How it Works

What is Direct Primary Care?

Shanks Primary Care operates under the Direct Primary Care (DPC) model, a modern approach to healthcare where you pay a flat monthly fee for a comprehensive set of primary care services. This membership-style medical practice emphasizes the physician-patient relationship and allows for more time for personalized care. Regardless of your insurance, you can join the practice. If you change jobs or lose insurance, you can continue your care with Dr. Shanks. It is especially beneficial for those with high-deductible plans, offering a great complement to insurance for non-primary care services.

Member Benefits

Enjoy the exclusive perks at Shanks Primary Care, from unlimited visits to direct access to Dr. Shanks—designed with your health in mind.

Personalized Care

  • Unlimited routine care

  • Direct line to Dr. Shanks (phone, text, email)

  • Extended and homebound visits

  • Member cap for focused attention

Comprehensive Services

  • Standard office procedures*

  • Gender affirming care

  • Women’s health

  • LGBTQIA+ care

  • Weight-Inclusive Care

  • Courtesy hospital visits

  • Specialist and hospital coordination

Affordable Treatment

  • All-inclusive flat monthly fee

  • Discounts on meds, imaging, labs

  • Current insurance valid for other services

  • Group and business discounts


    • Cervical cancer screening

    • Cryotherapy for precancerous skin lesions/warts

    • Incision & drainage of minor abscesses

    • Joint injections

    • Paps

    • Perimenopause/menopause hormone health

    • Physicals

    • Skin biopsies

    • Suturing/wound care

    • Toenail removal

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Shanks Primary Care does not accept or expect health insurance! Insurance limits the quality of care that can be provided. Just like car insurance doesn’t cover regular maintenance like oil changes, your health insurance may not be ideal for everyday healthcare needs or minor illnesses. The monthly membership fee covers your health maintenance, such as psychiatric medications or blood pressure treatment, and any unexpected issues that may arise. You'll have peace of mind knowing you have a trusted physician available whenever you need. You should keep insurance for major expenses like hospitalizations and surgeries. While some members use insurance for labs or prescriptions, many find the discount program offers more affordable options.

  • Unfortunately, no. The IRS currently views the DPC monthly periodic fee as a “health plan,” just like a standard monthly health insurance premium is viewed as a “health plan.” According to the IRS the DPC monthly membership fee is thus a second “health plan” and the amount is not a qualified HSA expense. However, you can use your HSA to pay for any out of pocket expenses, e.g. labs, imaging, prescriptions, etc.Can I pay the monthly subscription with the funds in my Flexible Spending Account?The answer is complicated but yes, some FSA groups consider this to be okay. Our recommendation would be to check with your HR and/or FSA manager.

  • Direct Primary Care could be the ideal option for you! Our subscription prices are affordable, and we offer heavily discounted rates for labs and imaging.

  • You may be familiar with a similar model called "concierge medicine." While there are some similarities to DPC, there are also several fundamental differences between the two.

    Lower Membership Cost
    DPC doctors generally charge less, with annual fees ranging from $600 to $1,500, compared to concierge practices that may charge up to $25,000 annually.

    Flexible Membership Fee
    DPC membership fees are more flexible, typically charged monthly, quarterly, or annually. In contrast, concierge practices often require an annual fee.

    No Insurance Billing
    DPC does not bill insurance, eliminating the risk of "surprise bills" that patients might receive months later from concierge practices, which do bill insurance.

    No Copays
    Since DPC clinics do not bill insurance, they do not require copays for visits, unlike concierge practices that must collect copays due to insurance billing.

    Simplified Documentation
    DPC physicians are not bound by insurance regulations, allowing for more efficient documentation and reduced administrative burden.

    Lower Overhead Costs
    DPC practices avoid the high overhead costs associated with insurance billing and management, leading to a more streamlined and cost-effective operation.

  • No, membership is month-to-month. You can cancel at any time with 30 days notice (to ensure a safe transfer of care). 

Schedule a consultation

Reach out to schedule a free meet-and-greet with Dr. Shanks.