Arizona DPC Guide¶

Quick Summary: Arizona has DPC-enabling legislation (A.R.S. § 20-123) and permits physician medication dispensing with registration. A business-friendly state with growing DPC presence, particularly in the Phoenix and Tucson metros.

[!CAUTION] Verify Current Law: Always confirm current regulations with the Arizona Medical Board and review Arizona Revised Statutes Title 20 for the most current statutory language.

At a Glance¶

DPC Law Status¶

Legislation¶

Statute: Arizona Revised Statutes § 20-123

Arizona has enacted DPC-enabling legislation that exempts DPC agreements from insurance regulation.

Key provisions: - DPC agreements not considered insurance - Primary care services defined - Written agreement required - Fee limitations for exemption

What This Means¶

• DPC practices operate outside insurance regulatory framework
• Legal clarity for membership model
• Standard business regulations apply

Medication Dispensing¶

Regulatory Status¶

Arizona permits physician dispensing with registration.

Requirements¶

• DEA Registration: Required for controlled substances
• State Registration: Register with Arizona Board of Pharmacy
• Controlled Substances: Subject to Arizona Controlled Substances Act
• Labeling: Follow Arizona labeling requirements
• Record Keeping: Maintain dispensing records

Practical Implications¶

• Registration process required but manageable
• Can dispense most medications with proper compliance
• Review Board of Pharmacy requirements before starting

Licensing and Registration¶

Medical License¶

Board: Arizona Medical Board (MD) / Arizona Board of Osteopathic Examiners (DO)

Websites: - azmd.gov (MD) - azdo.gov (DO)

Business Registration¶

Entity Registration: Arizona Corporation Commission

Website: azcc.gov

DEA Registration¶

Required for: Prescribing and dispensing controlled substances

Website: deadiversion.usdoj.gov

Medicare Considerations¶

Opt-Out Process¶

Arizona follows the standard federal Medicare opt-out process.

MAC for Arizona: Noridian Healthcare Solutions (JF jurisdiction)

See Medicare Opt-Out Guide for detailed process.

Key Resources¶

State Agencies¶

Professional Organizations¶

State-Specific Considerations¶

Growing Markets¶

• Phoenix metro: Large, growing population
• Tucson: Established medical community
• Suburban and retirement communities offer opportunity

Retirement Population¶

• Significant retiree population
• Medicare opt-out implications important
• Clear communication about Medicare status essential

Business-Friendly Environment¶

• Arizona known for business-friendly regulations
• Relatively low regulatory burden
• No state tax on Social Security income

Checklist for Starting DPC in Arizona¶

• Obtain or verify Arizona medical license
• Register business entity with Corporation Commission
• Obtain EIN from IRS
• Register with DEA (if prescribing controlled substances)
• Register with Board of Pharmacy (if dispensing)
• Secure malpractice insurance
• Develop membership agreement
• File Medicare opt-out affidavit (if applicable)

Related Guides¶

• Medicare Opt-Out Guide
• Dispensing Medications
• State DPC Laws Overview

[!NOTE] This guide provides general information. Laws and regulations change. Verify current requirements with the Arizona Medical Board.

Arizona's DPC legislation and business-friendly environment support DPC practice, with dispensing registration as the primary additional step.