Whether you live in Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga, Hamilton, Milton, or Brampton, you may have noticed more clinics advertising direct primary care (DPC) or concierge medicine. These premium models are designed for patients who want faster access, longer appointments, and personalized healthcare — often at a higher price point.
This guide explains how DPC and concierge care work in Ontario, how they differ from traditional OHIP-covered family doctors, and where to find these services across the Greater Toronto Area.
What is direct primary care (DPC)?
Direct primary care is a membership-based model where patients pay a monthly or annual fee directly to their doctor. In return, patients get:
- Unlimited office or virtual visits
- Extended appointment times (often 30–60 minutes)
- Same-day or next-day booking
- 24/7 messaging or phone access
- More focus on preventive care and wellness
Unlike standard family doctors who bill OHIP, many DPC practices operate outside of OHIP billing, meaning services are bundled under your membership.
What is concierge medicine?
Concierge medicine is a premium healthcare service that often includes everything in DPC but adds extra perks such as:
- Annual executive health assessments
- Advanced diagnostics and imaging not covered by OHIP
- Coordination with specialists and hospital care
- Lifestyle programs (nutrition, fitness, stress management)
- Dedicated care coordinators
Concierge practices usually cater to business leaders, executives, and patients who prioritize convenience and comprehensive service.
Key differences between traditional care, DPC, and concierge medicine
| Feature | Traditional OHIP Family Doctor | Direct Primary Care (DPC) | Concierge Medicine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Billing | Covered by OHIP | Membership fee (not billed to OHIP) | High annual fee |
| Appointment length | 10–15 minutes | 30–60 minutes | 60+ minutes |
| Wait times | Weeks to months | Same/next-day | Same/next-day |
| Availability | Office hours only | Extended hours | 24/7 phone/text access |
| Extra services | Basic preventive care | Preventive focus, wellness | Executive health, diagnostics |
Direct primary care and concierge options in your city
Burlington
Boutique clinics offer personalized family medicine memberships, often tied to wellness centers.
Oakville
Executive health providers near Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital cater to professionals seeking annual comprehensive exams.
Mississauga
Several clinics near Square One and Port Credit promote concierge medicine packages, often linked to corporate health programs.
Hamilton
Downtown Hamilton has private clinics offering annual membership-based care, appealing to patients tired of long waits.
Milton
Smaller practices in Milton are experimenting with direct-pay models, though availability is more limited.
Brampton
Corporate-focused concierge clinics serve the city’s growing business community, providing quick access and coordinated care.
Cost of DPC and concierge care in Ontario
- Direct primary care: $100–$200/month on average
- Concierge medicine: $2,000–$5,000/year for individual memberships
- Executive health programs: $5,000–$10,000 annually with advanced diagnostics
These fees are typically not covered by OHIP or private insurance, but some extended health benefits may cover specific services (e.g., labs, physiotherapy).
Who benefits most from concierge and DPC models?
- Busy professionals who value time and convenience
- Patients with multiple chronic conditions needing longer visits
- Families who want same-day access for children and seniors
- Individuals who want wellness programs included with medical care
Criticisms and challenges
While premium care models are growing, critics argue:
- They may widen healthcare inequality if only wealthier patients can access them
- Doctors in these models often serve fewer patients, reducing overall availability
- Costs can add up quickly, especially for families
Conclusion
Direct primary care and concierge medicine offer faster, more personalized healthcare for patients in Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga, Hamilton, Milton, and Brampton. While they aren’t for everyone, they provide valuable options for those seeking convenience, prevention, and dedicated attention.
If you’re interested in traditional family doctors still accepting new patients, register with doktr.ca to find options near you.