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The History of Primary Care: From Simplicity to Complexity and Back Again

 The History of Primary Care: From Simplicity to Complexity and Back Again

In the early days of medicine, primary care was deeply personal. Families relied on trusted doctors who knew them well, making house calls and accepting simple forms of payment—cash, bartered goods, or even labor. This direct relationship fostered trust and ensured care was focused on the patient, not paperwork.

Everything changed with the advent of health insurance in the mid-20th century. Designed initially to protect against catastrophic costs, insurance quickly expanded into routine care. While it helped more people access services, it also introduced red tape, rushed appointments, and a focus on billing rather than healing. Doctors had less time with patients, and healthcare became transactional, leaving many frustrated with a system that felt impersonal and inaccessible.

Direct Primary Care (DPC) is reversing that trend, restoring the simplicity and trust of healthcare's roots. With DPC, patients pay a flat monthly fee directly to their provider for unlimited access to care. This eliminates insurance headaches and allows doctors to focus on what matters: you.

At Blue Spruce Health, we’re proud to lead this revival in Vermont. With locations in Newport, St. Johnsbury, and Williston, our DPC model offers longer visits, same-day scheduling, and comprehensive, personalized care. By prioritizing relationships over regulations, we’re making healthcare simple, affordable, and effective again.

💙 Join the movement! Visit www.bluespruce.care or call us at (802) 327-7079 to learn more about how we’re bringing healthcare back to its roots.




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