Today, November 1st, is National DPC Day and My Dog is Pissed About It

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Meet Clubber. He is seven years old TODAY. Yes, November 1 is his birthday, and he is really mad that National DPC Day took away his moment to shine. Luckily, with a few extra treats, I was able to convince him that if he wears the shirt, others will wish him a happy birthday as well.

More importantly (shhhh….don’t tell him), put out a social media post on FB, IG, X, or whatever you use about National DPC Day. And send out an email to your patients through your EMR. Let them spread the word as well.

Here is a sample of things to say in your OWN words:

National Direct Primary Care Day — November 1

Every November 1, patients and physicians across the country celebrate National Direct Primary Care (DPC) Day. It’s a day dedicated to a simple idea: healthcare works better when you have real access to your doctor, without an insurance company in the middle.

Why November 1?

This date falls right at the start of health insurance open enrollment, which is the one time of year most people are already thinking hard about their healthcare options. National DPC Day is a reminder that insurance isn’t your only path to great primary care.

What is Direct Primary Care?

In a Direct Primary Care practice, you pay your doctor a simple monthly membership fee with no copays, no surprise bills, and no insurance company deciding what kind of visit you’re allowed to have. In exchange, you get:

  • Real time with your doctor. Visits aren’t rushed to fit an insurance-dictated schedule. Your doctor can actually listen.
  • Direct access. Many DPC doctors offer same-day or next-day appointments, and some even text or email directly with patients.
  • Fewer barriers between you and care. No pre-authorizations, no networks, and no runaround. It’s just a relationship with a doctor who knows you.
  • More control over your healthcare. You decide what care makes sense for you, together with your physician and not a claims department.

Is DPC right for you?

DPC works alongside a high-deductible insurance plan for many people (insurance still covers hospitalizations, specialists, and emergencies). It’s not a replacement for insurance, it’s a better way to get your everyday primary care. If you’re tired of 7-minute appointments, long waits for a callback, or feeling like a number in the system, DPC may be worth exploring.

How to get involved on November 1

Follow #NationalDPCDay on social media to see what other patients and practices are doing

Find a doctor who does pure Direct Primary Care. Sources for this are:

  1. DPC Alliance Directory
  2. DPC Frontier
  3. HINT Connect Network
  4. Or just Google Direct Primary Care doctor.

Happy National DPC Day! And Happy Birthday, Clubber!!

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About Douglas Farrago, MD

Dr. Farrago is a retired family physician based in Forest, Virginia. Since 2021, he has run DPCnews.com, a leading resource for the Direct Primary Care (DPC) movement. He is the author of three best-selling books on Direct Primary Care: The Official Guide to Starting Your Own Direct Primary Care Practice The Direct Primary Care Doctor’s Daily Motivational Journal Slowing the Churn in Direct Primary Care (While Also Keeping Your Sanity) In 2016, Dr. Farrago conceived the idea for the Direct Primary Care Alliance and co-founded the organization alongside other pioneering DPC physicians. He is widely recognized as a leading expert in the DPC model and frequently lectures to medical students, residents, and practicing physicians on how to successfully start and run their own DPC practices. Dr. Farrago sold his Direct Primary Care practice in October 2020.