Our Guide to Securing the Best Care and Protecting Our Health in 2025

 1. Secure a Black Doctor

In an ideal world, the race of your doctor wouldn’t matter—but in our reality, it does. Research consistently shows that Black patients receiving care from Black doctors experience better health outcomes. Having a doctor who understands your unique health concerns, listens to you, and advocates for your well-being is essential to thriving.   

 2. Lock in a Black Direct Primary Care (DPC) Doctor

Direct Primary Care is the gold standard for quality primary care at an affordable cost. With DPC, you pay a monthly membership fee for unparalleled access to a doctor who knows you, values your health, and prioritizes your needs.

- No more rushed appointments or feeling dismissed.    

- No more being gaslit by doctors who don’t listen.    

- You’ll have a doctor who is fully in your corner.

Most Direct Primary Care practices charge a membership fee of $100-$200 per month. You may be able to use your tax-free health dollars like and Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay your membership fees!

I am currently accepting new members at Sol Direct Primary Care, my Metro Atlanta practice, but if you're not in the area, check out my growing list of Black DPC doctors nationwide to find one near you!

Find My Black DPC Doctor

(This List is Being Updated Frequently! Check back soon if you don't see a doctor in your area)      

3.  What If You Can’t Find a Black DPC Doctor?    

If a Black DPC doctor isn’t available in your area, don’t worry. Almost any DPC doctor will provide better care than the traditional healthcare system. Just search "Direct Primary Care near me" to find an option that works for you.      

4. DPC: A Complement to Health Insurance    

Direct Primary Care doesn’t replace health insurance—it works alongside it. DPC minimizes your reliance on the complex, frustrating insurance system by addressing your everyday health needs with ease and efficiency. Use your health insurance for big-ticket items like surgeries or hospitalizations.     

5. Right-Size Your Insurance

If you’re generally healthy, consider pairing DPC with a lean, high-deductible health plan or exploring alternatives like health shares. These options can save money while providing financial protection for major medical events. Two great health share options to explore are Zion and Sedera.      

 Invest in Your Health, Invest in Black Healthcare  

Sisters, securing the best healthcare requires planning and thinking differently. Paying for Direct Primary Care might feel like a stretch, but our health is your most valuable asset. We can’t rely on others to protect it—we must protect it ourselves.      For many of us, the cost of a DPC membership is about the same as our monthly haircare budget. Investing in your health and supporting Black health professionals who uplift our communities is a powerful step toward thriving together. Let’s prioritize our health and wellness for 2025 and beyond!  

Michelle Cooke, MD