POPULARITY
Many physicians know about Direct Primary Care (DPC) and Concierge Primary Care on a surface level, but what about when you go under the hood? How do they work? Which model is better for you? My guest today helps his clients sort these questions out, and he'll give us his insights. Bob Whittemore is a consultant in the Healthcare Services Group with WebsterRodgers, based in South Carolina. Bob has over three decades of experience both as a senior executive at large physician practices and as a commercial lender at some of the country's biggest banks. Bob brings practical and insightful understanding of the regulatory, financial, and operational pressures that healthcare entities encounter. In his consulting role, Bob advises physicians and their practices in the areas of operational and financial improvement, compensation, and overall practice optimization. In this episode Carl White and Bob Whittemore discuss: Core similarities and differences between DPC and concierge primary care The upsides and headaches of each one that physicians don't realize until they start Keys to success in opening up, and missteps to avoid Want to be a guest on PracticeCare®? Have an experience with a business issue you think others will benefit from? Come on PracticeCare® and tell the world! Here's the link where you can get the process started. Connect with Bob Whittemore https://websterrogers.com/industries-who-we-serve/healthcare/ Connect with Carl White Website: http://www.marketvisorygroup.com Email: whitec@marketvisorygroup.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marketvisorygroup YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD9BLCu_i2ezBj1ktUHVmig LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/healthcaremktg
For most employers, the annual health insurance renewal cycle is a source of pure frustration. It's often marked by rising costs, confusing packages, and a total lack of control. In this episode of Healthcare Americana, host Christopher Habig sits down with Niko Caparisos, Program Architect at Community-Owned Health Plans (COHP). Together, they explore how shifting the focus back to local, independent vendors can dramatically reduce costs while improving the patient experience. Niko discusses his mission to educate benefits brokers and empower employers to ditch rigid, one-size-fits-all national plans in favor of grassroots, community-centered solutions.The conversation digs deep into how Direct Primary Care (DPC) and cash-pay consumerism can fix the broken way we pay for healthcare in America. Niko shares actionable strategies for companies looking to reclaim their healthcare data, including how to support a remote workforce and how to implement a phased, multi-year approach to self-funding. If you are tired of repeating the same broken benefit renewal cycle every year, this episode provides a clear, solution-oriented roadmap to building a transparent, high-quality health benefit from the ground up.More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc HealthSubscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/More on Niko J. Caparisos & Community-Owned Health PlansFollow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN
"If we can do it for Whole Foods, which is a very large organization, why can't we do this for other employers?"Is the era of relying on national, opaque "BUCA" networks finally coming to an end?My guests this week are Blake Allison, CEO of Employers Health Network (EHN), and Philip Eaves, from Ascension. Together, they break down the exact blueprint they used to build a direct-to-employer, high-performance network for Whole Foods - and how they are scaling that exact same model for self-funded employers across the country.In this episode, we explore the hospital system's perspective on direct contracting. Phil explains why massive health systems like Ascension are eager to bypass traditional carriers to work directly with employers, citing faster payments, zero collection risk, and the ability to proactively manage patient care. We also discuss how to successfully integrate Direct Primary Care (DPC) into a localized network, the lessons commercial plans must learn from Medicare Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), and why the future of healthcare relies on "re-localizing" how we buy medical services.If you are an employer, benefits consultant, or healthcare provider who is fed up with the transactional, nickel-and-dime nature of traditional insurance carriers, this conversation proves that a better, more collaborative model already exists.Thank you to our 2026 sponsors!ParetoHealth: ParetoHealth empowers midsize employers with a long-term solution to reduce volatility and lower overall health benefits costs. Visit https://www.paretohealth.com/fully-insured-vs-self-funding-with-paretohealth-spencer-podcast/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=SelfFundedwSpencer to learn more.Samaritan Fund: A program that connects those who need help to the support they need. We are proud to offer the Samaritan Fund Program. Visit SamaritanFundProgram.com to learn more.Vālenz Health: We're Vālenz Health, your partner in improving health literacy, reducing plan spend, and delivering high-value healthcare. Visit ValenzHealth.com to learn more.Imagine360: Imagine360 helps self-funded employers save on healthcare with smarter health plans. Cut expenses by 20-30% with custom solutions. Contact us today at Imagine360.com.Chapters:(00:00:00) Intro: Whole Foods and the Move Away from BUCAs (00:07:29) The Whole Foods Case Study: Building a Direct Network (00:12:15) Why Health Systems Want Direct Employer Contracts (00:17:15) The Evolution from RBP to High-Performance Networks (00:19:21) Integrating Direct Primary Care and Care Management (00:23:41) The Challenges of Scaling Direct Contracts Nationally (00:28:15) Re-Localizing Healthcare: Buying Care in Your Community (00:33:36) Overcoming the Negative Stigma of "Networks" (00:36:55) Applying Medicare ACO Lessons to Commercial Populations (00:42:31) Defining True Value-Based Care and Downside Risk (00:45:51) The Ideal Employer Profile for Direct Contracting (00:50:52) Lowering Costs with Local, Community-Based Care (01:05:17) Future Predictions: Site Neutrality and Price Transparency (01:11:25) Closing Thoughts: Providers Are Open for BusinessKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/
"If we can do it for Whole Foods, which is a very large organization, why can't we do this for other employers?"Is the era of relying on national, opaque "BUCA" networks finally coming to an end?My guests this week are Blake Allison, CEO of Employers Health Network (EHN), and Philip Eaves, from Ascension. Together, they break down the exact blueprint they used to build a direct-to-employer, high-performance network for Whole Foods - and how they are scaling that exact same model for self-funded employers across the country.In this episode, we explore the hospital system's perspective on direct contracting. Phil explains why massive health systems like Ascension are eager to bypass traditional carriers to work directly with employers, citing faster payments, zero collection risk, and the ability to proactively manage patient care. We also discuss how to successfully integrate Direct Primary Care (DPC) into a localized network, the lessons commercial plans must learn from Medicare Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), and why the future of healthcare relies on "re-localizing" how we buy medical services.If you are an employer, benefits consultant, or healthcare provider who is fed up with the transactional, nickel-and-dime nature of traditional insurance carriers, this conversation proves that a better, more collaborative model already exists.Thank you to our 2026 sponsors!ParetoHealth: ParetoHealth empowers midsize employers with a long-term solution to reduce volatility and lower overall health benefits costs. Visit https://www.paretohealth.com/fully-insured-vs-self-funding-with-paretohealth-spencer-podcast/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=SelfFundedwSpencer to learn more.Samaritan Fund: A program that connects those who need help to the support they need. We are proud to offer the Samaritan Fund Program. Visit SamaritanFundProgram.com to learn more.Vālenz Health: We're Vālenz Health, your partner in improving health literacy, reducing plan spend, and delivering high-value healthcare. Visit ValenzHealth.com to learn more.Imagine360: Imagine360 helps self-funded employers save on healthcare with smarter health plans. Cut expenses by 20-30% with custom solutions. Contact us today at Imagine360.com.Chapters:(00:00:00) Intro: Whole Foods and the Move Away from BUCAs (00:07:29) The Whole Foods Case Study: Building a Direct Network (00:12:15) Why Health Systems Want Direct Employer Contracts (00:17:15) The Evolution from RBP to High-Performance Networks (00:19:21) Integrating Direct Primary Care and Care Management (00:23:41) The Challenges of Scaling Direct Contracts Nationally (00:28:15) Re-Localizing Healthcare: Buying Care in Your Community (00:33:36) Overcoming the Negative Stigma of "Networks" (00:36:55) Applying Medicare ACO Lessons to Commercial Populations (00:42:31) Defining True Value-Based Care and Downside Risk (00:45:51) The Ideal Employer Profile for Direct Contracting (00:50:52) Lowering Costs with Local, Community-Based Care (01:05:17) Future Predictions: Site Neutrality and Price Transparency (01:11:25) Closing Thoughts: Providers Are Open for BusinessKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/
Send us Fan MailThe healthcare system feels expensive, confusing, and slow for a reason and Dr. Jade Norris isn't afraid to say it out loud. We sit down with the founder and CEO of Inspire Primary Care in Las Vegas to talk about Direct Primary Care (DPC), a membership medicine model that skips the insurance middleman for most everyday needs and brings back what people actually want: time, access, and a real relationship with their primary care doctor.We get specific about how DPC works, what a typical monthly membership costs, and why transparent pricing changes everything. Dr. Jade breaks down cash-pay labs and imaging, the hidden inflation inside insurance billing, and how people can keep insurance for the big stuff while using membership-based primary care for the 90% that happens under one roof. If you've ever been told to “go see three specialists” or waited months for approvals, this conversation will feel like someone finally translated the system into plain English.Then we go beyond the business model. Dr. Jade shares what it took to open her practice straight from residency while eight weeks postpartum, how she learned entrepreneurship like an MBA at night, and why mentors matter. We also talk medical weight loss, obesity stigma, and GLP-1 medications through the lens of outcomes that matter like energy, sleep apnea, and chronic disease risk. To round it out, she reflects on Las Vegas as a medical desert, her children's books (You Can Call Me Queen / King), and practical ways to protect your energy while building a big life.If you got value from this, subscribe, share it with a friend who's fed up with healthcare, and leave a review. What's the biggest barrier keeping you from getting consistent primary care?
"We are in a $5 trillion US healthcare consumer market with no consumer in it... I basically decided we had been surgically removed from the US healthcare system."My guest this week is Mark Galvin, a serial entrepreneur who successfully funded his own company's healthcare by pairing a $10,000 High Deductible Health Plan with a fully funded HSA and HRA - saving his company 32% and his employees 50%. When he realized that brokers, carriers, and even the state insurance department were financially disincentivized from sharing this strategy, he decided to force transparency into the market himself.In this episode, Mark shares the incredible story of how he secured a DVD containing 100% of New Hampshire's post-adjudicated claims data and built the first true shopping tool for medical procedures. We discuss his meetings at the White House that helped shape the Transparency in Coverage Rule, the absurdity of $68,000 knee replacements, and his new platform that calculates a "Universally Acceptable Payment Amount" (UAPA) for every provider in the country.If you are an employer, broker, or patient who is tired of flying blind and wants to understand how true cash prices are finally coming to healthcare, this episode is a must-listen.Thank you to our 2026 sponsors!ParetoHealth: ParetoHealth empowers midsize employers with a long-term solution to reduce volatility and lower overall health benefits costs. Visit ParetoHealth.com/Spencer to learn more.Samaritan Fund: A program that connects those who need help to the support they need. We are proud to offer the Samaritan Fund Program. Visit SamaritanFundProgram.com to learn more.Vālenz Health: We're Vālenz Health, your partner in improving health literacy, reducing plan spend, and delivering high-value healthcare. Visit ValenzHealth.com to learn more.Imagine360: Imagine360 helps self-funded employers save on healthcare with smarter health plans. Cut expenses by 20-30% with custom solutions. Contact us today at Imagine360.com.Chapters:(00:00:00) Intro: Aligning Financial Incentives in Healthcare (00:02:41) Mark's Background: Voice Over IP to Healthcare Tech (00:04:47) The Early Days of Direct Primary Care (DPC) (00:09:08) Hacking the HDHP: Saving 32% on Premiums (00:11:28) Why Brokers & Carriers Hate Cost-Saving Strategies (The MLR Problem) (00:18:33) Discovering the All-Payer Claims Database (APCD) (00:21:49) The $1,600 vs. $6,800 Nuclear Stress Test (00:26:00) Building a Commercial Solution to Fight Lobbyists (00:29:40) The "Proficiency Score": Why Price Does Not Equal Quality (00:31:48) Scraping EOBs to Build a National Price Database (00:33:27) The White House Meetings & The Transparency in Coverage Rule (00:43:03) Inventing "Transparency 2.0" and the UAPA (Cash Pay) (00:51:13) Shared Savings Rewards: Paying Employees to Shop (00:53:56) The Future: In-App Repricing and "Tap-to-Pay" at the Doctor (00:57:52) Can We Shop for 70% of Healthcare? (01:04:18) Using UAPA as a Full Network Replacement (01:11:19) The Path to an "Amazon-Like" Healthcare Market (01:15:19) Closing Thoughts: Why 12% of Shoppers Can Change the SystemKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/
"We are in a $5 trillion US healthcare consumer market with no consumer in it... I basically decided we had been surgically removed from the US healthcare system."My guest this week is Mark Galvin, a serial entrepreneur who successfully funded his own company's healthcare by pairing a $10,000 High Deductible Health Plan with a fully funded HSA and HRA - saving his company 32% and his employees 50%. When he realized that brokers, carriers, and even the state insurance department were financially disincentivized from sharing this strategy, he decided to force transparency into the market himself.In this episode, Mark shares the incredible story of how he secured a DVD containing 100% of New Hampshire's post-adjudicated claims data and built the first true shopping tool for medical procedures. We discuss his meetings at the White House that helped shape the Transparency in Coverage Rule, the absurdity of $68,000 knee replacements, and his new platform that calculates a "Universally Acceptable Payment Amount" (UAPA) for every provider in the country.If you are an employer, broker, or patient who is tired of flying blind and wants to understand how true cash prices are finally coming to healthcare, this episode is a must-listen.Thank you to our 2026 sponsors!ParetoHealth: ParetoHealth empowers midsize employers with a long-term solution to reduce volatility and lower overall health benefits costs. Visit ParetoHealth.com/Spencer to learn more.Samaritan Fund: A program that connects those who need help to the support they need. We are proud to offer the Samaritan Fund Program. Visit SamaritanFundProgram.com to learn more.Vālenz Health: We're Vālenz Health, your partner in improving health literacy, reducing plan spend, and delivering high-value healthcare. Visit ValenzHealth.com to learn more.Imagine360: Imagine360 helps self-funded employers save on healthcare with smarter health plans. Cut expenses by 20-30% with custom solutions. Contact us today at Imagine360.com.Chapters:(00:00:00) Intro: Aligning Financial Incentives in Healthcare (00:02:41) Mark's Background: Voice Over IP to Healthcare Tech (00:04:47) The Early Days of Direct Primary Care (DPC) (00:09:08) Hacking the HDHP: Saving 32% on Premiums (00:11:28) Why Brokers & Carriers Hate Cost-Saving Strategies (The MLR Problem) (00:18:33) Discovering the All-Payer Claims Database (APCD) (00:21:49) The $1,600 vs. $6,800 Nuclear Stress Test (00:26:00) Building a Commercial Solution to Fight Lobbyists (00:29:40) The "Proficiency Score": Why Price Does Not Equal Quality (00:31:48) Scraping EOBs to Build a National Price Database (00:33:27) The White House Meetings & The Transparency in Coverage Rule (00:43:03) Inventing "Transparency 2.0" and the UAPA (Cash Pay) (00:51:13) Shared Savings Rewards: Paying Employees to Shop (00:53:56) The Future: In-App Repricing and "Tap-to-Pay" at the Doctor (00:57:52) Can We Shop for 70% of Healthcare? (01:04:18) Using UAPA as a Full Network Replacement (01:11:19) The Path to an "Amazon-Like" Healthcare Market (01:15:19) Closing Thoughts: Why 12% of Shoppers Can Change the SystemKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/
In this episode, I am joined by Cristy Gupton, a long-time business consultant who has helped numerous organizations improve the quality of the health insurance policies of their employees while simultaneously lowering the cost of those essential benefits and services.Cristy touches on the problems surrounding traditional health insurance policies and then gets into what alternatives look like. These alternatives include Direct Primary Care (DPC) medical services and health share programs that puts the power back into the hands of the individual instead of disconnected bureaucrats, strengthens the doctor-patient relationship, and allows more money to stay in the pockets of all those involved.Get in touch with Cristy via her LinkedIn profile linked below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristygupton/Southpoint Solutions: https://www.southpointsolutions.com/Southpoint Solutions on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/southpointsolutions/Jared Wall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-wall-792590120/
Welcome to another episode of the Sustainable Clinical Medicine Podcast! Dr. Dhaval Desai, an Atlanta-based internal medicine–pediatrics physician and former hospitalist director, shares his path from studying economics and Spanish and teaching high school to training abroad and leading a 30-physician hospitalist group at Emory St. Joseph's with a split clinical/administrative role. He describes how COVID-era pressures and a new baby contributed to burnout, sleep and mood issues, and seeking therapy and medication, later deepening his advocacy through a memoir and work with the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation, noting about 400 U.S. physicians die by suicide annually. After being rejected for a chief wellbeing officer role and facing institutional limits on speaking publicly, he hired an executive coach and resigned, concluding loyalty can hold physicians back. He pivoted to direct primary care by purchasing a retiring physician's practice, citing autonomy, fewer patients, and reduced bureaucracy as key to preventing burnout. Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode: Physician Loyalty Can Become a Career Trap: Dr. Desai learned that his loyalty to his institution, patients, and colleagues was actually holding him back from making necessary career changes. His executive coach's blunt advice - "Nobody is going to give a shit if you leave tomorrow" - proved true when he resigned. Healthcare systems will move on, regardless of individual contributions, and physicians need to recognize when loyalty is preventing them from pursuing fulfillment. Institutional Control Compromises Professional Integrity: Large healthcare systems often restrict physicians' ability to speak freely and advocate for what they believe in, even on humanitarian issues. Dr. Desai's experience being called in after writing an op-ed about ICE raids in hospitals showed how "the firm" can force physicians to compromise their values. This institutional pressure, combined with being passed over for the Chief Wellbeing Officer position, revealed that systems may pigeonhole physicians regardless of their capabilities. Direct Primary Care Offers Control and Prevents Burnout: Transitioning to a Direct Primary Care (DPC) model allowed Dr. Desai to reclaim control over his schedule, patient panel size, and work-life balance. By eliminating insurance billing bureaucracy and middle management, he now spends 30-60 minutes per patient visit instead of documenting for 6 hours daily. This autonomy - combined with ongoing therapy and medication - has eliminated the "dread of going to work" and allows him to pursue advocacy, media, and other passions without institutional gatekeeping. Meet Dr. Dhaval Desai: Dr. Dhaval Desai is a dual board-certified Internal Medicine and Pediatrics physician who transitioned from hospital leadership into Direct Primary Care to practice medicine with deeper connection and purpose. He is the author of "Burning Out on the COVID Front Lines..." and host of the podcast SEEN IN FULL, where he explores burnout, identity, advocacy, and the human experience in modern work and life. Connect with Dr. Dhaval Densai:
What if small businesses could offer better healthcare than big corporations—at a fraction of the cost? In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Dr. Chad Savage, founder of Choice Direct Care, to break down the fast-growing Direct Primary Care (DPC) movement and why it’s becoming a game-changer for entrepreneurs and working families. Dr. Savage explains why the traditional employer-based system is overloaded with bureaucracy and “middlemen,” driving up prices while shrinking the doctor-patient relationship. He walks through how DPC works as a simple monthly membership (often $49–$99/month) that includes unlimited primary care visits, longer appointments, and faster access—without the inflated costs and delays of the insurance-driven model. You’ll also hear real-world examples of how transparent, cash-based pricing can slash costs dramatically—plus how small business owners can pair DPC with catastrophic coverage to protect employees while lowering premiums. Elaine and Dr. Savage dive into how HSAs can support DPC membership, the role of ICHRA (Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements) for employers, and why giving workers more control over healthcare dollars can improve affordability and outcomes. If you’re a small business owner tired of sky-high premiums—or an employee who wants better care without the runaround—this episode is your roadmap.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This episode was sponsored by Cardiff & The DPC Launch LightSpeed VT: https://www.lightspeedvt.com/ Dropping Bombs Podcast: https://www.droppingbombs.com/ This Dropping Bombs episode features former Marine turned functional medicine PA Courtney Contreras, who's fixing America's broken healthcare system one patient at a time. Courtney exposes why traditional healthcare is failing providers and patients—and reveals her Direct Primary Care (DPC) model disrupting the entire industry. Courtney breaks down functional medicine, hormone optimization secrets doctors miss, and why entrepreneurs without medical licenses can launch multimillion-dollar DPC clinics. Hear how text-access healthcare beats emergency room chaos, the estrogen black box warning scandal, and actionable steps to escape provider burnout or start your own practice. Whether you're an entrepreneur ready to disrupt a broken industry or a high-performer who refuses to settle for mediocre care, this conversation delivers the healthcare freedom everyone deserves.
"My wife would come back to check on me late at night, asleep at the keyboard, and she would be like, 'Is he dead?' The burnout, what we call moral injury, is more real than anybody knows." - Will SteelmanThe American healthcare system is crushing its doctors. Faced with "assembly line" quotas of 25+ patients a day, hours of unpaid administrative work ("pajama time"), and a suicide rate higher than that of veterans, physicians are fleeing the profession in droves.My guest this week is Dr. Will Steelman, a board-certified internal medicine physician who lived through this crisis firsthand. After 12 years as a hospitalist, Dr. Steelman reached his breaking point during the pandemic and realized the only way to save his career, and his life, was to exit the system entirely.In this episode, we explore why Direct Primary Care (DPC) is the only viable path forward for the future of medicine. Will explains how DPC restores the doctor-patient relationship by reducing patient panels from 3,000 to 600, allowing for 90-minute visits, true price transparency, and a focus on root-cause resolution. We also discuss the clinical benefits of having time to care, including using ketogenic therapies to treat mental illness and reversing chronic metabolic disease, rather than just managing it with pills.If you want to understand why your doctor is exhausted, why your premiums are going up, and why DPC is the solution we can't afford to ignore, listen to this episode.Thank you to our 2026 sponsors!ParetoHealth: ParetoHealth empowers midsize employers with a long-term solution to reduce volatility and lower overall health benefits costs. Visit ParetoHealth.com to learn more.Samaritan Fund: A program that connects those who need help to the support they need. We are proud to offer the Samaritan Fund Program. Visit SamaritanFundProgram.com to learn more.Vālenz Health: We're Vālenz Health, your partner in improving health literacy, reducing plan spend, and delivering high-value healthcare. Visit ValenzHealth.com to learn more.Imagine360: Imagine360 helps self-funded employers save on healthcare with smarter health plans. Cut expenses by 20-30% with custom solutions. Contact us today at Imagine360.com.Chapters:(00:00:00) Intro: The Link Between Diet & Mental Clarity (00:04:18) The Road to Burnout: 12 Years as a Hospitalist (00:09:17) "Is He Dead?": The Reality of Physician Suicide & Moral Injury (00:11:08) The Way Forward: Concierge vs. Direct Primary Care (00:15:35) The Math of Failure: Why 2,500 Patients is Unsustainable (00:21:16) "Click Fatigue" and the Administrative Burden (00:23:58) Leaving the System: Launching Steelman Medical Group (00:32:06) Saving the Profession: Why DPC Offers Work-Life Balance (00:40:12) True Transparency: Why DPC Lab Costs Are Dropping (00:48:58) The Luxury of Time: Treating Mental Health with Ketogenic Diets (00:59:32) The Statin Controversy & Insulin ResistanceKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/
"My wife would come back to check on me late at night, asleep at the keyboard, and she would be like, 'Is he dead?' The burnout, what we call moral injury, is more real than anybody knows." - Will SteelmanThe American healthcare system is crushing its doctors. Faced with "assembly line" quotas of 25+ patients a day, hours of unpaid administrative work ("pajama time"), and a suicide rate higher than that of veterans, physicians are fleeing the profession in droves.My guest this week is Dr. Will Steelman, a board-certified internal medicine physician who lived through this crisis firsthand. After 12 years as a hospitalist, Dr. Steelman reached his breaking point during the pandemic and realized the only way to save his career, and his life, was to exit the system entirely.In this episode, we explore why Direct Primary Care (DPC) is the only viable path forward for the future of medicine. Will explains how DPC restores the doctor-patient relationship by reducing patient panels from 3,000 to 600, allowing for 90-minute visits, true price transparency, and a focus on root-cause resolution. We also discuss the clinical benefits of having time to care, including using ketogenic therapies to treat mental illness and reversing chronic metabolic disease, rather than just managing it with pills.If you want to understand why your doctor is exhausted, why your premiums are going up, and why DPC is the solution we can't afford to ignore, listen to this episode.Thank you to our 2026 sponsors!ParetoHealth: ParetoHealth empowers midsize employers with a long-term solution to reduce volatility and lower overall health benefits costs. Visit ParetoHealth.com to learn more.Samaritan Fund: A program that connects those who need help to the support they need. We are proud to offer the Samaritan Fund Program. Visit SamaritanFundProgram.com to learn more.Vālenz Health: We're Vālenz Health, your partner in improving health literacy, reducing plan spend, and delivering high-value healthcare. Visit ValenzHealth.com to learn more.Imagine360: Imagine360 helps self-funded employers save on healthcare with smarter health plans. Cut expenses by 20-30% with custom solutions. Contact us today at Imagine360.com.Chapters:(00:00:00) Intro: The Link Between Diet & Mental Clarity (00:04:18) The Road to Burnout: 12 Years as a Hospitalist (00:09:17) "Is He Dead?": The Reality of Physician Suicide & Moral Injury (00:11:08) The Way Forward: Concierge vs. Direct Primary Care (00:15:35) The Math of Failure: Why 2,500 Patients is Unsustainable (00:21:16) "Click Fatigue" and the Administrative Burden (00:23:58) Leaving the System: Launching Steelman Medical Group (00:32:06) Saving the Profession: Why DPC Offers Work-Life Balance (00:40:12) True Transparency: Why DPC Lab Costs Are Dropping (00:48:58) The Luxury of Time: Treating Mental Health with Ketogenic Diets (00:59:32) The Statin Controversy & Insulin ResistanceKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/
Why Traditional Healthcare Falls Short—and How The Lanby Is Fixing ItClick On My Website Below To Schedule A Free 15 Min Zoom Call:www.Over40FitnessHacks.comOver 40 Fitness Hacks SKOOL Group!Get Your Whoop4.0 Here!Chloe Harrouche - The Lanby - Health Conciergewww.thelanby.comPodcast: Get Well, BetterIn this episode of Over 40 Fitness Hacks, Brad Williams sits down with Chloe Harrouche, founder of The Lanby, a modern, patient-led concierge healthcare practice redefining what proactive, preventive medicine can look like.Chloe shares her deeply personal journey into healthcare innovation, beginning with her background in bioengineering and healthcare consulting, and shaped profoundly by her experience being diagnosed with breast cancer at just 23 years old. Despite receiving standard-of-care treatment, Chloe was left with little guidance on how to truly optimize her long-term health. That gap—between traditional medicine and personalized, proactive wellness—became the catalyst for founding The Lanby.Throughout the conversation, Brad and Chloe unpack the shortcomings of conventional healthcare and even traditional concierge and Direct Primary Care (DPC) models. Chloe explains how The Lanby goes beyond access to care by offering trusted guidance, ongoing accountability, and true personalization, integrating functional medicine, nutrition, longevity science, and wellness into primary care.Listeners learn how The Lanby's team-based model works, combining physicians trained in prevention and functional medicine, registered dietitians, and dedicated member advocates who coordinate care and ensure patients feel heard and supported. Chloe details how The Lanby emphasizes proactive monitoring, including extensive baseline lab testing (100+ biomarkers), quarterly progress check-ins, and optional advanced diagnostics like genetics, gut microbiome testing, and biological age assessments—without pushing unnecessary add-ons.Brad relates the model to his own experience navigating cash-based healthcare, DPC, and self-directed biohacking, highlighting how overwhelming it can be to interpret data without expert guidance. Chloe explains how The Lanby helps turn complex health data into clear, actionable insights, reducing confusion and burnout for motivated, health-conscious individuals—especially those over 40.The episode also explores how The Lanby works alongside insurance (favoring PPO, EPO, or alternative cost-sharing plans), why HMOs are challenging, and how the model supports both day-to-day health optimization and coordination during acute issues.Finally, Chloe shares what's ahead for The Lanby, including:A nationwide metabolic health program using continuous glucose monitors“Just the Labs” and “Just the Genes” standalone offerings for non-membersPlans to expand into pediatric care with a holistic, family-centered approachChloe also highlights The Lanby's educational ecosystem—community talks, wellness presentations, newsletters, and her podcast Get Well Better—designed to empower patients with knowledge while providing expert context.If you're interested in online personal training or being a guest on my podcast, "Over 40 Fitness Hacks," you can reach me at brad@over40fitnesshacks.com or visit my website at:www.Over40FitnessHacks.comAdditionally, check out my Yelp reviews for my local business, Evolve Gym in Huntington Beach, at https://bit.ly/3GCKRzV
This is a great episode to listen to and send to a Med Student or Resident you may know! In this episode of the My DPC Story Podcast, host Dr. Debbie Lupeika, Director of the UC Davis Network of Affiliated Family Medicine Residency Programs, moderates a graduate panel featuring leading family physicians sharing their diverse career journeys post-residency within the UC Davis Network of Family Medicine residencies. From rural practice, corrections medicine, FQHCs, and Direct Primary Care, guests Dr. Maryal Concepcion (who got to vacate the Host seat this time!), Dr. Amanda Mooneyham, Dr. Landin Hagge, Dr. David Araiza and Dr. Madhupreet Hans reveal how they found fulfillment, autonomy, and work-life balance by innovating within family medicine. Highlights include real-world advice on loan repayment options, building a Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice, overcoming rural healthcare challenges, setting up mobile and telemedicine clinics, and advocating for underserved populations. The panel also discusses practical strategies for negotiating contracts, maintaining career-long learning, and the importance of physician-led, independent practice models. Whether you're a resident, new grad, or considering nontraditional paths in family medicine, this episode is packed with firsthand insights on thriving in today's changing healthcare landscape.Gusto, the Payroll and HR Solution loved by so many DPCs (including Big Trees MD)! Earn $100 after running your first payroll! Get paid for your medical expertise with Sermo! Sign up for free and start earning today!Support the showVOTE FOR MY DPC STORY! Help My DPC Story and DPC get more visibility by voting for My DPC Story in the Doctor Podcast Awards (voting closes Dec 29th)! Become A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
In today's episode of the My DPC Story Podcast, host Dr. Maryal Concepcion and guest Dr. Amber Beckenhauer reflect on the transformative landscape of Direct Primary Care (DPC) as 2025 ends and 2026 approaches. They discuss critical updates like HR1 and HSA regulations, sharing insights on how legislative changes, practice resources, and evolving patient needs are shaping the future of DPC clinics. Both physicians explore topics like staff restructuring, inflation impacts, and the importance of autonomy and creativity for entrepreneurial doctors. Dr. Amber Beckenhauer highlights her work in physician education, while Dr. Concepcion previews new resources and conferences available for DPC practices nationwide. The episode provides actionable tips for navigating open enrollment, building resilient teams, and adapting to changes in healthcare. Ideal for physicians, healthcare entrepreneurs, and those curious about DPC best practices, this episode inspires listeners to embrace innovation and sustainable growth in primary care. Find the DPC Magazine The Toolkit for more on HSAs and the IRS recommendations about HR1, visit mydpcstory.com/magazine. Connect with Dr. Beckenhauer and inquire about her upcoming courses HERE.For those looking for the Medicare Survival Kit, you can find it HERE.Gusto, the Payroll and HR Solution loved by so many DPCs (including Big Trees MD)! Earn $100 after running your first payroll! Get paid for your medical expertise with Sermo! Sign up for free and start earning today!Support the showBe A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
Today Dr. Emily Holt, a Direct Primary Care (DPC) physician based in New Orleans, shares her inspiring journey from working in federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and university clinics to opening her own DPC practice amidst a rapidly changing healthcare landscape. The discussion dives deep into the effects of the "one big beautiful bill," the challenges facing marginalized communities following recent legislative changes, and innovative ways DPC physicians in Louisiana are collaborating to fill healthcare gaps. The episode also highlights the power of community-driven solutions, nonprofit partnerships, and coalition-building among DPC practitioners to improve access to affordable, relationship-based care. Whether you're a physician, patient, or healthcare advocate, this episode offers firsthand insight into DPC, healthcare advocacy, and the current realities for patients and providers in New Orleans and beyond. Recorded July 2025.Register for Hint Summit today and use promo code MYDPCSTORY for $50 off your Clinician ticket! Gusto, the Payroll and HR Solution loved by so many DPCs (including Big Trees MD)! Earn $100 after running your first payroll!Support the showBe A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
On this episode of American Potential, host David From welcomes back Dean Clancy, Senior Health Policy Fellow at Americans for Prosperity, to break down the major health care wins inside the One Big Beautiful Bill passed this summer. Dean explains how the bill expands access to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), allowing millions more Americans to save tax-free for health care. Even more exciting — HSA funds can now be used for Direct Primary Care (DPC) subscriptions and telehealth, giving families easier, more affordable access to their preferred doctors without insurance gatekeeping. Dean also highlights key reforms in Medicaid and Obamacare subsidies, what's still needed to deliver true hassle-free health care, and how AFP's Personal Option campaign continues to push for more freedom and affordability in the health system. If you want to understand how the new law impacts your wallet—and why it's a major victory for health care freedom—this is an episode you won't want to miss.
Today we hear from Dr. Maria Rutmann, founder of Lionheart Direct Primary Care in northern Maine. She discusses the transformative power of the Direct Primary Care (DPC) clinic model as physician burnout and healthcare system challenges escalate nationwide. Dr. Rutmann shares her journey from working in a traditional fee-for-service hospital group - where mounting administrative demands and loss of autonomy led to emotional exhaustion - to reclaiming her purpose and joy in medicine through DPC.Listeners learn how Lionheart DPC empowers physicians to practice value-based care by fostering lasting patient-physician relationships, personalizing health experiences, and eliminating the barriers of insurance-driven healthcare. Dr. Rutmann emphasizes that DPC not only improves healthcare access in rural areas, but also allows doctors the time and freedom to provide comprehensive, preventative, and patient-centered care. Families in her community have experienced the convenience and rapid responsiveness of the DPC model, sometimes avoiding costly and time-consuming ER visits and walk-ins thanks to direct communication and same-day appointments.This episode also highlights how DPC serves as a solution to physician burnout, supporting practitioners to reconnect with their sense of purpose, maximize patient outcomes, and enjoy professional autonomy. Listeners considering DPC - from those facing moral injury in fee-for-service settings, to those interested in community-driven, flexible healthcare - will find practical advice, heartfelt encouragement, and proof that a better way in healthcare is not only possible, but thriving.Keywords: physician burnout, healthcare access, direct primary care, DPC, value-based care, physician autonomy, patient-centered care, rural healthcare, medical practice models, Lionheart Direct Primary Care.Learn about healthcare for your own family and about health shares today! Get your FREE DIGITAL COPY of The Toolkit, the magazine from My DPC Story at mydpcstory.com/magazine. Coming NOV 25th 12pm PST: our LIVE Webinar and Q&A on the OBBB, HR1, HSAs and DPC. Register at dpcare.org. Get your DPC Resources HERE at mydpcstory.com!Support the showBe A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
In today's episode of the My DPC Story Podcast, host Dr. Maryal Concepcion welcomes Dr. Stephanie Lucero, the pioneering founder of Northern New Mexico's first Direct Primary Care (DPC) clinic, Hometown Doc, LLC. Dr. Lucero shares her journey from growing up in the Pojoaque (Puh-Wah-Kee) Valley to becoming a board-certified family physician deeply committed to her local community. The conversation dives into DPC's benefits over traditional fee-for-service healthcare within New Mexico, addressing common myths about DPC being “concierge medicine” and highlighting its affordability and accessibility—even for Medicaid patients. Dr. Lucero discusses challenges like physician shortages, healthcare access issues in rural New Mexico, the impact of restrictive non-compete clauses, and the importance of relationship-based care. Listeners will gain valuable insights into how DPC empowers physicians and community by fostering meaningful patient relationships, improving health outcomes, and creating community-focused innovation. Discover how Dr. Lucero is making healthcare personal, accessible, and efficient for New Mexicans/Hispanos/Nuevomexicanos—and why DPC might be the answer for patients and physicians nationwide. Hint Summit is coming to Nashville, Tennessee, April 8th through 11th, 2026. Save $50 with code MYDPCSTORY. Get your ticket at summit.hint.com today! Learn about healthcare for your own family and about health shares today! Get your FREE DIGITAL COPY of The Toolkit, the magazine from My DPC Story at mydpcstory.com/magazine. Coming NOV 25th 12pm PST: our LIVE Webinar and Q&A on the OBBB, HR1, HSAs and DPC. Register at dpcare.org. Get your DPC Resources HERE at mydpcstory.com!Support the showBe A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
The fee-for-service model isn't just failing your clients; it's actively burning out the very doctors they're supposed to trust. My guest this week, Dr. John Van Der Veer, isn't just a critic of this broken model; he's a refugee from it. After hitting his own breaking point as a primary care doc and Chief Medical Officer, he built the alternative: a Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice. In this episode, Dr. Van Der Veer gives you a doctor's firsthand account of why the FFS system is designed to fail. We get into the new framework that DPC provides, how it actually aligns incentives to save your clients money, and how he's scaling it through a massive partnership with Hy-Vee. This is the proof you need to finally lead your clients away from the problem and toward the solution.▶▶ Sign Up For Your Free Discovery Callhttps://calendly.com/aneary/strategy-sessionKEY MOMENTS(00:00:00) A Doctor's Take On How Fee-For-Service Is Failing Your Clients (00:09:05) The DPC Fix: Realigning Incentives with Patient Care (00:09:24) The Gateway to Smarter, Cheaper Advanced Care (00:11:29) More Time, Better Outcomes: The DPC Patient Experience (00:24:01) Scaling the Solution: The Hy-Vee Partnership (00:32:22) The Engagement Strategy: Getting People to Actually Use DPC CONNECT WITH ANDY NEARY
Welcome back to The Integrative Health Podcast! In this episode, Dr. Jen Pfleghaar, DO, sits down with Dr. Clint Carter, DO — physician, entrepreneur, and co-founder of MyMD Select, a multi-location Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice — to discuss the burnout epidemic among doctors, the flaws of insurance-driven healthcare, and how the Direct Primary Care model offers a patient-centered solution.Dr. Carter shares his journey from emergency medicine burnout to co-founding a practice that prioritizes the doctor-patient relationship, preventative care, and root cause medicine. Listeners will learn how DPC memberships provide unlimited access, extended visits, at-cost services, and 24/7 communication, all while improving outcomes and reducing stress for patients and providers alike.If you've ever wondered whether there's a better way to receive healthcare — one focused on time, access, and individualized care — this episode is a must-listen.PODCAST: Thank you for listening please subscribe and share! Shop supplements: https://healthybydrjen.shop/CHECK OUT a list of my Favorite products here: https://www.healthybydrjen.com/drjenfavorites FOLLOW ME:Instagram :: https://www.instagram.com/integrativedrmom/Facebook :: https://www.facebook.com/integrativedrmomYouTube :: https://www.youtube.com/@integrativedrmom FTC: Some links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). I truly appreciate your support of my channel. Thank you for watching! Video is not sponsored. DISCLAIMER: This podcast does not contain any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment advice. Content provided on this podcast is for informational purposes only. For any medical or health related advice, please consult with a physician or other healthcare professionals. Further, information about specific products or treatments within this podcast are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
Today's episode features Dr. Rob Lamberts, one of Georgia's early pioneers in Direct Primary Care (DPC). After nearly two decades in traditional insurance-based practice and facing severe burnout, Dr. Lamberts shares his journey opening his DPC practice in 2013—one of Georgia's first. He discusses the challenges of the fee-for-service model, the healing power of direct physician-patient relationships, and the benefits of membership-based care like enhanced access, affordability, and a renewed passion for medicine. Dr. Lamberts also talks about building a sustainable, patient-centered medical practice and the transition to Welcome Health, a collaborative DPC group. Physicians considering switching to DPC will find practical insights into overcoming fears of change, leveraging technology for better access, and tips for building lasting legacy and satisfaction in primary care. If you're searching for real-world DPC success stories, strategies to fight physician burnout, and ways to reclaim the essence of personalized medicine, this episode is a must-listen.Hint Summit is coming to Nashville, Tennessee, April 8th through 11th, 2026. Save $50 with code MYDPCSTORY. Get your ticket at summit.hint.com today! Get your DPC Resources HERE at mydpcstory.com!Support the showBe A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
Monica McKitterick is a nurse practitioner, founder of Impact Family Wellness, and author of “DPC - Dream Job or Total Disaster,” helping clinicians launch profitable, patient-first DPC practices nationwide. Top 3 Value Bombs 1. Success is not a number but it's about building a life you love, not chasing metrics. 2. Direct Primary Care (DPC) puts patients and providers back in control, focusing on relationships and root causes. 3. Burnout happens when you chase someone else's definition of success, alignment with your values creates freedom. Check out Monica's website for resources - The DPC Formula Sponsors HighLevel - The ultimate all-in-one platform for entrepreneurs, marketers, coaches, and agencies. Learn more at HighLevelFire.com. Freedom Circle - A powerful community of entrepreneurs led by JLD. Are you ready to go from idea to income in 90-days? Visit Freedom-Circle.com to learn more. Ziprecruiter - Use ZipRecruiter, and save time hiring. 4 out of 5 employers who post on ZipRecruiter get a quality candidate within the first day. And if you go to ZipRecruiter.com/fire right now, you can try it for free.
In this episode of the My DPC Story Podcast, Dr. Lisa Tritto shares her inspiring journey from general pediatrics to specializing in pediatric obesity medicine through the Direct Primary Care (DPC) model. As the first physician at Evora for Kids in St. Louis, Dr. Tritto discusses why DPC reignited her passion for medicine, allowing for longer, more meaningful patient visits and personalized weight management care for children and adolescents. She dives into her advanced training in pediatric obesity, the challenges of traditional insurance-based models, and how DPC empowers her to make a real impact on families' health. Discover tips for building a successful DPC pediatric practice, navigating complex patient needs, and the importance of compassionate, evidence-based weight care. Whether you're a pediatrician, DPC physician, or a parent seeking holistic weight management for your child, this episode offers practical insights and resources. Perfect for those exploring Direct Primary Care, pediatric obesity medicine, or innovative approaches to child wellness.Save $100 on your Hint Summit 2026 ticket through October 31st and join the chorus of direct care leaders shaping tomorrow. Register HERE for the Physician Attendees ONLY RiseUP Summit brought to you by FlexMed Staff & My DPC Story! Get your DPC Resources HERE at mydpcstory.com!Support the showBe A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
In this episode, Cameron sits down with Dr. Andrew Chambers, a new Primary Doctor in the area practicing at YourChoice direct care, a Direct Primary Care (DPC) office in Brighton. Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice is redefining healthcare by offering affordable, personalized medical care without the barriers of insurance. Through a simple membership model, patients enjoy greater access to their physician, longer visits, and a strong focus on prevention and wellness, all at a predictable monthly cost. Join us as we explore how this innovative approach is making high-quality healthcare more accessible for our community. 00:00 Understanding Direct Primary Care 03:34 Direct Primary Care: The Model 06:17 Services and In-House Pharmacy 09:14 Out-of-Town Medical Attention 11:18 Membership and Insurance Recommendations 13:57 HSA, High Deductible, and Cost Savings 18:28 HSA for Membership & Business Rates Show Links Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website. Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/ Guest Links Website: https://www.yourchoicedirectcare.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourchoicedirectcare/
In this inspiring episode of the My DPC Story Podcast, host Dr. Maryal Concepcion talks with Dr. Kathryn Dreger, a board-certified Internal Medicine physician and founder of Prime-PLC, a Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice in Arlington, Virginia. Dr. Dreger shares her journey from fee-for-service medicine to launching her thriving DPC clinic, highlighting how DPC restores time, trust, and personalized relationships in primary care. She discusses the challenges of traditional insurance-driven healthcare, her personal experiences with bureaucracy and performance metrics, and why DPC is revolutionizing patient-centered care. Dr. Dreger explains her approach to panel size, pricing strategies, and the value of maintaining hospital connections. She also provides insightful advice for physicians considering a transition to DPC and talks about her upcoming book on the future of patient-centered medicine. Listeners gain practical knowledge about starting and sustaining a DPC practice and the importance of advocacy for primary care reform. Tune in to learn how DPC empowers both doctors and patients, leading to better healthcare outcomes and greater professional fulfillment.Register HERE for the Physician Attendees ONLY RiseUP Summit brought to you by FlexMed Staff & My DPC Story! Join me at AAFP FMX in Anaheim at our My DPC Story LIVE event sponsored by SmartHeart! Get your copy of our DPC Magazine, the Toolkit, and your limited edition Disney-themed DPC swag! Send me a message on the contact page HERE and let me know you'll be there so I can send you more details on the event! Get your DPC Resources HERE at mydpcstory.com!Support the showBe A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
On this episode of Voices of Self Funding, Jeff Walter and Jim Farley discuss their strategic merger, titled "Merging for Independence". They reveal how independent TPAs like JP Farley and PBA are uniting to drive innovation and enhance customer experience, avoiding absorption by larger firms. Discover how this merger focuses on enhanced service with PBA's EOS system and in-house IT, improving operational efficiency, data management, and enabling quick, independent service delivery for customers. The discussion also highlights their future focus on Direct Primary Care (DPC) and the use of nurse navigators to optimize member experience and efficiency. It's a compelling conversation for understanding how TPAs are evolving to offer superior, independent solutions and seamless third-party integration. This episode was sponsored by WLT Software. For more information, visit HCAA.org. Find all of our network podcasts on your favorite podcast platforms and be sure to subscribe and like us. Learn more at www.healthcarenowradio.com/listen/
Today we hear from Dr. Dana Mincer, founder of Love Health Direct Primary Care in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, to share her personal journey and the transformative impact of Direct Primary Care (DPC) on patient care and physician well-being. Dr. Mincer discusses her background in holistic and integrative medicine, shaped by unique experiences in Switzerland and Italy, which informed her passion for reimagining American healthcare. Dr. Mincer candidly addresses the widespread issue of physician burnout, drawing from her own experiences of exhaustion, depersonalization, and disillusionment within conventional healthcare settings, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and her time in high-volume urgent care. She explains how DPC allowed her to break free from the rigid constraints and time pressures typical of value-based care models, granting her the autonomy to practice truly patient-centered medicine, focus on preventive care, and build long-term relationships with patients and her community.Register HERE for the Physician Attendees ONLY RiseUP Summit brought to you by FlexMed Staff & My DPC Story! Join me at AAFP FMX in Anaheim at our My DPC Story LIVE event sponsored by SmartHeart! Get your copy of our DPC Magazine, the Toolkit, and your limited edition Disney-themed DPC swag! Send me a message on the contact page HERE and let me know you'll be there so I can send you more details on the event! Get your DPC Resources HERE at mydpcstory.com!Support the showBe A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
Are you constantly frustrated with insurance red tape, packed schedules, and shrinking reimbursements as a primary care physician?You're not alone — and there's a growing movement of physicians opting out of the traditional system. In this kickoff to our new Direct Primary Care (DPC) series, Coach JPMD breaks down why DPC is gaining traction and how it could be your path to less stress, more freedom, better income, and career satisfaction.Learn what DPC actually is and how it works (in plain terms).Hear why DPC may offer better work-life balance, predictable income, and lower overhead.Understand both the benefits and the challenges of transitioning into this model — including clinical and business readiness.If you're looking for a realistic, sustainable alternative to traditional primary care, this episode is your essential starting point — press play now.TEXT HERE to suggest a future episode topic Discover how medical graduates, junior doctors, and young physicians can navigate residency training programs, surgical residency, and locum tenens to increase income, enjoy independent practice, decrease stress, achieve financial freedom, and retire early, while maintaining patient satisfaction and exploring physician side gigs to tackle medical school loans.
A single anxiety attack shouldn't cost $26,000. For most people, a bill that size is a story of financial ruin. For Travis Bockenstedt, it was a declaration of war. This is the incredible story of how one man transformed his personal trauma with the broken healthcare system into a revolutionary business model that is saving patients money and doctors from burnout.From a poor farming family in a town of 900 people, Travis channeled his anger into innovation, co-founding Pinnacle Advanced Primary Care, one of the fastest-growing Direct Primary Care (DPC) clinics in the country. He's proving that by removing the insurance middleman, you can provide better, more affordable healthcare for everyone. This episode is a masterclass in turning a personal grievance into a powerful purpose-driven enterprise.GUEST INFORMATION:► Connect with Travis & Pinnacle Advanced Primary Care: https://www.pinnacleapc.com/► Travis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjbock/CONNECT WITH US:► Website: https://cosbizpodcast.com/► Instagram: instagram.com/cos.bizpodcast ► Facebook: facebook.com/cosbusinesspodcast ✅ SUBSCRIBE TO THE COS BUSINESS PODCAST: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOOJjezhA6fI-3RhohZ6w9A
In this special "My DPC Story" reunion episode, host Dr. Maryal Concepcion celebrates FIVE!!! years of transformative Direct Primary Care (DPC) journeys with guests Dr. Christina Mutch, Dr. Jake Mutch, Dr. Lauren Hughes, and Dr. Deepti Mundkur. The episode highlights major practice milestones, such as expanding clinical teams, launching innovative community outreach programs like Walk with the Doc and Sweat with the Doc, and integrating technology advancements including AI-powered EHRs and Open Evidence for patient care and education. The physicians dive deep into how DPC's small-batch, personalized care model enables stronger patient relationships, efficient specialist coordination, and improved health outcomes. They also address current challenges in healthcare access, vaccination, and navigating insurance headaches, sharing actionable solutions and resources for DPC physicians and patients. This candid conversation is packed with DPC success stories, advice for aspiring providers, and tips on leveraging technology, supporting both new and established DPC clinics. Discover why DPC is redefining primary care and building healthier communities nationwide!Download the 2025 Employer Trends Report from Hint. Register HERE for the Physician Attendees ONLY RiseUP Summit brought to you by FlexMed Staff & My DPC Story! Join me at AAFP FMX in Anaheim at our My DPC Story LIVE event sponsored by SmartHeart! Get your copy of our DPC Magazine, the Toolkit, and your limited edition Disney-themed DPC swag! Send me a message on the contact page HERE and let me know you'll be there so I can send you more details on the event! Get your DPC Resources HERE at mydpcstory.com!Support the showBe A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
In this episode of the My DPC Story Podcast, Dr. Lisa Lucas of Fulcrum Family Health in Maine shares her journey from fee-for-service medicine to owning a thriving Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice. Dr. Lucas, a board-certified osteopathic family physician specializing in obesity medicine and menopause, discusses how DPC empowers her to provide relationship-based, patient-centered care—especially valued in Maine's tight-knit communities. She highlights the importance of building trust, prioritizing personalized care plans, and creating a welcoming clinic environment. Dr. Lucas also offers insights into navigating finances, transitioning out of insurance-based models, and collaborating with her partner, Dr. Romeo Lucas, in direct specialty care. The episode covers the impact of recent legislative changes expanding healthcare access in Maine, the future of DPC with wraparound insurance plans, and how DPC is attracting the next generation of primary care doctors. Tune in to learn why DPC is revolutionizing family medicine, making healthcare more accessible, and restoring joy for both patients and physicians. Register HERE for the Physician Attendees ONLY RiseUP Summit brought to you by FlexMed Staff & My DPC Story! Join me at AAFP FMX in Anaheim at our My DPC Story LIVE event sponsored by SmartHeart! Get your copy of our DPC Magazine, the Toolkit, and your limited edition Disney-themed DPC swag! Send me a message on the contact page HERE and let me know you'll be there so I can send you more details on the event! Get your DPC Resources HERE at mydpcstory.com!Support the showBe A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
In this episode of the My DPC Story Podcast, Dr. Maryal Concepcion hosts Dr. Holly Shen and Dr. Aaron Morganstein to discuss physician entrepreneurship and the power of collaboration in Direct Primary Care (DPC), locum tenens, and direct contracting. The trio introduces the upcoming Rise Up Physician Summit—a virtual event designed to empower physicians with tools and education to take control of their medical careers, improve financial independence, and explore non-traditional clinical paths. Listeners will hear real stories about leaving traditional employment, gaining professional and personal autonomy, building supportive physician communities, and balancing clinical work with passion projects. The episode covers actionable advice for both new and experienced doctors considering DPC, locums, or direct contracting, while highlighting the crucial role of mentorship and peer support in navigating alternative career models in medicine. Register for the summit at flexmedstaff.com/RiseUp to access transformative content and connect with a community reimagining modern medical practice. Early Bird Registration ends 9/15/25.Join Hint's BOOTCAMP today! hint.com/bootcamp.Download Elation's FREE Startup Checklist HERE. Get a practice audit and 80 FREE hours of VA work for your DPC with Cool Blue VA! Check out the latest Cool Blue VA Episode HERE!Schedule a demo with Cerbo today!Spruce Health: All-In-One Patient Co Hint Clinical: Run your dream practice with Hint's DPC softwareA-S Medication Solutions: medication management made simple for DPC. Learn more about JumpStart DPC Solutions: Marketing solutions modeled after DPCSupport the showBe A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
On this episode of Voices of Self-Funding, host Ramesh sits down with Jeffrey Bloom, a 25+ year veteran in healthcare and employee benefits, to unpack the power of Direct Primary Care (DPC) for self-funded employers. Jeff brings deep expertise spanning underwriting, care delivery, and affinity markets — and a passion for reshaping member experiences. Together, they explore how DPC: • Delivers hard savings: 12–18% reduction in year one healthcare spend (net of fees), plus an additional 8% stop-loss discount by deflecting high-cost claims. • Transforms access: Members get appointments in 24–48 hours—far faster than traditional systems. • Drives satisfaction & productivity: A scalable, capitated model that eliminates balance billing, improves engagement, and enhances workforce health. This conversation reframes primary care not just as a benefit, but as a strategic cost-containment lever for employers committed to optimizing spend and boosting employee well-being. This episode was sponsored by WLT Software. For more information, visit HCAA.org. Find all of our network podcasts on your favorite podcast platforms and be sure to subscribe and like us. Learn more at www.healthcarenowradio.com/listen/
In this episode of the My DPC Story Podcast, Dr. Maryal Concepcion interviews Dr. Pouneh Alizadeh, founder of Flourish Gynecology, who shares her inspiring journey transitioning from a hospital-employed OB/GYN to combining locums work with launching her own direct specialty care (DSC) practice. Dr. Alizadeh opens up about the challenges of balancing motherhood, physician burnout, and the drive to practice medicine on her own terms through the Direct Primary Care (DPC) model. The conversation covers the practicalities of starting a DPC/DSC practice, managing finances, setting boundaries, and integrating locums work for stability and flexibility. Dr. Alizadeh offers insights on building a sustainable, patient-focused medical career, highlights the importance of networking and community, and emphasizes the empowerment DPC provides for women physicians. If you're interested in DPC, locums, direct specialty care, physician entrepreneurship, or women's health, this episode delivers firsthand advice and encouragement to take control of your career and redefine success in medicine.Join Hint's BOOTCAMP today! hint.com/bootcamp.Download Elation's FREE Startup Checklist HERE. Get a practice audit and 80 FREE hours of VA work for your DPC with Cool Blue VA! Check out the latest Cool Blue VA Episode HERE!Schedule a demo with Cerbo today!Spruce Health: All-In-One Patient Co Hint Clinical: Run your dream practice with Hint's DPC softwareA-S Medication Solutions: medication management made simple for DPC. Learn more about JumpStart DPC Solutions: Marketing solutions modeled after DPCSupport the showBe A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
Is burnout making you question your future in medicine? You're not alone. For many physicians, the pressures of traditional healthcare lead to stress, exhaustion, and a loss of purpose. But what if there was another way? In this powerful episode of The Finding Financial Freedom Podcast, host Dr. Disha Spath sits down with Monica McKitterick, a physician who walked away from burnout and built a thriving Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice. Monica opens up about the real challenges and rewards of DPC—what it takes to start from scratch, how to set boundaries without sacrificing patient care, and the financial strategies that make this model sustainable. Whether you're curious if DPC could be your dream job, or you're preparing to make the leap yourself, this episode is packed with practical insights, cautionary tales, and inspiring takeaways. Key Topics Covered: 1. Is DPC a dream job or a disaster? Monica shares the truth about life as a DPC provider, from freedom to challenges. 2. The Leap from Traditional Healthcare to DPC Why she left a broken system for a model that prioritizes patients. 3. Financial Prep for First-Time DPC Physicians Smart steps to take before transitioning 4. Traits of a Successful DPC Provider The personality strengths (and pitfalls) that determine long-term success. 5. Building Boundaries Without Breaking Your Practice How Monica protects her time while keeping patients happy 6. Hiring on a Budget Tips for growing your team without overwhelming overhead. 7. Marketing Your DPC Practice How to attract patients while staying true to your values. Listener Takeaways: Learn how to recover from burnout and rebuild a fulfilling medical career. Discover what it really takes to start a DPC practice from scratch. Get practical tips on financial planning, hiring, and marketing for your DPC clinic. Find out if DPC is the right path for you—or if it might feel like a disaster. Resources Mentioned: DPC Dream Job or Total Disaster by Monica McKitterick Want to learn more about DPC? Check out: thedpcformula.com OnlineJobs.ph Connect with Us: Host: Dr. Disha Spath, The Frugal Physician Guest: Monica McKitterick, DPC Formula
In this episode of the My DPC Story Podcast, Dr. Jlyn Pritchard of Thread Health in Spokane, WA, shares her journey nearing three years in Direct Primary Care (DPC). Host Maryal Concepcion and Dr. Pritchard discuss the unique challenges and rewards of running a DPC practice, including the importance of strong values, boundary-setting with patients, and business decision-making rooted in financial transparency. Dr. Pritchard highlights her approach to integrating obesity medicine into her practice through specialized memberships and online educational resources. She also shares advice for new DPC physicians about managing finances, building community, and developing a niche for practice growth. Listeners will gain practical insights on starting, sustaining, and scaling a DPC practice—while staying true to personal and professional values. This episode is perfect for physicians considering or currently in the DPC model who want real-world advice on entrepreneurship, financial planning, and work-life balance in healthcare. For more tips, DPC resources, and Dr. Pritchard's original episode, visit the MYDPC Story Substack.Join Hint's BOOTCAMP today! hint.com/bootcamp.Download Elation's FREE Startup Checklist HERE. Get a practice audit and 80 FREE hours of VA work for your DPC with Cool Blue VA! Check out the latest Cool Blue VA Episode HERE!Schedule a demo with Cerbo today!Spruce Health: All-In-One Patient Co Hint Clinical: Run your dream practice with Hint's DPC softwareA-S Medication Solutions: medication management made simple for DPC. Learn more about JumpStart DPC Solutions: Marketing solutions modeled after DPCSupport the showBe A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
In this episode of the My DPC Story Podcast, Dr. Ricky Haug joins Maryal as they dive into the latest trends in Direct Primary Care (DPC) technology, fresh from the 2025 DPC Summit. The focus is on the "Battle of the EHRs," where Dr. Haug, an experienced DPC physician with a multi-location, multi-provider practice, shares his firsthand insights on choosing and optimizing Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems for DPC clinics. The discussion covers key findings from the DPC Summit's EHR survey, highlighting what features doctors value most, such as ease of use, patient communication, AI integration, and workflow efficiency. The conversation also touches on common challenges, tech stack evolution, patient portal satisfaction, and the importance of adopting DPC-focused solutions to enhance both patient and staff experience. Whether you're launching a new practice or scaling up, this episode provides practical advice for navigating EHR decisions in DPC, making it a must-listen for physicians seeking to streamline operations and improve patient care. For full survey results and resources, visit mydpcstory.com/magazine.Call in with your questions about how the "Big Beautiful Bill" affects HSAs and DPC. LEAVE A VOICEMAIL HERE.Get your copy of ELATION HEALTH'S HOW TO LAUNCH YOUR OWN DPC PRACTICE CHECKLIST. Get a practice audit and 80 FREE hours of VA work for your DPC with Cool Blue VA! Check out the latest Cool Blue VA Episode HERE!Schedule a demo with Cerbo today!Spruce Health: All-In-One Patient CoSupport the showBe A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
In this special episode of the My DPC Story podcast, host Dr. Maryal Concepcion sits down with Dr. Natalie Gentile live from the DPC Summit in New Orleans. They delve into the principles and advantages of Direct Primary Care (DPC) and discuss Dr. Gentile's journey in lifestyle medicine and her innovative approach in helping new physicians transition into DPC. The conversation underscores the importance of mission-driven work, community collaboration, and the entrepreneurial opportunities available to physicians in the DPC model. The episode also highlights various resources and support available for DPC practitioners and patients alike.Direct Care Physicians of Pittsburgh HERECARING DIRECTLY: ADD YOUR CLINIC TO THE PHYSICIAN-ONLY DPC MAPPER HEREThe DPC Directory (like Yelp, but for DPC) HEREMy DPC Story Resources PageCall in with your questions about how the "Big Beautiful Bill" affects HSAs and DPC. LEAVE A VOICEMAIL HERE.Get your copy of ELATION HEALTH'S HOW TO LAUNCH YOUR OWN DPC PRACTICE CHECKLIST.Support the showBe A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
In this episode of the My DPC Story Podcast, host Dr. Maryal Concepcion welcomes back Justin Lam, founder and CEO of Cool Blue VA, to discuss the benefits of hiring medical virtual assistants for Direct Primary Care (DPC) practices. They dive into key questions DPC physicians face: when is the right time to hire a VA, and how do you efficiently hire and onboard one? Justin shares actionable exercises, such as time and task audits and skills gap analysis, to help doctors identify tasks they can delegate and areas requiring support. The episode highlights the cost-effectiveness of virtual assistants compared to traditional hires, and details how VAs can boost practice efficiency, revenue, patient satisfaction, and physician work-life balance. Listeners also learn about Cool Blue VA's free practice analysis and two-week 80 hours FREE trial, making it easy to experience the value of a medical virtual assistant risk-free. Perfect for DPC physicians exploring ways to streamline workflow, reduce burnout, and grow their practices. For your copy of Cool Blue VA's List of 90+ jobs a medical VA can do and more, stop by and say HI to Justin at the upcoming DPC Summit or visit them at coolblueva.com/2weeks to start a free trial!LISTEN TO THE MY DPC STORY EPISODE WHERE JUSTIN AND HIS SISTER DR. CARRIE LAM SHARED THE STORY OF HOW COOL BLUE VA GOT STARTED HERE!Support the showBe A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
Tired of letting insurance companies dictate how you care for patients—and how you get paid?For years, physicians embracing Direct Primary Care (DPC) have faced legal ambiguity around accepting Health Savings Account (HSA) payments. But a new federal law has changed the game. In this episode, Dr. Lee Gross—one of the original pioneers of DPC—joins us to break down what this HSA reform really means and how it opens the door for more autonomy, clarity, and growth.Learn how the law finally allows HSAs to cover DPC memberships without putting your practice at legal riskUnderstand what this means for independent physicians, residents, and those ready to ditch insurance-based careDiscover how this reform creates new opportunities to partner with employers and expand access to affordable careListen now to learn how this policy shift removes key barriers and helps physicians like you practice medicine with more freedom, less red tape, and stronger patient relationships.TEXT HERE to suggest a future episode topic Discover how medical graduates, junior doctors, and young physicians can navigate residency training programs, surgical residency, and locum tenens to increase income, enjoy independent practice, decrease stress, achieve financial freedom, and retire early, while maintaining patient satisfaction and exploring physician side gigs to tackle medical school loans.
In this episode of the My DPC Story Podcast, Dr. Naomi Lawrence Reid, founder of DoctoringDifferently.com, joins the show to share her journey from traditional clinical practice to becoming an expert in physician side gigs. Dr. Lawrence-Reid discusses the challenges of working within the insurance-driven healthcare system, including Dr. Reid's eye-opening “diaper chair” experience in an academic pediatric ER (see the blog accompanying this podcast at mydpcstory.com for the picture). Dr. Reid reveals her top five high-yield side gigs for physicians looking for alternatives beyond full-time clinical roles: launching an aesthetics practice, medical writing, per diem and locum tenens work, expert witness services, and veteran disability exams. She also demystifies the business and money side of working independently, touching on health insurance, retirement, malpractice, and business structures like S Corps. Dr. Reid emphasizes that these side gigs can provide financial stability and act as bridges to building a Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice. Listeners are encouraged to explore her resources, summer series, and Academy for more guidance. Whether you're a current or aspiring DPC doctor, this episode is a powerful resource for diversifying your income and reclaiming physician autonomy.Register for the DPC + Locums Conference: RISE UP! A Virtual SummitCall in with your questions about how the "Big Beautiful Bill" affects HSAs and DPC. LEAVE A VOICEMAIL HERE.Get your copy of ELATION HEALTH'S HOW TO LAUNCH YOUR OWN DPC PRACTICE CHECKLIST. Hint Clinical: Run your dream practice with Hint's DPC softwareA-S Medication Solutions: medication management made simple for DPC. Learn more about JumpStart DPC Solutions: Marketing solutions modeled after DPCSupport the showBe A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
Send us a textIn this solo episode, Dr. Greg Dennis dives into a candid discussion about the broken nature of traditional health insurance and how it fails most individuals—especially those not working for large corporations.He breaks down why the current system is inefficient, expensive, and impersonal, and presents a smarter, more affordable alternative: Direct Primary Care (DPC) combined with a catastrophic coverage option like a health share.You'll learn:Why traditional health insurance is failing patientsHow Direct Primary Care works and why it's better for your long-term healthThe advantages of pairing DPC with a catastrophic planHow health shares operate and why they're a great fit for families and individualsReal numbers comparing traditional insurance costs vs. DPC + health shareWhy this model is more aligned with personalized, preventive careDr. Dennis also shares how this model is implemented at Fit Rx Health & Wellness in Tuttle, Oklahoma, where he offers concierge-style care including primary care, hormone therapy, weight loss programs, and more—all for a transparent, monthly fee.
In this episode of The My DPC Story podcast, Dr. Kelsey Smith of Pioneer Health DPC shares her transformative journey from a traditional insurance-based, fee-for-service practice to adopting the innovative Direct Primary Care (DPC) model. They discuss the challenges and rewards of this transition, including the importance of sustainability in patient care, navigating business ownership without a formal business background, and the role of community and employer relationships in growing a DPC practice. Recorded live at the Free Market Medical Association meeting in 2025, this episode provides insights into the practical and emotional aspects of shifting to a DPC model and emphasizes the individualized and personal relationship DPC fosters between doctors and patients.ONLY A FEW MORE DAYS TO VOTE IN THE 2025 My DPC Story BATTLE OF THE EHRs!!! Register HERE for HINT SUMMIT @ ROSETTAFEST!Download Elation's New DPC Startup Checklist HERE! Visit hint.com/clinical to learn more and get your first month of Hint Clinical for free. Schedule your ELATION demo today! Learn more about CERBO today! Click HERE to get started!Support the showBe A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
Dr. Jason Hoke, founder of Hoke Direct Primary Care in Oxford, Ohio, shares his journey from insurance-based, network medicine to launching the town's first and only Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice. Dr. Hoke details the burnout and inefficiencies he faced under traditional healthcare models, and how the DPC model restored his passion for medicine by prioritizing personalized patient-physician relationships and affordable care. Dr. Hoke discuss practical tips for transitioning to DPC, building a loyal patient base, managing rapid practice growth, and team collaboration. Dr. Hoke also reveals how DPC empowered him to provide innovative, accessible care during the COVID-19 pandemic and improved his work-life balance—impacting his family and inspiring the next generation of healthcare clinicians. Register HERE for HINT SUMMIT @ ROSETTAFEST!Download Elation's New DPC Startup Checklist HERE! Visit hint.com/clinical to learn more and get your first month of Hint Clinical for free. Schedule your ELATION demo today! Learn more about CERBO today! Click HERE to get started!Support the showBe A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
Today's guest is Dr. Marcy Meyer of Destiny Direct Primary Care, a physician who transitioned from the US Army to opening a Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice focused on menopause care in University Place, Washington. Dr. Meyer shares her unique medical journey, insights into the challenges of traditional insurance-driven healthcare, and the freedom and impact of practicing DPC. The conversation covers her military background, lessons learned as a flight surgeon, the evolution of her clinic from general family medicine to specialized menopause care, and tips for physicians considering a similar path. Dr. Meyer also discusses the importance of patient-centered care, breaking menopause myths, and leveraging resources like the Menopause Society for ongoing education. This episode is a must-listen for clinicians interested in DPC, women's health, and entrepreneurial practice transformation. Listen and discover how empowering care models like DPC are reshaping the future of medicine.Register HERE for HINT SUMMIT @ ROSETTAFEST!Download Elation's New DPC Startup Checklist HERE! Schedule your ELATION demo today! Learn more about CERBO today! Click HERE to get started!Support the showBe A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube
If you're a physician with at least 5 years of experience looking for a flexible, non-clinical, part-time medical-legal consulting role… ...Dr. Armin Feldman's Medical Legal Coaching program will guarantee to add $100K in additional income within 12 months without doing any expert witness work. Any doctor in any specialty can do this work. And if you don't reach that number, he'll work with you for free until you do, guaranteed. How can he make such a bold claim? It's simple, he gets results… Dr. David exceeded his clinical income without sacrificing time in his full-time position. Dr. Anke retired from her practice while generating the same monthly consulting income. And Dr. Elliott added meaningful consulting work without lowering his clinical income or job satisfaction. So, if you're a physician with 5+ years of experience and you want to find out exactly how to add $100K in additional consulting income in just 12 months, go to arminfeldman.com. =============== Learn the business and management skills you need by enrolling in the University of Tennessee Physician Executive MBA program at nonclinicalphysicians.com/physicianmba. Get the FREE GUIDE to 10 Nonclinical Careers at nonclinicalphysicians.com/freeguide. Get a list of 70 nontraditional jobs at nonclinicalphysicians.com/70jobs. =============== Dr. Josh Umbehr shares his 15-year journey building one of the earliest and most influential Direct Primary Care (DPC) practices, launched in 2010 after seeing firsthand how insurance-based medicine complicates care. While working as a biller and coder during his pre-med years, he saw how much time and money was lost to bureaucracy. Inspired by his father's straightforward trash collection business—“pay once a month, pick up once a week”—he applied the same logic to healthcare: simple, transparent, and direct. His model strips away insurance entirely, offering wholesale medications, low-cost labs, and unlimited access via calls, texts, and in-person visits—all without billing headaches. By eliminating the administrative layers that bog down traditional practice, Dr. Umbehr created a system that puts the focus back where it belongs: on the patient. The result is a more sustainable way to practice medicine that helps prevent physician burnout by allowing doctors to spend time-solving problems, not just documenting them for insurance. His practice has since expanded with partners and new locations, and he's developed tools like custom EMRs and consulting services to help others make the shift. At its core, his philosophy is simple: basic healthcare should be affordable. It is so affordable, that it's “too cheap to insure” without compromising quality. You'll find links mentioned in the episode at nonclinicalphysicians.com/switch-to-direct-primary-care/
In this episode of the My DPC Story Podcast, Dr. Joel Schumacher of Schumacher Family Medicine in Plymouth, Indiana, shares his journey from traditional hospital employment to launching his own successful Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice. Dr. Schumacher reflects on growing up and practicing in rural America, the pitfalls of fee-for-service healthcare, and how DPC restored his love for medicine by prioritizing meaningful doctor-patient relationships and autonomy. He candidly discusses overcoming burnout, the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, building his patient panel, and the power of community engagement. Dr. Schumacher also gives actionable advice for residents and new physicians interested in DPC, emphasizing mentorship, financial planning, and the value of attending DPC conferences. This episode is packed with practical insights for doctors seeking a more fulfilling primary care career and patients interested in the benefits of direct primary care in rural and small-town settings. If you're looking to learn more about DPC, rural medicine, or practice ownership, this episode is a must-listen.WHO WILL WIN THE BATTLE OF THE ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS (EHRs)!? VOTING GOES LIVE THIS WEEK! Check back later this week at mydpcstory.com to cast your vote! DPC JOB OPENING! Dr. Jillian Klaucke at Sandpoint DPC in Sandpoint Idaho is looking to hire! If you are an aspiring DPC Doctor who would like to learn more, contact Dr. Klaucke at drjillian@sandpointdpc.com or go to the CONTACT PAGE at sandpointdpc.com. The DPC Directory: If you're a DPC doctor, you'll find resources to grow your practice! If you serve the DPC world, grab a FREE listing today and get discovered by doctors who need your services.
Pediatrician and holistic wellness expert Noemi Adame discusses her article, "Having a female doctor is better for your health, but not for hers." She highlights research indicating patients often experience better outcomes—including lower mortality, readmission, and post-surgical complication rates—when treated by female physicians, potentially linked to factors like longer visits and stronger adherence to guidelines. However, Noemi contrasts this with the significant personal toll on female doctors, who face higher burnout rates, a greater burden of uncompensated tasks like EMR messages (receiving 25 percent more requests), and a concerning lack of the longevity advantage seen in the general female population. She critiques the corporate medical system for failing to adequately support or compensate female physicians for the qualitative differences in their care delivery and the associated emotional labor. Noemi strongly advises female colleagues to protect their own well-being by considering alternatives to corporate employment, such as Direct Primary Care (DPC), independent contracting, or building a personal brand, while also acknowledging the unique challenges women face in setting boundaries within these models. Actionable takeaways emphasize the critical need for female physicians to prioritize self-care, implement sustainable practice systems, and advocate for themselves, whether inside or outside traditional employment structures. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Now you can streamline and customize documentation, surface information right at the point of care, and automate tasks with just a click. Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot offers an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform to help unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise—and it's built on a foundation of trust. It's time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended