Why Papaya Does Healthcare Differently (Spoiler: Our Patients Love It!)

Papaya Primary Care isn’t exactly unique. Sure, we might seem a little weird (thank you for noticing), but really, we’re part of a growing movement. Thousands of clinics across the U.S. have joined the Direct Primary Care (DPC) revolution. Why? Because you deserve better. You deserve care that actually feels human again–Longer appointments, real conversations, and care built around you (not your insurance company). 

To understand DPC, let’s compare it to traditional, insurance-based care.

Traditional Care Feels Broken 

Traditional healthcare runs on insurance, which means rules, red tape, and ridiculous wait times that leave you feeling like a number. Here’s a quick reality check: 

• Most primary care providers juggle 2,500 or more patients (yikes!) known as their panel.

• More patients = shorter visits (think 5-10 minutes, tops). Why? Your PCP is booked with 20-25 patients... EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.

• The insurance company is the real decision-maker: What’s allowed, how much, and when.

Traditional healthcare is reactive—waiting for you to get sick before tossing a prescription your way and hoping it sticks. Then you’re booted out the door with more questions than answers (hello, Dr. Google). Oh, and don’t forget to keep an eye on your mailbox for that surprise bill. And when the new medication isn’t working? The next opening with your provider is months away. So, off to urgent care you go—$150 just to walk through the door.

Figure 1: Provider panel size by number of daily appointments and patient visits per year [Source: Panel Size: How Many Patients Can One Doctor Manage?]

So… What’s Different About Direct Primary Care?

Direct Primary Care runs on a fixed monthly membership between you and your provider—instead of billing insurance. That’s it. And that one change flips everything:

• Fewer patients = more time for you and your questions (goodbye, Dr. Google).

• One predictable monthly fee. No copays. No “gotcha” bills. 

• Text your provider directly for faster answers about your care.

• Same or next day openings. Can’t come in? Virtual care is just a click away. 

• Member perks: Our program offers free generic meds by mail, annual labs, and more–all packed into your monthly membership.

Why We Do It This Way

Because healthcare should feel human again–not impersonal and rushed. Papaya Primary Care is rebuilding the patient-provider relationship with an affordable, personalized approach that traditional insurance-based care can’t match. Our focus is on prevention, optimization, and supporting you as you work towards your health goals. All this for less than most people spend on their cell phone bill (or, for the math lovers: around $3 a day. How much is your favorite coffee order these days?).

Here’s the takeaway: 

You don’t need more red tape—you need real care, real connection, and an affordable plan that puts YOU first. That’s what we do.

Ready to join? Apply here.