How Direct Primary Care Can Help Your St. Augustine Business Save on Healthcare Costs

How Direct Primary Care Can Help Your St. Augustine Business Save on Healthcare Costs

Rising healthcare costs have become one of the biggest challenges for small and mid-sized businesses. Premiums are climbing, deductibles are higher, and navigating traditional insurance systems can feel like an uphill battle—for employers and employees alike. If you’re a business owner looking for an innovative way to cut costs while improving healthcare access for your team, Direct Primary Care (DPC) might be the solution you've been searching for.

Let’s break down how DPC works and how it can reduce your company’s healthcare spending—without compromising on quality.

What Is Direct Primary Care?

Direct Primary Care is a healthcare model where patients (or employers on their behalf) pay an affordable, flat monthly membership fee directly to a primary care doctor. This fee typically covers all or most primary care services—including check-ups, chronic disease management, urgent care, and preventive screenings.

There’s no billing through insurance. No copays. No surprise bills.

DPC simplifies the healthcare experience and creates a more personal, accessible relationship between doctor and patient.

1. Predictable, Transparent Costs

One of the biggest frustrations in traditional healthcare is the unpredictable nature of costs. With DPC, employers can plan confidently.

Example:

Let’s say you have 10 employees. At Florida Direct Primary Care, that membership will cost $60 per employee per month regardless of age. That’s $600/month or $7,200/year—often significantly less than traditional insurance premiums, especially for primary care coverage.

More importantly, you know exactly what you’re paying for. No middlemen, no hidden fees.

2. Reduced Insurance Claims (and Lower Premiums Over Time)

Because DPC handles around 80–90% of the average person’s healthcare needs, your employees will rely less on insurance for day-to-day care. That means fewer claims going through your group insurance plan.

And fewer claims can help reduce your insurance premiums at renewal time—especially if you're using a level-funded or self-funded health plan.

You’re essentially “offloading” routine care from the insurance company and replacing it with a far more efficient, cost-effective alternative.

3. Better Access = Healthier Employees = Lower Costs

With traditional primary care, patients often wait days or even weeks to see a doctor. At Florida Direct Primary Care, our patients get same-day or next-day appointments for urgent issues, direct messaging with their doctor, and longer visits that address issues before they escalate.

Here’s how that translates to savings for your business:

  • Fewer ER and urgent care visits – because employees can text their DPC doctor or get seen quickly.

  • Fewer sick days – because problems are treated early.

  • Better chronic disease management – which leads to lower long-term costs for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and asthma.

Healthier employees are more productive, miss fewer days, and contribute more fully to your business.

4. Reduced Need for Expensive Specialty Care

Primary care providers in the DPC model often have more time and flexibility than traditional doctors. That means they can handle more complex issues in-house, reducing unnecessary referrals to specialists.

The average primary care visit in a traditional setting lasts about 8 minutes. Our initial visit is 75 minutes, with follow ups ranging from 30 or 60 minutes and we offer unlimited visits, allowing for thorough evaluations and personalized care.

That deeper relationship leads to:

  • Fewer unnecessary tests and procedures

  • Fewer prescriptions

  • Lower total healthcare spending

5. Easy Pairing With High-Deductible or Self-Funded Plans

Direct Primary Care works well alongside high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) or self-funded insurance models. In fact, many businesses structure their benefits this way:

  1. Offer a low-cost DPC membership to cover most routine needs.

  2. Provide a high-deductible plan or health-sharing plan for catastrophic coverage.

This hybrid approach drastically reduces insurance premiums while ensuring your employees still have coverage for major medical events.

Some employers also contribute to employees’ Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to help offset out-of-pocket costs—though IRS rules on HSA eligibility and DPC are evolving, so it’s smart to consult a benefits advisor or legal professional for the latest updates.

6. Better Employee Satisfaction & Retention

In today’s competitive hiring market, good benefits can help you attract and retain top talent. Offering Direct Primary Care shows that you care about your employees’ health and wellbeing—while also saving them time, money, and stress.

Your team will appreciate:

  • Shorter wait times

  • Easier access to care

  • No copays or surprise bills

  • A real relationship with their doctor

This can translate to higher job satisfaction, stronger loyalty, and reduced turnover—all of which have significant cost-saving implications for your business.

Bonus: It’s Great for Your Culture, Too

Beyond the dollars and cents, DPC can support a healthier, more human-centered company culture. It removes barriers to care, encourages prevention, and gives employees the freedom to take charge of their health without worrying about financial consequences.

Is DPC Right for Your Business?

Direct Primary Care isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution—but for many small and mid-sized companies, it’s a game-changer. If you’re tired of rising insurance costs, limited access to care, and frustrated employees, DPC offers a refreshing alternative.

You might be a good fit with Florida Direct Primary Care if:

  • You have 1–250 employees

  • You offer group health benefits (or want to start)

  • You're interested in cost savings, better care, and happier employees

Final Thoughts

Direct Primary Care flips the script on traditional healthcare—making it more accessible, more affordable, and more personal. For business owners, it's a way to offer high-quality care to your team without breaking the bank.

Whether you're reevaluating your current health benefits or looking to offer something meaningful and innovative, DPC is worth a serious look.

Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of joining our practice. We can be reached by calling 904-650-2882, through email at info@floridadpc.com or online at FloridaDPC.com.

Learn more about Florida DPC’s Employer Health Benefits.

BRYANT WILSON, MD

Dr. Bryant Wilson is an Internal Medicine physician in St. Augustine, Florida with additional specialized training in Sports Medicine and Obesity Medicine.

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