Common questions about direct primary care, answered plainly

Can I cancel my membership whenever I want?

That depends on the practice. Many let you cancel with a short notice, such as 30 days, and some ask you to stay a minimum number of months. Read the agreement before you sign, and ask whether you get money back for unused months. Our questions to ask checklist has the other things to ask.

Do I have to pay for a whole year up front?

Most practices bill monthly, though some give a lower price if you pay for several months or a year at once. The choice is usually yours, so you can pick the way that fits your budget. If you pay ahead, ask what happens to the unused part if you leave or if the practice closes. Our guide on what direct primary care costs explains the usual prices.

What if the practice closes or changes its fees?

Some practices close, move or change their prices. It does not happen to all of them, but it can happen. Ask how much notice the practice gives and how you would get a copy of your medical records. A good practice will put its notice period in writing.

Can my whole family join?

Many practices offer family pricing, and some charge less for each child. Some see only adults, so ask whether children are welcome. Also ask whether a family price covers every person in your home or only parents and children. Our cost guide shows how family prices often compare.

What if I need to be seen today?

Many practices keep time open for same-day visits. Call the practice first, since your doctor may be able to see you or talk with you right away. If the problem is serious, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Chest pain, trouble breathing, heavy bleeding and signs of a stroke are all serious.

How fast can I get an appointment?

Many practices offer same-day or next-day visits, but it varies from one practice to the next. Ask how soon patients are usually seen and how quickly the practice answers messages. Also ask what happens at night and on weekends, so you know who to contact.

What if I need a specialist or a hospital stay?

Your direct primary care doctor can usually refer you to a specialist, who is a doctor who focuses on one part of the body. The specialist will bill you separately, and your insurance may help pay if you have it. A membership is not insurance, so it does not pay for a hospital stay or surgery, and our guide on whether it counts as insurance explains why. If you have no insurance, our guide to care with no insurance lists other ways to pay.

How do I check that a doctor is licensed?

Every state has a medical board that gives out licenses. Search online for your state plus "medical board license lookup," and use the official state website. Type in the doctor's name to see whether the license is active. The lookup is free and takes a few minutes.

Can I try a practice before I join?

Some practices offer a short call or a meet-and-greet before you sign up, but not all of them do. Ask whether you can talk with the doctor first and whether there is a trial period. Our questions to ask checklist lists what to ask during that call.

Can I use my HSA for direct primary care?

Often you can pay with an HSA. Starting January 1, 2026, a federal rule lets many people with an HSA-eligible high-deductible plan pay for direct primary care with HSA money. The fee generally has to be $150 a month or less for one person, or $300 a month or less for a family. Our HSA guide has the details, and a tax adviser can tell you how it applies to you.

How do I find a practice near me?

You can search our directory to look for direct primary care and other cash-pay doctors. Enter your location to see who is nearby. Then call two or three practices and compare their answers.

Is direct primary care worth it for me?

It fits many people who have no insurance, who have a high deductible or who are self-employed. It may not fit people who rarely see a doctor or who cannot afford the monthly fee. Our guide on whether it is worth it goes through the good and the bad. If you want the basics first, read our guide on what direct primary care is.