Why Docs Choose DPC?

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Let’s talk about the AAFP 2026 Direct Primary Care DATA brief. Some very interesting results were seen that I want to discuss over the next few weeks. In this video, let’s talk about why docs choose DPC. Most are obvious, but this survey confirms our thoughts. More to come in other videos.

AI Summary:

  • Survey had 313 responses total; only about 167 respondents were actually practicing in the DPC model (the numbers below mainly reflect those).
  • Top reasons doctors chose to leave traditional practice for DPC:
    • 96% – Ability to deliver higher quality care / better patient care
    • 94% – Greater autonomy (schedule, clinical decisions, etc.)
    • 91% – Reduced administrative burdens
  • Benefits reported after practicing in DPC:
    • 99% – Improved patient relationships
    • 89% – Better work-life balance
    • 86% – Reduced paperwork burden
  • Notably, only 17% cited income as a reason for moving to DPC (not primarily driven by money either way).
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About Shane Purcell, MD

Dr. Purcell is board certified family physician working in Anderson, SC. He received his medical degree from Mercer University in Macon, GA and completed family medicine residency at AnMed Health in Anderson, SC. After completing his residency, Dr. Purcell worked in a private group practice for 3 years before opening his own cash-only primary care clinic in 2005. As he built his cash-only clinic, he was also working part-time in a local urgent care facility. In 2008, he purchased a dormant medical clinic on the “wrong side of the tracks” and opened an urgent care and primary care clinic. After gaining his freedom from third-party captives, Dr. Purcell and a colleague formed the first direct primary care clinic in Anderson County in 2015. In 2019, he transitioned to full-time direct primary care and sold his urgent care. The direct primary care model has brought about a restoration of a relationship with patients broken by third-party middlemen. Now, he can offer more access and more of his time to patients. Dr. Purcell firmly believes that the direct primary care model is the last hope for health care in America. Dr. Purcell is an active member of several medical organizations including the DPC Alliance, Free Market Medical Association, and American Academy of Family Physicians. He is the former Chair of the Direct Primary Care Member Interest Group for the AAFP and a founding member of the DPC Alliance and the Carolina’s Free Market Medical Association. He was elected to the Advisory Committee for the DPC Alliance in the Fall of 2018 and completed his term in 2021. Dr. Purcell is the author of Magic, Pixie Dust, and Miracles: A Guide to Direct Primary Care and Employers which shares how to connect DPC with employers of all sizes. He has spoken about this topic and DPC in general at the DPC Summit, DPC Nuts and Bolts conference, Hint Summit, AAFP FMX, Carolina’s Free Market Medical Association, TedexFurman, and DPC Alliance Mastermind sessions. He continues to speak to residents and student groups about DPC as well.