DPC Myth #20 : Once your DPC panel is FULL, it all gets easier.

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Once your DPC panel is FULL, It all gets easier.
You can coast.  Your business is on autopilot.

WRONG wrong WrOnG.

Believe it or not, once your panel is full (or nearly full), that is when the real work starts. 

When your panel is at capacity, it’s time to do some self-reflection & IMPROVE YOUR OFFICE

  • Are your intake forms & and patient agreements as thorough and complete as you wish? Time to update those. 
  • No time like the present to opt out of Medicare. Knock that off your list. 
  • What is your policy for nonpayments? Time to have a firm policy in place. 
  • Do you need to additional staff or a virtual assistant? Hire away.
  • Have you done a patient survey?  Where are your weaknesses & inefficiencies? Streamline work flow.

Now that your DPC practice is thriving, and you are officially in the small business groove, 

it’s time to increase the VALUE of your DPC.

  • Maybe it’s time to add lab draws in your office. 
  • Rx dispensing might be a great idea for your DPC. Talk about a value add!
  • Want to do more procedures? Go for it. 
  • Want to focus one area of medicine?  Nutrition, weight loss, HRT, mental health? Now you can. 
  • Are your staff people cross trained? Do they need to be? Teach them. Invest in them. They can help with so many value add-ons.

Your DPC is succeeding. You’ve got paying patients. Fantastic!

Don’t rest on your laurels, it’s time to SPREAD THE WORD

  • Don’t stop marketing, skip networking, nor go silent on social media. Instead, keep spreading the word. Tell your story.  Tell patient stories. 
  • Continue to create the demand not just for you practice, but for all of DPC.
  • Consider being a speaker at a DPC conference. 
  • Maybe take a student for a DPC rotation. 
  • Become a mentor to a “DPC Newbie.” 
  • Get involved with DPCAlliance.
  • Write a blog for DPC News. 

Even when your panel is full, DPC is not easy. It never seems to be on autopilot. 

The work just shifts focus. Instead of planning office space and choosing EHRs, you are now improving your practice, adding value and becoming a DPC advocate. 

The work is never done. But, it’s energizing work. It’s YOUR practice. 

Constantly build your brand so you can enjoy career longevity.

DPC physician. Small business owner.  

Hard work? Of course.

I can’t think of anything more rewarding. 

This DPC Mythbuster Series aims to debunk the most common fears, misconceptions, and half-truths that deter doctors from embracing Direct Primary Care. These opinions are from each individual blogger. You may or may not agree with them, but either way, leave a comment with your thoughts. 

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About Amy Walsh, MD

Family always comes first: I am married to Whitey and can't imagine life without him. I have 4 great kids who screw up from time to time; but they are still pretty damn cool. Dog mom to 2 yellow labs who are exhausting and messy, but we love them. Happy DPC doctor since 2015 as the system wore me down and made me miserable. Luckily I found DPC. I found “my people” and never looked back. DPC was my best career decision without a doubt. Former varsity gymnast at the University of Michigan: I refer to those years as my “first life.” I learned about hard work, goal setting, and most importantly the value of true friendship. Hey, did you know UM gymnastics won NCAA Natty in 2021. Such a proud moment.Go Blue! Have been accused of being Type A, OCD, perfectionist, competitive. I may agree with most of those, but prefer words like focused, determined and committed. See? I have learned to use those all to my advantage.