Global Direct Primary Care (DPC) Market Share Grows Steadily at a CAGR of 5.15%

Introduction

One of the key aspects driving the growth of the global direct primary care (DPC) market is the rising demand for more personalized and easily accessible healthcare services. Patients are increasingly favoring longer consultations, direct access to their physicians, and preventive care, hallmarks of the DPC model that bypass traditional insurance billing systems. Frustration with conventional healthcare, which often involves brief visits and administrative bottlenecks, is steering many toward the subscription-based DPC approach.

Additionally, employers are acknowledging the advantages of DPC in enhancing employee wellness, minimizing absenteeism, and cutting long-term healthcare expenses. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the importance of having continuous and convenient access to primary care, accelerating interest in the DPC model. By fostering stronger doctor-patient relationships, promoting proactive healthcare, and increasing patient satisfaction, DPC is gaining traction as a preferred solution among both individuals and businesses, thereby propelling its global market expansion.

Market Dynamics

Rising healthcare costs drive the global market

Rising global healthcare costs are driving both patients and providers to explore more affordable care models, leading to increased interest in Direct Primary Care (DPC). By removing third-party payers and insurance-related complications, DPC offers a simplified structure with fixed monthly fees and improved cost transparency for patients.

• In 2023, the American Medical Association reported a 7.5% increase in U.S. healthcare spending, reaching $4.9 trillion, or around $14,570 per person, marking the highest surge since the early 2000s (excluding the pandemic period). Spending is expected to grow even further, with projected increases of 8.2% in 2024 and 7.1% in 2025, outpacing GDP growth.

Amid these rising costs, DPC is becoming an appealing alternative, particularly for individuals without employer-provided insurance or those with high-deductible plans. As inflation continues to strain healthcare affordability, the DPC model is poised to gain momentum in both developed and developing markets.

Technology integration creates tremendous opportunities

The adoption of advanced technologies offers a substantial growth opportunity for the global Direct Primary Care (DPC) market. Innovations such as telehealth platforms, AI-powered virtual assistants, automated appointment systems, and remote monitoring tools are optimizing administrative workflows and boosting patient engagement. These solutions allow healthcare providers to deliver more efficient and cost-effective personalized care.

• For example, in July 2025, Direct Meds introduced an AI-driven platform featuring virtual agents like OLIVER, EMMA, and TARA to handle tasks such as patient onboarding, communication, billing, and checkout. This reduced live chat traffic by approximately 30% and email inquiries by around 50%, supporting scalable care delivery without compromising quality.

As patient demand for digital healthcare services continues to rise, DPC providers embracing these technologies are well-positioned to broaden their patient base, enhance clinical outcomes, and establish resilient, tech-enabled care models.

Regional Insights

In North America, particularly the United States, the Direct Primary Care (DPC) market is witnessing rapid growth due to dissatisfaction with traditional insurance-based models. Rising healthcare premiums, long wait times, and administrative complexities have driven both patients and physicians toward the DPC model. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, over 1,600 DPC practices operate in the U.S. as of 2024, serving nearly 500,000 patients.

Employers are also increasingly adopting DPC to reduce healthcare costs. Walmart, for instance, has partnered with DPC providers to enhance employee health outcomes while cutting insurance expenses. In Canada, while the publicly funded system dominates, some private clinics are experimenting with DPC-like services to reduce system strain and provide faster access. Thus, increasing demand for cost-effective, value-based care is fueling regional market expansion and innovation in care delivery models.

Key Highlights

• The global direct primary care market size was valued at USD 61.34 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow from USD 64.50 billion in 2025 to reach USD 96.39 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.15% during the forecast period (2025–2033).
• By service type, the global direct primary care market is segmented into preventive care services, chronic disease management, pediatric care, mental and behavioral health, diagnostics and lab testing, and others.
• By provider type, the market is categorized into independent physicians/clinics, DPC networks/groups, employer-sponsored DPC clinics, and hospital-affiliated DPC providers.
• By age group, the market is divided into pediatrics (0–17 years), adults (18–64 years), and geriatrics (65+ years).
• By end user, the market includes individuals, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), large corporations, government organizations, and others.
• North America is the highest shareholder in the global market.

Competitive Players

One Medical (a subsidiary of Amazon), MDVIP, Forward Health, Elation Health, and Iora Health (acquired by One Medical). Other prominent companies operating in the sector are Qliance Medical Group, Hint Health, Paladina Health (now Everside Health), Nextera Healthcare, R-Health, and others.

Recent Developments

• In July 2025, Cascade Primary Care, led by Dr. Greg Miller, introduced its new Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice in River Falls. This innovative, subscription-based healthcare model is designed to provide the community with more accessible, affordable, and highly personalized medical care.

Segmentation

1. By Service Type
   1. Preventive Care Services
   2. Chronic Disease Management
   3. Pediatric Care
   4. Mental and Behavioral Health
   5. Diagnostics and Lab Testing
   6. Others
2. By Provider Type
   1. Independent Physicians/Clinics
   2. DPC Networks/Groups
   3. Employer-Sponsored DPC Clinics
   4. Hospital-Affiliated DPC Providers
3. By Age Group
   1. Pediatrics (0–17 years)
   2. Adults (18–64 years)
   3. Geriatrics (65+ years)
4. By End User
   1. Individuals
   2. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
   3. Large Corporations
   4. Government Organizations
   5. Others
5. By Regions
   1. North America
   2. Europe
   3. Asia-Pacific
   4. Latin America
   5. The Middle East and Africa