Exceptional Care When You Need It The Most: That's the DPC Model

The holiday season is such a meaningful time to pause and reflect on what we’re truly grateful for. After more than 20 years in healthcare, I can honestly say that I have a deep appreciation for the doctors and nurses who genuinely care for me and my family. Working in the medical field has shown me that this level of care isn’t always the norm. Too often, patients become just another chart, another appointment, another number.

Many times, when a doctor walks into the room, they may not remember the concerns you discussed three months earlier — not because they don’t care, but because they may be caring for a thousand or more patients at any given time. It’s simply impossible to know everyone well.

That is exactly where Direct Primary Care (DPC) stands apart, and why it has made such a difference for me and my family. There is nothing like walking into your doctor’s office and being greeted by name — not just your own, but your spouse and your children’s as well. There’s something special about a physician asking how your recent vacation went, remembering that you were anxious about flying, and checking in because they helped coach you through it at your last visit.

Why Direct Primary Care Means So Much to My Family

It’s hard to even put into words what it means for my family and me to have a Direct Primary Care physician, especially during flu and COVID season.

There’s nothing quite like that sinking feeling when you wake up, take someone’s temperature, and see 102°F staring back at you. Their eyes are glassy, their nose is stuffed, and they just feel awful. And as a mom, sometimes it’s me in that position, looking in the mirror, feverish and run down, wondering how I’m supposed to take care of everyone else.

In the past, I’d wait until 8 a.m. when most offices open, only to be told there were no appointments available and that I should go to urgent care instead.

As both a nurse and a mom, that was beyond frustrating. I’d think, what am I paying insurance for if I can’t even see my doctor when I really need to? Eight times out of ten, you’re turned away. That was the straw that broke the camel’s back for us.

Choosing to invest in our family’s health through Direct Primary Care was truly life-changing. Knowing that I can call our physician anytime—someone who knows us, who understands when to take action and what’s needed to get us back on our feet—is a game changer.

What I admire most is that these doctors take a leap of faith when they choose this path. They do it not for the guaranteed paycheck or insurance reimbursements—because there aren’t any—but because they genuinely feel privileged to care for their patients.

For our family, we feel that same privilege in having Dr. Di. He’s always there when we need him, and that peace of mind is priceless. We know we’re in the best hands and that makes all the difference. 

Those small moments aren’t small at all. They are the heart of what makes DPC uniquely personal and truly patient-centered. Yes, it is an investment, but so is everything meaningful we do for our families. And having a medical professional who genuinely knows you, your health, your personality, and your story becomes invaluable when life throws an unexpected challenge your way.