In this episode of The 518 Thrives Healthcast, Dr. Disha Spath — internal medicine physician, Direct Primary Care doctor, and founder of Thrive Direct Primary Care in Latham, NY — sits down with her husband Josh Spath for a candid, relatable conversation about what’s really happening inside today’s healthcare system.
If you’ve ever felt rushed at a doctor’s appointment, struggled to get a same-day visit, or received a surprise medical bill, this episode will help you understand why — and what a better model of care actually looks like.
What Is Direct Primary Care? (And Why It Matters for Capital Region Families)
Direct Primary Care is a membership-based healthcare model that removes insurance from the primary care equation. Instead of billing your insurance for every visit, you pay a predictable monthly fee — no copays, no surprise bills, no middleman.
Dr. Spath describes it as the “Netflix of healthcare”: a straightforward subscription that gives you access to your doctor when you need them.
As Dr. Spath explains during the conversation with Josh, it’s built on the idea of going back to how medicine used to be practiced—one doctor, one patient, and a relationship built on trust.
At Thrive Direct Primary Care in Latham, NY, membership includes:
- Unlimited primary care visits
- Same-day or next-day appointment scheduling
- Longer appointments — no more 7-minute visits
- Direct communication with your physician (phone, text, telehealth)
- Preventive care and chronic disease management
- Transparent pricing — monthly fees are HSA/FSA eligible
Monthly memberships range from $90–$150/month depending on age.
Why Does Healthcare Feel So Broken?
One of the most eye-opening moments in this episode comes when Dr. Spath shares what shocked her most during medical training: how little time doctors actually get to spend with patients.
The traditional fee-for-service system forces physicians to see high volumes of patients in short windows — often just a few minutes per visit. The rest of their day is consumed by documentation, insurance requirements, and administrative work.
The result? Frustration on both sides. Patients feel unheard. Physicians can’t practice the medicine they were trained for.
The Primary Care Access Problem in the 518
For families across Albany, Latham, Halfmoon, Mechanicville, Clifton Park, and the greater Capital Region, access to primary care is a real challenge.
Even patients who technically have a primary care doctor often struggle to actually see them. They end up:
- Waiting weeks for routine appointments
- Seeing a different provider each visit
- Getting care from someone who doesn’t know their history
- Having to go to urgent care when they are actually sick
Dr. Spath explains how this lack of continuity makes it nearly impossible to deliver truly effective primary care — the kind that involves guiding and coordinating a patient’s overall health over time.
How Direct Primary Care Fixes These Problems
The DPC model is built to realign what patients need with how doctors actually want to practice. By keeping patient panels smaller, physicians can:
- Spend more time with each person
- Focus on prevention, not just reaction
- Build long-term relationships — the kind that actually improve health outcomes
Patients don’t wait weeks for appointments. They reach their doctor directly. And they always know exactly what they’re paying.
Dr. Spath’s Vision for Healthcare in the Capital Region
Looking ahead, Dr. Spath shares her vision for a healthcare future that is:
- Transparent — no surprise bills, no confusion
- Accessible — quality care that more people can afford
- Preventive — connecting patients to the right resources before problems become serious
- Human — built on trust, communication, and real relationships
This podcast — The 518 Thrives Healthcast — is part of that mission: bringing evidence-based, locally grounded health information to families across the Capital Region.
Key Topics Covered in This Episode
- Dr. Disha Spath’s journey into medicine and what inspired her
- Josh Spath’s perspective as both host and patient
- Why modern healthcare feels rushed and overwhelming
- What Direct Primary Care (DPC) is and how it works
- The biggest gaps in healthcare in the Capital Region
- Physician burnout and system pressures
- How relationship-based care improves outcomes
- The future of healthcare in the 518
Resources Mentioned
This Episode is Sponsored By…
Experience healthcare the way it was meant to be—personal, accessible, and focused on prevention. Thrive gives you more time with your physician and a clearer path toward achieving your long-term health goals.
Key Takeaways
- Healthcare today often prioritizes volume over patient relationships
- Many patients struggle with access, long wait times, and rushed visits
- Doctors face increasing burnout due to administrative burden
- Direct Primary Care offers a simpler, more personalized model
- Prevention and strong relationships lead to better long-term health
Frequently Asked Questions About Direct Primary Care (DPC)
Is Direct Primary Care the same as concierge medicine?
They’re similar in structure, but DPC is typically more affordable. Thrive Direct Primary Care offers memberships starting at $90/month — significantly less than most concierge practices. Also, concierge medicine usually bills insurance per visit, in addition to the membership, resulting in co-pays and co-insurance charges for the patient. DPC does not bill insurance so the membership fee covers all of the patient’s out of pocket costs.
Do I still need health insurance if I join a DPC practice?
Yes. DPC covers primary care, but you’ll still want insurance for hospitalizations, specialist care, labs, and imaging. Many members pair DPC with a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) to save on premiums. Others use health shares to help offset the costs of emergencies.
Is a DPC membership HSA or FSA eligible?
Yes — Thrive’s monthly membership fees are HSA/FSA eligible. Our fees are compliant with the federal guidelines for HSA eligibility (maximum $150 per month).
How is Thrive Direct Primary Care different from urgent care?
Thrive provides ongoing, relationship-based primary care — not one-time visits. Your doctor knows your history, your goals, and your family.
Where is Thrive Direct Primary Care located?
Thrive is located at 711 Troy Schenectady Road, Suite 207, Latham, NY 12118, serving patients throughout the Capital Region including Albany, Clifton Park, Halfmoon, Saratoga, and surrounding communities.
About Thrive Direct Primary Care
Thrive Direct Primary Care is a membership-based primary care practice founded by Dr. Disha Spath, MD, FACP — a board-certified internal medicine physician with over 14 years of experience. Thrive celebrated its grand opening in April 2026 in Latham, NY.
Thrive is currently accepting new members.
📍 711 Troy Schenectady Road, Suite 207, Latham, NY 12118 📞 (518) 490-5990 🌐 www.thriveconciergecare.com
Schedule a complimentary Meet & Greet to learn if Thrive is the right fit for you and your family.
About The 518 Thrives Healthcast
The 518 Thrives Healthcast is a podcast dedicated to bringing evidence-based, locally relevant health information to families across New York’s Capital Region — the 518. Each episode features conversations with trusted local experts on topics that matter to our community.
New episodes drop regularly. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.
Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The scenarios discussed are not based on real individuals. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personal medical guidance.
Music Credit
Justin Varnes Quartet: Evolution of the Pack
