When it comes to health care, many Mainers feel stuck: long wait times, rushed office visits, confusing billing, and surprises from insurance. But there’s a rapidly growing alternative called direct primary care (DPC) that’s changing the game, especially here in Maine.
Scarborough Direct Primary Care is one such practice leading the way in the Portland–Southern Maine region. At Scarborough DPC, patients pay a predictable monthly membership fee and gain direct, personal access to their physician without worrying about surprise co-pays, insurance barriers, or impersonal experiences. The result? More time, greater trust, and health care that truly centers around you.
How Direct Primary Care (DPC) Works
Here’s a breakdown of the DPC model, what it is, how it operates, and why it differs from standard primary care.
- Flat monthly membership
Instead of billing insurance for every visit or charging co-pays, DPC practices charge a single recurring fee. This covers most primary care and basic urgent care services. You know what you’ll pay, and there are no hidden costs. - Smaller patient panels
Because the physician does not need to see as many patients in a day just to stay financially viable under insurance constraints, DPC practices can limit the number of patients they serve. This allows more time per patient and better continuity of care. - Same-day / next-day appointments
Rather than waiting weeks to see a doctor, DPC patients often can be seen on short notice by their own physician, not “the provider on call.” - Longer visits & flexible communication
Appointments often last 30 to 60 minutes, allowing deep listening, shared decision making, and meaningful care planning. Many DPC practices also support consults via telehealth, phone, email, or messaging, offering more ways to connect beyond just office visits. - No insurance required / fewer administrative burdens
Because DPC practices operate outside the fee-for-service, insurance-driven model, they minimize billing and red tape. That lets the doctor focus on care rather than paperwork. If you have insurance for hospitalizations or specialty care, you can still use it; DPC typically covers your primary care needs.
Why Many Mainers Prefer DPC Over Traditional Practices
Switching to a direct primary care provider isn’t just a trend, it offers concrete advantages, especially in Maine’s geography and health care landscape.
1. More time, less rush
In a conventional clinic, hurried 10- or 15-minute visits are common. With DPC’s longer appointments, you get time to fully explain your concerns, ask questions, and engage in shared decisions about care.
2. Strong doctor–patient relationship
Because your physician has fewer patients and sees you over many visits, they truly come to know you, your health history, preferences, values, and patterns. That continuity means more personalized and preventive care.
3. Predictable costs, fewer surprises
No surprise billing or hidden fees. The flat monthly fee covers primary care and many urgent needs. You don’t have to wonder whether your visit will cost more or whether your insurance will deny the claim.
4. Easier access
Same-day or next-day appointments, direct messaging, telehealth, no running through staff, no “see when someone’s free.” This improves access, especially in rural or underserved parts of Maine.
5. Less administrative waste
Traditional practices devote huge amounts of time and staff resources to billing, coding, insurance claims, prior authorizations, and claims denials. DPC avoids much of that overhead, freeing up more physician time for actual health care.
6. Better preventive care and chronic disease management
Because visits aren’t rushed and there is better continuity, DPC models are well suited to catch early warning signs, manage chronic conditions, and prevent complications. That is particularly beneficial for Mainers managing diabetes, hypertension, or multiple health issues.
Spotlight: Scarborough Direct Primary Care
Scarborough DPC is a local Maine practice built around the DPC philosophy. Some key features:
- Serving southern Maine and the Portland area, they accept patients from many nearby towns and communities.
- Comprehensive primary and basic urgent care services included under the membership.
- Same-day / next-day scheduling with your doctor.
- Flexible modalities, care delivered in person, by video, phone, text, or email, depending on what works best for you.
- No surprises, no insurance hurdles in the DPC portion of care.
- You can cancel anytime, giving freedom and flexibility.
- The practice is led by Dr. Sarah Alvarez, a board-certified family physician committed to delivering clinical excellence in a personal, patient-centered way.
By focusing on relationships over volume, Scarborough DPC aims to provide health care that feels consistent, personal, and reliable.
To learn more or see whether you’re in their service area, visit Scarborough Direct Primary Care online.
Is DPC a Fit for You (Especially in Maine)?
Before switching, it’s good to ask:
- Do you value deep relationships with your physician over rotating providers?
- How important is same-day access or minimal waiting?
- Do you prefer a transparent, predictable cost structure?
- Do you already use insurance for hospital care or specialist visits, but want a better primary care experience?
- Does your current care feel rushed or fragmented?
If you answered “yes” to many of those, DPC may offer a better, more human approach, especially in Maine, where distances and access can make traditional care more cumbersome.
Direct primary care is reshaping how primary care is delivered. For many Mainers frustrated with rushed visits, opaque billing, and impersonal systems, DPC offers a compelling alternative. With practices like Scarborough Direct Primary Care, you can regain access to health care that’s predictable, personal, and respectful of your time. If you’re seeking a more meaningful relationship with your doctor, one built on trust, attention, and continuity, DPC is worth exploring.