The DPC NP

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Being 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 tra...

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Your 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...

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Most 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...

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We 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...

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Monica 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 wh...

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The 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 Ma...

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Protecting 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...

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What 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...

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Transforming 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 co...

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Imagine 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...

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John Rothwell's journey from Army medevac paramedic to owner of a thriving Direct Primary Care practice offers a blueprint for healthcare entrepreneurs seeking both clinical and business success. With over 1,000 patients and three nurse practitioners at Island Direct Primary Care in Florida, Rothwell demonstrates how values-based healthcare can create sustainable, profitable practices.

The foundation of Rothwell's approach rests on two core pillars: "God, family, and community" paired with a commitment to being "loving, encouraging, and empowering." This philosophy shapes everything from patient interactions to business decisions, creating a practice that stands...

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Terri Pinder, a nurse practitioner with over two decades of experience, joins us for an enlightening episode exploring how she combines her passion for horticulture with healthcare through the innovative Direct Primary Care (DPC) model. Discover how her unique practice, "Intentionally Well," emphasizes not only functional medicine but also the importance of community engagement and education in health. 

Throughout her journey, Terri shares valuable insights on overcoming challenges and the critical need for autonomy in healthcare, highlighting the importance of nurturing meaningful relationships with patients. She offers a glimpse of her a...

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This episode celebrates the successful inaugural DPC Launchpad Conference, highlighting how it fostered a sense of community among nurse practitioners and physician assistants. The reflections from the hosts reveal not only the achievements of the event but also the challenges faced and lessons learned for future conferences.

• Emphasis on the importance of community in direct primary care 
• Speakers provided valuable insights across various topics 
• Overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees 
• Themes of resilience, inspiration, and entrepreneurship emerged 
• Plans for future DPC Launchpad events include expanding networking opportunities 
• The organizers ho...

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Discover how Kathleen Trocki turned her passion for patient care into a thriving direct primary care practice in Bradenton, Florida. With a wealth of experience from working in cardiac and intensive care units, Kathleen faced the unique challenge of graduating during the pandemic, only to dive headfirst into the high-pressure world of urgent care. Hear about the camaraderie and resilience that emerged among healthcare providers during this unprecedented time. Kathleen's journey showcases how she was inspired by the direct primary care model at Florida State University, leading her to create Manatee Direct Primary...

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What if you could transform your professional life and find a deeper sense of fulfillment? In this episode, Krystle Dillon, a nurse practitioner from Olivia, Minnesota, shares her awe-inspiring journey from a young certified nursing assistant to an established family nurse practitioner. Krystle dives into her evolving career, detailing the constraints she faced in hospital nursing and her discovery that building meaningful patient relationships was her true calling. She candidly discusses the challenges of corporate medicine and her courageous decision to embrace the Direct Primary Care (DPC) model, even incorporating an aesthetics business...

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What happens when a seasoned respiratory therapist transitions into a successful nurse practitioner and then takes the leap into entrepreneurship? Join us as Lisa Magary, DNP, ARNP, CPNP, FNP-BC shares her compelling journey, detailing how she navigated various roles in healthcare to create a Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice that is now thriving. Lisa's story is nothing short of inspiring, especially when she recounts overcoming a severe spinal cord injury to regain her ability to perform medical procedures. Discover her unique marketing strategies via Business Network International (BNI) groups and how her patient-focused...

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Ever wondered how a nurse transitions from hospital work to running a thriving direct primary care practice? Join us as we chat with Tori Prendergast, a family nurse practitioner from Northern Indiana, who shares her remarkable journey from being a float nurse to owning her own practice. Tori opens up about her father's mentorship, her determination to succeed, and how she managed to navigate the healthcare world without ever entangling with insurance companies. Discover the behind-the-scenes of Tori's life as she balances the demands of a 24/7 on-call schedule with the flexibility and family-friendliness...

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Can burnout lead to something profoundly positive? Join us as we sit down with Helen Tackitt, a remarkable nurse practitioner from Mebane, North Carolina, who proves it can. Helen’s journey from the high-pressure world of inpatient nursing to successfully opening her own direct primary care clinic is nothing short of inspiring. She shares how her initial career in urology and oncology, working at prestigious institutions like Duke and the Cleveland Clinic, eventually led her to seek a more fulfilling path, especially after experiencing the pandemic's impact firsthand.

Setting up a cl...

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Ever wondered what it takes to pivot from psychology to becoming a leading nurse practitioner? Join us as we chat with Matthew Simone from Homesteady Health, who shares his compelling journey from working in a psychiatric ICU in San Diego to pioneering a Direct Primary Care practice in Trumansburg, New York. Listen to Matthew's stories of serving in a native village in rural Alaska, tackling trauma cases in Philadelphia, and eventually settling in upstate New York to create a balanced family life. His narrative is a treasure trove of diverse experiences that have...

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How can a nurse practitioner transition from a career in managed care to becoming a successful entrepreneur? Join us as Jennifer Parker, a dedicated NP from Newport Ritchie, Florida, shares her compelling story. Starting as an LPN and navigating her way to establishing her own Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice, Jennifer reveals the steps she took to prioritize patient care over insurance restrictions. From forming an LLC to setting up her clinic, this episode offers an in-depth look at the challenges and triumphs of her entrepreneurial journey.

Learn the complexities of...

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Imagine stepping into the world of medicine not just to heal, but to transform the very fabric of healthcare. That's the story Brian Fretwell, Physician Assistant and founder of Direct Primary Care Associates, shares with us - a tale of shifting from the high-stakes arena of emergency medicine to pioneering a practice that puts patients and their needs first. Our conversation is a riveting journey through the challenges and triumphs of creating a care model that’s more personal, accessible, and liberated from the constraints of traditional insurance-based systems.

Crossing state li...

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Have you ever wondered what it takes to break free from traditional healthcare and pioneer a clinic centered around true patient care? Join us as Alesha Logan, DNP takes us through her transformation from a critical care nurse to a trailblazer in the Direct Primary Care (DPC) world. With a heart for service and an entrepreneurial spirit, Alesha unveils the ups and downs of launching her own DPC clinic, emphasizing the human touch in medicine and how faith helped her navigate the tumultuous seas of a global pandemic.

This episode is...

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When you're at the crossroads of your career, sometimes the road less traveled leads to the most fulfilling destinations. Kelly Botta, a Physician Assistant with a fire for change, invites us into her world where she transformed her professional trajectory from the confines of traditional medicine to the boundless horizons of her own direct primary care practice, Smarty Pants Medicine. Through her candid recount, we hear of a journey marked by burnout and bravery, as she navigates from a structured group setting to her leap into the entrepreneurial waters of healthcare during the...

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When Mandy DeMeritt, a spirited family nurse practitioner, decided to pivot from corporate medicine to launching her own direct primary care clinic, she carved a path through the healthcare wilderness that demanded resilience, innovation, and a holistic touch. Our conversation touches on Mandy's transformative journey from a pre-med student to a healthcare entrepreneur, shining a light on her dedication to treating the multifaceted health needs of her patients – body, mind, and spirit. Witness the personal story of a healthcare professional who refused to settle for the status quo, instead choosing to forge a di...

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Embarking on a healthcare revolution, Michael Menchaca joined me to unravel his inspiring transformation from the conventional grind of fee-for-service to the liberating world of direct primary care with the establishment of Amenity DPC. Imagine a practice where the watchwords are presence and connection, not just in the clinic but also at the dinner table with your family. In today's conversation, we delve into Michael's innovative journey, exploring the deep-rooted changes that occur when doctors take the bold step of aligning their work with their fundamental values, allowing for an intimate patient-doctor relationship...

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Shane Grindle, DNP is a dynamic entrepreneur, renowned for co-founding Aquarian Clinic, a pioneering DPC clinic established in 2022. As the visionary behind Shane Grindle Consulting, he empowers fellow advanced practice providers to realize their entrepreneurial aspirations. Juggling two thriving enterprises, he shares his expertise as an adjunct professor at Jacksonville University while fostering collaboration through his Medical Entrepreneurs' Roundtable Facebook group.

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In this captivating episode, I am delighted to be joined by the dynamic Penni Vachon, APRN, who effortlessly juggles home life with four distinctive businesses, alongside a thriving Facebook page. Her ability to navigate this diverse landscape has truly shaped her into the remarkable entrepreneur she is today.

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Join us in this enlightening episode as we delve into the journey of Jodi Segel, a dedicated family nurse practitioner for 17 years. Discover how her fervor for women's health and integrative medicine has shaped her practice at Southern Direct Primary Care in Smithville, Texas. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on holistic healthcare and the profound impact of personalized care in today's medical landscape

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Embark on a captivating episode as I engage in a conversation with Monica McKitterick, FNP-C, the proprietor of the flourishing Impact Family Wellness in Cedar Park, TX. Monica unfolds her remarkable transition from a solo practitioner to overseeing a team of nurse practitioners and establishing satellite clinics. Tune in to discover her visionary outlook for the future and draw inspiration from the remarkable milestones she has achieved. Join us today for an enriching experience!

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In this compelling episode of The DPC NP, I had the pleasure of delving into the transformative journey of Chelsea Thomas, MSN, APRN, FNP-C. Having initially thrived as a nurse practitioner in the fast-paced environment of an ER, she courageously ventured into the realm of independent Direct Primary Care family practice. The episode unravels the intricacies of her transition, exploring the factors that led her to embrace direct primary care, the strategic choices she made regarding EMR and communication software, and a comprehensive look at how her venture is unfolding. Join us as...

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In the first official episode of The DPC NP, I, along with my husband Mark, share the journey over the last 17 years of business ownership and transitioning from a fee for service clinic to Direct Primary Care.  I'm excited to be sharing my story in the event that you can relate to it in some way or be inspired to open your own DPC clinic some day!

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Hi friends!  My name is Amanda Price, family nurse practitioner, entrepreneur, and passionate towards Direct Primary Care.

This podcast exists to provide testimonies of life journeys and experiences from other nurse practitioners and physician assistants who own or work in direct primary care clinics around the US.

I'm hoping that by listening to these episodes, you will understand what DPC is, relate with other nurse practitioners sharing their experiences, and grow to appreciate as much as I do what DPC can do for not only your patients, but also f...