Getting Started¶

Quick Summary: Two paths to your DPC practice. Bootstrap gets you started fast with minimal investment. Comprehensive covers every detail for those who want to plan thoroughly. Both work. Choose based on your style.

Choose Your Path¶

Comprehensive Path: Where Are You?¶

Stage 1: Exploring DPC¶

You're curious about Direct Primary Care and want to understand if it's right for you.

Start Here:

1. Understand the Model

   • Explaining DPC to Patients — What DPC actually is
   • Membership Models Comparison — How pricing works

2. Assess the Investment

   • Startup Costs Overview — What it really costs (comprehensive)
   • Minimum Viable Practice — What it really costs (bootstrap)
   • Pricing Your Practice — Revenue potential

3. Connect with Others

   • DPC Organizations — Professional communities
   • DPC Communities — Forums and groups
   • Recommended Reading — Books and resources

Stage 2: Planning Your Practice¶

You've decided to pursue DPC and are in the planning phase.

Legal & Business Foundation:

1. Choosing a Legal Entity — LLC, PLLC, S-Corp decisions
2. Business Registration Checklist — Step-by-step registration
3. State DPC Laws Overview — Know your state requirements
4. Working with Attorneys — Finding healthcare counsel

Financial Planning:

1. Startup Costs Overview — Budget your launch
2. Pricing Your Practice — Set sustainable prices
3. Pricing Calculator Template — Model your revenue

Insurance:

1. Professional Liability Guide — Malpractice coverage
2. Business Insurance Guide — Other necessary coverage

Stage 3: Setting Up Operations¶

You're building out your practice infrastructure.

Physical Space:

1. Office Space Guide — Location options and setup
2. Equipment & Supplies Checklist — What you actually need

Technology:

1. EMR Selection Guide — Choose the right system
2. Practice Website Essentials — Build your web presence
3. Telehealth Platforms — Virtual visit setup
4. Patient Communication Tools — Messaging systems

Compliance:

1. HIPAA Compliance Basics — Required policies
2. BAA Requirements — Vendor agreements
3. Required Documentation — Medical records standards

Stage 4: Preparing to Launch¶

You're ready to start seeing patients.

Membership Setup:

1. Membership Agreement Essentials — Contract requirements
2. Payment Processing Options — How to collect payment
3. Family Pricing Strategies — Household plans

Patient Experience:

1. Patient Onboarding Workflow — Enrollment process
2. Scheduling Systems — Online booking

Marketing:

1. Building Your Brand — Identity and messaging
2. Website Content Guide — What to include
3. Explaining DPC to Patients — Your pitch
4. Launch Marketing Plan — Getting your first patients

Stage 5: Running Your Practice¶

You're open and seeing patients.

Daily Operations:

1. Daily Workflow Optimization — Efficient processes
2. After-Hours Coverage — Setting boundaries
3. Inventory Management — Supplies and medications
4. Lab & Imaging Integration — Ordering systems

Ongoing Compliance:

1. Privacy Practices Guide — NPP requirements
2. Incident Response Plan — Breach procedures

Patient Retention:

1. Handling Cancellations & Refunds — Policies and communication
2. Community Outreach Strategies — Local engagement
3. Social Media for DPC — Online presence

Templates¶

Ready-to-use spreadsheets for planning:

Need a Mentor?¶

The DPC Mentor Platform connects aspiring DPC physicians with experienced mentors.

• Mentee Onboarding Guide — How the platform works
• Mentor Onboarding Guide — For experienced physicians

Still Have Questions?¶

• Join the community — DPC Communities
• Attend an event — Conferences & Events
• Read more — Recommended Reading
• Listen and learn — Podcasts & Media