Which option is right for me?
Choosing care shouldn’t feel confusing. This page breaks down the difference between Direct Primary Care (DPC), Individualized Medicine, Concierge Medicine, and À La Carte Visits so you can choose what matches your needs right now.
Quick note: “Individualized Medicine” is both our care philosophy and the name of one of our concierge tiers. On this page, when we say Individualized Medicine plan, we mean the tiered membership option.
The simplest way to understand the differences
Our approach:
Personalized medicine is how care is delivered at Gillett Health: an evidence-based plan built around the person: health history, goals, values, and budget.
Not a cookie-cutter checklist.
Our membership model for ongoing primary care—designed for people who want easier access, longer appointments, and predictable monthly pricing.
A more budget-friendly concierge option for people who want a guided plan and ongoing support, without unlimited visits.
For people who want the highest level of access and support, plus a more comprehensive membership experience.
One-time office/virtual visits only with no ongoing membership or messaging with provider. Ideal for single consults or yearly physicals.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Direct Primary Care (DPC) | Individualized Medicine | Concierge Medicine | À La Carte Visits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Consistent primary care + ongoing relationship | Strong guidance without unlimited visit volume | Complex goals, high-touch access, time-sensitive needs | One-time consults, yearly physicals, “not ready to commit” |
| Visits | Typically unlimited | 4 one-hour visits per year | Unlimited | Single visit(s) (15, 30, or 45 mins) |
| Access | Messaging via patient portal | Messaging via patient portal | Direct Text / Voice / Video with provider (when available) | No provider messaging |
| Response Time | Standard business hours | Up to 5 business days | Typically 1–2 business days | N/A |
| Benefits | Predictable monthly pricing, member discounts | Member discounts & benefits | Member discounts & benefits | No membership benefits |
Helpful note: Many people start with an À La Carte Visit to meet with a provider, then choose a membership later if ongoing care is needed.
Scope of care: DPC vs Concierge/IM
(in plain English)
Direct Primary Care (DPC)
Generally covers only the things that every primary care provider would order in the conventional health system.
- Annual physical exam and routine prevention
- Ongoing management of common issues like blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol
- Simple acute illnesses (example: flu, UTI, common infections)
- Coordinating standard cancer screenings (example: referral for colonoscopy)
Concierge / Individualized Medicine
Covers things that a specialist usually orders (lipidologist, urologist, OBGYN, REI, functional medicine).
- Broader, more specialized workups and deeper “strategy” style care
- Support that overlaps with multiple specialists (lipids, hormones, fertility, urology, etc.)
- More ongoing guidance, follow-up, and proactive planning based on goals
One-liner summary
If you’re mostly looking for “great primary care,” DPC is usually the fit.
If you’re looking for “specialist-level depth and strategy,” Concierge/IM is usually the fit.
Help me decide (fast)
Answer 3 simple questions to find your best fit.
Real-life examples (most helpful section)
- Primary care is the priority (prevention, ongoing management)
- Longer appointments are important
- Predictable monthly membership is preferred
- Portal messaging access matters
- Goals are complex and you want high-touch support
- Frequent questions come up
- Direct text/voice/video access matters
- Faster response time matters
- Unlimited visits fits your season of life
- You want support and guidance, but don’t need unlimited visits
- A defined annual visit-time pool feels easier to budget
- Messaging access is helpful even with a longer response window
- You only want a single consult
- You typically just need something like a yearly physical
- You want to meet with a provider first to see if it’s a good fit
- You don’t need messaging or membership perks
What all Gillett Health care has in common
No matter which option is chosen, care is built around:
Evidence-based medicine and shared decision-making
Practical recommendations that match goals and budget
Fully transparent pricing
FAQ
Still not sure?
Schedule a free intake call with a care coordinator. We’ll learn more about what you’re looking for, answer questions about our services and pricing, and help you determine which care option may be the best fit.
Schedule a free intake call