DPC Pediatricians Podcast

In this episode of "DPC Pediatrician," Dr. Phil Boucher and Dr. Marina Capella discuss a unique aspect of pricing in pediatric Direct Primary Care (DPC): the family maximum charge. This episode dives into whether implementing a family maximum fee makes sense for your practice. They share their experiences with large families in their practices and explore the advantages and potential challenges of setting a cap on how much a family pays, no matter how many children they have. If you're wondering whether a family maximum is right for your DPC practice, this conversation is a must-listen!

Key Highlights:

* Dr. Phil explains why his practice set a $300 family maximum, emphasizing how large families with multiple children tend to be lower utilizers of services.

* Discussion on how families with several children benefit from a cap, making pediatric care more affordable and encouraging them to join a DPC practice.

* Dr. Marina highlights how offering integrative services in addition to pediatric care requires careful planning, particularly for large families that may seek specialized treatments.

* Both doctors agree that larger families often have lower utilization rates because experienced parents are more confident and tend to seek care only when necessary.

* Advice on adjusting pricing models to balance profitability and affordability while keeping care accessible for bigger families.

* Insight into when it might be necessary to customize pricing for families with complex medical needs or high utilization.

Setting a family maximum can make your pediatric DPC practice more attractive to large families and help foster long-term relationships with them. It’s important to find a balance between affordability for the families and sustainability for your practice.

Tune in next time for more strategies to enhance your pediatric DPC practice.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dpcpediatricians.substack.com

In this episode of "DPC Pediatrician," Dr. Phil Boucher and Dr. Marina Capella explore an exciting question for pediatricians: Can you teach while running a Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice? They share their personal experiences with teaching medical students and residents, discussing how they integrate educational opportunities into their DPC practices. Whether you're passionate about educating the next generation of physicians or curious about how to stay involved in academia, this episode provides insights and actionable tips on making it work in a DPC setting.

Key Highlights:

* Dr. Marina explains how she became an adjunct faculty member and began teaching medical students, emphasizing the value of volunteer work and preceptorships.

* Dr. Phil shares his experience hosting M3s and pediatric residents in his clinic, offering them a more personalized and relaxed learning environment compared to traditional practices.

* Both doctors discuss the advantages of teaching in DPC, including the flexibility to give students more hands-on experience and in-depth education.

* Insight into how DPC provides the time and space to teach not just clinical skills but also introduce students to the DPC model and business aspects of healthcare.

* Dr. Marina talks about her creative approach to teaching medical Spanish in her clinic, combining real-world scenarios with classroom learning.

* Practical advice for DPC pediatricians interested in teaching, including how to connect with local medical schools and offer valuable learning opportunities.

If you're passionate about teaching and wondering how to integrate it into your DPC practice, this episode proves that it’s not only possible but also incredibly rewarding. By creating unique educational experiences for medical students and residents, you can inspire the next generation of physicians while enjoying the benefits of the DPC model.

Tune in for more insightful discussions in future episodes!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dpcpediatricians.substack.com

In this episode of "DPC Pediatrician," Dr. Phil Boucher and Dr. Marina Capella dive into a topic that every pediatrician considering Direct Primary Care (DPC) wants to know: How long does it take to become profitable? They discuss the financial realities of starting a DPC practice, sharing their experiences and offering insights into the factors influencing profitability. From planning for slower months to knowing your overhead costs, this episode provides actionable advice for anyone navigating the financial side of DPC.

Key Highlights:

* Dr. Marina shares her experience of taking longer than expected to become profitable, emphasizing the importance of having financial safety nets and being prepared for a slow start.

* Discussion on how having side gigs or other income streams can help stabilize finances during the first year of DPC.

* Dr. Phil explains the significant costs of running a practice, highlighting major expenses for rent, vaccines, staff, and technology.

* Tips for reducing overhead, such as starting with home visits or virtual care, to accelerate profitability.

* Insights into patient acquisition and why it’s essential to manage expectations around how many patients will follow from previous practices.

* Practical advice on planning for long-term financial success, including budgeting for personal and clinic expenses and considering lines of credit.

* Emphasis on being patient, flexible, and willing to try different strategies to attract patients and grow the practice sustainably.

Becoming profitable in a DPC practice takes time, and every journey is different. Whether you're aiming for profitability within six months or preparing for a longer road, this episode offers valuable tips to help you plan and manage your practice’s financial health.

Don’t forget to tune in for more insights on building a thriving DPC practice!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dpcpediatricians.substack.com

In this episode of "DPC Pediatrician," Dr. Phil Boucher and Dr. Marina Capella discuss one of the most significant pain points for pediatricians: charting. They share practical strategies to reduce the time spent on charting without compromising patient care.

By leveraging technology, optimizing workflows, and adopting best practices, they provide actionable tips to help pediatricians in Direct Primary Care (DPC) create more time for patient interactions and personal well-being.

Key Highlights:

* Dr. Phil and Dr. Marina talk about the common challenges pediatricians face with charting and documentation.

* Insights into using Electronic Medical Records (EMR) efficiently to streamline charting processes.

* Tips for adopting voice recognition software and other technological tools to speed up documentation.

* Discussion on the importance of creating templates and standardized forms to reduce repetitive data entry.

* Strategies for balancing thorough documentation with the need to minimize time spent on charting.

* Real-life examples from their own practices on how they have successfully reduced charting time.

* The benefits of having more time for patient care and personal life when charting is managed effectively.

Reducing time spent on charting can significantly enhance the quality of life for pediatricians and improve patient care.

By implementing the strategies discussed in this episode, you can streamline your documentation process and focus more on what truly matters: providing excellent care to your patients.

Stay tuned for more tips and insights in our upcoming episodes.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dpcpediatricians.substack.com

In this episode of "DPC Pediatrician," Dr. Phil Boucher and Dr. Marina Capella address a crucial aspect of running a Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice: getting comfortable asking patients for money. They discuss pediatricians' challenges when transitioning from traditional practice settings, where financial discussions were handled by others, to a DPC model that requires direct financial conversations.

Tune in to learn practical tips and strategies for confidently discussing fees and valuing your services.

Key Highlights:

* Dr. Phil and Dr. Marina share their initial discomfort with discussing fees and how repeated practice helped them overcome it.

* Insights into framing the value of DPC services, emphasizing the benefits such as unlimited visits, direct access to the pediatrician, and hassle-free communication.

* Discussion on pricing strategies and adjustments, particularly how to set fair prices that reflect the value provided while covering practice overhead.

* The importance of understanding patients' perspectives and focusing on the benefits they receive, rather than the technical aspects of the DPC model.

* Strategies for handling objections and explaining the cost-effectiveness of DPC compared to traditional insurance-based practices.

* Tips for marketing your DPC practice by highlighting convenience, personalized care, and transparency in pricing.

* Encouragement should be given to embracing the discomfort of financial discussions and viewing each interaction as an opportunity to educate and build trust with potential patients.

Getting comfortable with asking for money is a critical skill for DPC pediatricians.

By focusing on the value you provide and practicing your financial conversations, you can ensure your practice thrives while delivering exceptional care. If you have more questions about the financial aspects of DPC, reach out to us—we're here to help!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dpcpediatricians.substack.com

In this episode, Dr. Phil Boucher and Dr. Marina Capella discuss one of the most pressing concerns for pediatricians considering DPC: managing vaccines. They explore the challenges and solutions surrounding vaccine procurement and administration in a DPC model and offer practical advice on how to navigate this critical aspect of pediatric care without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re a seasoned DPC practitioner or just contemplating the switch, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you ensure your practice can effectively handle vaccinations.

Key Highlights:

* Dr. Phil shares his experience with VaxCare, a service that simplifies vaccine management by handling procurement, billing, and inventory tracking.

* Dr. Marina discusses alternative solutions for states without VaxCare, such as partnerships with local pharmacies and other practices to provide vaccines.

* Examination of the financial implications of stocking vaccines and how to manage costs effectively, including strategies like adjusting membership fees.

* Exploration of using services like ClaimMD to submit vaccine-related claims and potentially recoup some costs from insurance.

* Discussion on the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, its benefits, and the administrative workload it entails.

* Emphasis on the importance of not letting vaccine logistics deters pediatricians from transitioning to the DPC model, as there are multiple viable solutions.

Don’t let the challenge of managing vaccines keep you from pursuing a Direct Primary Care model if it aligns with your vision for pediatric practice. There are numerous ways to navigate this hurdle, and the flexibility of DPC allows for creative and effective solutions. Stay tuned for more episodes that tackle the real-world challenges and triumphs of DPC pediatricians.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dpcpediatricians.substack.com

Welcome back to "DPC Pediatrician." In today’s episode, Dr. Phil Boucher and Dr. Marina Capella address a concern that many pediatricians face when contemplating a Direct Primary Care (DPC) model: managing high-needs parents and special needs children. They explore how the DPC setting changes the dynamics of these relationships, allowing for more personalized care and ultimately reducing the stress associated with high-demand patients. Join us as they share personal experiences and effective strategies for fostering patient relationships that are nurturing and sustainable.

Key Highlights

* Discussion on the realities of dealing with high-needs parents, emphasizing that while some parents may initially seem demanding, their anxieties often lessen with time and trust built through consistent, quality care.

* Insight into managing special needs children in a DPC setting, where extended visit times and personalized attention can lead to more comprehensive and satisfying care for both patient and provider.

* Dr. Marina and Dr. Phil reflect on the transformative impact of having the flexibility to address complex cases more thoroughly, which was often challenging in traditional practice settings due to time constraints.

* Examples of how DPC has allowed for better management of chronic conditions and complex medical needs through a more involved and proactive approach.

* Discussion on the benefits of modern communication tools like texting for maintaining continuity of care and providing quick updates, which enhances patient satisfaction and care outcomes.

More questions or want more help?Learn more at www.dpcpediatrician.com

This episode highlights the unique advantages of Direct Primary Care in managing high-needs patients, offering hope and practical solutions to pediatricians who may feel overwhelmed by the demands of their practice. By embracing DPC, providers can rediscover the joy of pediatrics through meaningful interactions and improved patient care.

Share this podcast with your colleagues who might be considering a leap into DPC or anyone passionate about innovative healthcare solutions.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dpcpediatricians.substack.com

In this episode, Dr. Phil Boucher and Dr. Marina Capella explore the nuanced question: Can Direct Primary Care (DPC) serve low-income families effectively? This discussion delves into their personal experiences and innovative strategies for incorporating diverse economic backgrounds into their practices. The episode provides a heartfelt examination of the challenges and solutions involved in making DPC accessible to all, regardless of financial standing.

Key Highlights

* Dr. Marina discusses her commitment to serving underserved communities and her strategic approaches to integrate low-income families into her practice.

* Dr. Phil shares insights on the common misconceptions about DPC being only for the wealthy and discusses the demographic reality of his patient panel which includes a diverse economic range.

* Introduction of sliding scale fees as a practical solution to offer quality care to those who might not otherwise afford it, including a discussion on how these are managed within their practices to maintain sustainability.

* The importance of community engagement and flexibility in service offerings to accommodate the financial and healthcare needs of various families, especially those who are low-income or uninsured.

* Real-life examples of community support initiatives like formula banks and partnerships with local agencies to provide necessary care and support during community crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and formula shortages.

More questions or want more help?Learn more at www.dpcpediatrician.com

This episode underscores the potential of Direct Primary Care to adapt and serve a wide economic demographic, challenging the notion that personalized care is only for the affluent. By being creative and community-focused, DPC practices can play a pivotal role in broadening access to quality healthcare.

Share this podcast with your colleagues who might be considering a leap into DPC or anyone passionate about innovative healthcare solutions.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dpcpediatricians.substack.com

In this episode, Dr. Phil Boucher and Dr. Marina Capella dive into the nuances of naming a Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice. They explore the strategic and personal considerations that influence the choice of a practice name, reflecting on their experiences and the broader implications of this decision. This discussion illuminates the process of establishing an identity for a medical practice that aligns with personal values and professional aspirations, offering listeners practical advice for making this important decision.

Key Highlights

* The importance of choosing a practice name that embodies the brand and unique identity of the pediatrician, going beyond just a generic title.

* Considerations around using personal surnames in practice names and the potential for future growth or partnership, which might influence the choice to opt for a more generic or inclusive name.

* Tips on ensuring the chosen name is not already in use or too similar to existing practices nearby, including a recommended Google search to check for any overlaps.

* The significance of the practice name in everyday operations, such as answering phone calls or promoting the practice online, and how it becomes a part of the practice's identity.

* Discussion on long-term considerations, including how the choice of name might affect future business transitions, such as selling the practice or expanding.

More questions or want more help?Learn more at www.dpcpediatrician.com

Naming your practice is a significant step in shaping its identity and how it's perceived in the community. It's more than just a label—it's a reflection of your medical philosophy, your community's culture, and your personal brand. Whether you're about to name your practice or reconsidering the name of an existing one, consider what your choice will communicate to your patients and colleagues.

Share this podcast with your colleagues who might be considering a leap into DPC or anyone passionate about innovative healthcare solutions.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dpcpediatricians.substack.com

Join Dr. Phil Boucher and Dr. Marina Capella as they explore the critical topic of behavioral health in pediatric care within the Direct Primary Care (DPC) model. This episode dives deep into the evolving role of pediatricians from dealing primarily with acute medical conditions to addressing the growing needs around behavioral health. Dr. Marina shares her innovative approaches, including clinical hypnosis and integrative modalities, that are reshaping how pediatricians provide comprehensive care.

Key Highlights

* Discussion on the historical shift in pediatric care responsibilities and the increasing focus on behavioral health due to a decrease in acute, life-threatening conditions.

* Insights into the limitations of traditional fee-for-service models in addressing behavioral health needs, particularly the constraints on time and the impact on quality care.

* Dr. Marina's personal journey from feeling constrained in a community health setting to embracing the freedom DPC offers, allowing her to implement effective therapeutic interventions.

* Introduction to clinical hypnosis and other therapeutic techniques used in DPC settings to empower children and families dealing with anxiety, ADHD, and other behavioral health issues.

* Real-world examples of how extended consultations in DPC facilitate deeper engagement with patients, leading to more personalized and effective care.

* Exploration of various modalities, including myofascial release and cognitive behavioral therapy, to address complex behavioral health needs.

More questions or want more help?Learn more at www.dpcpediatrician.com

This episode underscores the unique opportunities that DPC offers pediatricians to innovate in the field of behavioral health. By stepping away from the rapid pace of traditional models and moving towards more patient-centered care, DPC practitioners are setting new standards for comprehensive pediatric healthcare.

Share this podcast with your colleagues who might be considering a leap into DPC or anyone passionate about innovative healthcare solutions.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dpcpediatricians.substack.com