Blog

The Ultimate Guide: 5 Clear Signs You’re Ready to start your own Direct Primary Care (DPC) Practice in 2025

March 26, 2025 359 comments

“I didn’t go to med school to do this.”
 If that thought has crossed your mind more than once lately, you’re not alone, and you’re not overreacting. This is your guide to if you are ready to start your own Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice.


More than 47% of physicians reported burnout symptoms in early 2025, according to the latest Medscape Report. While this represents an improvement from previous years, primary care physicians continue to face mounting pressures from documentation requirements, compressed appointment windows, and insurance complexities. Yet amidst these challenges, an increasing number of doctors are discovering a revolutionary solution: Direct Primary Care (DPC).

As of 2025, there are approximately 2,060 Direct Primary Care practices spanning 48 states and Washington, DC., and this is a substantial increase from 1600 practices reported in 2021.

The DPC movement is gaining significant momentum, with the market expected to grow at a 4.3% CAGR from 2023 to 2032. This growth is driven by both physician interest and patient demand for more personalized care. Recent surveys show that 9% of family physicians now operate DPC practices, up from just 3% in 2022, indicating a dramatic shift in how primary care is being delivered.

Direct Primary Care vs. Concierge Medicine: Understanding the Difference

Before diving into the signs, it’s important to understand that DPC is distinct from concierge medicine. While both models offer enhanced access to care, DPC focuses on keeping costs down by avoiding insurance overhead, while concierge practices typically charge higher fees for premium services. This makes DPC more accessible to a broader range of patients while still allowing physicians to practice medicine on their own terms.

So how do you know if you’re ready to trade in the system for something of your own?

Here are 5 signs that it might be time to leave employed medicine and start your own DPC practice.

1. You Spend More Time Clicking Boxes Than Connecting with Patients

Modern primary care often feels more like paperwork than people. The average primary care doctor now spends 16 minutes per patient, and more than half of that time is consumed by EHR documentation, according to a 2020 Annals of Internal Medicine study. The study found that chart review (33%), documentation (24%), and ordering (17%) accounted for most of the time spent on EHRs.

If you’re regularly staying late to finish charts or feeling like you’re “performing” care rather than practicing it, this isn’t just burnout it’s a symptom of a system misaligned with your values.

DPC flips the script. No insurance billing. No 7-minute visits. Just real conversations, proactive care, and time to think.

2. You’re Ready to Trade Security for Autonomy (With a Smart Financial Plan)

Are you tired of decisions being made for you? Formularies, productivity targets, referral policies, they’re all designed to optimize the system, not necessarily patient outcomes.

In contrast, DPC puts autonomy back into the hands of physicians. You choose how many patients to see, how long to spend with each one, and what care looks like, without asking permission from administrators. Direct Primary Care is personalized healthcare delivery in a patient centered medical practice setting which prioritizes physician autonomy.

The transition to DPC often means exchanging a steady paycheck for entrepreneurial opportunity. However, the financial picture is increasingly positive. Recent data shows successful DPC physicians can earn $217,000-300,000 annually once their practice matures, while maintaining significantly better work-life balance. The key is smart panel management – most DPC practices thrive with 400-600 patients, compared to the 2,000-2,500 typically required in traditional practices.

3. You’ve Started Thinking Like a Founder

You notice inefficiencies in your clinic. You wonder what the per-patient revenue really is. You’re researching EMRs that aren’t tied to billing codes. You’ve even mapped out a hypothetical clinic in your head. You are not included in making decisions and most days feel like a cog in the wheel.

Your frustration is turning into the vision of what it SHOULD be and what it CAN be.

Founders don’t just leave something, they’re pulled toward building something better. They have a vision on differentiating themselves. It is not an easy road to take but in many cases it is worth taking. And the DPC model is built for builders: lean overhead, membership-based pricing, scalable over time.

Direct Primary Care is a prime example of healthcare entrepreneurship. It is driven by the right mindset and focused effort.

4. You’re Willing to Trade a Paycheck for Purpose, at Least Temporarily

In reality, going independent often means short-term financial trade-offs. You may give up a salary (and benefits) in exchange for slower initial growth. But many DPC physicians report reaching sustainable income levels within 12–24 months, especially those who control panel size and manage costs wisely. Direct Primary Care closely aligns with value-based primary care.

More importantly, they report dramatically higher satisfaction. A 2022 Physicians Foundation survey found that only 33% of physicians in traditional practice would recommend medicine as a career, while among DPC physicians, informal surveys suggest over 80% would. This satisfaction is driven by physician autonomy, patient centered medical practice and the ability to build relationships and drive results for patients through personalized healthcare delivery.

You don’t have to be wealthy to make the jump, but you do have to be motivated by more than money. DPC is healthcare entrepreneurship and like any other field, it requires more than medical skills.You also have to develop your business skills, do your research and be ready to build a practice based on your vision.

5. You’re Actively Seeking Stories of Those Who’ve Done It

If you’re reading this, you’re likely already Googling “how to start a DPC practice” or lurking in physician Facebook groups about going independent.

That curiosity is a signal.

When you’re drawn to success stories, asking questions, watching YouTube tours of small clinics, or listening to podcasts from other DPC docs, it’s not a whim. It’s preparation.

You don’t have to have all the answers yet, but if you’re in research mode, you’re likely further down the path of value-based primary care in the form of Direct Primary Care, than you think.

DPC Is More than a Model, It is a Mindset

Globally, models like Direct Primary Care echo systems seen in places like the Netherlands and the UK, where strong general practice systems are the foundation of healthcare, and where GPs enjoy significantly more autonomy, often serving as trusted, long-term guides for patients.

DPC is one way to reclaim that here in the U.S., to rebuild relationships, restore meaning, and reimagine primary care one patient at a time.

Major healthcare trends for 2025 point toward increased focus on patient experience, personalized care delivery, and integrated health solutions – all core elements of the DPC model. By eliminating the constraints of traditional practice, DPC allows physicians to rebuild primary care the way it should be: relationship-based, prevention-focused, and truly patient-centered.

Whether you’re feeling the weight of burnout or simply seeking a more fulfilling way to practice medicine, the DPC model offers a proven path forward. The question isn’t just whether you’re ready to make the change – it’s whether you’re ready to be part of healthcare’s future.

Thinking About Making the Leap?

You’re not alone. At Sporo Health, we support physicians building new models of care that prioritize access, autonomy, and equity.

Stay tuned for our next post: “Starting a DPC Practice: What They Don’t Tell You in Med School.”


Or drop us a note because your next chapter might be closer than you think.

359 Comments

  26. [url=https://x.com/RauheShemi20597/status/1908418523719696728]Windows Volume Activation Will Expire[/url]
    [url=https://x.com/RauheShemi20597/status/1908418523719696728]Windows Activation Customer Care Number India[/url]
    [url=https://x.com/RauheShemi20597/status/1908418523719696728]Windows 11 Enterprise Activation Key Free[/url]
    [url=https://telegra.ph/Windows-10-Windows-11-activation-is-forever-free-04-04]Windows 2008 R2 Esu Activation[/url]
    [url=https://telegra.ph/Windows-10-Windows-11-activation-is-forever-free-04-04]Windows 10 Activation Cli[/url]

    Windows Activation

  116. Эта публикация завернет вас в вихрь увлекательного контента, сбрасывая стереотипы и открывая двери к новым идеям. Каждый абзац станет для вас открытием, полным ярких примеров и впечатляющих достижений. Подготовьтесь быть вовлеченными и удивленными каждый раз, когда продолжите читать.
    Подробнее тут – https://medalkoblog.ru/

  202. I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself? Plz reply back as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to know wheere u got this from. thanks

  204. Hi there, I discovered your site via Google whilst looking for a similar subject, your site came up, it looks great. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

  258. Hi,

    I came across SPORO Health on Crunchbase and was impressed by what you’re doing. Many companies at your stage often need to move fast on their digital roadmap, and that’s exactly where we can help.

    I run Digital Octane, a web development agency that specializes in WordPress, Shopify, React/Node.js, and custom web apps. We work with startups and growing companies to:
    • Launch or redesign websites to match their brand and growth goals;
    • Build scalable web apps and platforms (from MVPs to full products);
    • Integrate tools and workflows (CRM, APIs, custom dashboards);
    • Provide high-quality ongoing development support without the overhead of hiring in-house.

    We’ve delivered for clients across the US and Australia, including funded startups and agencies, helping them ship faster and reduce development bottlenecks.

    Would it make sense to set up a quick call next week to see if we could help with any of your current or upcoming projects?

    Looking forward to your thoughts!

    Best regards,
    Vlad
    CEO, Digital Octane
    vlad.c@digitaloctane.co

  262. fantastic publish, very informative. I wonder why the other specialists of this sector do not notice this. You should continue your writing. I’m confident, you have a great readers’ base already!

  272. helloI really like your writing so a lot share we keep up a correspondence extra approximately your post on AOL I need an expert in this house to unravel my problem May be that is you Taking a look ahead to see you

  277. I’ve observed that in the world today, video games are the latest rage with children of all ages. Periodically it may be out of the question to drag your family away from the games. If you want the best of both worlds, there are many educational games for kids. Thanks for your post.

  279. I do trust all the ideas youve presented in your post They are really convincing and will definitely work Nonetheless the posts are too short for newbies May just you please lengthen them a bit from next time Thank you for the post

  280. Your blog has quickly become one of my favorites. Your writing is both insightful and thought-provoking, and I always come away from your posts feeling inspired. Keep up the phenomenal work!

  281. Normally I do not read article on blogs however I would like to say that this writeup very forced me to try and do so Your writing style has been amazed me Thanks quite great post

  287. Your writing has a way of making even the most complex topics accessible and engaging. I’m constantly impressed by your ability to distill complicated concepts into easy-to-understand language.

  292. Your writing is like a breath of fresh air in the often stale world of online content. Your unique perspective and engaging style set you apart from the crowd. Thank you for sharing your talents with us.

  296. obviously like your web-site but you need to check the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling problems and I in finding it very bothersome to inform the reality however I will certainly come again again.

  298. siteniz harika ben daha önce böyle güzel bir site görmedim makaleler çok açıklayıcı ve bilgilendirici çok site gezdim ve en sonunda sizin sitenizde buldum

  302. Hello Neat post Theres an issue together with your site in internet explorer would check this IE still is the marketplace chief and a large element of other folks will leave out your magnificent writing due to this problem

  307. I just wanted to express my gratitude for the valuable insights you provide through your blog. Your expertise shines through in every word, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from you.

  310. I have been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles or weblog posts on this kind of house . Exploring in Yahoo I eventually stumbled upon this website. Reading this information So i am satisfied to show that I’ve a very just right uncanny feeling I came upon just what I needed. I such a lot certainly will make certain to don?t put out of your mind this website and give it a look on a continuing basis.

  311. Your writing is like a breath of fresh air in the often stale world of online content. Your unique perspective and engaging style set you apart from the crowd. Thank you for sharing your talents with us.

  313. I just could not depart your web site prior to suggesting that I really loved the usual info an individual supply in your visitors Is gonna be back regularly to check up on new posts

  315. I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here The sketch is tasteful your authored subject matter stylish nonetheless you command get got an edginess over that you wish be delivering the following unwell unquestionably come further formerly again as exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield this hike

  316. Hello very nice website!! Man .. Excellent .. Superb .. I’ll bookmark your blog and take the feeds additionally?I’m glad to seek out a lot of useful info right here within the submit, we need work out extra techniques on this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .

  318. Your blog is a testament to your dedication to your craft. Your commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of your writing. Thank you for being such a positive influence in the online community.

  320. Your blog is a beacon of light in the often murky waters of online content. Your thoughtful analysis and insightful commentary never fail to leave a lasting impression. Keep up the amazing work!

  322. affordablecanvaspaintings.com.au is Australia Popular Online 100 percent Handmade Art Store. We deliver Budget Handmade Canvas Paintings, Abstract Art, Oil Paintings, Artwork Sale, Acrylic Wall Art Paintings, Custom Art, Oil Portraits, Pet Paintings, Building Paintings etc. 1000+ Designs To Choose From, Highly Experienced Artists team, Up-to 50 percent OFF SALE and FREE Delivery Australia, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart and all regional areas. We ship worldwide international locations. Order Online Your Handmade Art Today.

  327. Hey there! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good results. If you know of any please share. Appreciate it!

  328. Thanks for your recommendations on this blog. Just one thing I would want to say is always that purchasing electronics items in the Internet is nothing new. In truth, in the past 10 years alone, the marketplace for online consumer electronics has grown considerably. Today, you can get practically any kind of electronic gadget and tools on the Internet, ranging from cameras in addition to camcorders to computer elements and video games consoles.

  330. Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of this blog. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s tough to get that “perfect balance” between superb usability and appearance. I must say you’ve done a awesome job with this. Also, the blog loads super fast for me on Internet explorer. Exceptional Blog!

  335. Pretty component of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to assert that I get actually loved account your weblog posts. Anyway I?ll be subscribing on your feeds or even I success you access constantly rapidly.

  336. Also a thing to mention is that an online business administration diploma is designed for scholars to be able to without problems proceed to bachelor’s degree education. The 90 credit diploma meets the lower bachelor education requirements then when you earn your own associate of arts in BA online, you will get access to the newest technologies within this field. Some reasons why students want to be able to get their associate degree in business is because they may be interested in this area and want to have the general schooling necessary in advance of jumping to a bachelor education program. Many thanks for the tips you actually provide inside your blog.

  338. Greetings! I know this is kinda off topic however , I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest writing a blog article or vice-versa? My site discusses a lot of the same subjects as yours and I believe we could greatly benefit from each other. If you happen to be interested feel free to send me an e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you! Excellent blog by the way!

  339. Thanks for your suggestions. One thing we’ve noticed is the fact that banks and financial institutions know the dimensions and spending practices of consumers as well as understand that most people max outside their cards around the holidays. They properly take advantage of this specific fact and then start flooding your inbox as well as snail-mail box having hundreds of no interest APR card offers immediately after the holiday season closes. Knowing that should you be like 98 of all American public, you’ll leap at the one opportunity to consolidate credit debt and switch balances for 0 interest rates credit cards.

  340. There are some interesting time limits on this article but I don?t know if I see all of them heart to heart. There’s some validity however I’ll take maintain opinion till I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we wish more! Added to FeedBurner as nicely

  342. Thanks for enabling me to acquire new thoughts about personal computers. I also possess the belief that one of the best ways to keep your laptop in prime condition is to use a hard plastic case, or maybe shell, that fits over the top of one’s computer. These kind of protective gear usually are model specific since they are manufactured to fit perfectly within the natural housing. You can buy these directly from the vendor, or through third party sources if they are intended for your notebook, however only a few laptop could have a shell on the market. Once more, thanks for your tips.

  344. Do you have a spam issue on this site; I also am a blogger, and I was wanting to know your situation; many of us have created some nice practices and we are looking to exchange strategies with others, why not shoot me an email if interested.

  348. Simply wish to say your article is as astonishing. The clearness to your put up is simply nice and i could assume you are a professional on this subject. Fine with your permission let me to snatch your feed to stay updated with coming near near post. Thank you 1,000,000 and please carry on the rewarding work.

  351. Thanks for this glorious article. One more thing to mention is that the majority of digital cameras come equipped with any zoom lens so that more or less of the scene to become included by means of ‘zooming’ in and out. These types of changes in {focus|focusing|concentration|target|the a**** length tend to be reflected in the viewfinder and on substantial display screen at the back of this camera.

  353. Its such as you learn my mind! You seem to understand so much approximately this, such as you wrote the e-book in it or something. I believe that you could do with some to drive the message house a bit, however other than that, this is excellent blog. A great read. I will certainly be back.

  356. I have been browsing online more than three hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It is pretty worth enough for me. In my view, if all website owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the internet will be much more useful than ever before.

  357. This thread is a goldmine of absurdity! 😂 From bizarre song recommendations to bizarre plumbing issues, its like a whos who of the weird and wonderful. And the endless stream of random links? Pure chaos, but somehow, its fascinatingly nonsensical. Its like a digital fever dream fueled by questionable life advice and questionable online marketplaces. Keep it coming, folks! The more bizarre, the better! 🤣Free Nano Banana

  358. I discovered your blog site on google and check a few of your early posts. Continue to keep up the very good operate. I just additional up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Seeking forward to reading more from you later on!…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *