DPC Pediatricians Podcast

Marina Capella & Phil Boucher
  • 5,0 (2)
  • MÉDECINE
  • CHAQUE SEMAINE
DPC Pediatricians Podcast

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

  1. Enrollment Fees

    8 AVR.

    Enrollment Fees

    In this episode of DPC Pediatrician, Dr. Phil Boucher and Dr. Marina Capella dive into the frequently debated topic of whether DPC practices should charge an enrollment fee. They share their personal experiences, perspectives, and practical advice for pediatricians considering this approach. Key Highlights 1. What Is an Enrollment Fee and Why Consider It? * An enrollment fee is a one-time charge for new patients joining a DPC practice. It helps offset the upfront time and effort spent on onboarding families, such as reviewing medical records, conducting lengthy initial visits, and creating follow-up plans. * Dr. Capella initially disliked the idea of enrollment fees but later found them beneficial for protecting against families who leave shortly after joining, despite significant upfront investment. 2. Benefits of Charging an Enrollment Fee * Commitment Indicator: The fee encourages families to think carefully before signing up, ensuring they understand the membership model. * Financial Protection: It provides a buffer for the time-intensive onboarding process. * Clarity: It reinforces the idea that DPC is different from traditional practices, helping patients understand the recurring membership structure. 3. Practical Approaches to Enrollment Fees * Both doctors charge $100 per family as a reasonable fee but note that practices can set their own amount or waive fees in certain situations (e.g., newborns or special cases). * Waiving fees can be used as an incentive to encourage sign-ups during meet-and-greet sessions. 4. Alternatives to Enrollment Fees * Minimum Membership Commitment: Practices can require families to commit to a minimum duration (e.g., six months) instead of charging an enrollment fee. This ensures stability while avoiding upfront costs. * Flexible Policies: Some practices opt not to charge enrollment fees or enforce commitments to minimize barriers for families, especially in lower-income or rural communities. 5. Tailoring Fees to Your Community * Pricing strategies should reflect the economic realities of your patient base. For example, in areas with lower average incomes, an enrollment fee might deter families from joining. * Testing your market and adjusting policies based on feedback is crucial for success. 6. Final Thoughts * The beauty of DPC is its flexibility—practitioners can decide whether to charge fees or enforce commitments based on their values and community needs. * Both Dr. Boucher and Dr. Capella emphasize that it’s okay to experiment with different approaches and adjust as needed. For more content like this please visit, https://dpcpediatrician.com. 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

    11 min
  2. ThriveWell Pediatrics

    8 AVR.

    ThriveWell Pediatrics

    In this episode of DPC Pediatrician, hosts Dr. Phil Boucher and Dr. Marina Capella welcome Dr. Dhanu Sant and Dr. Valerie Miles from ThriveWell Pediatrics in Jacksonville, Florida. The discussion centers on their journey into direct primary care (DPC), their partnership model, and how integrative medicine shaped their practice. Key Highlights: 1. Backgrounds of the Guests: * Dr. Sant's Journey: * Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Dr. Sant trained at Ohio State University and Columbus Children’s Hospital. * She began her career in a large pediatric practice but grew frustrated with the limitations of fee-for-service care, particularly the lack of time to address foundational health issues like nutrition and sleep. * Inspired by her Indian heritage and yoga practice, she transitioned to integrative medicine and started her own pediatric practice in Columbus. * In 2019, she decided to move to Florida for family reasons and began exploring a partnership with Dr. Miles. * Dr. Miles' Journey * Trained in Salt Lake City, Dr. Miles felt drawn to pediatrics early in her career. * She practiced in Durango, Colorado, where she encountered holistic approaches like garlic oil for ear infections, which sparked her interest in integrative medicine. * After moving to Jacksonville in 1999, she started her own insurance-based integrative practice in 2000 and became board-certified in integrative medicine. 2. Formation of ThriveWell Pediatrics: * Drs. Sant and Miles met through integrative medicine conferences and maintained a supportive professional relationship over the years. * In 2019, they decided to combine their expertise and open ThriveWell Pediatrics as a direct primary care (DPC) practice in Jacksonville. * They attended the Nuts & Bolts DPC conference, which provided the foundational knowledge needed to launch their practice in 2020. 3. Benefits of Their Partnership Model: * The doctors emphasized the importance of finding the right partner, likening it to a marriage. * They balance responsibilities based on their strengths, such as accounting and patient communication, making the workload more manageable. * Both agreed that having a partner enhances the experience of running a practice compared to doing it solo. 4. Integrative Medicine in Pediatrics: * Both doctors highlighted how integrative approaches—such as addressing nutrition, sleep, and natural remedies—can be transformative for pediatric care. * Their shared vision for holistic care was instrumental in shaping ThriveWell Pediatrics into a unique DPC model. For more content like this please visit, https://dpcpediatrician.com. 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

    29 min

  3. 7 AVR.

    Transitioning To Direct Primary Care

    Key Highlights: Transitioning to Direct Primary Care (DPC) with Dr. Laura Lindner 1. Motivation for Transition * Dr. Lindner experienced growing frustration and burnout in her previous group practice due to a lack of autonomy, inefficiencies in patient care, and an inability to implement her ideas. * She was inspired by colleagues and other DPC practitioners who demonstrated the potential for this model in pediatrics. 2. Initial Steps Toward DPC * Dr. Lindner began by researching the DPC model through Facebook groups like "Pediatricians that do DPC" and "DPC Docs." * She explored the financial feasibility of starting her own practice, including preparing for a temporary loss of income. * A healthcare attorney helped her navigate her employment contract, focusing on non-compete clauses and patient record ownership. 3. Navigating the Transition * To comply with legal restrictions, she used creative methods to inform patients about her new practice: * Created a personal Instagram account to connect with patients indirectly. * Shared updates about her life and later redirected followers to her professional page after leaving her employer. * She emphasized the importance of maintaining professionalism during the resignation process, giving ample notice (four months) to avoid leaving her former practice in a difficult position. 4. Challenges Faced * Finding office space within the constraints of her non-compete clause was particularly challenging. She eventually secured a rental arrangement for one exam room in an existing office. * Establishing an online presence was initially difficult due to SEO limitations and issues with gaining control over her Google profile, which was managed by her previous employer. 5. Lessons Learned * Dr. Lindner advises others transitioning to DPC to: * Thoroughly review contracts with legal assistance. * Plan for logistical aspects like securing a business address and managing online visibility. * Maintain positive relationships with former colleagues and staff to facilitate smoother transitions. 6. Results and Reflections * Within six months of opening Homegrown Pediatrics, approximately 5–7% of her former patients followed her to the new practice, increasing to about 10% over time. * Despite initial fears, she successfully built a sustainable practice while maintaining ethical and legal standards. For more content like this please visit, https://dpcpediatrician.com. 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

    42 min
  4. Navigating the Path to DPC with Dr. Amber Hull

    21 MARS

    Navigating the Path to DPC with Dr. Amber Hull

    Key Highlights: * Journey into Direct Primary Care (DPC) * Dr. Amber Hull transitioned to DPC after a disability from a femur fracture in 2021 forced her to reevaluate her career. * She created Village Pediatrics, a low-overhead, concierge-style pediatric practice that focuses on house calls and direct patient access. * Her practice primarily serves children under five, with many families joining during pregnancy. * Postpartum Health & Women's Care * Dr. Hull integrates maternal health into her pediatric care, recognizing the impact of postpartum hormone shifts on women's well-being. * She educates families on the similarities between postpartum and menopausal hormonal changes, emphasizing issues like vaginal atrophy, decreased libido, and emotional challenges. * She collaborates with pelvic floor therapists and mental health professionals to support new mothers holistically. * Challenges in Postpartum Care * The healthcare system inadequately prepares parents for postpartum challenges, including relationship changes and physical recovery. * Many women experience a lack of medical guidance in navigating postpartum hormonal shifts and intimacy concerns. * Dr. Hull encourages open conversations with both parents to foster understanding and support during postpartum transitions. * DPC as a Sustainable Model * Dr. Hull discusses the benefits of DPC in allowing her to balance patient care with self-care. * She emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, outsourcing non-medical tasks (e.g., bookkeeping, marketing), and maintaining financial sustainability. * Unlike traditional healthcare models, DPC allows her to cultivate direct relationships with specialists and community resources. * Resources & Continuing Education * Dr. Hull is an advocate for improving physician knowledge in postpartum and sexual health. * Recommended resources: * International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH) * Menopause Society * Dr. Kelly Casperson's book & podcast: You Are Not Broken * She will be speaking on menopause and intimacy at an upcoming medical conference. Final Thoughts Dr. Hull’s approach to DPC highlights the need for integrative, patient-focused care in pediatrics. By addressing postpartum health alongside infant care, she provides a holistic model that benefits both mothers and children. Her story is an inspiring example of how physicians can reshape their practice to align with both their values and well-being. 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

    39 min
  5. Pediatric DPC Mastermind 2025 Highlights

    21 MARS

    Pediatric DPC Mastermind 2025 Highlights

    In this episode of DPC Pediatricians, Dr. Phil Boucher and Dr. Marina Capella recap their recent experience attending the Pediatric DPC Mastermind conference. Key highlights from the episode include: * Networking and Community Building: Marina shares that her favorite part of the conference was connecting with other DPC pediatricians from across the country. She emphasized the importance of these relationships, as DPC pediatrics can be a lonely field. Meeting others with similar challenges and practices, such as those focusing on house calls or integrative pediatrics, was especially rewarding. * Integrative Pediatric Care: Marina and Phil both highlighted a talk by Dr. Valerie Miles and Dhanu Sant from ThriveWell Pediatrics on integrative pediatrics. Their discussion on tools for managing common pediatric conditions, including the use of red blood cell magnesium tests, provided actionable insights that they have already integrated into their practices. * Surprise Birthday Celebration: A memorable moment for Phil was a surprise birthday celebration during the conference, which included a humorous video from his colleagues. This gesture made the conference even more meaningful for him. * Marketing and Growth Strategies: Phil talks about his talks on marketing and practice growth strategies. He emphasizes the importance of creating intentional marketing plans and targeting specific areas of expertise to grow a practice. * Utilizing AI in Practice: Phil and Marina both discuss how they've started embracing AI tools like ChatGPT to improve patient communication and reduce administrative tasks. This includes creating patient handouts and personalized treatment plans. * Clinical Learning: Both doctors reflect on various educational talks, including sessions on urgent care procedures, PANS/PANDAS, and managing complex medical conditions in pediatric DPC. They appreciate how DPC offers more time with patients, allowing for a deeper level of care. * Appreciation for the Podcast's Impact: They also express gratitude for listeners who shared how the podcast has influenced their practices and decisions, noting the responsibility they now feel in providing helpful advice. The episode concludes with a playful moment, as Phil's parody of "Popular" from Wicked is featured, humorously promoting the importance of social media in growing a DPC practice. For those interested in attending future conferences, they mention that details will be available soon on the Pediatric DPC Mastermind website. 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
  6. Balancing Home Life and Work in a DPC Practice

    7 MARS

    Balancing Home Life and Work in a DPC Practice

    Key Highlights: * Journey into Direct Primary Care (DPC): Dr. Jalan Burton transitioned from traditional pediatric practice to DPC after experiencing burnout in the conventional healthcare system. She founded Healthy Home Pediatrics in 2019, offering 85% house calls and 15% in-office visits. * Challenges in Traditional Healthcare: She describes systemic burnout, unrealistic time constraints (10-minute follow-ups), and the lack of autonomy in patient care as major reasons for leaving. * Building a DPC Practice: * Knowing Yourself & Your Needs: Entrepreneurs should assess their strengths, weaknesses, and personal circumstances before launching. * Financial Planning: Many DPC practices fail due to a lack of financial sustainability. * Avoiding Comparison: Success in DPC looks different for everyone, and comparing to others can be discouraging. * Balancing Motherhood & DPC: * Dr. Burton has three children, and one of them was born while managing her practice during the pandemic. * Strong support systems (family, childcare, home organization) helped her navigate work-life balance. * Maternity leave was planned strategically by scheduling early visits and arranging coverage with trusted colleagues. * Lessons Learned & Advice for New DPC Physicians: * Avoid blindly following online advice—every DPC practice is unique. * Invest in business coaching and mentorship. * Prioritize self-care and structured time management (e.g., dedicated self-care Fridays). * Implement systems for managing finances and patient memberships. * Future Plans & Mentorship: * Dr. Burton is launching a mentorship program for mothers in medicine and women of color transitioning into DPC. * Emphasizes the importance of creating sustainable, joyful practices that benefit both physicians and their communities. 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

    36 min
  7. What's new in our clinics?

    28 FÉVR.

    What's new in our clinics?

    Key Highlights: * Dr. Marina Capella’s New Clinic Building * Purchased a historic home for her practice, creating a welcoming, therapeutic environment. * Plans to expand services with a women’s health provider, a mental health therapist, and potential physical/occupational therapy offerings. * Dr. Phil Boucher’s Strategic Focus Areas * Prioritizing care for newborns and mental health patients. * Adjusting marketing efforts to target these patient groups effectively. * Exploring ways to demonstrate the long-term value of DPC for families with older children. * New Service Models & Pricing Tiers * Dr. Capella introduced three membership levels: * Essentials Membership (basic pediatric care with visit limits) * Complex Care Membership (for behavioral health or specialized care) * Concierge Home Visit Package (for high-end personalized care) * Designed to align pricing with service intensity and provide flexible options for families. * Virtual Care Memberships * Dr. Boucher is launching a virtual membership option to reach families in rural areas or those preferring remote care. * Covers basic pediatric consultations, behavioral guidance, and parenting support. * Vaccine Program Expansion * Dr. Capella successfully implemented VaxCare, reducing out-of-pocket vaccine costs and improving financial sustainability. * Challenges include workflow adjustments, but overall, it's a positive step for the clinic. * Adding Multidisciplinary Care * Dr. Boucher welcomed a speech-language pathologist to his clinic, expanding services for speech delays, autism support, and infant feeding. * Enhancing his practice as a true medical home with integrated care. Final Thoughts: * Both doctors are refining their DPC models to improve patient experience and financial sustainability. * They encourage other pediatricians to experiment with new service structures and share insights. 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

    20 min
  8. A typical Day in our DPC Office

    26 FÉVR.

    A typical Day in our DPC Office

    Episode Overview: In this episode, Dr. Phil Boucher and Dr. Marina Capella discuss their daily routines as Direct Primary Care (DPC) pediatricians. They share insights into their schedules, patient interactions, and how they maintain work-life balance while providing personalized care. Key Highlights: * Flexible & Customized Schedules: * Dr. Boucher structures his day to finish by 4:30 PM, ensuring quality time with his family. * Dr. Capella prefers starting at 10 AM, incorporating personal time in the mornings and offering evening/weekend appointments for accessibility. * Morning Routines: * Checking messages and planning patient visits is a priority before seeing patients. * Patient Care & Appointment Flow: * DPC allows for longer, unhurried patient visits (30-60 minutes). * Visits include sick checks, ADHD/autism evaluations, and integrative consults. * The ability to handle minor issues virtually (text, voice, or telemedicine) helps optimize in-person visits. * Boundaries & Avoiding Burnout: * Setting expectations early is crucial—patients must understand when to expect responses and what level of care is provided after hours. * Personal flexibility allows occasional after-hours care, but pediatricians must avoid over-promising and setting unsustainable precedents. * The challenge of balancing accessibility and personal life requires discipline. * Key Takeaways: * Every DPC practice is unique, shaped by the physician’s lifestyle and priorities. * Clear communication with patients prevents unrealistic expectations. * Maintaining boundaries is essential to prevent recreating the burnout of traditional fee-for-service models. Final Thoughts: Dr. Boucher and Dr. Capella emphasize that DPC offers unparalleled flexibility, but success depends on structuring schedules and boundaries wisely. Their conversation highlights the rewarding yet challenging aspects of running a DPC practice while ensuring a fulfilling work-life balance. 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

    23 min
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    À propos

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

    Informations

    • Création
      Marina Capella & Phil Boucher
    • Années d’activité
      2024 - 2025
    • Épisodes
      29
    • Classification
      Tous publics
    • Copyright
      © Marina Capella & Phil Boucher
    • Site web de l’émission
      DPC Pediatricians Podcast

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