, pay initial fee (often prorated), and request medical records transfer from your old provider (you’ll need to sign a release form).
Ongoing care: Schedule your first “onboarding” visit—expect 45–60+ minutes for a full history review.
Pro Tip: Start the records transfer early—it can take 1–4 weeks. Most practices will help coordinate.
Step 5: Review the Contract and Spot Red Flags
Never sign without reading the fine print. Look for clear language on:
What’s included in the fee vs. what costs extra (labs, procedures, after-hours, etc.).
Cancellation policy and any notice periods.
Panel size commitments and what happens if it grows too large.
Termination clauses and refund policies.
Common Red Flags in 2026:
Vague or overly broad “included services” lists that later lead to surprise bills.
Promises of guaranteed 24/7 personal cell access without clear limits.
No transparency on current patient panel openings (or very large panels).
Pressure to sign quickly without a trial/discovery period.
Poor communication during the inquiry phase— if they’re hard to reach now, it may not improve later.
Sudden or unexplained fee increases mentioned in reviews or contracts.
Weak coordination for specialists/hospital care (ask how they handle this).
Online reviews that don't sound like a good fit for you and your family.
If something feels off, trust your instincts and keep shopping—there are many strong options on NextMD.
Step 6: Complete the Transition and Optimize Your New Relationship
Notify your old doctor politely (a simple records request is standard).
Attend your first visit prepared with questions and history.
Use the direct access wisely, text/email for minor issues, save in-person for deeper needs.
After 3–6 months, evaluate: Are you getting longer visits, better coordination, and peace of mind? Track any reductions in urgent care/ER visits or improved health metrics.
Many patients report the switch pays off through fewer sick days, proactive care, and reduced overall stress—even if the upfront fee seems high at first.
Final Thoughts: Is Now the Right Time?
In 2026, concierge and DPC practices continue to grow because they solve real problems with traditional primary care: rushed visits, long waits, and fragmented coordination. The key to a successful switch is preparation, clear expectations, and choosing a practice that truly matches your needs.
Ready to explore options?
Browse 2,500+ verified concierge and DPC practices with transparent pricing, panel sizes, and direct contact info on NextMD.ai.