Direct Primary Care: What It Is, Its Main Advantages, and How to Start a DPC Practice

Here at SigmaMD, we've been conversing with dozens of Clinicians every week to better understand their reasons for leaving the system and starting new Direct Care Practices. We listen to their needs, challenges, motivations, achievements, and what makes them feel alive.

This is a guide that synthesizes what we've learned from various interviews with those who are seeking to provide more empathetic and personalized healthcare.

I've endeavored to write as if we were having a coffee together in your medical office. By the way, nice to meet you! I'm Malu, and I am part of a team that is fascinated by the Direct Care Model. That's why we hold a strong vision and have been creating a lasting solution and experience in this field.

And I should mention that we may have something in common: we both believe that healthcare should be more human.

What is Direct Primary Care?

Direct Primary Care is a healthcare model that emphasizes a direct relationship with each patient, bypassing traditional insurance systems. Instead of navigating the complex billing and administrative procedures that characterize standard insured-based practices, Direct Primary Care allows patients to pay a flat monthly fee, or a fee per appointment/procedure.

Advantages of Direct Primary Care

How about two stories to explain those benefits? The names of patients and physicians are fictitious, but both stories are based on real-life events.

Story 1: Emily's New Beginning

Picture this: Emily, a single mother of two, constantly juggles between her job and her children's needs. With her hectic schedule, fitting in medical appointments becomes a challenge, especially when considering the long waits and brief interactions typical of traditional healthcare settings. However, Emily's perspective on healthcare changes when she discovers a Direct Care practice.

With Direct Care, Emily finds she can schedule appointments at her convenience, often on the same day, and the visits are unhurried, allowing for meaningful conversations with her physician. Over time, this relationship grows.

Her doctor understands not just Emily's medical history, but her lifestyle, stressors, and health goals. This comprehensive care leads to proactive management of her health, preventing minor issues from becoming major concerns. Emily feels heard, cared for, and valued—not just as a patient, but as a person. This transformation in care not only improves her health but also gives her more time and energy for her family and work, enhancing her overall quality of life.

Story 2: Mr. Johnson's Turnaround

Now, imagine Mr. Johnson, a retired veteran, who has struggled with chronic diabetes and hypertension for years. His journey through the healthcare system has been marked by fragmented care, with each visit feeling transactional, rushed, and impersonal. This changes when Mr. Johnson enrolls in a Direct Care program, where he's paired with Dr. Lewis, who takes the time to truly understand his health history and personal challenges.

Under Dr. Lewis's care, Mr. Johnson receives tailored advice that goes beyond standard medical prescriptions; he learns about dietary changes, exercise routines, and stress management techniques that are practical and sustainable for his lifestyle. Regular follow-ups and the ability to directly contact Dr. Lewis by phone or email provide Mr. Johnson with the support he needs to make significant changes.

Over time, his blood sugar and blood pressure levels improve dramatically. More importantly, Mr. Johnson feels empowered and optimistic, qualities he hadn't associated with his health for a long time. His story is a testament to how Direct Care can transform the management of chronic conditions, leading to better health outcomes and a more fulfilling life.

Could you see the advantages in both stories? The Direct Primary Care Model fosters longer visits, direct access, cost transparency, comprehensive care, personalized attention, and many more benefits!

Why Make the Transition to Direct Primary Care?

Transitioning to a Direct Primary Care model is a significant step that aligns with our shared belief in a more humane healthcare system. It offers an opportunity to reclaim the essence of the doctor-patient relationship—care that is personal, accessible, and based on mutual respect and understanding.

For many physicians in Direct Care, the model represents a chance to practice medicine in a way that aligns with their original calling—focusing on patient care rather than paperwork. For patients, it means receiving attentive, personalized care that sees them as individuals, not just numbers.

How to Start a Direct Primary Care Practice

The  I / WE / IT Framework Applied to Direct Care Model

After years of experience leading diverse teams in the healthcare sector across various geographical and cultural contexts, I noticed that starting and building a solid Direct Care Practice requires balancing 3 main dimensions: I / WE / IT.

First, let’s discuss the 3 individual levels:

I

Here, we explore your identity, your background, how you perceive your world, and how you feel about yourself. 

WE

This level focuses on the relational connection between parties and how we feel about each other. In this case, we’ll encompass the patient-physician relationship.

IT

Here, we address the “thing” we’re discussing, I mean your DPC practice. A strong foundation is essential for any company's survival, so we'll delve into business plan, marketing, finance, technology, legal aspects, and more.

Imagine this as a book organized into strategic chapters, each designed to support you in starting and succeeding your Direct Care Practice. Check it out!

The I Dimension in Direct Primary Care - DPC: Yourself

Do you remember the day you decided you would like to study to work in the healthcare sector? What was the main “Why” behind your decision? Answer this question. 

From a renowned doctor, I heard something like:

“I have been fascinated by medicine since I was a child. As a doctor, I try to not lose sight of why I chose this career.”

She made me notice one thing: remembering the reason behind the important decisions of your life can guide us in our next moves - and help a lot on the hard days throughout the journey. Try to keep it in mind!

How Life Changes When Transitioning to Direct Primary Care - DPC

In the dozens of interviews I’ve conducted with clinicians, a common sentiment we often hear is:

“I was entrenched in the traditional fee-for-service model of care for about 20 years and I got tired of it. So, I left it and decided to start my own DPC practice.”

Imagine the following scenario:

Point A

“Below the traditional healthcare system, I used to see from 20 to 30 patients a day, and deal with a lot of paperwork. So somehow I had to find the time to do that and not get crazy.”

Point B

“Now I usually see 6-8 patients a day. So I can know their stories, and spend more time with each one. I also have a proper time to follow up, answer emails. I have the freedom to lead my life my way.”

From the 'I' perspective, we can notice there are 2 significant benefits to making the transition:

• The first one is work-life balance. With a more manageable patient load and reduced administrative burdens, you can allocate more time to your well-being.
• The second is the increase in professional fulfillment. Having the flexibility to spend more time with each patient allows you to practice medicine in a way that aligns with your values and ideals of patient-centered care.

Embracing Your Role as a Direct Primary Care - DPC Entrepreneur

I know you've already studied a lot to be here. You completed at least a four-year Bachelor's degree, followed by an internship, then residency. And you will always be studying medicine, whether by reading recent researches in your field, attending conferences, etc.

But a remarkable aspect of transitioning to Direct Care is that this decision demands you study topics related to business, finance, marketing, technology, and much more. So, yes, embracing your role as a DPC Entrepreneur is part of the process. Change requires a lot from us, right? Such is life.

Wearing different hats

When you run a DPC practice, you'll often find yourself needing to wear different hats at the same time. Juggling multiple roles is part of a DPCpreneur day. A typical day could be:

• From the Medical perspective, you will offer personalized treatment for your patients, addressing their needs. 
• On the HR front, you'll be involved in selecting and training a new medical assistant. 
• On the Facilities side, you’ll be transforming your office into a welcoming hub. 
• In the Marketing area, you will create engaging educational videos. 
• On the Patient Success angle, you'll send a patient satisfaction survey and fine-tune your services based on the responses. 
• In the IT segment, you’ll look for a technology that simplifies, not complicates, your life. 
• On Financial front, you’ll be keeping a vigilant eye on your financial health. 

Lots of things, right? But remember, at the heart of all this hustle is the rewarding journey of building something distinctly yours. It's challenging, but the payoff is a venture you can proudly call your own.

I’ve heard from a Direct Care Physician that when he decided to embark on this journey, he invited other colleagues to do the same. However, they refused due to various concerns, especially those connected to the business side of things, like 'I'm not sure I have the profile to be an entrepreneur.'

Come on, you've already accomplished many challenging things in life. You are certainly intelligent and capable enough to run a business. Believe in your ability to manage a business effectively and study hard for it. Be prepared to step out of your comfort zone and be open to developing new skills. It can be a very rewarding journey.

Remember, you are not alone. There are thousands of people facing the same challenges. Be curious to reach out to them and learn from their experiences. Having the right mindset to seek help when necessary is crucial.

The We Dimension in Direct Primary Care - DPC: Patient-Physician Relationship

In this chapter, we will explore how the patient-physician relationship changes when transitioning from the traditional healthcare system to Direct Primary Care (DPC).

By removing the insurance element from your relationship, you will find an opportunity to build stronger, more meaningful relationships with each patient.

This change allows for longer appointment times to:

• Understand the medical histories, lifestyle choices, and personal preferences of patients.
• Tailor treatment plans to each patient's specific needs, offering more personalized care.

“I believe I can do a better job if I am able to build a relationship with each one”

This new scenario indicates that the patient will:

• Feel listened to and more comfortable discussing their health concerns openly with you.
• Have access to better healthcare outcomes, not only relieving their pain but also acting preventatively for their health, preventing major diseases.

From the financial perspective, the benefit is also very impressive, as your patient will no longer have to deal with surprise medical bills.

Embracing the Patient Success Mindset and Navigating Through the Patient Experience in Direct Primary Care - DPC

Patient success is a philosophy that must pervade your Direct Primary Care practice. The relationship does not represent only the appointment; it encompasses every touchpoint and interaction that a patient encounters throughout their healthcare experience.

How positive was the experience of navigating through your DPC practice website?

Did the patient see a great review about you, learn something new?

How easy was it to schedule an appointment with you?

Did you offer a convenient online booking option and provide clear guidance for the upcoming visit?

How prompt was the response when the patient reached out to you via email or phone?

Did you have the right protocol for urgent needs or when same-day or next-day appointments are needed?

How comfortable was the experience when the patient arrived at your Direct Primary Care - DPC practice?

Did you offer an easy check-in process and make them feel comfortable in the waiting area?

How effective was the appointment?

Did you actively listen to them, addressing any concerns or questions they had?

How supportive were you after the appointment?

Did you check if the patient improved after taking the medication and provide emotional support?

How committed are you to continually improving your practice?

Did you send a patient satisfaction survey to collect their feedback?

There are so many touchpoints that affect the patient experience, right? Understanding and optimizing the patient experience journey is crucial for you to deliver high-quality, patient-centric care that meets the needs and expectations of your patients.

The IT Dimension in Direct Primary Care - DPC: Your Practice

It's time to cover some key pillars that will serve as the foundation for establishing your Direct Care Practice.

Starting a DPC Practice: Business Plan for Direct Primary Care

Writing a business plan for your Direct Care Practice is a crucial step. It not only provides you with a clear strategy and vision but also sets the stage for successfully adopting the Direct Care Model.

Think of it like building a house:

At the base of your structure are your Practice Values. These are the core principles that guide every aspect of your practice. They shape how you interact with patients, collaborate with your team, and make decisions, ensuring that integrity, compassion, and excellence permeate every facet of care.

Moving up, we find your practice Mission. This is a reflection of why your practice exists and should mirror your unwavering commitment to achieving excellence in Direct Care.

Above this foundational layer are the Strategic Objectives, the pillars of your Direct Primary Care practice. These could include goals such as:

• Attracting new patients to reach a specific panel target.
• Retaining a certain percentage of your patient panel.
• Maintaining an excellent level of patient satisfaction as measured by the Net Promoter Score.
• Committing to continuous learning through attending a set number of conferences and collaborating with a certain number of fellow physicians.

And finally, at the roof, is your Vision. This encapsulates the ultimate health outcome you strive for in your practice. Your vision is what drives and guides all your efforts, fostering continuous growth towards grander goals in healthcare.

Structuring your Direct Primary Care - DPC Membership Plan and Services Line

When shaping your Membership Plan and Service Line, it's important to allocate time to clearly define what you'll offer.

Typically, a Direct Primary Care plan ensures seamless communication with patients through phone, text, or email. Such a plan often encompasses a range of benefits, including:

• Unlimited virtual or in-person consultations without any co-pays.
• The option of same-day or next-day appointments in urgent needs.
• Annual comprehensive health check-ups.
• A yearly personalized care plan tailored to each patient.
• Recommendations for mental health and wellness.
• Ongoing management and support for chronic diseases, with treatment adjustments as necessary.

Additionally, you could offer other services or products at cost. These might include affordable lab tests, discounted imaging services, and reduced prices on supplements.

For those specializing in Direct Specialty Care, it's advisable to incorporate services unique to your specialty. For instance, if your specialty is Endocrinology, you can cover treatments for conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, hormone therapy for delayed or late puberty, management of hypothyroidism, and medically-supervised weight loss programs.

Pricing your Direct Primary Care - DPC Services

Exploring payment models reveals 3 primary methods of operation:

• Subscription Basis: This approach involves patients paying a monthly fee directly to your practice. The major benefit? It provides a steady and predictable income stream.
• Cash-Pay Model: In this model, patients pay on a per-service basis, covering appointments, lab tests, and other services as they use them.
• Hybrid Model: This combines elements of both the subscription and cash-pay models, offering flexibility in payment structures.

Determining the appropriate fee for your services is an important step. While there's no definitive right or wrong value, it varies based on several factors:

• Operational costs, including staff salaries, facility expenses, technology, etc.
• The cost of living in your area.
• The types of services included in your plan.
• The amount patients are willing to pay.

Nicholas Shiver, a Financial Advisor specializing in Direct Primary Care Practices, emphasizes the importance of striking a balance. It's about making services affordable for patients while ensuring the financial health of the practice, thereby guaranteeing both respect for the service and its long-term sustainability.

Your business plan should also encompass various facets of your practice, including financial considerations, market analysis, marketing and patient acquisition strategies, and legal notes. These topics will be explored in upcoming chapters.

3 Real-Life Examples You Can Use as a Reference to Highlight the Direct Primary Care - DPC Benefits

1. Highlighting Patient Empowerment and Engagement

Dr. Michelle Cooke, the founder of Sol Direct Primary Care, has a very didactic way to explain how Direct Care empowers patients to achieve individualized healthcare goals: 

‍"When we visit the doctor, we usually have our own concerns in mind. We might want to discuss weight loss, stress management, or handling anxiety. Unfortunately, many times the doctor has their own set agenda. In the insurance-based system, that agenda often involves a lengthy checklist that needs to be addressed just for billing purposes, which can sometimes leave little time to address the issues that truly matter to you.

This is where Direct Primary Care comes into play. Yes, we, as your doctors, have our agenda too—to ensure you're taking all necessary precautions for maintaining good health. However, we dedicate ample time to our patients, allowing us to focus on what matters most to you. We value the opportunity to have conversations with our patients about their health aspirations, the goals they aim to achieve, and the tools required to reach those goals."

2. Establishing Meaningful Patient-Clinician Relationship

Dr. Harpreet Tsui, the founder of Coronado Direct Primary Care, discusses more about the patient-centric approach of Direct Care.

"Have you ever called your doctors only to be told it will require months of waiting before you can get in to see them? Or have you seen someone else in the office who knows nothing about you?

Direct Primary Care is different. Here, the focus is on you, the patient. The relationship we build with you is what ensures you receive the healthcare you need. Many of us offer longer appointments at every visit, and some even provide queue care appointments. If you wake up in the morning feeling unwell or experiencing something concerning, just give us a call—we offer same-day appointments to accommodate your needs. Additionally, many of us provide access after hours and on weekends.

We genuinely prioritize the patient-doctor relationship, which is incredibly important in today's healthcare landscape. Our goal is healthy patients. If we can craft a personalized plan to meet your needs, there's nothing better than that. Direct Primary Care represents the future of medicine."

3. Embracing Simplified Administrative Processes

Dr. Diana Girnita, Founder of the DSC Alliance and Rheumatologist OnCall, explains that Direct Care is able to address many of the pain points on the traditional system.

"In Direct Care, you have direct access to expertise, empathy, and excellent medical care. Direct Care enables me to focus on treating the patient rather than just their chart. It allows me to concentrate on the patient's needs rather than clicking boxes.

At my clinic, we offer streamlined, affordable, and personalized specialist care. Here, my patients are more than just another appointment; they are individuals in search of answers and relief. I place a high emphasis on clear, direct communication, ensuring that every concern raised by my patients is thoroughly addressed."

As seen in those examples, by focusing on personalized care, patient empowerment, and streamlined processes, you can articulate the true value that patients will gain from embracing Direct Primary Care.

Finance for Direct Primary Care - DPC

As a Direct Primary Care Entrepreneur embarking on a new Direct Primary Care Practice, it's crucial to consider several financial aspects during this transition. 

If you were previously part of a hospital system with benefits like health insurance and retirement plans, remember these responsibilities are now yours. Ensure you continue contributing to individual retirement accounts and maintain appropriate insurance coverage.

Previously, you might have had a fixed monthly income. Now, prepare for variable earnings, particularly during your practice's initial growth phase. If you have student or personal loans, it's prudent to plan ahead to manage these expenses.

Budgeting and Cost Management for Direct Primary Care- DPC

Understanding the costs associated with starting and running your practice is vital for maintaining healthy finances. Optimizing cash flow is a key strategy for Direct Care Clinicians. Financial Advisor Nick Shives advises physicians to ask themselves:

• How can spending be optimized?
• What strategies can be implemented to save more consistently?
• In which areas can cash flow be maximized to make a significant impact?

Ensure your budget includes costs related to setting up and maintaining your medical office, staff salaries, technology platforms, and other critical elements. Operating with a focus on cost efficiency and avoiding unnecessary expenditures will undoubtedly help in minimizing expenses.

Planning Growth Forecast for your Direct Primary Care - DPC Practice

A robust financial forecast is essential and acts as a guide for your next steps. Knowing you're aligned with your financial plan provides peace of mind, grounding, and confidence in your strategy.

A key financial goal should be reaching the break-even point, where your profits match your costs. Managing overhead costs and growing your patient base are crucial factors in achieving this milestone. The upcoming will delve into attracting new patients, a vital element in reaching your financial goals.

Marketing for Direct Primary Care - DPC

Seth Godin, one of my favorite authors, wrote a book titled “This is Marketing,” where he states:

“Marketing is the generous act of helping someone solve a problem. Their problem.”

In the realm of Direct Care, effective marketing involves understanding your patients' worldviews and desires to connect with them. Then, you can create honest stories, offer solutions to your patients, solve their problems, and move forward.

I need to tell you one thing: in the initial stages, you're likely the best marketing director for your practice. Even as your practice grows, learning how to delegate while staying involved is crucial. Who better understands WHO your patients are than you? Who better understands HOW to communicate with them than you? And who better knows WHERE to find your patients than you?

The Who: Your Persona

A persona represents your Ideal Patient Profile. Create this by conducting interviews with current and potential patients. Build your character from these findings, quotes, and observations. The persona should include several pieces of information. For example:

• Name: Barbara Green
• Age: 42
• Kids? Yes, mother of two (ages 8 and 10)
• Location: Houston, Texas
• Occupation: Mechanical Engineer
• Has Insurance? Yes
• Hobbies: Watching series, cooking
• Social Media: Instagram, LinkedIn
• Qualities: Communicative, problem-solving, excellent professional, loving mother

Next, identify your persona’s main healthcare challenges. For Barbara’s example, let's say we identified 3 main pains according to the interview:

• Maintaining healthy habits: “How do I consistently provide healthy meals for my family?”
• Finding time for self-care: “I haven't had a check-up in two years; I keep forgetting.”
• Navigating insurance complexities: “Why is dealing with insurance always so complicated? Why can't I get a same-day appointment when my child is ill?”

Consider how Barbara would interact with your practice. Identify topics that interest her, the best ways to approach these, and the most effective platforms.

For instance, you might launch an Instagram video series discussing the Benefits of Direct Care, with a different topic in each video: preventive care, personalized healthcare goals, no surprise bills, same or next-day appointments etc.

Having a clear persona guides how you build your brand, your tone of voice, and the marketing initiatives you prioritize. Remember: authenticity is key. Don't try to cater to everyone. Sometimes, specializing in a specific niche makes your practice more attractive, as patients seek solutions to particular problems and trust those who can provide them.

The WHERE: Your channels

When discussing patient experience, we covered that many different touchpoints are involved in the relationship. Today, a widely used concept is PHYGITAL, a combination of physical and digital channels. The first front may include your medical office or events you attend or help organize to be closer to your community. The second front is digital channels, which may include websites, social media, reviews on Google, and other marketplaces you are part of. 

Regarding social media channels, it might be beneficial to have a presence on multiple platforms, but always be aware of the social media platform where your persona is. Selecting the right platform and adjusting the content for it is an important step in your marketing strategy. For example, if your Persona Study reveals your patient spends a significant amount of time on Instagram, focus there. If you plan to start partnering with employers soon, LinkedIn may be a good choice. Be intentional about the channels you are in.

The HOW: Your Strategy

Here, I'd like to share some key pieces of advice for running your marketing plan.

Website

The first experience of a potential patient often happens via a website. Since first impressions matter, let's leverage this important channel for your practice. 

• Your site should clearly explain the Ws: why DPC, what you offer, who you are, where your practice is based, which channels a patient can use to communicate with you, and when they can schedule a first appointment. Including testimonials is also essential. Consider using a Website Architecture like that:

• Your site should be optimized to convert visitors into patients. Facilitate online booking and a responsive contact system, where patients can easily reach out and receive prompt responses.
• Your site should be responsive, meaning the experience of navigating through it should be seamless on different devices like notebooks, tablets, and cell phones.

Patient Education & Content Marketing 

Creating valuable content regularly is an essential part of your strategy.

• Share insights, health tips, and updates about your practice.
• Incorporate testimonials, reviews, and shared experiences from patients or collaborations with other professionals into your agenda.

Remember, we are in the era of videos. So I encourage you to be in front of the camera for your patients. This can be a powerful way to engage your audience, making them feel closer to you.

Referrals & Partnerships

Word-of-mouth referrals are among the most potent tools for your Direct Care Practice to attract new patients. A happy patient can advocate for your practice and bring many others to you. Therefore, regularly engaging with them is key to strengthening these relationships.

Partnering with other healthcare providers can also be a great strategy. Establishing partnerships with local businesses, such as personal trainers and dentists, can open doors to new patient bases. Setting regular meetings with these partners allows for mutual promotion and referrals, functioning as a local DPC support network. Keep this in mind!

Direct Care for Employers: Expanding Your DPC Practice

As a clinician, you are uniquely positioned to offer a valuable healthcare solution that benefits not only individual patients but also local businesses and their employees. Partnering with employers to provide DPC services is a strategic move that can significantly expand your patient base and stabilize your revenue streams. Here's how you can grow your practice by embracing employer partnerships.

The Business Case for DPC in Employer Healthcare

Employers are constantly seeking ways to improve employee retention, increase productivity, and reduce healthcare costs. The traditional fee-for-service healthcare model often fails to meet these needs, leading to wasted resources and unhappy employees. Direct Primary Care offers a compelling alternative:

Reduced Costs

By charging a flat monthly fee, DPC simplifies budgeting for employers and eliminates the unpredictability of healthcare expenses.

Enhanced Employee Productivity‍

With better access to preventive care and management of chronic conditions, employees take fewer sick days and perform better at work.

Improved Retention‍

Companies that offer innovative benefits like DPC are more attractive to potential hires and more likely to retain current employees.

Streamlined Healthcare Management‍

DPC cuts through the red tape of traditional health plans, offering simpler administrative processes and fewer bureaucratic headaches.

Implementing a Successful Employer Partnership

1. Identify Potential Employer Partners‍

Look for local businesses that align with your practice’s capabilities and size. Smaller businesses, in particular, might be more open to innovative healthcare solutions like DPC that can be tailored to their specific needs.

2. Tailor Your Services

Customize your DPC offerings to address the specific health needs of the employer's workforce. This might include on-site clinics, dedicated physician hours for employees, or specialized wellness programs.

3. Educate and Advocate‍

Many employers are not familiar with the benefits of DPC. Prepare clear, concise informational materials that outline the advantages of DPC over traditional plans, focusing on cost savings, better care, and higher employee satisfaction.

4. Leverage Success Stories‍

Share case studies or testimonials from other businesses that have benefited from your DPC services. Real-world examples can be powerful in demonstrating the value of a DPC partnership.

5. Offer Seamless Integration‍

Make the transition to DPC as easy as possible for employers. This might involve assisting with the setup of billing systems, integrating with their existing HR processes, and providing ongoing support to ensure a smooth rollout.

Hosting Events to Connect with Employers

Organizing educational events can be an effective way to introduce your DPC practice to local businesses. Consider hosting seminars or workshops that focus on the benefits of DPC for employee health and business performance. Events like "The Bridge to Better: The Positive Side of Direct Primary Care" can offer valuable networking opportunities and allow you to showcase your expertise directly to decision-makers.

Technology for Direct Primary Care - DPC

When talking with various Direct Care Clinicians, I noticed that they recognize the importance of technology that meets the needs of their practice. At the same time, most have already faced some traumas throughout their journey.

There are 3 main criteria identified from Clinicians who are just starting their Direct Care Practice:

Complexity vs. Ease of Use

A common complaint is that most tools are overly complex, making it difficult to navigate and causing them to waste time. You may have the same feeling of wanting to have a healthcare platform that works for you, right?

Decision Point: A key element when choosing a DPC EMR solution is the ease-of-use criteria in every single action. This may include various points, such as step-by-step of each feature, user experience when navigating through the platform, customer support, etc.

Vertical Platforms vs. All-in-One Solutions for Direct Primary Care - DPC Practices

We have identified that many physicians have been using a set of 4 tools or more to run their practice. Generally, these tools are separated into EMR, Billing/Membership Management, Scheduling, and Communication.

This scenario brings 2 main problems:

• High cost of hiring so many different tools.
• Hassle dealing with integrations and APIs, transporting sensitive patient data from one place to another.

Decision Point: Opting for an All-in-One Platform can streamline your operations. SigmaMD, for instance, integrates 6 essential elements, comprehensively addressing all Direct Care needs: 1. EMR, 2. AI Copilot, 3. Membership & Billing, 4. Employer Solutions, 5. Communication Tools, 6. Practice Management.

Expensive vs. Affordable Solutions

As we've seen before, in the DPC startup phase, it's important to be even more mindful about each dollar spent. So, when choosing your platform, beware of hidden fees or surcharges on payments. This can significantly affect your financial planning. 

Decision Point: Partner with a technology that has a transparent pricing model. Affordability can go hand in hand with quality. It's just a matter of looking at the big picture of what you're hiring.

And remember: An excellent platform can save you a lot of time on administrative burdens, allowing you to focus on the most important thing: your patients!

Legal Aspects for Direct Primary Care - DPC

So far, Direct Primary Care laws had been passed in 32 states, with pending legislation in others. Knowing the status of the states where you are based is very important! You should also consider if you will focus on offering treatments to patients in your local community/state, or if you are considering expanding to more states - this may require specific permissions. On the DPC Frontier website, there is a very nice summary that you can access for those topics.

In this section, we will also delve into key legal considerations when contracting with patients. These insights come from Dr. Philip Eskew's lecture at the DPC Summit 2023.

When Contracting With a Patient

• Defining Care Scope: Establishing clear expectations is crucial. This includes outlining the scope of care—preventive, chronic, and urgent care—in your marketing materials, website, and contract.
• Listing Medications Clearly: It's advisable to provide a detailed list of medications you typically prescribe and those you do not. This can prevent misunderstandings, especially for patients who register online and might overlook the fine print of click-through agreements.
• Setting Communication Standards: Clarify your communication preferences and establish a security hierarchy that complies with HIPAA standards.
• Controlled Substance Guidelines: Decide whether you'll prescribe controlled substances and, if so, whether you'll require a contract, pill counts, or drug testing, and whether these will be included in the patient's fees.

When Contracting With Employers

• Educate Employers on Information Sharing: It's important to inform employers about what kind of patient information can be shared. This includes understanding the limits and permissions for sharing patient data under HIPAA.
• Employer Expectations on Data: Large employers, especially those accustomed to receiving extensive data in regular healthcare settings, might demand detailed information. Be prepared to manage these expectations.
• Addressing Employer Data Demands: Employers may request specific data or metrics that might not be relevant or valuable in a DPC context. Carefully balance the need to provide necessary information with maintaining the integrity and privacy standards of the DPC model.

When Documenting an Encounter

• Importance of Accurate Documentation: Documenting patient encounters is a pivotal part of patient care and legal compliance. Under HIPAA regulations, patients have the right to access their records. What you document will eventually be in their hands, so clarity is crucial.
• Mindful Language in Records: Avoid negatively charged terms that imply intent or judgment, such as "malingering," and focus on objective observations and clinical assessments.
• Timeliness of Documentation: Document right after the patient visit for accuracy and relevance. Delayed documentation raises red flags in legal scenarios.
• Dynamic Record Updating: Note what you're waiting for in your initial documentation if awaiting test results or further information, and update the record once new information is available.

What If a Patient Complains

• Responding to Online Reviews: If a patient leaves a negative Google review, your response must be HIPAA compliant. Remember: you cannot disclose any specific information about the patient's condition or treatment.
• Handling False or Misleading Reviews: Sometimes, you might receive reviews from individuals who aren't your patients, or the complaints might be baseless. In such cases, encourage your satisfied patients to leave positive reviews. This approach can help mitigate the impact of negative feedback. However, remember that platforms like Google generally won't remove negative reviews unless they violate specific guidelines.
• Addressing Medical Board Complaints: If a complaint reaches the medical board, involving an attorney can be beneficial, especially if you have malpractice insurance. Most insurance policies provide some level of legal support in these situations. It's important to address board complaints seriously and promptly.‍
• Staying Prepared and Proactive: To limit the likelihood of complaints escalating to board or legal issues, maintain high standards in patient care, documentation, and communication. Being proactive in addressing concerns and complaints at the practice level can prevent many issues from escalating. Always seek legal advice when necessary.

Ready to take your Direct Primary Care - DPC Practice to new heights?

I hope you've taken several notes and gathered insights to apply to your practice from today onward! And, of course, count on our SigmaMD team for the next steps in your journey!

By the way, it's so nice to talk about something we like, right? I have this feeling with this guide. Thank you for the coffee and for supporting the Direct Care Movement!