Direct Primary Care: Pediatric Medicine the Way It Should Be
More time with your doctor. Easier access. Better relationships. No insurance billing.
A Membership-Based Approach to Pediatric Care
No insurance billing. No copays. No barriers.
Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a healthcare model where families pay a monthly fee directly to their pediatrician in exchange for comprehensive primary care services. This eliminates insurance billing, allowing for longer visits, same-day appointments, and direct access.
In traditional pediatric practices, insurance reimbursement determines how many patients a doctor must see each day and how long each visit can last. The result: 15-minute appointments, weeks-long waits for sick visits, and doctors who barely have time to learn your child's name.
DPC removes insurance from the equation for primary care. Your monthly membership covers all included services, and Dr. Rivers can focus on actually caring for your child instead of documenting for insurance claims.
How DPC Compares to Traditional Pediatric Care
Side by side, the differences are clear.
| Traditional Care | Direct Primary Care |
|---|---|
| Wait days or weeks for appointments | Same-day or next-day availability |
| 10-15 minute rushed visits | 30-60 minute unhurried visits |
| Rotating providers | Same doctor every time |
| After-hours questions = urgent care or ER | Text or call Dr. Rivers directly |
| Drive to the office, wait in waiting room | Home visits or telemedicine |
| Copays + deductibles + surprise bills | One predictable monthly fee |
| 2,000+ patients per doctor | ~300 patients per doctor |
Is DPC Right for Your Family?
Here's how different families benefit from Direct Primary Care.
The Busy Professional Family
Sarah and Mike both work demanding jobs and have two kids under 8. Between school drop-offs, activities, and work meetings, taking time off to sit in a waiting room feels impossible. With DPC, they schedule sick visits for early morning or after work, often with Dr. Rivers coming to their home. When their daughter had an ear infection last month, Sarah texted Dr. Rivers at 8am, got a response within an hour, and had Dr. Rivers at their house by 4pm. No urgent care, no waiting room, no half-day off work.
The Child with Chronic Conditions
The Johnsons' 10-year-old has ADHD and asthma. Managing medications, monitoring symptoms, and coordinating care used to mean juggling multiple appointments with different providers. With DPC, they have one pediatrician who knows their son well, responds to questions between visits, and adjusts treatment based on ongoing conversations rather than once-a-quarter checkups. In addition, if they have questions they want to talk about without their son present, this is no problem at all. The direct access alone has been worth the membership cost.
The New Parents
First-time parents Emma and David worried about every cough, every rash, every feeding question. With a newborn, they needed answers fast — not a callback in 24-48 hours. DPC gave them direct access to Dr. Rivers for quick questions and reassurance without scheduling an appointment every time they worried. The peace of mind helped them feel confident as new parents.
Do I Still Need Health Insurance?
Honest answer: Yes. Here's why DPC complements insurance rather than replacing it.
This is the question everyone asks, and we want to be completely transparent: DPC is not a replacement for health insurance.
What DPC Covers
- All primary care visits (well-child, sick visits)
- Home visits and telemedicine
- In-home procedures (simple laceration repair, etc)
- Direct access to Dr. Rivers
- Care coordination and referrals
What You Need Insurance For
- Emergency Room & Urgent Care visits
- Hospital stays
- Specialist appointments
- Imaging, Labs (X-rays, MRIs)
- Prescriptions (we prescribe, you pay pharmacy)
Recommendation: Pair DPC membership with a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) or a medical health share. You get comprehensive primary care without copays or deductibles through DPC, and you're covered for emergencies through insurance.
The Real Cost of Pediatric Care
When you add up what you're actually paying, DPC makes financial sense for many families.
Consider a typical year for a family with two children:
Traditional Insurance (High Deductible)
- 6 Sick Visits ($150 avg) $900
- 2 Urgent Care Visits $400
- 15+ hours waiting room time ???
- Total $1,300+
New Way Pediatrics DPC
- Membership (2 kids) $3,600
- Unlimited sick visits $0
- 0 hours waiting room time Priceless
- Total $3,600
For families who make 10+ sick visits per year, have children with chronic conditions, or place high value on time and convenience, DPC often provides better value. For families with rarely-sick children who don't mind waiting rooms, traditional care may cost less. We're happy to discuss what makes sense for your family during your meet-and-greet.
Common Questions About Direct Primary Care
Everything else families want to know.
Is DPC the same as concierge medicine?
Similar concept, much lower price. Concierge practices often charge $2,000-10,000+ annually for access, while still billing insurance for each visit. DPC keeps costs accessible by not billing insurance at all.
Can I use my HSA to pay for DPC?
Yes! DPC membership qualifies as an eligible medical expense for Health Savings Accounts.
What if my child needs a specialist?
Dr. Rivers coordinates all referrals and communicates directly with specialists. The specialist visit itself isn't covered by DPC membership.
What about vaccines?
Dr. Rivers strives to administer vaccines in your home and provides full counseling about vaccine options. She works with community partners to ensure vaccines are no cost to you.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
Members typically receive same-day or next-day appointments. For urgent concerns, Dr. Rivers can often respond within hours.
Can I see Dr. Rivers if I'm not a member?
Yes. One-time home visits are available for $200, telemedicine visits for $150. However, non-member visits don't establish an ongoing relationship.
What happens if my child needs emergency care?
Call 911 for true emergencies. Dr. Rivers can provide phone guidance and follow-up care, but emergency services require your health insurance.
See Our Membership Options
Now that you understand how DPC works, see exactly what's included in New Way Pediatrics membership and what it costs. We believe in complete transparency — no hidden fees, no surprises.