Direct primary care (DPC) means paying your doctor a flat monthly membership instead of billing insurance for each visit. At Windmill, $150 a month covers your visits, longer appointments, and direct phone, text, and video access to Dr. Li.
Windmill is the first DPC practice in Hanover County, serving adults 18+ in Mechanicsville and the greater Richmond area.
How direct primary care works
- Meet the doctor first. A free, 15-minute virtual Meet & Greet lets you ask questions before you decide anything.
- Enroll. Sign up online. Dr. Li will contact you to book your initial visit.
- Membership starts at your first visit. From there, you get personalized care.
What's included, and what isn't
Included in membership
- Unlimited office visits, with extended visits when needed
- Same or next-day appointments when available
- Direct text, call, and video access to Dr. Li
- Preventive care and annual wellness visits
- Chronic condition care and sick visits
- Menopause care and medical weight management
Billed separately
- Outside labs and imaging (through insurance or Windmill's reduced cash rates)
- Prescription medications
- Specialist visits
- Hospital, emergency, and urgent care outside the practice
See the full list on the Services page and every price on the Pricing page.
Direct primary care vs. traditional and concierge care
| Traditional primary care | Concierge practice | Direct primary care (Windmill) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How you pay | Insurance, plus copays and deductibles | Membership fee, and insurance is still billed | One flat monthly fee; no insurance billing for primary care |
| Reaching your doctor | Usually through a front desk or portal | Direct access | Direct phone, text, and video |
| Visit length | Often short and tightly scheduled | Longer | Longer, unhurried visits |
| Price you see up front | Rarely | Varies | Yes: $150/month, $150 enrollment |
Who direct primary care is a good fit for
- Adults who want a doctor they can actually reach, and who know them
- People with ongoing conditions who need regular follow-up without copays each time
- People with high-deductible plans who pay out of pocket for most primary care anyway
- Women navigating perimenopause and menopause, weight changes, or anxiety, which take time to sort out properly
- Small businesses looking for an affordable health benefit (see For Employers)
It is not a replacement for health insurance, and Windmill can't yet accept patients with Medicare.
Common questions
What is direct primary care?
A membership model: you pay your doctor a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance for each visit. It covers your visits, longer appointments, and direct phone, text, and video access. Insurance still covers specialists, hospital care, and emergencies.
How much does direct primary care cost at Windmill?
$150 a month plus a one-time $150 enrollment fee. No copays or per-visit charges. Labs and imaging are billed separately, through insurance or Windmill's reduced cash rates.
Is direct primary care worth it if I already have insurance?
For many people, yes. Insurance covers specialists, hospital stays, and emergencies; DPC gives you a doctor you can reach, with no copays. Some members pair it with a lower-premium, high-deductible plan.
Can I use my HSA to pay for direct primary care?
Starting in 2026, HSA funds can pay for qualifying DPC memberships up to $150 a month for an individual, which covers Windmill's adult membership. Please confirm eligibility with your plan administrator.
Is direct primary care the same as concierge medicine?
No. Concierge practices charge a membership fee and still bill insurance. DPC doesn't bill insurance for primary care at all. One flat fee covers it, and Windmill offers concierge-level attention at a DPC price.
Can I join if I have Medicare?
Not yet. Windmill can't accept patients with Medicare at this time, but hopes to in the future.