Unpopular Opinion: Hospital Systems Aren’t the Enemy—They Might Be Our Partners
At Seeds of Health PLLC, our mission is rooted in a simple truth:
Excellent primary care is built upon solid relationships and trust; care should not be rushed—it should be compassionate, comprehensive, and accessible.
And our vision is clear:
To deliver outstanding and financially viable primary care that not only meets the needs of our patients but also inspires positive change in the healthcare industry. We aim to set a standard of care so high that healthcare systems take notice, other primary care doctors are emboldened to launch similar practices, and patients actively seek us out as their trusted healthcare partner.
That vision isn’t just aspirational—it’s starting to take shape.
This week marked my third conversation with Trinity Health regarding ways to improve collaboration between independent clinics and the hospital system. The first conversation began months ago, when I reached out—frustrated—with examples of how difficult it was to get labs processed, referrals completed, and imaging done efficiently for my patients. I expected polite nods. What I got instead was a real response.
Jake, the Clinical Services Liaison, was new to his role, but instead of brushing me off, he listened. And more importantly, he acted. Quickly. Today, he came to my office in person, accompanied by the Manager of Clinician Partnership Programs, to continue the conversation and share resources aimed at improving things. They came not with red tape or resistance, but with solutions—and a willingness to collaborate.
We discussed better workflows across labs, radiology, and referrals. They came prepared with resources. I offered insights from the trenches of primary care. And what struck me was this: many of the offerings I’ve already built into my DPC practice are now being adopted across their hospital system, or at least seriously considered, within their system. To be clear, I am not taking credit for that; I am just pointing out that it’s independent practices like ours that push the envelope, forcing them to think outside the box.
This is what makes Direct Primary Care so powerful. We’re nimble. We can test and refine new processes with fewer barriers, and when they work, they set the tone for bigger change.
A notable example is that they shared Trinity is moving away from Cologuard due to cost and reliability issues, and switching to FIT. I had already begun moving away from Cologuard for clinical reasons, but understanding the systemic barriers made this decision even more sensible. They offered to bring FIT kits directly to our clinic and shared cash pricing—a small but impactful gesture that helps streamline care for patients with and without insurance.
We also discussed referrals. I offered feedback on building templated workflows for common consults—something I saw work extremely well when I did locums for Kaiser. It would save time, reduce repeated communication, and offload the burden on their internal care coordinators. They were receptive and genuinely interested in implementing something better. I am hopeful, but it remains to be seen. If their response so far is any indication, I believe something will happen.
So here’s my so-called “unpopular opinion”: hospital systems aren’t the enemy.
Are they slow-moving? Yes. Bureaucratic? Often. But that doesn’t mean the people inside aren’t doing their best to make things better. When they’re willing to engage, respond to feedback, and work toward lowering barriers, we should meet them there.
I’ve been employed, I’ve been a contractor, and now I’m an independent physician building something different. I’m using all of those experiences to strengthen my practice and improve our system.
If we truly want to transform healthcare, it won’t happen in silos. It will take each of us—inside and outside the system—to be committed to building bridges.
Let’s keep leading. And let’s keep collaborating.
This is a hopeful and uplifting article. It is beautiful to see how you are manifesting collaboration!