Rising healthcare costs have left countless Merritt Island families questioning whether there’s a better way to receive primary care. If you’re tired of insurance hassles, rushed appointments, and wondering if direct primary care is worth the monthly fee, this comprehensive cost benefit analysis will help you make an informed decision about your family’s healthcare future.
Healthcare should heal, not create financial stress or limit access to quality care. Yet for too many Brevard County residents, traditional health insurance plans have become barriers rather than bridges to wellness. The good news? Direct Primary Care offers a proven alternative that’s transforming how thousands of Americans experience healthcare while often saving money in the process.
At AZ Health Solutions in Merritt Island, we’ve witnessed firsthand how the DPC model delivers exceptional value for patients seeking accessible, personalized medical care. But is direct primary care worth it for your specific situation? Let’s examine the real costs, benefits, and value proposition to help you determine if DPC makes financial and health sense for your family.
Understanding Direct Primary Care: A Healthcare Revolution
Direct Primary Care is a healthcare model where patients pay a monthly fee directly to their primary care physician, eliminating insurance companies from routine care decisions. This care model operates like a membership program, providing unlimited access to primary care services without copays, deductibles, or insurance paperwork.
The DPC model fundamentally changes the doctor-patient relationship by removing financial barriers and time constraints imposed by traditional health insurance. Primary care physicians in DPC practices typically limit their patient panels to 400-800 patients instead of the 2,000-3,000 common in traditional insurance-based practices, allowing for personalized care and extended appointment times.
How Direct Primary Care Works:
- Patients pay a fixed monthly fee to their primary care provider
- Unlimited office visits with no additional fees
- Direct communication with your primary care physician via phone, text, or email
- Extended appointment times (30-60 minutes vs. 7-15 minutes in traditional care)
- Same-day or next-day appointments for urgent needs
- Transparent pricing for additional services
Unlike concierge medicine, which often requires both membership fees and traditional health insurance, DPC provides comprehensive primary care services through the monthly membership fee alone.
The Hidden Costs of Traditional Health Insurance Plans
Before analyzing whether direct primary care is worth it, we must understand the true cost of traditional insurance-based care. Most families significantly underestimate their annual healthcare spending because costs are distributed across premiums, deductibles, copays, and out-of-network charges.
Annual Healthcare Spending for Typical Brevard County Families
Family of Four with Employer Insurance:
- Annual premiums (employee portion): $6,000-$8,000
- Family deductible: $3,000-$6,000
- Copays for 8-12 primary care visits: $240-$480
- Prescription medications: $500-$1,500
- Urgent care visits: $200-$600
- Total Annual Cost: $9,940-$16,580
Individual with High-Deductible Insurance Plan:
- Annual premiums: $3,600-$5,400
- Deductible: $2,500-$5,000
- Out-of-pocket maximums often reached: $7,000-$8,000
- Total Annual Cost: $6,100-$13,400
The Time Tax: Hidden Costs Beyond Money
Traditional healthcare extracts costs beyond dollars through administrative burden and delayed care:
Administrative Burden:
- Average 2.5 hours per appointment (scheduling, waiting, brief visit)
- 45 minutes average hold time for non-urgent questions
- Multiple phone calls to resolve insurance billing issues
- Redundant paperwork completion at each visit
Delayed Care Consequences:
- 23-day average wait for routine appointments
- 67% of patients avoid care due to cost concerns
- Additional costs from delayed preventive care
- Lost productivity from multiple appointments for simple issues
Stress and Relationship Costs:
- Healthcare-related anxiety affecting quality of life
- Relationship strain from medical debt
- Career impact from inflexible appointment scheduling
- Family disruption from healthcare uncertainties
Direct Primary Care Investment Analysis: AZ Health Solutions
Let’s examine the true investment required for Direct Primary Care and what you receive in return through a detailed cost benefit analysis.
AZ Health Solutions DPC Membership: Complete Value Breakdown
Monthly Fee: $99 for adults 18+
What’s Included in Your Membership:
- Unlimited office visits with no copays or additional fees
- 60-minute new patient appointments
- 30-minute follow-up appointments
- Direct access to Dr. Zawodniak via phone, text, and email during business hours
- Same-day or next-day appointments for urgent concerns
- Annual comprehensive wellness exams
- Chronic disease management and monitoring
- Acute illness treatment
- Basic in-office procedures (sutures, injections, etc.)
- Care coordination with specialists
- After-hours guidance for urgent health concerns
- Prescription medication guidance and management
- Personalized health coaching and preventive care planning
Additional Services at Wholesale Pricing:
- Laboratory tests (30-80% below retail pricing)
- Imaging studies (when needed)
- Specialty medications
- Advanced procedures
- 10% discount on hormone replacement therapy (up to $99/month savings for members)
Annual Investment Comparison
AZ Health Solutions DPC Annual Cost:
- Membership fee: $1,188
- Estimated wholesale labs/services: $200-$500
- Total Annual Investment: $1,388-$1,688
Traditional Healthcare Annual Cost (Conservative Estimate):
- Health insurance premiums: $4,800
- Deductible: $2,500
- Copays: $400
- Out-of-pocket expenses: $800
- Total Annual Cost: $8,500
Annual Savings with DPC: $6,812-$7,112
Pros and Cons of Direct Primary Care: Honest Analysis
Advantages of Direct Primary Care
Financial Benefits:
- Predictable monthly fee eliminates surprise medical bills
- No copays or deductibles for primary care services
- Transparent pricing for all additional services
- Significant cost savings for frequent healthcare users
- HSA-compatible for additional tax advantages
Access and Quality Benefits:
- Same-day appointments when you need care
- Extended appointment times for thorough evaluation
- Direct communication with your primary care doctor
- Personalized care plans tailored to your unique needs
- Proactive and preventive care focus
Convenience Benefits:
- No insurance paperwork or prior authorization delays
- Simplified healthcare without dealing with insurance
- Time savings through efficient appointment scheduling
- Direct relationship with your care provider
Cons of Direct Primary Care
Limitations to Consider:
- Monthly membership fee regardless of usage
- Doesn’t cover emergencies or specialty care
- Need for health insurance or additional coverage for major medical expenses
- Limited provider network (single practice)
- May not be cost-effective for very healthy individuals who rarely need care
When DPC Makes Financial Sense
Ideal Candidates for Direct Primary Care:
- Individuals with chronic conditions requiring regular monitoring
- Families spending $5,000+ annually on healthcare
- People with high-deductible insurance plans
- Those frustrated with traditional insurance models
- Patients seeking personalized care and direct physician access
When to Consider Alternatives:
- Very healthy individuals needing minimal care
- Those with excellent employer insurance coverage
- Patients preferring specialist-focused care
- Individuals comfortable with traditional healthcare systems
Real-World Cost Scenarios: When DPC Delivers Maximum Value
Scenario 1: The Young Professional
Sarah, 28, Marketing Manager in Melbourne
Traditional Healthcare Costs:
- High-deductible health plan premium: $4,200
- Two urgent care visits: $400
- Annual physical: $300 (before deductible met)
- Prescription medications: $480
- Total: $5,380
With AZ Health Solutions DPC:
- Annual membership fee: $1,188
- Wholesale prescription costs: $120
- Total: $1,308
- Annual Savings: $4,072
Additional Benefits: Direct access to Dr. Zawodniak during work stress, same-day appointments that don’t disrupt her schedule, and comprehensive preventive care that improved her energy and overall wellness.
Scenario 2: The Growing Family
Mike and Jennifer, both 35, with two children in Merritt Island
Traditional Family Healthcare Costs:
- Family health plan premiums: $14,400
- Family deductible: $4,000
- Copays for multiple visits: $800
- Prescription medications: $1,200
- Total: $20,400
With DPC for Parents + Pediatrician for Children:
- Two adult DPC memberships: $2,376
- Children’s traditional care: $3,600
- Total: $5,976
- Annual Savings: $14,424
Additional Benefits: Parents model healthy relationships with healthcare, children see the value of preventive care, and family stress decreases significantly with accessible medical care.
Scenario 3: The Retiree Managing Chronic Conditions
Robert, 67, Retired Engineer in Cocoa with diabetes and hypertension
Traditional Medicare + Supplement Costs:
- Medicare premiums: $2,400
- Supplement insurance: $1,800
- Copays for frequent visits: $600
- Prescription medications: $2,400
- Total: $7,200
With DPC + Medicare for Specialists:
- DPC membership fee: $1,188
- Medicare for specialty care: $1,200
- Wholesale medications: $800
- Total: $3,188
- Annual Savings: $4,012
Additional Benefits: Continuous monitoring prevents emergency room visits, direct physician access reduces anxiety, and coordinated care improves overall health outcomes.
The DPC Model: Quality of Care Benefits
Enhanced Doctor-Patient Relationships
The direct primary care model allows doctors to spend more time with each patient, fostering stronger therapeutic relationships. Primary care physicians in DPC practices report higher job satisfaction and better patient outcomes due to reduced administrative burden and increased time with patients.
Time with Patients:
- Traditional practice: 7-15 minutes per appointment
- DPC practice: 30-60 minutes per appointment
- Direct communication outside appointments
- Unhurried comprehensive care
Proactive and Preventive Care Focus
DPC practices emphasize preventive medicine and early intervention, often leading to better long-term health outcomes and reduced need for expensive specialty care.
Preventive Care Benefits:
- Regular health screenings and monitoring
- Early detection of health issues
- Lifestyle counseling and health coaching
- Chronic disease management without insurance barriers
- Personalized wellness plans
Comprehensive Care Without Insurance Hassles
The DPC model eliminates many barriers to quality care:
No Insurance Middlemen:
- Direct payment to primary care provider
- No prior authorization delays
- Simplified billing and transparent costs
- Focus on patient needs rather than insurance requirements
Accessible Care:
- Same-day appointments for urgent needs
- Direct communication with your primary care doctor
- Extended hours and flexible scheduling
- Telemedicine options for convenient access
Pairing DPC with High-Deductible Insurance Plans
Many patients combine DPC with high-deductible insurance plans to cover emergencies and specialty care while maintaining affordable primary care access.
The Hybrid Approach
DPC + High-Deductible Insurance Plan Benefits:
- Lower monthly insurance premiums
- Comprehensive primary care through DPC
- Coverage for emergencies and major medical expenses
- HSA eligibility for additional tax savings
- Predictable healthcare costs
Cost Analysis:
- High-deductible insurance plan: $2,400/year
- DPC membership: $1,188/year
- Total: $3,588/year vs. $8,500+ for traditional comprehensive coverage
When This Model Works Best
Ideal for:
- Healthy individuals and families
- Those seeking catastrophic coverage with accessible primary care
- People wanting to maximize HSA contributions
- Families frustrated with traditional insurance limitations
Considerations:
- Higher out-of-pocket costs for major medical events
- Need to budget for potential specialty care costs
- Requires understanding of insurance plan details
- May not be suitable for those with multiple chronic conditions requiring specialist care
Healthcare Without Insurance: Is It Possible?
Some DPC patients choose to forgo traditional health insurance entirely, relying on DPC for primary care and paying cash for other medical needs.
The Cash-Pay Approach
Benefits:
- Lowest monthly healthcare costs
- Complete healthcare freedom
- No insurance restrictions on care decisions
- Direct relationships with all care providers
Risks:
- High out-of-pocket costs for emergencies
- No coverage for major medical expenses
- Potential financial hardship from unexpected health issues
- Limited access to some specialty services
Alternative Coverage Options
Healthcare Sharing Plans:
- Faith-based cost-sharing programs
- Lower monthly costs than traditional insurance
- Coverage for major medical expenses
- Compatible with DPC membership
Short-Term Insurance:
- Temporary coverage for specific periods
- Lower cost than comprehensive plans
- Limited benefits and coverage periods
- Bridge option during job transitions
Making the Decision
Consider healthcare without insurance if:
- You’re young and healthy with minimal medical needs
- You have substantial emergency savings
- You understand and accept the financial risks
- You prioritize healthcare freedom over security
Avoid this approach if:
- You have chronic health conditions
- You lack significant emergency savings
- You have family members with ongoing medical needs
- You’re risk-averse regarding healthcare costs
The Role of Primary Care Services in Overall Health
Primary care serves as the foundation of a healthy healthcare system, providing:
Preventive Care:
- Regular health screenings and checkups
- Immunizations and health maintenance
- Early detection of health problems
- Lifestyle counseling and education
Chronic Disease Management:
- Ongoing monitoring of conditions like diabetes and hypertension
- Medication management and adjustment
- Coordination with specialists when needed
- Patient education and support
Acute Care:
- Treatment of minor injuries and illnesses
- Urgent care for non-emergency situations
- Appropriate referrals to emergency care when needed
- Follow-up care after hospital visits
Why Primary Care Provider Relationships Matter
Continuity of Care:
- Long-term relationships improve health outcomes
- Better understanding of patient history and preferences
- More effective care coordination
- Increased patient satisfaction and trust
Cost-Effective Healthcare:
- Primary care reduces need for expensive emergency care
- Early intervention prevents costly complications
- Appropriate specialist referrals avoid unnecessary procedures
- Preventive care reduces long-term healthcare costs
DPC Practice Operations: What Makes It Work
How DPC Practices Operate Differently
Smaller Patient Panels:
- 400-800 patients vs. 2,000+ in traditional practices
- More time available for each patient
- Better patient-doctor relationships
- Reduced physician burnout
Simplified Operations:
- No insurance billing departments
- Reduced administrative overhead
- Direct payment processing
- Focus on patient care rather than paperwork
Technology Integration:
- Secure messaging platforms for patient communication
- Electronic health records optimized for DPC
- Telemedicine capabilities
- Online appointment scheduling
Financial Sustainability of DPC Practices
Revenue Model:
- Predictable monthly revenue from membership fees
- Reduced accounts receivable and billing costs
- Lower overhead without insurance processing
- Additional revenue from wholesale services
Cost Structure:
- Lower administrative costs
- Reduced staff requirements
- Simplified billing and collections
- Focus on direct patient care
Quality Metrics in DPC
Patient Satisfaction:
- Higher satisfaction scores than traditional practices
- Improved access and communication
- Longer appointment times
- Personalized care delivery
Health Outcomes:
- Better management of chronic conditions
- Increased preventive care compliance
- Reduced emergency department visits
- Improved medication adherence
Addressing Common Concerns About DPC
“What if I need emergency care?”
DPC covers primary care services only. You’ll still need insurance, cash payment, or healthcare sharing plans for emergency care. However, many DPC patients find they need fewer emergency visits due to better primary care access and preventive medicine.
Emergency Care Options:
- Maintain high-deductible insurance for catastrophic coverage
- Use healthcare sharing plans for major medical expenses
- Build emergency savings for unexpected healthcare costs
- Combine DPC with short-term insurance plans
“How does prescription medication work?”
DPC practices often provide prescription medications at wholesale costs, significantly below retail pharmacy prices. Your primary care physician can prescribe medications as needed and help you find the most cost-effective options.
Medication Benefits:
- Wholesale pricing on common medications
- Generic medication preferences when appropriate
- Direct physician consultation on medication questions
- Simplified prescription management
“What about specialist visits?”
DPC practices coordinate with specialists and help navigate the healthcare system more effectively. While specialist visits aren’t included in the monthly fee, many patients find they need fewer specialist referrals due to comprehensive primary care.
Specialist Coordination:
- Appropriate referrals when needed
- Care coordination between providers
- Advocacy for patients in specialist settings
- Follow-up care after specialist visits
“Can I keep my current doctors?”
Joining a DPC practice means changing your primary care provider. However, Dr. Zawodniak will coordinate with your current physicians to ensure continuity of care and proper medical record transfer.
Transition Process:
- Medical record transfer from previous providers
- Coordination with existing specialists
- Medication review and management
- Comprehensive health assessment with new provider
Insurance Models vs. Direct Primary Care: Comprehensive Comparison
Traditional Insurance Model
How It Works:
- Patients pay monthly premiums to insurance companies
- Insurance companies negotiate rates with healthcare providers
- Patients pay copays, deductibles, and coinsurance
- Complex billing and prior authorization processes
Advantages:
- Coverage for major medical expenses
- Established provider networks
- Predictable costs for covered services
- Regulatory protections
Disadvantages:
- High monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs
- Limited access to primary care physicians
- Insurance company interference in medical decisions
- Complex billing and administrative burden
Direct Primary Care Model
How It Works:
- Patients pay monthly membership fees directly to primary care physicians
- No insurance company involvement in primary care decisions
- Direct payment for services with transparent pricing
- Simplified billing and administration
Advantages:
- Direct access to primary care physicians
- Extended appointment times and personalized care
- Transparent pricing and predictable costs
- No insurance paperwork or prior authorizations
Disadvantages:
- Doesn’t cover specialty care or emergencies
- Monthly fee regardless of usage
- Limited to primary care services
- Requires additional coverage for major medical expenses
Hybrid Models
DPC + High-Deductible Insurance:
- Combines DPC benefits with catastrophic coverage
- Lower overall healthcare costs
- Comprehensive primary care with emergency protection
- HSA eligibility for additional savings
DPC + Healthcare Sharing:
- Faith-based cost-sharing for major medical expenses
- Lower monthly costs than traditional insurance
- Compatible with DPC membership
- Community-based approach to healthcare costs
The Future of Healthcare: DPC Model Growth
Growing Popularity of Direct Primary Care
The DPC model has experienced significant growth in recent years:
Market Growth:
- Over 1,000 DPC practices nationwide as of 2024
- Rapid expansion in rural and underserved areas
- Increasing employer adoption for employee benefits
- Growing patient satisfaction and outcomes data
Driving Factors:
- Rising healthcare costs and insurance premiums
- Physician burnout in traditional practice models
- Patient frustration with insurance limitations
- Demand for personalized, accessible care
Policy and Regulatory Support
Legislative Support:
- State laws recognizing DPC as legitimate healthcare model
- Exemptions from insurance regulations for DPC practices
- Support for DPC in employer benefit plans
- Integration with HSA and health savings programs
Professional Recognition:
- Medical association endorsement of DPC model
- Specialty training programs for DPC physicians
- Research supporting DPC outcomes and cost-effectiveness
- Integration with medical education curricula
Technology and Innovation
Digital Health Integration:
- Telemedicine platforms designed for DPC practices
- Patient communication and engagement tools
- Electronic health records optimized for DPC
- Mobile apps for appointment scheduling and messaging
Service Expansion:
- Addition of specialty services to DPC practices
- Collaborative care models with specialists
- Integration with urgent care and emergency services
- Expansion into occupational health and wellness programs
Making the Decision: Is Direct Primary Care Worth It for You?
Financial Analysis Framework
Calculate Your Current Healthcare Costs:
- Annual insurance premiums (your portion)
- Deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums
- Copays for primary care visits
- Prescription medication costs
- Time costs for healthcare administration
Compare to DPC Investment:
- Monthly membership fee ($99 x 12 = $1,188)
- Estimated wholesale service costs
- Additional insurance needs (if any)
- Time savings value
- Quality of life improvements
Decision Factors to Consider
DPC is likely worth it if you:
- Spend more than $3,000 annually on healthcare
- Value direct access to your primary care physician
- Prefer extended appointment times and personalized care
- Want predictable healthcare costs
- Are frustrated with insurance limitations and delays
Consider alternatives if you:
- Rarely need medical care (less than 2 visits annually)
- Have excellent employer insurance with low out-of-pocket costs
- Prefer seeing different specialists for each concern
- Are comfortable with traditional healthcare bureaucracy
- Don’t value direct physician access or extended appointments
Questions to Ask Yourself
Healthcare Needs Assessment:
- How often do I currently visit primary care physicians?
- Do I have chronic conditions requiring regular monitoring?
- How important is direct access to my doctor?
- What are my current annual healthcare expenses?
- How satisfied am I with my current healthcare experience?
Financial Considerations:
- Can I afford the monthly membership fee?
- What are my current healthcare costs?
- Do I need additional insurance coverage?
- How much do I value predictable healthcare costs?
- What is my risk tolerance for major medical expenses?
Personal Preferences:
- Do I prefer building relationships with my healthcare providers?
- How important is convenience and accessibility in healthcare?
- Do I want to be an active participant in my healthcare decisions?
- How much time am I willing to invest in managing my health?
- What role does preventive care play in my health strategy?
Direct Primary Care in Merritt Island: Local Advantages
Community-Focused Healthcare
AZ Health Solutions brings DPC benefits specifically to Brevard County residents:
Local Expertise:
- Understanding of regional health challenges and environmental factors
- Knowledge of local specialists and healthcare resources
- Familiarity with Brevard County lifestyle and community needs
- Established relationships with area hospitals and urgent care centers
Convenience and Accessibility:
- Central Merritt Island location serving all of Brevard County
- Same-day appointments eliminate long drives to distant specialists
- Local presence enables community health initiatives and outreach
- Understanding of local healthcare needs and challenges
Dr. Zawodniak’s Unique Value Proposition
Dual Healthcare Perspective:
With backgrounds in both nursing and medicine, Dr. Zawodniak understands healthcare from every angle – patient, nurse, and physician. This unique perspective ensures compassionate, comprehensive care that addresses both medical and personal needs.
Academic and Clinical Excellence:
- Board-certified Internal Medicine physician
- Fellow of the American College of Physicians
- Former Assistant Professor of Medicine
- Experience serving military families at VA Medical Center
- Specialized training in hormone optimization and preventive medicine
Patient-Centered Philosophy:
- Treats each patient as a family member
- Combines evidence-based practice with personalized care
- Focuses on health optimization, not just disease treatment
- Committed to accessible, transparent healthcare delivery
Specialized Services Integration:
Unlike typical DPC practices offering only basic primary care, AZ Health Solutions provides:
- Hormone replacement therapy with member discounts
- Advanced cardiovascular screening and risk assessment
- Comprehensive preventive medicine planning
- Corporate wellness programs for local businesses
Taking Action: Your Next Steps
The 30-Day Trial Mindset
Consider approaching DPC as a 30-day trial. Most patients know within the first month whether the model meets their needs and expectations. AZ Health Solutions offers membership cancellation with 30-day notice, making this a low-risk way to experience the difference.
Week 1-2: Experience the onboarding process and initial comprehensive assessment
Week 3-4: Test the direct access features and appointment scheduling
Month 2+: Evaluate the ongoing relationship and value compared to previous healthcare experiences
Schedule Your Meet & Greet Consultation
If DPC aligns with your healthcare values and financial situation, the next step is simple:
No-Obligation Consultation Includes:
- Comprehensive discussion about your healthcare needs and goals
- Detailed explanation of how the DPC model works at AZ Health Solutions
- Opportunity to meet Dr. Zawodniak and assess the practice fit
- Clear outline of costs, benefits, and expectations
- Answers to all your questions about direct primary care
Contact AZ Health Solutions:
- Phone: (321) 492-0390
- Address: 300 Fortenberry Road, Merritt Island, FL 32952
- Online: Schedule your consultation
The Bottom Line: Direct Primary Care Value Analysis
For most Brevard County residents spending $5,000+ annually on healthcare, Direct Primary Care delivers significant financial savings while dramatically improving the healthcare experience. The combination of cost predictability, enhanced access, and personalized care creates value that extends far beyond dollars saved.
Direct primary care is worth it if you value:
- Accessible, responsive healthcare without dealing with insurance
- Transparent, predictable monthly fee
- Meaningful doctor-patient relationships
- Proactive health optimization through preventive care
- Reduced healthcare-related stress and administrative burden
- Time savings and convenience in healthcare access
The real question isn’t whether DPC is worth the money – it’s whether you can afford to continue with traditional health insurance plans that offer limited access, impersonal care, and unpredictable costs.
Your Health Deserves Better
Healthcare should be a source of security and wellness, not stress and financial strain. Direct Primary Care at AZ Health Solutions offers Merritt Island families a proven path to better health outcomes, lower healthcare costs, and genuine peace of mind.
The DPC model allows doctors to focus on what matters most – your health and well-being – without the constraints of insurance companies and administrative burden. When you pair DPC with appropriate coverage for emergencies and specialty care, you create a comprehensive healthcare solution that’s both affordable and effective.
Ready to experience healthcare the way it should be?
Call (321) 492-0390 today to schedule your complimentary Meet & Greet consultation with Dr. Zawodniak. Discover how Direct Primary Care can transform your family’s healthcare experience while providing exceptional value for your investment.
Don’t wait for the healthcare system to change. Change your healthcare today with the proven DPC model.
