In this episode of the DPC Pediatricians Podcast, Phil and Marina tackle a question every Direct Primary Care (DPC) pediatrician eventually faces: why do patients leave—and how often does it really happen?

Drawing on five years of real-world experience, they unpack the truth behind patient attrition in a membership-based model. While DPC is known for its accessibility, strong relationships, and high-quality care, no practice is immune to turnover. But the reasons patients leave may surprise you—and they’re not always what you’d expect.

From families relocating or experiencing financial changes, to shifts in expectations or misunderstandings about the DPC model, Phil and Marina break down the most common causes of attrition. They also explore a critical mindset shift: not all attrition is a failure. In many cases, it’s a natural and even healthy part of running a sustainable practice.

The conversation goes deeper into how pediatricians can:

* Set clear expectations from the start

* Build stronger, longer-lasting relationships with families

* Identify preventable vs. unavoidable attrition

* Use patient departures as opportunities for growth and refinement

If you’ve ever worried about losing patients—or wondered what attrition really looks like in a thriving DPC practice—this episode offers both reassurance and practical insight.

Whether you’re new to DPC or years into your journey, this discussion will challenge your assumptions and help you build a more resilient, patient-centered practice.

Episode Summary: In this episode, Phil and Marina discuss the role newsletters can play in a Direct Primary Care pediatric practice. While not every practice sends them regularly, newsletters can be a powerful way to stay connected with families between visits, share helpful pediatric insights, and remind patients about the value of membership care.

They explore how newsletters help keep your practice top of mind, strengthen relationships with current members, and even encourage referrals from families who may not need care very often. The conversation also touches on what makes a newsletter engaging—from seasonal health tips to practice updates—and how to keep the process manageable so it doesn’t become another overwhelming task.

If you’ve ever wondered whether newsletters are worth sending—or what you should include in one—this episode offers practical insights and encouragement for DPC pediatricians looking to communicate more effectively with their families.

Episode Overview

In this episode, the hosts discuss the value of hosting meet-and-greet events in a Direct Primary Care (DPC) pediatric practice. They explore whether these events are worth the time and effort, how to structure them effectively, and how they contribute to long-term patient relationships and practice growth.

Key Themes & Takeaways

1. Purpose of Meet and Greets

Meet-and-greets are designed to:

* Build trust with prospective families

* Explain the DPC model clearly

* Answer common questions about membership, pricing, and access

* Allow families to assess personality fit before committing

The hosts emphasize that in DPC pediatrics, relationship-building is central — and these events help establish that foundation early.

2. Are They Worth the Effort?

The hosts acknowledge:

* They require time, preparation, and emotional energy

* Attendance can be unpredictable

* Not every attendee converts to a member

However, they conclude that:

* Even small groups can be impactful

* Conversions often happen later, not immediately

* The trust built can lead to strong long-term members

They view meet-and-greets as a long-game relationship strategy rather than a short-term sales tool.

3. Setting Expectations

Important considerations include:

* Being clear about what DPC is (and isn’t)

* Addressing misconceptions about insurance

* Explaining communication access (texting, same-day visits, etc.)

* Clarifying pricing and membership structure

Transparency reduces friction and builds confidence.

4. Format & Structure Tips

The hosts discuss:

* Hosting events in-office or virtually

* Keeping groups small and conversational

* Allowing plenty of time for Q&A

* Avoiding a hard “sales pitch” tone

They stress authenticity — families are evaluating personality and philosophy as much as logistics.

5. Relationship Over Revenue

A recurring theme is that DPC is relational.Meet-and-greets:

* Attract families who align with the practice model

* Filter out families who may not be a good fit

* Strengthen word-of-mouth referrals

The goal is not volume, but alignment and trust.

Overall Message

Meet-and-greets are absolutely worth the effort in a DPC pediatric practice — not because they guarantee immediate sign-ups, but because they build credibility, clarify expectations, and foster strong patient-physician relationships.

They are an investment in community-building and long-term practice stability.