Dr. Brian Kilpatrick arrives at a patient’s home, where the familiar creak of the front door welcomes him into a space filled with the hum of daily life. As he settles at the kitchen table, the casual chatter and shared laughter reflect a comfort level that allows for open discussion about health concerns, revealing how this intimate setting fosters trust and understanding beyond clinical walls.

This personalized approach is part of Kilpatrick’s Direct Primary Care (DPC) model, which eliminates the complexities of insurance in favor of a straightforward membership system. This system allows him to focus on personalized care without the constraints typically imposed by insurance companies. It particularly resonates with young families seeking wellness care and more excellent medical choices.

“The DPC model of health care will grow over time, but I don’t ever see it surpassing the insurance-based model. Government and third-party insurance provided by large companies will always be there,” Kilpatrick explained. “But we are seeing a movement towards DPC among young families who are healthy and desire wellness care primarily and occasional sick care and also those families who desire more choice in their medical care and are not happy with the care that is offered by the current insurance-based system.”

Communication and choice are central to Kilpatrick’s philosophy.

“Patients are also more particular about what they want and don’t want in regard to their medical care. Most large, corporate, primary care offices are unable to accommodate the range of choices for various reasons, while a primary care DPC office is specifically organized around offering care based on personal choice,” he said.

This commitment to personalized care naturally extends into Kilpatrick’s house call-making practice. While no one argues the convenience of the visits, they are an opportunity to nurture relationships with patients. By prioritizing connection over speed, Kilpatrick gains invaluable insights into each patient’s life and health priorities during these visits. He tailors each encounter to meet individual needs — whether it’s an initial intake, addressing an acute issue, or managing chronic conditions.

The primary care landscape faces significant challenges, including a shortage of physicians and rising costs. Kilpatrick addresses these by maintaining a manageable patient panel size and offering flexible membership plans that cater to varying needs and budgets. His approach ensures that care remains accessible and personalized.

“To try to help this lack of providers, there has been an influx of mid-level providers (nurse practitioners and physician assistants) into the primary care realm. However, they are not able to direct the complete care of many patients, leading them to refer many patients to specialty care. It is desirable that referrals to specialty care should be the exception, not the rule,” explained Kilpatrick.

Kilpatrick’s DPC model addresses these issues by ensuring continuity of care with a single physician.

“We are fully invested in being a primary care practice. Care is only with one physician, and pricing is much less than one would pay in a government-based or third-party-based insurance program,” Kilpatrick stated.

Kilpatrick said affordability is another concern, particularly for those paying out-of-pocket. When evaluating health care providers, it’s essential for patients to understand the value they receive for their money, as not all practices offer the same level of service or expertise for their fees. Patients should be aware that some practices may inflate charges without corresponding improvements in care quality.

In addition, he points out that some practices refuse patients based on differing opinions.

He said, “Different points of view on medical topics, especially immunizations, do not influence whether you can be a part of this practice. All patient viewpoints are welcome in this practice. One is not more or less for what they believe or don’t believe. I will listen to each patient and use my 35 years of experience to try to sort through what they are saying and revealing on the physical exam and any lab/radiology done. Every potential patient will have the opportunity to ask as many hard questions as necessary to make sure that they really want to sign up with the practice.”

While technology plays an integral role in his practice — facilitating communication through emails, texts, and virtual consultations — Kilpatrick remains committed to the value of in-person visits when necessary. He explains that his practice differs from strict telemedicine models by emphasizing direct communication with patients before determining the best action.

Looking ahead, Kilpatrick envisions a health care landscape in which more physicians opt out of insurance-based models in favor of DPC practices. He believes this shift will provide more personalized care and better patient outcomes and offers a potential model for a more personalized and responsive health care system.

Kilpatrick’s DPC practice operates on a membership model, offering three distinct plans to cater to various patient needs. The Maxi-Plan provides comprehensive coverage, including all communication, in-home visits, lab tests, and procedures for a single monthly fee. The Mini-Plan covers communication, testing, and procedures, with in-home visits available for an additional fee. For those living farther away, a Virtual-Only Plan offers remote consultations without in-person services.

Kilpatrick emphasizes the affordability of his DPC model compared to traditional insurance plans. He cites a Kaiser Family Foundation study showing average costs for family and single insurance plans in 2023 at $24,000 and $8,500, respectively.

“Several DPC practices across Lynchburg are much more reasonable than this,” he noted, pointing out that his pricing structure, available on his website, offers a more cost-effective alternative for many patients. This approach allows Kilpatrick to provide personalized care while giving patients flexibility in choosing a plan that best fits their health needs and financial situation.

Kilpatrick’s DPC model emphasizes personalized care, fostering trust and open patient communication. By eliminating insurance complexities and offering flexible membership plans, he ensures accessibility and affordability. His approach values patient choice, welcoming diverse viewpoints on medical topics and shaping a more responsive and compassionate health care system. GN