Medical Economics published a recent article about a new study, Trends in Direct Primary Care 2022, by Hint Health that addresses how the rising costs of health care may be driving membership in Direct Primary Care practices.

According to the study, the high cost of care in the U.S. continues to negatively impact Americans, with 63% of private health care consumers ranking the cost of care as the most dissatisfying aspect of their current healthcare option.

“More than half of private health care consumers ranked the cost of care as the most dissatisfying aspect of their current healthcare option,” said Aimee Leidich, head of operations, Hint Health, in a statement. “Health care costs are steadily outpacing income growth and inflation. Alternatively, DPC memberships remain affordable with little of the price inflation seen elsewhere.”

However, according to the Hint study, while insurance rates have risen, DPC membership costs have remained steady. In addition, the number of doctors involved in DPC has grown. According the the study, from 2017-2021, the number of active DPC clinicians per 100,000 people increased 159% in comparison to only a 6% increase overall in primary care providers per 100,000 people.

It is good to see a study showing what those in DPC have know all along: DPC works!