When Kim Lang arrived at her doctor’s office for a regular checkup, she had a list of concerns to discuss with her physician, Dr. Nick Krawczyk.

Lang, 64, said her arthritis was acting up. She’d noticed some hair loss and dermatological issues, too. Krawczyk suggested some blood work — two tests, that, out of pocket, Lang will only pay seven dollars. 

That’s because Krawczyk provides those tests to his patients at cost. He’s a direct primary care provider, which means that he charges his patients a monthly subscription fee to see him — in Lang’s case, it’s $110 a month. There’s no insurance involved, so no co-pays and no premiums.