Physicians Practice September 18, 2023
Stephen C. Schimpff, MD

While some claim it is unethical for physicians to go the direct-pay route, it actually provides better care to patients.

I frequently hear the lament that when a primary care physician converts to direct primary care (DPC)/retainer-based/concierge care models, a lot of patients get left out, equating to patient abandonment. Some go so far as to suggest that it is unethical for the physician to downsize. I find this a false argument.

Consider first that the 2,500+ patients in a PCPs panel today are not getting the best possible care because the doctor is on a never-ending treadmill. It is a production line approach akin to the famous “I Love Lucy” segment where Lucy and Ethyl are wrapping chocolates on...

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Topics: Patient / Consumer, Primary care, Provider
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