u/Dr-Daiquiri

Just wondering about this as a hypothetical. At a very basic level, geriatrics is one of the most in demand specialties. At the same time, they are paradoxically among the lowest compensated. What is stopping a high end DPC and/or concierge geriatric practice model from taking hold of more of the market, especially in areas with lots of higher-income seniors? (Eg Phoenix, Ft Lauderdale, etc)

I know the economics of healthcare in this country are wayyy more complicated than simple supply and demand, but I wonder what factors/forces are really keeping this kind of thing at bay.

Recently attended a talk where the speaker pointed out that the average 55yo today will be receiving almost 7x the amount from Medicare that they paid in Medicare taxes throughout their career. Given that legislators in Washington simultaneously promise Medicare to their voters forever yet are never gonna be caught trying to raise taxes, it seems like the only solution will be to continue the slow and steady decrease in reimbursements paid out to physicians. And given that Medicare reimbursements are a major anchoring point for other payors, the problem will be across the board.

At what point will a DPC style practice be the only viable option for a doc who wants to see a reasonable amount of patients and still get paid what they’re worth? Or will most docs just keep trying to spread themselves thinner by expanding with more mid levels, shorter appointments, etc

For those of you here operating in a DPC, how many patients do you think a physician + NP could see in a a shared panel? On a related note, do you think patients that choose DPC do so because they exclusively wish to see a physician?

Asking since I’m thinking of starting my own DPC and my partner is looking to be an FNP.