The Direct Care Podcast For Specialists

Hosted by Tea Nguyen, DPM

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Episodes

205

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 8, 2026Episode 23940 min

Aspen Grove with Dr. Lauren Hartman

Send us Fan Mail What if the “safe” path in medicine is actually keeping you from practicing the way you want? After nearly 20 years treating eating disorders, Dr. Lauren Hartman left the traditional healthcare system to build Aspen Grove Adolescent & Young Adult Medicine , a direct-care practice in Berkeley, California. We talk about leaving security behind, betting on yourself, charging for your value, and designing a practice around time, autonomy, and the care patients actually need. Dr. Hartman is a double board-certified pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist, serves on the Eating Disorder Committee for SAHM, and is the author of Freeing Children and Young Adults from Shame, Scales and Stigma , published by Routledge in March 2026. Connect with her: Website: Aspen Grove Instagram: @laurenhartmanmd Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/lauren-hartman-b4bab9a0 Book: Freeing Children and Young Adults from Shame, Scales, and Stigma Support the show --> Direct Care Guide Download here --> Build Your Signature Offer Before You Opt Out PDF here --- Join the Direct Care Society, a private WhatsApp community here . Ads free! EMR I'm currently using in my Direct Care practice Simple Practice Find me on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/teadpm More resources teadpm.com

September 1, 2026Episode 23822 min

The Fibroid Doc with Dr. Cheruba Prabakar

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a physician decides she’s done practicing medicine like a robot? In this episode, I talk with Dr. Cheruba Prabakar about leaving employed medicine, building a direct specialty care practice, creating memberships, offering concierge-level surgical care, and hiring another physician. We also talk about her journey to becoming The Fibroid Doc and the book she created to help women better understand fibroids and their treatment options. A conversation about building a medical practice—and a career—that works for you. Connect with her: Personal Website: The Fibroid Doc Practice Website: Lamorinda Gynecology and Surgery Instagram: @ thefibroiddoc YouTube: @ TheFibroidDoc Support the show --> Direct Care Guide Download here --> Build Your Signature Offer Before You Opt Out PDF here --- Join the Direct Care Society, a private WhatsApp community here . Ads free! EMR I'm currently using in my Direct Care practice Simple Practice Find me on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/teadpm More resources teadpm.com

August 25, 2026Episode 23716 min

8 Years, A Taco Truck, and The Practice I Actually Built

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I’m celebrating eight years in private practice—and sharing the real story of how I built the practice I actually have today. When I opened my doors in 2018, I definitely did not have it all figured out. I started with an insurance-based model, struggled financially, navigated the pandemic, dropped Medicare, and eventually opted out of all insurance. Along the way, my practice, and my life changed in ways I never planned for. I’m also sharing some of the unexpected challenges I faced in 2026, including major personal changes and uncertainty about my office space. And yes, there was a taco truck involved. This is the final episode in my three-part series on building a profitable direct specialty care practice. My biggest takeaway? You don’t need to have everything figured out before you start. You just need to take the next step, stay flexible, and keep moving forward. Support the show --> Direct Care Guide Download here --> Build Your Signature Offer Before You Opt Out PDF here --- Join the Direct Care Society, a private WhatsApp community here . Ads free! EMR I'm currently using in my Direct Care practice Simple Practice Find me on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/teadpm More resources teadpm.com

August 18, 2026Episode 23620 min

The Best Way To Acquire New Patients

Send us Fan Mail Once you leave insurance, you have to create your own patient acquisition funnel. But where should you actually spend your time and money—word of mouth, referrals, Google, paid ads, or social media? In Part 2 of this series, I’m breaking down what I believe is the best way to bring new patients into a direct care practice. I’ll talk about building relationships, asking for referrals, connecting with local businesses, using social media to build trust, and when paid ads actually make sense. Because sometimes, you don’t need more marketing. You need to find the leak in your funnel and fix it. Support the show --> Direct Care Guide Download here --> Build Your Signature Offer Before You Opt Out PDF here --- Join the Direct Care Society, a private WhatsApp community here . Ads free! EMR I'm currently using in my Direct Care practice Simple Practice Find me on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/teadpm More resources teadpm.com

August 11, 2026Episode 23514 min

Your Signature Offer

Send us Fan Mail If you're ready to leave insurance or start your own direct care practice, don't make the mistake of selling visits. Sell the transformation. In this episode, I break down why every successful direct care practice needs one signature offer—the thing you're known for and the outcome your patients actually want. I'll show you why packages create more commitment, more predictable revenue, and a simpler business than charging per visit. You'll also learn the three-part framework I use to build offers that patients understand, trust, and gladly invest in. Start with one offer. Refine it over time. Simplicity is what helps your practice grow. Support the show --> Direct Care Guide Download here --> Build Your Signature Offer Before You Opt Out PDF here --- Join the Direct Care Society, a private WhatsApp community here . Ads free! EMR I'm currently using in my Direct Care practice Simple Practice Find me on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/teadpm More resources teadpm.com

August 4, 2026Episode 23435 min

Apex Endocrinology Health with Dr. Maria Bernal

Send us Fan Mail What if one podcast episode changed the course of your career? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Maria Bernal Riera, a triple board-certified physician in Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, and Obesity Medicine, and founder of Apex Endocrinology Health—a 100% cash-pay telemedicine practice providing endocrinology and obesity care to patients across Florida, New York, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Dr. Bernal shares how discovering the My DPC Story podcast through a Facebook group inspired her to pursue direct specialty care immediately after fellowship. She discusses building a virtual practice from the ground up, combining expert endocrinology care with dedicated health coaching, and creating a business designed to grow beyond herself. Together, they explore the realities of physician entrepreneurship, including developing a CEO mindset, creating a financial runway with locums work, marketing a cash-pay practice, and navigating the complexities of multi-state telemedicine. Dr. Bernal also explains why she founded the DPC Telemedicine Group on Facebook and launched The Cash-Pay MD newsletter—to provide the same sense of community and support that helped her build Apex Endocrinology Health. Whether you're considering direct specialty care, telemedicine, or simply looking for a more fulfilling way to practice medicine, this episode is filled with practical insights and encouragement for physicians ready to build a practice on their own terms. Connect with Dr. Maria Bernal: 📧 Email: drbernal@apexendohealth.com 🌐 Website: Apex Endocrinology Health 📸 Instagram: @drbernalendocrinology 📘 Facebook: Apex Endocrinology Health LLC 👥 Facebook Group: DPC Telemedicine Group 📰 Newsletter: The Cash-Pay MD Support the show --> Direct Care Guide Download here --> Build Your Signature Offer Before You Opt Out PDF here --- Join the Direct Care Society, a private WhatsApp community here . Ads free! EMR I'm currently using in my Direct Care practice Simple Practice Find me on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/teadpm More resources teadpm.com

July 28, 2026Episode 23320 min

So You Want To Branch Out On Your Own?

Send us Fan Mail Thinking about leaving your employed position and starting your own practice? Before you worry about office space, staff, or financing, there's one skill you need to master first: learning how to confidently communicate the value of your services. In this episode, I share why selling isn't about being pushy—it's about guiding patients toward the care they need. You'll learn how package-based care creates better patient outcomes, builds a more sustainable practice, and gives you greater freedom from insurance. If you're ready to build a practice on your own terms, this episode is the perfect place to start. Support the show --> Direct Care Guide Download here --> Build Your Signature Offer Before You Opt Out PDF here --- Join the Direct Care Society, a private WhatsApp community here . Ads free! EMR I'm currently using in my Direct Care practice Simple Practice Find me on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/teadpm More resources teadpm.com

July 21, 2026Episode 23242 min

Prairie Allergy with Dr. Brynn Everist

Send us Fan Mail What if the biggest barrier to practicing great medicine isn't your specialty—it's the system you're practicing in? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Brynn Everist, a board-certified allergist, immunologist, and founder of Prairie Allergy, to talk about what happened when she stepped away from insurance and built a practice around the way she actually wanted to care for patients. We discuss why education takes time, how Direct Care creates space for innovation, and why some of the most effective treatment options never gain traction inside the traditional healthcare model. We also dive into entrepreneurship, building a product from scratch, and what it really feels like to leave the well-worn path of medicine to create something better. If you've ever wondered whether there's another way to practice, this conversation might be exactly what you need to hear. Connect with her: Website: Prairie Allergy Instagram: @allergy_bee_md and @amusedrops LinkedIn: @brynneverist Amuse Drops: https://amusedrops.com/ Support the show --> Direct Care Guide Download here --> Build Your Signature Offer Before You Opt Out PDF here --- Join the Direct Care Society, a private WhatsApp community here . Ads free! EMR I'm currently using in my Direct Care practice Simple Practice Find me on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/teadpm More resources teadpm.com

July 14, 2026Episode 23116 min

Is Direct Care Right for You — Right Now?

Send us Fan Mail You've heard about direct care—but is this really the right time to make the leap? In this episode, I walk you through seven simple questions to help you evaluate whether you're ready to build a direct care practice. We'll cover everything from your financial runway and market demand to your support system, referral network, and willingness to learn the business side of medicine. This isn't about convincing you to leave insurance—it's about giving you clarity on where you are today and what needs to happen next. Whether you're ready to launch or simply planning ahead, this episode will help you make your next move with more confidence and less uncertainty. Support the show --> Direct Care Guide Download here --> Build Your Signature Offer Before You Opt Out PDF here --- Join the Direct Care Society, a private WhatsApp community here . Ads free! EMR I'm currently using in my Direct Care practice Simple Practice Find me on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/teadpm More resources teadpm.com

July 7, 2026Episode 23015 min

If I Had a Time Machine, I’d Say This

Send us Fan Mail If I could go back and give myself advice before opening my direct care practice, these are the three lessons I'd share. In this episode, I break down why every cash practice needs one clear, high-value offer, how to hire with confidence (and let go with compassion), and the costly spending mistakes I wish I'd avoided in the beginning. These lessons weren't learned from books—they came from years of trial, error, and building a practice that truly fits my life. If you're thinking about starting a direct care practice or want to build a stronger, more profitable one, this episode will help you avoid common pitfalls and move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and freedom. Support the show --> Direct Care Guide Download here --> Build Your Signature Offer Before You Opt Out PDF here --- Join the Direct Care Society, a private WhatsApp community here . Ads free! EMR I'm currently using in my Direct Care practice Simple Practice Find me on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/teadpm More resources teadpm.com