Scaling up and managing growth for DPC practices
One of the main attractions of the direct primary care (DPC) model for both patient and physician is the personal attention the independent physician is able to provide to the patient. DPCs typically have smaller patient panels, allowing more time for each patient during the visit and expanded availability after hours for follow-up patient communications. Even though the physician may want to scale the practice to ensure its sustainability, the DPC practice must be managed appropriately for true success.
Growing a DPC requires developing a positive reputation and ensuring that potential patients know what you have to offer them. Focusing on your patients and delivering a great experience will have a positive side effect for your practice – your patients will help you grow. Word of mouth is the most powerful marketing tool available.
Incorporating the best in health record technology can also help your DPC scale up in an efficient manner. The right electronic health record (EHR) system will enable you to manage your practice, easily review and input patient data, and communicate with your patients electronically and securely.
Managing patient expectations can be a significant factor in managing your DPC practice’s growth. The DPC model is built on the premise that the independent physician is always available for the patient, even after hours. Typically, the DPC physician wants to grow the practice but still wants to be able to provide that individual attention. Delicia Haynes, M.D., founder and CEO of Family First Health Center in Daytona Beach, FL, advises that “Besides managing the account ledger, it is important for the DPC physician to set reasonable expectations regarding their availability to patients.”
Unmanaged patient access can stretch the physician’s resources. In addition, “if you promise 24/7 access to a physician, if a patient calls and the physician does not call back right away, the patient grows frustrated.” Rather, the business mantra, she says, should be to “undersell and overdeliver” to properly scale and manage growth for the DPC practice.
