What is direct primary care?

Direct primary care (DPC) is a membership-based model of primary care where patients pay their physician a flat monthly fee, instead of billing insurance per visit, in exchange for expanded access to care. That typically means longer appointments, direct phone or text access to the physician, and no copays or surprise per-visit charges. DPC practices, like Dr. Tony Tran’s Transcend Medical, often combine this access model with a preventive, lifestyle-focused approach to care, addressing diet, sleep, and daily habits alongside traditional treatment, rather than limiting visits to brief, problem-focused appointments.