Concierge medicine
Concierge practices charge an annual or monthly retainer for enhanced access: smaller patient panels, longer visits and direct contact with your doctor. Many still bill your insurance for visits, so you pay the membership on top of normal coverage.
Direct primary care (DPC)
Direct primary care practices usually charge a flat monthly membership that covers most primary care services and do not bill insurance for them. Since 2026, federal tax changes allow people in qualifying DPC arrangements to contribute to an HSA and use HSA funds for the fees, within limits. See HSA changes for 2026 and 2027.
DPC is not insurance. You still need coverage for hospital care, specialists and emergencies.
Cash-pay and price-transparent clinics
Some surgery centers, imaging centers and labs publish cash prices. Hospitals must also publish standard charges under federal price transparency rules. See how to use hospital price transparency.
Telehealth
Virtual visits are a convenient option for many conditions. Medicare’s telehealth flexibilities have been extended, and most private plans cover telehealth. Read the latest on Medicare telehealth.
Last updated: 15 October 2026
