What is DPC?
Direct Primary Care, or DPC, is a monthly membership health care model that provides patients with unlimited same- or next-day visits, as well as direct text, phone, and email access to their provider. While DPC gives individuals and families with no insurance or high-deductible plans affordable access to comprehensive primary and urgent care, it is equally powerful for local employers. By providing workforce members with immediate, unhurried care, DPC keeps employees healthy and on the job while protecting employer bottom lines—reducing productivity loss, minimizing expensive claims, and curbing unnecessary ER or urgent care spending.
Why i chose to start a DPC practice
My goal is to deliver the highest quality primary care experience for the people of St. Petersburg by putting patients back in control of their health. St. Pete Direct Primary Care provides affordable, transparent care with same- or next-day access for preventive wellness, chronic disease management, and urgent medical needs.
I focus on a proactive, preventive approach designed to optimize your health so you rely on as few medications as possible. When treatment or prescriptions are necessary, I provide direct, cost-effective solutions without middleman markups. Should you ever need specialized care, I serve as your personal health advocate—coordinating referrals and guiding you through a complex healthcare system.
The traditional healthcare system is broken. Millions of Americans—whether uninsured or stuck with sky-high deductibles—struggle to afford routine care or prevent illness before it starts. I founded St. Pete Direct Primary Care to be part of the solution: restoring the provider-patient relationship and making great care accessible, personal, and simple.
Eric McDougle, PA-C, Owner
Artificial Intelligence and Your Care
Technology has made symptom-checking easier than ever, but AI algorithms operate on extreme caution—often suggesting endless labs, costly imaging, or urgent specialist visits for concerns that are easily managed. At our practice, we recognize the immense value of artificial intelligence and actively utilize advanced medical AI tools behind the scenes to synthesize clinical data and stay at the forefront of modern medicine. However, technology is only as effective as the human expertise guiding it. Left unguided, relying solely on digital symptom checkers leads to "over-testing," financial stress, and unnecessary anxiety. An algorithm can list theoretical possibilities, but it cannot perform a physical exam, understand your unique health baseline, or take personal accountability for your well-being.
At St. Pete Direct Primary Care, our practice uses modern technology as a powerful ally, combined with our role as your filter, guide, and advocate. During our unhurried 30-to-60-minute visits, we leverage our own clinical AI capabilities alongside hands-on evaluation to cut through algorithmic noise and focus strictly on what is clinically necessary for you. By pairing cutting-edge digital intelligence with direct, relational provider care, we protect you from redundant workups and out-of-pocket costs—delivering a safe, highly personalized care plan tailored specifically to your life.
Hours of operation:
Monday-Thursday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Artificial Intelligence and Your Care
Technology has made symptom-checking easier than ever, but AI algorithms operate on extreme caution—often suggesting endless labs, costly imaging, or urgent specialist visits for concerns that are easily managed. At our practice, we recognize the immense value of artificial intelligence and actively utilize advanced medical AI tools behind the scenes to synthesize clinical data and stay at the forefront of modern medicine. However, technology is only as effective as the human expertise guiding it. Left unguided, relying solely on digital symptom checkers leads to "over-testing," financial stress, and unnecessary anxiety. An algorithm can list theoretical possibilities, but it cannot perform a physical exam, understand your unique health baseline, or take personal accountability for your well-being.
At St. Pete Direct Primary Care, our practice uses modern technology as a powerful ally, combined with our role as your filter, guide, and advocate. During our unhurried 30-to-60-minute visits, we leverage our own clinical AI capabilities alongside hands-on evaluation to cut through algorithmic noise and focus strictly on what is clinically necessary for you. By pairing cutting-edge digital intelligence with direct, relational provider care, we protect you from redundant workups and out-of-pocket costs—delivering a safe, highly personalized care plan tailored specifically to your life.