The DPC NP

Send us Fan MailBeing the first direct primary care clinic in your city sounds exciting until you realize you also have to teach your entire community what DPC is and why a monthly membership can beat insurance-based primary care. We sit down with Stephanie Miles, nurse practitioner and owner of Smith’s Primary Care and Wellness in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to share what it really took to grow a thriving cash-based practice with a clear patient cap and a plan to scale. Stephanie walks us through her story from nine years in a Level 1 trauma ER to becoming an adult primary care NP who wanted continuity, outcomes, and relationships. We talk about why she launched an IV hydration business first, how that experience prepared her for practice ownership, and what changed when she discovered direct primary care while researching a traditional clinic model. If you’re searching “how to start a DPC practice” or “direct primary care for nurse practitioners,” you’ll hear practical, specific decisions you can copy. We also dig into the day-to-day mechanics that make membership medicine work: how she set pricing, what she includes for members, when she charges small supply fees for procedures, and why she offers a one-time visit option for non-members. Stephanie shares what’s actually driving growth (hint: word of mouth and Google), what marketing spend didn’t pay off, and how she keeps operations simple with an all-in-one EMR like Atlas MD. On the business side, we cover collaborating physician agreements, lowering overhead through smart real estate moves, hiring her first medical assistant, and the tough contractor lesson that taught her to keep personal and business separate. If you found this helpful, subscribe, share it with a clinician who’s considering direct primary care, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What’s the biggest barrier between you and opening your own clinic?Thank you for joining us today!Be sure to follow and share, and leave a review!If you have questions, comments or want to be part of our community, follow us on Facebook at The DPC NP!

Send us Fan MailYour logo is not what makes patients trust you. What they trust is the position you hold in their mind, and whether the real-life experience backs it up. We talk through how to choose a clear positioning statement for a direct primary care clinic, how a name can instantly signal belonging, and why “brand assets” matter less than the feeling patients get when they interact with you. From there, we get practical about digital presence and local SEO. We cover how to set up a Google Business Profile, why you should never let a staff member own key accounts under their personal email, and how consistent naming conventions across your website, directories, and social media can improve discoverability. If you want patients to find your DPC clinic, the boring details matter, and we spell out which ones to lock down first. We also dig into operations: designing a clinic space that reflects DPC values, choosing an EHR based on strategy (not hype), and building a clean tech stack that reduces manual work. Then we move into payroll, staffing, and the money side that too many clinicians avoid, including break-even math, runway, reliable bookkeeping, and why looking at your bank balance is not a financial plan. Finally, we explore patient acquisition strategies that actually work, employer groups, onboarding tone, and how Claude AI can help you create a 90-day marketing plan, draft SOPs, and research competitors fast. Before you go, Dan shares a free resource: the DPC Pre-Launch Playbook will be available as a straight download on the dpcbookkeeper.com resources page. If this helps you, subscribe, share it with a DPC owner friend, and leave a review so more clinics can find it.Thank you for joining us today!Be sure to follow and share, and leave a review!If you have questions, comments or want to be part of our community, follow us on Facebook at The DPC NP!

Send us Fan MailMost people start a direct primary care practice because they want better medicine and more time with patients, but the part that quietly decides whether the clinic survives is the financial foundation. I sit down with Dan Luna, a bookkeeper who works inside the DPC world, to talk through the unglamorous basics that keep a membership-based clinic alive: planning for the income gap, building a simple cash-flow buffer, and understanding what your fixed costs really are when you finally open the doors.We also zoom out to the business setup decisions that confuse almost every first-time owner. Dan explains how to think about an LLC versus an S-Corp election, why liability and tax treatment drive the choice, and when it’s smart to bring in a CPA so your accounting system is built correctly from day one. Then we get tactical about bookkeeping, what it is and what it isn’t, and the real-world signal that it’s time to stop doing it yourself. His “queen bee” analogy is a reset for overwhelmed clinic owners: your highest-value job is caring for patients and growing a sustainable panel, not reconciling transactions at night.Finally, we talk tools and pricing. QuickBooks is still everywhere, but AI accounting software is changing the landscape, and the right support matters more than the logo on your ledger. We also tackle the fear behind undercharging in direct primary care, how pricing connects to burnout, and why charging enough to fund support and systems is part of delivering great care. Subscribe for the next part of the series, share this with a DPC owner who needs a financial reset, and leave a review with your biggest question about pricing or startup cash flow.Thank you for joining us today!Be sure to follow and share, and leave a review!If you have questions, comments or want to be part of our community, follow us on Facebook at The DPC NP!

Send us Fan MailWe just watched a room full of nurse practitioners and physician assistants realize they don’t have to practice medicine the way they’ve been told and that shift is the heart of what we’re talking about today. Coming off our second annual DPC Launchpad conference, we’re processing what we learned, what surprised us, and what we think is changing inside the direct primary care movement for advanced practice providers.We break down the real-world wins and limitations of hosting a DPC conference on a cruise ship, then get into the most useful “steal this” ideas we’re bringing back to our own membership-based primary care clinics. That includes simple visibility changes like posting a menu of services, a memorable clinical tool that lit up the room (the sphenocath for migraines), and the operational relief that can come from delegating smarter, like hiring a virtual assistant for marketing and organization.We also talk about why the content matured this year: bringing in experts who live in the business trenches, not just clinicians. Website design, bookkeeping, malpractice and business insurance, AI, and marketing show up as make-or-break skills for DPC sustainability. Then we look ahead to Austin, Texas and what we want to build next: hands-on skills workshops, cybersecurity, tax strategy, retirement planning, exit planning, HR and hiring, plus a bigger push into B2B direct primary care for employers.If you’re curious about starting a direct primary care practice, already running one, or trying to grow beyond word-of-mouth, you’ll leave with concrete next steps and a clearer picture of what “better” can look like. Subscribe, share this with a colleague, and leave a review, then tell us what topic you want us to tackle next.Thank you for joining us today!Be sure to follow and share, and leave a review!If you have questions, comments or want to be part of our community, follow us on Facebook at The DPC NP!

Send us Fan MailMonica McKittrick returns to the podcast with a wealth of insights from her remarkable transformation from hands-on nurse practitioner to CEO of a thriving Direct Primary Care practice with seven providers across three locations. Her journey offers a roadmap for anyone considering the entrepreneurial path in healthcare.When Monica transitioned away from patient care, she worried her 350 patients might leave. Remarkably, she lost only two. This testament to relationship-building reveals how thoughtful transitions can maintain patient trust while allowing provider growth. Now enjoying true freedom—including a recent two-and-a-half week vacation where "no one cared" she was gone—Monica demonstrates that building a self-sufficient practice is achievable but requires intentional systems and leadership.The challenges of marketing DPC practices cannot be overstated. As Monica explains, "Nurse practitioners are not natural marketers" and the unique nature of healthcare means patients need to both know you exist AND need your services at precisely the right moment. Her experiences expanding to multiple locations reveal critical insights about community integration, geographic challenges, and why having a marketing strategy is essential. The realization that "success to me is not 10 clinics" but rather freedom to enjoy life while making an impact led Monica to create resources for other providers.Her upcoming book "DPC: Dream Job or Total Disaster" (available August 4th) offers a crucial roadmap for determining whether DPC ownership aligns with your personality and goals. Rather than a technical how-to guide, it helps providers make the fundamental decision about whether to pursue DPC at all. Coupled with her "DPC Launch Kit" course, these resources reflect Monica's mission to help the right providers succeed in this model, ultimately expanding access to patient-centered care.Connect with Monica at the DPC Launchpad conference in February and explore her resources at DPCformula.com to discover if direct primary care entrepreneurship is your calling or a path better left unexplored.Thank you for joining us today!Be sure to follow and share, and leave a review!If you have questions, comments or want to be part of our community, follow us on Facebook at The DPC NP!

Send us Fan MailThe world of Direct Primary Care offers a revolutionary escape from the constraints of traditional insurance-based medical practice—but how do you actually grow a DPC practice once you've opened your doors? In this illuminating conversation, Amanda Price speaks with Erin Kosich, owner of Compass Health DPC in Durham, North Carolina, who reveals the marketing strategy that grew her practice by an impressive 20% in just one month.After eight years working in an employer-based clinic that functioned much like a DPC, Erin took the leap to open her own practice in May 2022. What makes her story particularly valuable is her systematic approach to growth through targeted Facebook advertising. Working with Clinical Marketer, she developed campaigns specifically focused on women experiencing menopause—a strategy that proved remarkably effective. "It's been wildly successful," Erin explains, detailing how these specialized ads attract women seeking relief for menopausal symptoms who then discover the broader benefits of membership-based primary care.The conversation dives deep into the mechanics of successful patient conversion through carefully structured meet-and-greets. Rather than delivering a rehearsed sales pitch, Erin begins by asking potential patients about their frustrations with traditional healthcare—then explains how DPC addresses those specific pain points. This personalized approach has proven highly effective at turning interested individuals into committed members who appreciate the direct access, extended appointment times, and genuinely caring relationship that DPC offers.Beyond marketing tactics, Erin and Amanda explore the emotional reality of DPC ownership—the pressure to be constantly available, the guilt when not responding immediately to patient messages, and the particular personality type that thrives in this model. "The people-pleaser aspect is what makes a good DPC provider," Erin reflects, acknowledging both the challenges and rewards of creating a practice built on genuine patient relationships.Whether you're a nurse practitioner considering opening your own DPC, looking to grow an existing practice, or simply curious about alternatives to insurance-based healthcare, this episode offers practical wisdom from someone who's successfully navigating the journey. Connect with other DPC practitioners at the upcoming DPC Launchpad cruise conference and discover how you too can build a thriving practice that transforms both your professional satisfaction and your patients' healthcare experience.Thank you for joining us today!Be sure to follow and share, and leave a review!If you have questions, comments or want to be part of our community, follow us on Facebook at The DPC NP!

Send us Fan MailProtecting your healthcare practice requires far more than simply checking the insurance box. In this eye-opening episode, former commercial insurance broker Mark Price shares critical insights about medical malpractice insurance that every nurse practitioner and physician assistant should understand before it's too late.The conversation dives deep into the crucial differences between occurrence and claims-made policies, revealing why the seemingly cheaper option might actually cost you everything in the long run. Mark explains how policy limits actually work, including the hidden danger of policies that include defense costs within your coverage limits rather than paying them separately. With legal expenses easily reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars in extended cases, this single detail could leave you personally liable even when you thought you were protected.Telehealth creates another layer of complexity, as demonstrated by a sobering real-world case where a provider's insurance denied coverage after treating a college student across state lines. Contrary to what many believe, DPC practices may actually face increased liability compared to traditional models due to their comprehensive approach and frequent use of text messaging and remote communications.Beyond malpractice coverage, Mark outlines why business owner policies covering cyber liability and employee dishonesty have become essential safeguards. For multi-provider practices, he explains how key person insurance and buy-sell agreements can protect both the business and personal finances should the unthinkable happen. As Mark aptly puts it, "insurance is designed to provide sleep" - the peace of mind that comes from knowing your personal assets and professional future are properly protected.Whether you're launching a new practice or assessing your current coverage, this conversation provides the knowledge you need to make truly informed decisions about the policies protecting your livelihood. Don't wait for a claim letter to discover the gaps in your coverage.Thank you for joining us today!Be sure to follow and share, and leave a review!If you have questions, comments or want to be part of our community, follow us on Facebook at The DPC NP!

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when a nurse practitioner refuses to accept the limitations of traditional healthcare? Verlisha Goins is about to find out as she prepares to add direct primary care services to her thriving aesthetics practice in Columbia, South Carolina.After becoming a nurse in 2012, inspired by her own experience with compassionate nursing care during her daughter's birth and NICU stay, Verlisha worked her way through various healthcare settings before opening Sophisticated Wellness and Aesthetics in 2022. What started as an IV hydration clinic has evolved into a comprehensive aesthetic practice offering everything from medical weight management to Botox and facials.Now standing at the threshold of her next big move, Verlisha shares the real story behind her decision to incorporate DPC—including the self-doubt that kept her from launching sooner. "I kept saying I wasn't ready," she admits, crediting mentor Penni Vachon, APRN with providing the accountability she needed to finally set a launch date. With 19 patients already on her waitlist, Verlisha is positioned to quickly reach her six-month goal of 50 members.The conversation explores practical considerations for practitioners considering similar hybrid models: pricing structures ($99/month for adults, $59/month for children), marketing strategies focused on community engagement rather than paid advertising, and the innovative cross-promotion of services that offers DPC members significant discounts on aesthetic treatments.Perhaps most compelling is Verlisha's vision for healthcare delivery that refuses to be confined by traditional boundaries. "I want to position my clinic to be the go-to and the leading premier wellness clinic for health, wellness and beauty," she explains, rejecting advice to "niche down" in favor of comprehensive care that meets multiple patient needs in one location.Whether you're contemplating opening your own practice, considering adding new service lines, or simply looking for inspiration to move past self-imposed limitations, this conversation offers valuable insights from someone who's taking the leap right now. Connect with us on social media to continue the conversation about innovative practice models and the future of healthcare delivery.Thank you for joining us today!Be sure to follow and share, and leave a review!If you have questions, comments or want to be part of our community, follow us on Facebook at The DPC NP!

Send us Fan MailTransforming a medical practice from a startup to a thriving, scalable business requires far more than clinical excellence. In this revealing conversation with physician assistant Brian Fretwell, we uncover the missing piece that prevents many direct primary care practices from reaching their full potential: a comprehensive operating system.Brian shares the journey that led him to create the DPC Momentum Model after hitting his own plateau and experiencing burnout despite escaping the traditional fee-for-service system. His framework addresses the fundamental mindset shift required to evolve from provider to CEO—moving from compliance to leadership, perfectionism to progress, and from delivering care to building systems that deliver care.At the heart of Brian's model is the Clarity Compass, a powerful tool that serves as your strategic foundation and decision-making filter. This document connects your purpose, values, and vision to concrete 90-day milestones that drive consistent execution. We explore how the momentum framework creates focus through impact metrics, mission alignment meetings, and an opportunity board that transforms problems into growth catalysts.Perhaps most fascinating is Brian's perspective on scaling with additional providers. Rather than the typical "just do what I do" approach that creates bottlenecks, his model establishes clear guardrails based on core values while allowing flexibility for individual strengths. The result? A culture that naturally attracts aligned team members and patients while building internal leadership pathways.For those feeling overwhelmed or plateaued in their DPC journey, Brian offers surprisingly simple yet profound advice: invest in yourself through daily reading and thinking time, then leverage your existing network by simply asking for what you want. With his guidance, you can transform your practice from surviving to truly thriving.Ready to stop flying blind and build a practice with true momentum? Listen now and discover how to create the clarity, accountability, and financial sustainability your DPC deserves.Thank you for joining us today!Be sure to follow and share, and leave a review!If you have questions, comments or want to be part of our community, follow us on Facebook at The DPC NP!

Send us Fan MailImagine trading the stress of seven-minute patient visits and two hours of nightly charting for a practice where you can truly connect with patients in a space that smells like apples instead of alcohol. That's exactly what Katlyn Agosta did when she founded Papaya Primary Care in Valrico, Florida—a journey she shares with remarkable candor in this captivating episode.As a type 1 diabetic since age 15, Katlyn brings unique expertise and passion to her work with patients facing metabolic challenges. Her path from inpatient diabetes educator to burnt-out corporate healthcare provider to DPC owner offers a blueprint for nurse practitioners contemplating similar transitions. With refreshing honesty, she reveals the practical realities of starting from scratch—from finding affordable equipment on Facebook Marketplace to the emotional rollercoaster of building a patient panel that currently stands at 17 members.What makes this conversation particularly valuable is that we're catching Katlyn at the beginning of her DPC journey, when every detail of getting started remains fresh. She shares specific pricing strategies ($75/month with a focus on metabolic syndrome patients), marketing approaches that actually work (local Facebook groups outperforming paid advertising), and practical considerations like EMR selection (she chose Hint) and finding clinical space (she rents 125 square feet within an aesthetics practice).Beyond the business aspects, Katlyn's story illuminates the profound personal transformation possible through DPC. "I'm just now in a space in time where I can create connections," she reflects, describing how she's finally able to chaperone her son's field trip and pursue interests beyond medicine. Her vibrant clinic with its eye-catching mural represents not just a business but a philosophy—healthcare that feels welcoming rather than clinical.Whether you're a seasoned DPC provider, considering opening your own practice, or simply interested in healthcare alternatives, this conversation offers invaluable insights into creating a practice built on connection, autonomy, and balance. Ready to reimagine what your professional life could be? Listen now and join Katlyn on her journey from burnout to breakthrough.Thank you for joining us today!Be sure to follow and share, and leave a review!If you have questions, comments or want to be part of our community, follow us on Facebook at The DPC NP!