Direct health care practices are sometimes also called retainers, concierge or boutique medicine.
How they work
In our state, direct health care practices must register with us. Each is different, but all:
- Are your primary care provider for routine and preventive services.
- Have a set monthly fee.
- Don't use insurance, so there are no extra charges, deductibles, copays, or insurance billing.
What to consider before you sign up
- Direct health care practices don't count as your required coverage under the Affordable Care Act.
- Direct health care providers offer only primary care, such as regular office visits.
- They don't cover hospital stays, prescription drugs or dental care.
- Consider also buying a high-deductible health plan. This can help if you need more costly medical care.
Know your rights
Direct health care practices can't:
- Charge you more based on your health or gender.
- Change your monthly fee more than once a year.
As long as they notify you before you receive a service, direct health practices can charge you an extra fee that's not part of your agreement.
If you need to file a complaint, contact the Washington state Department of Health. They handle the following complaints about direct health care practices:
- Health care provider and facility complaints
- Nursing complaints
- Doctor and physician assistant complaints
Find a registered direct health care practice
Use our company lookup tool to find direct health care practices near you.