What the cost of a flu shot tells you.
It has been said, if you want find out a lot about how things work, “follow the money”. That’s not always true, many people have stronger motivations for public good. But, wth that in mind, we decided to look at the cost of flu shots at offices, drug stores, and direct primary care practices. Through your insurance premiums, you pay about $30 for a flu shot at an office. One of our cash-paying patients told us that they paid $40 at a drug store, but the price varies considerable and cheaper ones can be found. The cost at our direct primary care is $20, and other direct primary cares offices are similar.
Why? Firstly most traditional practice have a lot of overhead with recording the data and filing claims required by insurance, usually about 40% of their overall costs. It drives up the cost of everything markedly. Drug store chains have a strong profit motive. This illustrates a fundamental difference in the way direct primary care and our traditional healthcare system is built. Contrary to the way our traditional healthcare, the healthier you are, the better for both you AND your doctor. That’s why Direct Primary Care doctors go the extra mile to keep you healthy in flu shots and so many other ways. Things just go better when everyone’s goals are aligned.