“What’s one unexpected way the DPC model has impacted your approach to preventive screenings? How has this differed from traditional primary care models?”
High-performing businesses optimize customer experience and operational efficiency
One unexpected way the Direct Primary Care DPC model has influenced my thinking around preventive screenings comes from its alignment with how high-performing businesses optimize customer experience and operational efficiency. As a consultant working with companies at various stages of digital transformation, I see clear parallels between DPC’s proactive, membership-based approach and the subscription models used to drive retention in e-commerce.
DPC shifts the relationship between patient and provider away from transactional, episodic care to an ongoing, predictable engagement. In traditional primary care, preventive screenings are often scheduled reactively or squeezed into rushed appointments, which creates friction and missed opportunities. DPC, on the other hand, encourages continuous dialogue and data sharing, making it far easier to identify risk factors early and schedule screenings at the right time. This is remarkably similar to how successful digital businesses use customer data to anticipate needs and deliver value before issues arise.
One practical impact I have seen in my consulting work is the adoption of DPC-inspired principles in employee wellness programs. For example, leading organizations now partner with DPC providers to offer employees not just access to care, but proactive outreach for screenings and follow-ups. The result is higher participation rates and earlier detection of health issues, reducing long-term absenteeism and associated costs. In contrast, traditional models tend to treat preventive care as a compliance checkbox, which rarely engages employees or delivers measurable business value.
From a leadership perspective, DPC has reinforced the importance of removing barriers and creating seamless pathways for critical actions. Just as we automate and personalize e-commerce journeys to maximize conversion, DPC enables care teams to build trust and drive action without the friction of insurance approvals or administrative overload. This translates to a more scalable, sustainable approach to organizational health and productivity.
Ultimately, my experience with DPC has made me more attuned to the value of continuous engagement, data-driven decision-making, and frictionless access – not only in healthcare, but in every business model that relies on long-term trust and performance.
Eugene Mischenko, President, E-Commerce & Digital Marketing Association
Personalized and flexible care
One unexpected way the DPC (Direct Primary Care) model has impacted my approach to preventive screenings is by allowing more personalized and flexible care. In traditional models, patients often felt rushed due to time constraints, leading to less thorough discussions about screenings. With DPC, I have more time to educate patients about the importance of preventive care, tailor screenings to their individual risk factors, and follow up more closely.
For instance, I recently worked with a patient on a personalized screening plan based on their family history and lifestyle, rather than following a one-size-fits-all schedule. This approach has resulted in better patient engagement and earlier detection of health issues. The flexibility and patient-centered focus of DPC make it a far more effective model for preventive care compared to the traditional, time-limited visits in conventional practices.
Nikita Sherbina, Co-Founder & CEO, AIScreen