DPC Pediatricians Podcast

Marina Capella & Phil Boucher

The place to learn all things pediatric DPC dpcpediatricians.substack.com

  1. What Causes Attrition in Pediatric DPC?

    22 MARS

    What Causes Attrition in Pediatric DPC?

    In this episode of the DPC Pediatricians Podcast, Phil and Marina tackle a question every Direct Primary Care (DPC) pediatrician eventually faces: why do patients leave—and how often does it really happen? Drawing on five years of real-world experience, they unpack the truth behind patient attrition in a membership-based model. While DPC is known for its accessibility, strong relationships, and high-quality care, no practice is immune to turnover. But the reasons patients leave may surprise you—and they’re not always what you’d expect. From families relocating or experiencing financial changes, to shifts in expectations or misunderstandings about the DPC model, Phil and Marina break down the most common causes of attrition. They also explore a critical mindset shift: not all attrition is a failure. In many cases, it’s a natural and even healthy part of running a sustainable practice. The conversation goes deeper into how pediatricians can: * Set clear expectations from the start * Build stronger, longer-lasting relationships with families * Identify preventable vs. unavoidable attrition * Use patient departures as opportunities for growth and refinement If you’ve ever worried about losing patients—or wondered what attrition really looks like in a thriving DPC practice—this episode offers both reassurance and practical insight. Whether you’re new to DPC or years into your journey, this discussion will challenge your assumptions and help you build a more resilient, patient-centered 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

    26 min
  2. Are Meet and Greets Worth the Effort?

    1 MARS

    Are Meet and Greets Worth the Effort?

    Episode Overview In this episode, the hosts discuss the value of hosting meet-and-greet events in a Direct Primary Care (DPC) pediatric practice. They explore whether these events are worth the time and effort, how to structure them effectively, and how they contribute to long-term patient relationships and practice growth. Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Purpose of Meet and Greets Meet-and-greets are designed to: * Build trust with prospective families * Explain the DPC model clearly * Answer common questions about membership, pricing, and access * Allow families to assess personality fit before committing The hosts emphasize that in DPC pediatrics, relationship-building is central — and these events help establish that foundation early. 2. Are They Worth the Effort? The hosts acknowledge: * They require time, preparation, and emotional energy * Attendance can be unpredictable * Not every attendee converts to a member However, they conclude that: * Even small groups can be impactful * Conversions often happen later, not immediately * The trust built can lead to strong long-term members They view meet-and-greets as a long-game relationship strategy rather than a short-term sales tool. 3. Setting Expectations Important considerations include: * Being clear about what DPC is (and isn’t) * Addressing misconceptions about insurance * Explaining communication access (texting, same-day visits, etc.) * Clarifying pricing and membership structure Transparency reduces friction and builds confidence. 4. Format & Structure Tips The hosts discuss: * Hosting events in-office or virtually * Keeping groups small and conversational * Allowing plenty of time for Q&A * Avoiding a hard “sales pitch” tone They stress authenticity — families are evaluating personality and philosophy as much as logistics. 5. Relationship Over Revenue A recurring theme is that DPC is relational.Meet-and-greets: * Attract families who align with the practice model * Filter out families who may not be a good fit * Strengthen word-of-mouth referrals The goal is not volume, but alignment and trust. Overall Message Meet-and-greets are absolutely worth the effort in a DPC pediatric practice — not because they guarantee immediate sign-ups, but because they build credibility, clarify expectations, and foster strong patient-physician relationships. They are an investment in community-building and long-term practice stability. 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

    19 min
  3. Does Pediatric DPC work in rural areas?

    18 JANV.

    Does Pediatric DPC work in rural areas?

    This episode explores whether direct primary care pediatrics can work in rural communities and concludes that it is feasible but requires tailoring to local realities. Phil and Marina explain that many rural areas have lower, more homogeneous incomes, so pediatricians must study median income and set realistic monthly fees—often lower than urban practices—while clearly defining what is included, such as a well‑child exam plus a limited number of sick visits, with extra services billed separately to keep the model sustainable. Sparse populations mean not all children will join DPC, so physicians must confirm there are enough potential patients and use strategic contracts and panel sizes to make the math work. A key opportunity is telehealth, which allows management of issues like rashes, parenting questions, and behavioral concerns without long drives, making DPC attractive for families who would otherwise face significant travel. Phil and Marina describe niche approaches—such as behavioral health, ADHD, autism, or PANS/PANDAS care and parent‑coaching micro‑practices—that rely heavily on virtual visits and can serve a wider region, and they note that some rural areas include pockets of higher‑income families (for example, a town with an elite boarding school) that can sustain higher‑priced pediatric DPC, reinforcing their point that each DPC practice must be uniquely designed for its community. 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

    16 min

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The place to learn all things pediatric DPC dpcpediatricians.substack.com

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