Beyond the 10-Minute Appointment: What an Extended DPC Visit Looks Like

In traditional healthcare, 10 minutes is often all the time you get with your doctor. That’s barely enough to describe your symptoms, let alone get real answers.

It’s no wonder patients leave appointments feeling rushed, unheard, or uncertain about their next steps.

This is where Direct Primary Care (DPC) offers a welcome change. At practices like Burkhart Direct Family Care, visits are longer, calmer, and more focused on you, not the clock.

What Happens in a Typical DPC Appointment?

Instead of being squeezed into a narrow time slot, DPC patients often get 30 to 60 minutes with their physician. That time isn’t just more, it’s better used.

Here's what that looks like in a real visit:

• You're met with familiarity, and you're seen quickly, no crowded lobby, no long delays..
  
  
• You sit down with your doctor and talk, not just about symptoms, but about lifestyle, stress, and goals.
  
  
• There’s space to ask questions, get clear explanations, and make a plan together.
  
  

This is the foundation of patient-centered care. You’re not rushed in and out..

Why Longer Visits Matter

Longer appointments allow for comprehensive primary care that goes beyond the basics. Your doctor has time to connect the dots between your concerns, review your history in detail, and make thoughtful recommendations.

This approach helps uncover early signs of chronic illness, reduce medication errors, and avoid unnecessary specialist referrals.

In short, it’s how DPC improves patient care: by giving doctors time to think, listen, and treat, not just document and bill.

It's More Than Just Time, It’s Trust

A longer visit isn’t just about comfort. It creates space for trust to grow. When you don’t have to rush, conversations go deeper. You’re more likely to share concerns you might otherwise keep to yourself.

That’s especially important for:

• Managing long-term conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure
  
  
• Addressing mental health
  
  
• Making preventive care more personal
  

And when your doctor knows you well, the advice you get is far more precise.

What This Looks Like at Burkhart DFC

At Burkhart Direct Family Care, extended visits are the norm, not the exception. Whether it's a regular check-in or something unexpected, you won’t be short on time.

No one’s counting minutes. The goal is better health, not faster throughput.

And because the practice uses a membership model, there’s no incentive to rush through a packed schedule. Each visit reflects the belief that great care starts with time and attention.

A Smarter Model for Patients and Families

If you’ve ever left an appointment wishing you had asked one more question, or needed more time to understand your options, DPC is your best bet.

This model gives patients control, doctors flexibility, and care teams the breathing room to do their best work.

It’s comprehensive primary care that feels different, for all the right reasons.

Taking the Next Step

At Burkhart Direct Family Care, extended visits are just one part of a broader commitment to personalized, proactive care. If you're looking for a calmer, more thoughtful healthcare experience, we’re here to help you take the first step.