Urgent Care vs Direct Primary Care (DPC)

When you’re feeling sick, need medical advice, or want ongoing support for your health, knowing where to go can make all the difference. Urgent Care and Direct Primary Care (DPC) both play important roles in today’s healthcare landscape, but they serve very different purposes. Understanding these differences can help you save time, money, and stress while getting the right level of care.

Here’s a clear look at what sets Urgent Care and DPC apart and how each can support your health needs.

What Is Urgent Care?

‍Urgent Care clinics are designed for immediate, one-time treatment when you can’t wait for a regular appointment. They’re typically open evenings, weekends, and holidays, offering care for non-life-threatening issues such as:

• Minor illnesses (colds, flu, infections)
• Minor injuries (sprains, strains, small cuts)
• X-rays and basic labs
• Fevers or dehydration
• Allergies or rashes

Urgent Care is best for:

• Unplanned health concerns
• After-hours care
• Situations where your regular doctor isn’t available

With these medical offices, you pay per visit (with or without insurance) and see whichever provider is available. Care is usually quick and focused on resolving the issue at hand.

What Is Direct Primary Care (DPC)?

Direct Primary Care is a membership-based model where patients pay a flat monthly fee for unlimited access to their primary care provider. There is no insurance billing, no surprise charges, and significantly more time spent with your provider.

DPC providers offer:

• Same-day or next-day appointments
• Longer visits (30–60 minutes)
• Annual wellness exams
• Chronic disease management
• Sick visits
• Routine labs
• Preventive care
• Coaching for weight management, metabolic health, hormone health, and more
• Virtual care and direct communication with your provider

Many DPC offices also offer discounted labs, in-office procedures, and transparent pricing.

DPC is best for:

• Ongoing medical care
• People who want a close relationship with their provider
• Managing chronic conditions
• Preventive healthcare
• Individuals tired of insurance hurdles, rushed visits, and unpredictable costs

How Are Urgent Care and DPC Different?

Urgent Care is focused on a single visit where specific symptoms are treated. These interactions are usually walk-in/queue-based with variable pricing billed to insurance based on the treatment needed. 

Direct Primary Care(DPC) is a membership model with unlimited access to your healthcare provider. Your doctor can help with preventative care, chronic illness management, and symptom treatment. This model of care is built on a relationship between patient and doctor, and pricing is standard and straightforward. 

Do You Need Both?

For many people, the answer is yes, but for very different reasons.

• Use DPC for everyday health needs, checkups, chronic condition management, general wellness, lifestyle guidance, and getting to the root cause of health concerns.
  
  
• Use Urgent Care for after-hours injuries, sudden illnesses when traveling, or issues that need immediate attention outside your DPC clinic’s availability.

Some DPC offices also offer extended hours that reduce the need for Urgent Care altogether.

If you want long-term support, predictable costs, and a provider who knows you well, Direct Primary Care is an excellent choice. If you need quick treatment for something sudden that can’t wait, Urgent Care is the right place. Many families use DPC as their primary relationship for health and rely on Urgent Care only occasionally.

If you’d like help understanding whether Direct Primary Care is right for you or want to learn more about services offered, feel free to reach out to our team; we’re here to help!

Hometown Health is opening in early 2026 in Jefferson City, TN. To learn more about the Direct Primary Care (DPC) medical services model or to make an appointment, please visit our website. We are excited to get to know and serve you and your family.