The Direct Care Podcast For Specialists

Tea Nguyen, DPM
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

Learn why and how to start an insurance-free, hassle-free Direct Specialty Care practice that lets you provide care your way for your patients without middlemen hosted by Dr. Tea Nguyen. 

  1. 3d ago

    Apex Endocrinology Health with Dr. Maria Bernal

    Send us Fan Mail What if one podcast episode changed the course of your career? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Maria Bernal Riera, a triple board-certified physician in Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, and Obesity Medicine, and founder of Apex Endocrinology Health—a 100% cash-pay telemedicine practice providing endocrinology and obesity care to patients across Florida, New York, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Dr. Bernal shares how discovering the My DPC Story podcast through a Facebook group inspired her to pursue direct specialty care immediately after fellowship. She discusses building a virtual practice from the ground up, combining expert endocrinology care with dedicated health coaching, and creating a business designed to grow beyond herself. Together, they explore the realities of physician entrepreneurship, including developing a CEO mindset, creating a financial runway with locums work, marketing a cash-pay practice, and navigating the complexities of multi-state telemedicine. Dr. Bernal also explains why she founded the DPC Telemedicine Group on Facebook and launched The Cash-Pay MD newsletter—to provide the same sense of community and support that helped her build Apex Endocrinology Health. Whether you're considering direct specialty care, telemedicine, or simply looking for a more fulfilling way to practice medicine, this episode is filled with practical insights and encouragement for physicians ready to build a practice on their own terms. Connect with Dr. Maria Bernal: 📧 Email: drbernal@apexendohealth.com 🌐 Website: Apex Endocrinology Health 📸 Instagram: @drbernalendocrinology 📘 Facebook: Apex Endocrinology Health LLC 👥 Facebook Group: DPC Telemedicine Group 📰 Newsletter: The Cash-Pay MD Support the show --> Build Your Signature Offer Before You Opt Out PDF here ***WORKSHOP: Build Your Profitable Direct Pay Package get on my email list to be the first to know about the next live coaching session here Direct Care Launch Lab: 12 week live coaching where you get a clear plan on your signature offer, a patient acquisition plan, and group support for on-going implementation. Take the readiness assessment to get started here. --- Join the Direct Care Society, a private WhatsApp community here. Ads free! EMR I'm currently using in my Direct Care practice Simple PracticeFind me on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/teadpmMore resources teadpm.com

  2. Jul 28

    So You Want To Branch Out On Your Own?

    Send us Fan Mail Thinking about leaving your employed position and starting your own practice? Before you worry about office space, staff, or financing, there's one skill you need to master first: learning how to confidently communicate the value of your services.  In this episode, I share why selling isn't about being pushy—it's about guiding patients toward the care they need. You'll learn how package-based care creates better patient outcomes, builds a more sustainable practice, and gives you greater freedom from insurance. If you're ready to build a practice on your own terms, this episode is the perfect place to start.  Support the show --> Build Your Signature Offer Before You Opt Out PDF here ***WORKSHOP: Build Your Profitable Direct Pay Package get on my email list to be the first to know about the next live coaching session here Direct Care Launch Lab: 12 week live coaching where you get a clear plan on your signature offer, a patient acquisition plan, and group support for on-going implementation. Take the readiness assessment to get started here. --- Join the Direct Care Society, a private WhatsApp community here. Ads free! EMR I'm currently using in my Direct Care practice Simple PracticeFind me on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/teadpmMore resources teadpm.com

  3. Jul 21

    Prairie Allergy with Dr. Brynn Everist

    Send us Fan Mail What if the biggest barrier to practicing great medicine isn't your specialty—it's the system you're practicing in? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Brynn Everist, a board-certified allergist, immunologist, and founder of Prairie Allergy, to talk about what happened when she stepped away from insurance and built a practice around the way she actually wanted to care for patients. We discuss why education takes time, how Direct Care creates space for innovation, and why some of the most effective treatment options never gain traction inside the traditional healthcare model. We also dive into entrepreneurship, building a product from scratch, and what it really feels like to leave the well-worn path of medicine to create something better. If you've ever wondered whether there's another way to practice, this conversation might be exactly what you need to hear. Connect with her: Website: Prairie Allergy Instagram: @allergy_bee_md and @amusedrops LinkedIn: @brynneverist Amuse Drops: https://amusedrops.com/ Support the show --> Build Your Signature Offer Before You Opt Out PDF here ***WORKSHOP: Build Your Profitable Direct Pay Package get on my email list to be the first to know about the next live coaching session here Direct Care Launch Lab: 12 week live coaching where you get a clear plan on your signature offer, a patient acquisition plan, and group support for on-going implementation. Take the readiness assessment to get started here. --- Join the Direct Care Society, a private WhatsApp community here. Ads free! EMR I'm currently using in my Direct Care practice Simple PracticeFind me on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/teadpmMore resources teadpm.com

  4. Jul 14

    Is Direct Care Right for You — Right Now?

    Send us Fan Mail You've heard about direct care—but is this really the right time to make the leap?  In this episode, I walk you through seven simple questions to help you evaluate whether you're ready to build a direct care practice. We'll cover everything from your financial runway and market demand to your support system, referral network, and willingness to learn the business side of medicine. This isn't about convincing you to leave insurance—it's about giving you clarity on where you are today and what needs to happen next.  Whether you're ready to launch or simply planning ahead, this episode will help you make your next move with more confidence and less uncertainty.  Support the show --> Build Your Signature Offer Before You Opt Out PDF here ***WORKSHOP: Build Your Profitable Direct Pay Package get on my email list to be the first to know about the next live coaching session here Direct Care Launch Lab: 12 week live coaching where you get a clear plan on your signature offer, a patient acquisition plan, and group support for on-going implementation. Take the readiness assessment to get started here. --- Join the Direct Care Society, a private WhatsApp community here. Ads free! EMR I'm currently using in my Direct Care practice Simple PracticeFind me on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/teadpmMore resources teadpm.com

  5. Jul 7

    If I Had a Time Machine, I’d Say This

    Send us Fan Mail If I could go back and give myself advice before opening my direct care practice, these are the three lessons I'd share. In this episode, I break down why every cash practice needs one clear, high-value offer, how to hire with confidence (and let go with compassion), and the costly spending mistakes I wish I'd avoided in the beginning. These lessons weren't learned from books—they came from years of trial, error, and building a practice that truly fits my life. If you're thinking about starting a direct care practice or want to build a stronger, more profitable one, this episode will help you avoid common pitfalls and move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and freedom. Support the show --> Build Your Signature Offer Before You Opt Out PDF here ***WORKSHOP: Build Your Profitable Direct Pay Package get on my email list to be the first to know about the next live coaching session here Direct Care Launch Lab: 12 week live coaching where you get a clear plan on your signature offer, a patient acquisition plan, and group support for on-going implementation. Take the readiness assessment to get started here. --- Join the Direct Care Society, a private WhatsApp community here. Ads free! EMR I'm currently using in my Direct Care practice Simple PracticeFind me on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/teadpmMore resources teadpm.com

  6. Jun 30

    Hill Health Law Group with Amanda Hill

    Send us Fan Mail What if the biggest threat to your practice isn't malpractice—but the contracts you sign?  In this episode, I sit down with healthcare attorney Amanda Hill, founder of Hill Health Law Group, to discuss the legal blind spots physicians often overlook when building a private practice. We cover employment agreements, vendor contracts, non-competes, contractor vs. employee classifications, side hustles, and why direct care physicians still need a strong legal foundation.  Amanda shares practical strategies to help you negotiate with confidence, avoid costly mistakes, and think like a business owner—not just a clinician. Whether you're starting a practice, growing your team, or exploring new opportunities, this conversation will help you protect your career, your business, and the freedom you've worked so hard to build.  Tune in and learn how to make smarter legal decisions from day one.  Connect with her:  LinkedIn: Amanda B. Hill Website: Hill Health Law GroupGuard My Practicehttps://www.amandabhill.com/ Support the show --> Build Your Signature Offer Before You Opt Out PDF here ***WORKSHOP: Build Your Profitable Direct Pay Package get on my email list to be the first to know about the next live coaching session here Direct Care Launch Lab: 12 week live coaching where you get a clear plan on your signature offer, a patient acquisition plan, and group support for on-going implementation. Take the readiness assessment to get started here. --- Join the Direct Care Society, a private WhatsApp community here. Ads free! EMR I'm currently using in my Direct Care practice Simple PracticeFind me on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/teadpmMore resources teadpm.com

  7. Jun 23

    You're Not Stuck — You're Scattered

    Send us Fan Mail You don't need another strategy. You need fewer distractions. If you've been telling yourself, "I'm working nonstop, but nothing seems to move," this episode is for you.  The problem may not be a lack of effort—it may be a lack of focus. Today, I share why so many doctors feel stuck when they're actually scattered, and how narrowing your attention to the few things that truly matter can change everything. We'll talk about the 80/20 rule, hiring help, intentional rest, and building a practice that grows without draining you. Because growth doesn't come from doing more. It comes from focusing on less. Direct Care Society® - Readiness Assessment  Form  Support the show --> Build Your Signature Offer Before You Opt Out PDF here ***WORKSHOP: Build Your Profitable Direct Pay Package get on my email list to be the first to know about the next live coaching session here Direct Care Launch Lab: 12 week live coaching where you get a clear plan on your signature offer, a patient acquisition plan, and group support for on-going implementation. Take the readiness assessment to get started here. --- Join the Direct Care Society, a private WhatsApp community here. Ads free! EMR I'm currently using in my Direct Care practice Simple PracticeFind me on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/teadpmMore resources teadpm.com

  8. Jun 16

    The Offer Is the Answer

    Send us Fan Mail Do you keep telling yourself you need more credentials, another certification, or even an MBA before you can build a successful direct care practice? In this episode, I challenge that belief and show you why the missing piece isn’t more education—it’s a clear offer. I break down the three types of direct care offers, why packages outperform fee-for-service, and the six elements every compelling offer needs. If patients seem confused, pricing feels awkward, or growth feels slow, this episode will help you create the clarity that turns expertise into a thriving practice. Support the show --> Build Your Signature Offer Before You Opt Out PDF here ***WORKSHOP: Build Your Profitable Direct Pay Package get on my email list to be the first to know about the next live coaching session here Direct Care Launch Lab: 12 week live coaching where you get a clear plan on your signature offer, a patient acquisition plan, and group support for on-going implementation. Take the readiness assessment to get started here. --- Join the Direct Care Society, a private WhatsApp community here. Ads free! EMR I'm currently using in my Direct Care practice Simple PracticeFind me on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/teadpmMore resources teadpm.com

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5
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7 Ratings

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Learn why and how to start an insurance-free, hassle-free Direct Specialty Care practice that lets you provide care your way for your patients without middlemen hosted by Dr. Tea Nguyen. 

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