After a decade of feeling burned out as a family physician, Nicole Hemkes decided to take a different path in 2019 by opening a direct primary care clinic in Wisconsin. Direct primary care clinics charge patients a monthly fee instead of billing insurance, allowing for more personalized care. Advocate MD, Hemkes’ clinic, has grown to be one of the largest direct primary care clinics in Wisconsin, with business booming and plans for expansion.
Despite the success of direct primary care in Wisconsin, state law has not yet accounted for this model of health care. Legislation has been proposed to regulate direct primary care, clarifying what it is and isn’t, and ensuring that patients are not discriminated against. The bill would also define the services patients can expect to receive from a provider and prohibit rejection based on medical history.
Critics believe that direct primary care exacerbates the physician shortage in traditional health care settings and is not a replacement for conventional insurance. However, supporters argue that a basic framework in state law governing direct primary care would benefit the industry. Trump’s potential appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services could further boost the popularity of direct primary care.
Despite concerns about government regulation driving up costs, Hemkes believes that direct primary care has the potential for limitless growth and could entice more doctors to open their own practices. With interest in direct primary care expected to grow, regulation and clarity on the model are essential for its continued success in Wisconsin.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
