Direct Primary Care vs. Concierge Medicine: What's the Difference?
Direct primary care (DPC) and concierge medicine are often confused because both involve paying a physician directly. They are not the same. DPC typically offers a lower monthly fee, a wider panel, and a narrower scope of services. Concierge medicine, including Kosmos, typically offers a higher fee, a smaller panel, broader services, and advanced diagnostics. Both opt out of insurance for primary care. Both prioritize the physician-patient relationship. The right choice depends on what you want from the relationship.
Where the models agree
Both direct primary care and concierge medicine replace insurance billing with a membership fee paid directly to the practice. Both give the physician back the time that high-volume, insurance-driven medicine takes away. If you have concluded that a 15-minute visit with a 2,000-patient panel is not real primary care, either model is a step in the right direction.
Where they differ
The differences come down to panel size, scope, and diagnostics. A typical DPC practice serves 600 to 1,000 patients per physician at a lower monthly fee, and covers office visits, basic labs, and messaging access. Kosmos limits each physician to 100 families, includes 24/7 direct physician access and same-day appointments, and builds membership around a structured annual program: our eight focus areas, from metabolic health and cardiopulmonary fitness to genetics and advanced cancer screening. For Optimal Care members that includes whole-body MRI, VO2 Max testing, and multi-cancer early detection, diagnostics that do not fit inside a DPC fee.
How to choose
If your goal is affordable, accessible sick care and basic prevention, a good DPC practice is a real improvement over the status quo. If your goal is a physician who proactively manages your long-term health with the depth of testing to back it up, that is what Kosmos is built for. You can read more about the model on our concierge medicine in Seattle page, or see membership and pricing.
Your physicians
Three physicians. 100 families each.
What members say
The relationship is the difference.
5.0 stars on Google
“I have been part of multiple practices in town and have had a hard time getting through to my physician, especially when I do not feel well. That changed the moment I joined Kosmos.”
“We feel incredibly fortunate to have found Dr. Dodd at Kosmos as my husband’s concierge physician. The level of care, attention, and responsiveness he provides is truly exceptional.”
“I highly recommend Kosmos and Dr. Bhaskar. The experience is a refreshing departure from the traditional clinic model. With a fraction of the patient load you would find at a typical practice, the level of care, attention, and accessibility is exceptional.”
FAQ
Common questions.
- DPC is usually cheaper on a monthly basis, often $50-$150 per month, in exchange for a wider patient panel (typically 600-1000 patients per physician) and a more limited service set. Kosmos's Premium Care tier is $575 per month with a 100-family panel per physician and a broader set of services. Optimal Care at $1,250 per month adds the full advanced diagnostics suite. The price difference reflects what is included.
- Neither. Both DPC and concierge are for primary care only. You should carry insurance for specialist visits, imaging, surgeries, and hospitalizations regardless of which model you choose. Most Kosmos members carry a high-deductible plan.
- Because the Optimal Care diagnostics program (whole-body MRI, multi-cancer early detection, VO2 Max, CCTA with AI, and more) is not feasible inside a DPC fee structure, and because the 100-family panel size produces a meaningfully different experience than a 600 to 1000 patient panel. The Zone of Optimality we operate in, between the ultra-luxury concierge model and a high-volume DPC, is where we believe the best care happens.
Speak with our physicians.
An unhurried conversation about your health and whether Kosmos is the right fit. No obligation, no pressure.