The Direct Care Podcast For Specialists
Learn why and how to start an insurance-free, hassle-free Direct Specialty Care practice that lets you provide care your way for your patients without middlemen hosted by Dr. Tea Nguyen.
Episodes
188 episodes
ACES National Surgical Team with Dr. Ronen Elefant
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Ronen Elefant, Founder and CEO of ACES National Surgical Team, to break down how direct surgical care is reshaping access, pricing, and the patient experience. From trauma surgeon and hospital le...
Business Ownership Will Expose Every Wound You've Been Ignoring
If you’re a physician building your own practice and questioning your pricing, boundaries, or worth—this episode is for you. In EP 219, I unpack how imposter syndrome, scarcity mindset, and fear of rejection shape decisions...
All In or Hybrid?
Thinking about going 100% direct care or starting with a hybrid model? In this episode, I share my personal journey from an insurance-based practice to fully direct care. I break down the pros and cons of each approach, explain the financial an...
How To Ensure Your Success In Any Coaching Program
In this episode, I share 5 strategies I’ve used to succeed in any physician coaching program and get real results. I talk about setting intentions, committing effort, and taking action. I also reveal how I built my thriving direct care practice...
Spring Cleaning Those Damaging Beliefs
In this episode, I tackle five common misconceptions that keep doctors stuck in the insurance-based model. I share how to clear mental clutter, overcome limiting beliefs, and take action to build a simpler, more profitable, and fulfillin...
3 Things Not To Do In Your Direct Care Practice
Busy doesn’t always mean profitable. In this episode, lets break down three common mistakes that quietly sabotage direct care practices: undercharging, neglecting the full patient experience, and underutilizing simple technology. L...
Before You Leave Employment
Thinking about leaving employment to start your own practice? I break down what every physician needs to know first—from reviewing non-compete clauses to choosing between insurance-based and direct care models. I also share the three essential ...
Your Resistance Isn’t About Business Logistics — It’s About Your Identity
Feeling stuck in your direct care practice? Maybe leaving insurance isn’t “working” the way you thought it would. I get it—this isn’t just about logistics; it’s about identity. In this episode, I break down the four things that could be holding...
Annual Membership vs. High-Ticket Packages in Private Practice: When to Offer Each
Confused about high ticket packages vs. memberships in private practice? This episode breaks down the key differences and when to use each for maximum revenue stability and better patient care. Learn how to structure premium offers,...
Why Smart Doctors Can't Sell Their Care - and How To Overcome Feeling Sleazy About It
Celebrating 4 Years + Introducing The Circle
Happy 4 years to The Direct Care Podcast for Specialists! If you have a Direct Specialty Care Practice and are looking for massive growth, join me in The Circle. No contractMonthly live sessionsAccountability ...
VirtuCare with Dr. Joseph Pazona Urologist
In this episode, Dr. Joseph “Joe” Pazona, board-certified urologist and CEO of VirtuCare, shares his journey from traditional clinical practice to healthcare entrepreneurship. Frustrated by physician burnout and gaps in specialty c...
The Things You Lose When You Go Direct Care (And Why That’s the Whole Point)
If you’re thinking about starting a direct care practice, you need to know something important, to get something new, you have to let go of the old. In this episode, I’m talking about the things you’ll lose—old habits, chaotic sche...
Hitchcock Direct Imaging with Dr. Matthew Hitchcock
In this episode, Dr. Matthew R. Hitchcock, MD, MBA, shares his journey as a direct primary care physician and healthcare entrepreneur. Frustrated by long waits and high costs in traditional imaging, he founded Hitchcock Direct Imaging, a...
So you want to become a business owner?
Tired of feeling burned out, trapped, or stuck in a job that drains you? It’s time to take control. In this episode, I break down the mindset shifts, practical steps, and systems every doctor needs to launch a profitable, low-stress direct care...
Bliss Sleep and Psychiatry with Dr. Sushrusha Arjyal
Dr. Sushrusha Arjyal shares her journey from board-certified psychiatrist and sleep specialist to founder of Bliss Sleep and Psychiatry in Cary, NC. She discusses the challenges and rewards of transitioning to private practice, including financ...
Make 2026 Your Direct Care Year!
1. The Direct Care Movement Is Mainstream Now2026 is the year specialists can no longer ignore the shift—direct care is making headlines and attracting advocates like Mark Cuban, who’s cutting out middlemen and championing patien...
Building a Direct Care Rheumatology Practice with Dr. R. Michelle Koolaee
Dr. R. Michelle Koolaee is a board-certified rheumatologist with over 12 years of experience in academic and multi-specialty practices across Los Angeles. In 2025, she opened a direct care rheumatology practice in Pasadena to move beyond the co...
Holiday Lessons from Plants and Perimenopause
I want to share some unexpected lessons that have sprouted from my garden—and from my perimenopause journey. From plants that refuse to grow to learning when to let go, I’ve realized the importance of focusing on what truly thrives in our lives...
Simply Psych with Dr. Brian Dixon
Dr. Brian Dixon, is an award-winning psychiatrist, author, and speaker who believes adaptive mental health is the foundation of a life well lived. In this episode, he shares his journey from facing “moral injury” in insurance...
How to Get Your First Cash-Pay Patient in 7 Steps
Struggling to attract patients who pay cash? In this episode, we break down 7 practical steps to help you engage patients, build trust, and confidently set prices. Learn how to package services, handle insurance objections transparently,...
Total Pain Solutions with Dr. Demetrio Aguila III
Dr. Demetrio J. Aguila III, a world-renowned peripheral nerve surgeon and former Air Force flight surgeon treating patients from 50 states and 32 countries. He’s the only surgeon in Nebraska, Iowa, Colorado, and South Dakota performing micro-in...
One Day This Podcast Will End (And Why That's the Goal)
Direct Care is hard but staying the same is harder. I am so grateful that you're lending me your ears. Give yourself the gift of grace this season and all year long. Happy Thanksgiving. I'll check in with you next week.
Bloom Pediatrics with Dr. Jennifer Dilts
Dr. Jennifer Dilts, DO, is a pediatrician at Bloom Pediatrics in Kansas City, KS, caring for kids and teens with ADHD, migraines, anxiety, and depression. She shares how she transformed pediatric care through the direct care model, making care ...
3 Essential Shifts To Make Direct Care Work For You
Thinking about transitioning your practice to direct care? I break down 3 essential shifts that can save you time, cut administrative costs, and give you more control over your practice.Hear how I successfully made the switch in 2...