Podcast
The Direct Care Podcast For Specialists
Hosted by Tea Nguyen, DPM · EN
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.
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Why fee for service is keeping you stuck
1w ago00:16:18Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailMost doctors leave insurance… but still run their practice like they’re in-network.I did the same thing at first.I thought direct care simply meant putting cash prices on my services and charging patients per visit. But staying fee-for-service kept my practice transactional, unpredictable, and financially stuck.In this episode, I’m sharing why I shifted away from CPT-code thinking and started building packages, memberships, and long-term patient relationships instead. Because patients don’t just want appointments — they want a clear plan, real results, and someone who can guide them from pain to solution. Support the showFor specialists tired on insurance and ready to do something about it. If you're ready to open but don't know where to start, take the readiness assessment and book a clarity call here.--> Join the Direct Care Society private Facebook group here. EMR I'm currently using in my Direct Care practice Simple PracticeFind me on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/teadpmMore resources teadpm.com
Transcribe →You're Getting Impressions But No Patients. Here's Why.
2w ago00:22:44Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailGetting impressions but no patients? The problem may not be your ads.In this episode, I break down why marketing fails for many doctors and service-based businesses: unclear messaging, weak systems, and missing patient qualification.Learn the five-step phone script that turns calls into qualified patients, how to position your services for profitability, and why marketing is more than just running ads.If you’re building a direct care practice, this episode will change how you think about growth. Support the showFor specialists tired on insurance and ready to do something about it. If you're ready to open but don't know where to start, take the readiness assessment and book a clarity call here.--> Join the Direct Care Society private Facebook group here. EMR I'm currently using in my Direct Care practice Simple PracticeFind me on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/teadpmMore resources teadpm.com
Transcribe →Why Other Doctors' Success Feels Personal
3w ago00:17:03Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailI want to talk about something most doctors don’t say out loud.That uncomfortable feeling when you see another physician succeed. The little sting. The doubt. The thought that maybe you’re behind.Nothing is wrong with you for feeling that. You were trained to compare—from school, to boards, to training. So your brain learned to measure your worth against other people.But their success isn’t taking anything away from you. There is no real scoreboard here.The moment you stop making their win mean something about you, you get your focus back. And you start building your own path again. Support the showFor specialists tired on insurance and ready to do something about it. If you're ready to open but don't know where to start, take the readiness assessment and book a clarity call here.--> Join the Direct Care Society private Facebook group here. EMR I'm currently using in my Direct Care practice Simple PracticeFind me on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/teadpmMore resources teadpm.com
Transcribe →Adding a Spa to Your Clinic with Dr. Sarah Neitzel
May 500:48:04Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat if your clinic could earn revenue without you in the room? Dr. Tea Nguyen sits down with podiatrist and business coach Dr. Sarah Neitzel to break down exactly how she built a profitable medical nail spa alongside her private practice — and what it takes for other physicians to do the same.They cover structuring two separate LLCs, hiring nail technicians, startup costs, and how to identify which tasks you should stop doing yourself. If you've ever thought about adding a cash service to your practice, this one's for you.Dr. Sarah Neitzel is a board-certified podiatric surgeon and founder of Visionary Practice Solutions, a coaching program helping physicians across specialties build thriving, independent practices. She owns both a podiatry clinic and a medical nail spa in Silverdale, Washington.Connect with her: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-neitzel-dpm/Website: https://www.visionarypracticesolutions.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.SarahVPS/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.sarah.coaching Support the showFor specialists tired on insurance and ready to do something about it. If you're ready to open but don't know where to start, take the readiness assessment and book a clarity call here.--> Join the Direct Care Society private Facebook group here. EMR I'm currently using in my Direct Care practice Simple PracticeFind me on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/teadpmMore resources teadpm.com
Transcribe →ACES National Surgical Team with Dr. Ronen Elefant
Apr 2800:40:04Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn 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 leader to national innovator, Dr. Elefant shares how bundled pricing, existing surgery centers, and physician autonomy are creating a simpler, more transparent system for patients and surgeons alike.A powerful look at what happens when you remove insurance from the equation and rebuild care around the patient.Connect with him:Website: ACES National Surgical TeamLinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronenelefantInstagram: @ronenelefantYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@ACESSurgicalteamTiktok: @ronen.elefant Support the showFor specialists tired on insurance and ready to do something about it. If you're ready to open but don't know where to start, take the readiness assessment and book a clarity call here.--> Join the Direct Care Society private Facebook group here. EMR I'm currently using in my Direct Care practice Simple PracticeFind me on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/teadpmMore resources teadpm.com
Transcribe →Business Ownership Will Expose Every Wound You've Been Ignoring
Apr 2100:18:12Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIf 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 in practice ownership and direct care. You’ll see why undercharging and overgiving are not strategy issues, but money mindset patterns. Learn how shifting beliefs and strengthening boundaries leads to real, sustainable growth. 🎧 Build a practice that reflects your value. Support the showFor specialists tired on insurance and ready to do something about it. If you're ready to open but don't know where to start, take the readiness assessment and book a clarity call here.--> Join the Direct Care Society private Facebook group here. EMR I'm currently using in my Direct Care practice Simple PracticeFind me on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/teadpmMore resources teadpm.com
Transcribe →All In or Hybrid?
Apr 1400:15:09Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailThinking 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 and operational considerations, and offer guidance on when a direct care model works best. Learn how to simplify your practice, protect revenue, attract the right patients, and build a patient-centered business you love—without the stress of insurance. Support the showFor specialists tired on insurance and ready to do something about it. If you're ready to open but don't know where to start, take the readiness assessment and book a clarity call here.--> Join the Direct Care Society private Facebook group here. EMR I'm currently using in my Direct Care practice Simple PracticeFind me on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/teadpmMore resources teadpm.com
Transcribe →How To Ensure Your Success In Any Coaching Program
Apr 700:15:32Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn 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, left insurance behind, and designed the Direct Care Society Launch Course to help specialists create a simple, profitable, and sustainable private practice. Support the showFor specialists tired on insurance and ready to do something about it. If you're ready to open but don't know where to start, take the readiness assessment and book a clarity call here.--> Join the Direct Care Society private Facebook group here. EMR I'm currently using in my Direct Care practice Simple PracticeFind me on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/teadpmMore resources teadpm.com
Transcribe →Spring Cleaning Those Damaging Beliefs
Mar 3100:22:18Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn 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 fulfilling direct care practice—where you set your prices, choose your patients, and focus on what you love about medicine without the friction of insurance. Support the showFor specialists tired on insurance and ready to do something about it. If you're ready to open but don't know where to start, take the readiness assessment and book a clarity call here.--> Join the Direct Care Society private Facebook group here. EMR I'm currently using in my Direct Care practice Simple PracticeFind me on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/teadpmMore resources teadpm.com
Transcribe →3 Things Not To Do In Your Direct Care Practice
Mar 2400:19:16Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailBusy 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. Learn how to shift your pricing, create meaningful patient touchpoints, and stay top of mind—so you can build a practice that’s both sustainable and fulfilling. Ethical Selling replay available for a limited time: watch it here Support the showFor specialists tired on insurance and ready to do something about it. If you're ready to open but don't know where to start, take the readiness assessment and book a clarity call here.--> Join the Direct Care Society private Facebook group here. EMR I'm currently using in my Direct Care practice Simple PracticeFind me on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/teadpmMore resources teadpm.com
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