Starting a Direct Primary Care Practice
A practical checklist covering the key regulatory, business, operational, and technology steps physicians should consider when launching a DPC practice.
Direct Primary Care Startup
Executive Checklist for Physicians
Starting a Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice involves several regulatory, business, and
operational steps. The checklist below provides a high-level overview of the major areas
physicians should address when preparing to launch a DPC clinic.
Requirements vary by state and locality. Physicians should confirm all regulatory requirements
with their state medical board and local authorities.
1. Physician Regulatory Preparation
☐ Consider opting out of Medicare if practicing under a direct payment model through the
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
☐ Update practice address with your state medical board
☐ Update practice address with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
☐ Update state controlled substance registration if applicable
2. Business Formation
☐ Establish a legal business entity (LLC, PLLC, or professional corporation)
☐ Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service
☐ Register a DBA or fictitious name if operating under a brand name
☐ Establish business banking and accounting systems
3. Regulatory and Clinical Compliance
☐ Determine whether state or local clinic licensing requirements apply
☐ Apply for CLIA certification if performing in-office laboratory testing
☐ Determine whether a physician dispensing license is required for medication dispensing
☐ Establish medical waste and biohazard disposal processes
4. Insurance Coverage
☐ Professional malpractice insurance
☐ General liability insurance
☐ Property or business insurance
☐ Workers compensation insurance if hiring employees
5. Workplace Safety
☐ Establish workplace safety policies and protocols consistent with standards from the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
☐ Implement bloodborne pathogen and sharps safety procedures
6. Practice Infrastructure
☐ Select and implement an electronic medical record system
☐ Establish HIPAA privacy and security policies
☐ Develop patient membership agreements and practice policies
☐ Set up payment processing and billing systems
7. Office Setup
☐ Secure office location
☐ Acquire clinical equipment and supplies
☐ Set up exam rooms and workspace
8. Technology and Communication
☐ Implement phone and communication systems
☐ Establish patient messaging capabilities
☐ Launch a practice website or online presence
9. Launch Preparation
☐ Establish membership pricing structure
☐ Prepare patient onboarding materials
☐ Begin community outreach and marketing
Practice Launch
Once these foundational elements are in place, physicians can begin enrolling members and
delivering care through the Direct Primary Care model.
This checklist is intended as a general overview to help physicians begin thinking through the
major components involved in starting a Direct Primary Care practice.
Prepared by Sarfaraz Dhanji, MD – Magnus Direct Primary Care