Direct Primary Care Explained

What Is Direct Primary Care?
Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a modern take on old-fashioned family medicine. It’s a model where you pay your doctor directly through an affordable membership instead of paying copays or billing insurance for each visit. In practical terms, DPC is like having a doctor in your family—someone you can call or see whenever you need, who knows you, not just your chart.

In a DPC practice, the doctor works for the patient, not for an insurance company. By removing insurance from the equation, we eliminate the paperwork, approvals, and rushed appointments that are common in traditional clinics. You and your doctor make decisions together. This direct relationship lets us focus on preventive care, personalized treatment, and being there when you need us.

For patients, DPC offers simplicity and peace of mind. You pay a flat monthly fee, and in return get primary care that’s truly accessible: office visits, check-ins, longer conversations, and many in-office tests or procedures at little to no extra cost. There are no copays for visits and no surprise bills. If you need a lab test, medication, or an X-ray, we’ll help you get it at a fair price. The goal is simple: deliver care as it should be—clear, human, and built around the patient.

How DPC Works at Homestead
At Homestead Family Medicine, we’ve embraced Direct Primary Care to provide relationship-driven, whole-person care for individuals and families. Here’s what that looks like:
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Membership-Based Care
Instead of dealing with insurance billing, you join Homestead by paying a monthly membership fee that covers most of your primary care needs. Whether you visit once a year or once a month, your membership covers office visits, routine checkups, and many common procedures. There’s no co-pay per visit and no limit on communication with your doctor. This predictable fee gives you the freedom to seek care when you need it.
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Your Own Personal Doctor
When you join Homestead, Dr. Laura Pennavaria becomes your doctor. You won’t be shuffled between providers or have to repeat your story. You’ll see the same physician every time, building a genuine relationship over time. That continuity is what lets us personalize your care in a way larger clinics can’t.
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More Time and Attention
We intentionally keep our patient panel small so we can give each member ample time and attention. Appointments typically last 30 minutes to an hour, or as long as needed. You’ll never feel rushed. By having the gift of time, we can address all of your concerns in one visit and focus on keeping you well, not just treating symptoms.
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Easy Access and Communication
It’s easy to reach your doctor. You can call, text, or email Dr. Pennavaria directly when you have a question or concern. If you need to be seen, we can usually schedule you quickly. We also offer telehealth for times when you can’t come to the office. We’re here when and how you need us.
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Whole-Person, Whole-Family Care
Homestead provides care for all ages—kids to grandparents—under one roof. We emphasize prevention and wellness as much as treating illness. Because we have time and continuity, we can coach you on habits, catch problems early, and tailor care to your life. Our approach is holistic: we see you as a whole person, not a list of symptoms.
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Extra Services and Coordination
Your membership covers more than doctor visits. We provide many in-office services like lab work, medications at wholesale prices, minor procedures, women’s health, and joint injections. If you need something beyond our scope, we’ll coordinate referrals and help you navigate next steps. We also guide you on when to use insurance for larger expenses. Think of us as your advocate across the healthcare system.
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House Calls When Needed
If you’re seriously ill and are homebound, we can arrange a home visit within our service area. It’s one more way we make care accessible and personal.

DPC vs. Traditional Healthcare
How does Direct Primary Care at Homestead differ from the traditional insurance-based model?
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Doctor-Patient Relationship
In traditional care, doctors manage thousands of patients and may barely know each one. In DPC, your doctor truly knows you. We keep our practice intentionally small, so we can follow your story and care for you personally.
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Appointments and Time
Traditional visits are short and often booked weeks out. DPC visits are longer and scheduled when you need them. You spend your time with your doctor, not in a waiting room.
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Access to Care
Traditional offices rely on phone trees and portals. In DPC, you reach your doctor directly. You can call or message when questions arise and get a prompt, thoughtful reply.
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Focus and Philosophy
Traditional care is reactive—focused on symptoms. DPC is proactive and preventive, with time to look at the bigger picture of your health and lifestyle. We’re not governed by insurance codes, only by what’s right for the patient.
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Costs and Billing
Traditional billing can be unpredictable. With DPC, your membership covers most care and pricing is transparent. You’ll always know what’s included and when outside costs apply. Most members find they save money through fewer urgent care visits and lower overall costs.

Why DPC Works
Direct Primary Care isn’t just a different payment model—it’s a different philosophy of care.
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A Real Relationship with Your Doctor
You build trust with a doctor who knows you by name, not by chart number. That trust makes care easier, more personal, and more effective.
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Unrushed, Comprehensive Visits
Appointments are long enough to talk, think, and make a plan. You leave with understanding, not confusion.
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Easy Access and Peace of Mind
You don’t have to wait weeks to ask a question or get care. You can reach your doctor directly and know someone’s there when you need guidance.
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Holistic, Preventive Care
We focus on prevention, lifestyle, and early intervention. The goal is to keep you healthy, not just fix problems.
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Clear Value
You know exactly what you’re paying for. Routine care, communication, and follow-up are included. Most labs and medications are offered at cost.
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Better Health Outcomes
More time, more connection, and more continuity lead to better results—physically, emotionally, and financially.