How to start a DPC practice.
Thinking about opening a Direct Primary Care practice? Here's how it actually works — the phases, decisions, and infrastructure required to launch, drawn from 155+ DPC launches since 2016.
Starting a Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice means launching a membership-based primary care clinic where physicians charge patients a flat monthly fee — typically $50–$150 — instead of billing insurance. The launch process spans roughly 16 weeks across four phases: business planning and entity formation, financing and site selection, technology and branding setup, and pre-launch patient enrollment. Most independent DPC practices open with 0 patients and reach financial sustainability within 12–18 months.
New here? Start with what is direct primary care.
What It Takes to Launch a DPC Practice
Launching a DPC practice requires coordinated setup across legal, operational, and marketing systems. Our team handles each step before your first patient visit.
Discovery & Planning
You begin with structured Academy lessons covering the DPC model, membership pricing fundamentals, and practice economics. Then we sit down with you, learn your vision, and build a data-driven roadmap tailored to your market. You'll walk away with 3-year financial projections, a local market analysis, and a clear picture of what your practice will look like.
Systems & Build-Out
This is where your practice takes shape. We handle entity formation, coordinate compliance, configure your technology stack—EHR, billing, telehealth—and design your brand and website. By the end, your systems are configured, tested, and prepared for launch.
Marketing & Growth
While your systems are being built, we're already building your patient pipeline. We launch marketing campaigns, connect you with your community, develop referral networks, and manage your waitlist—so you're building momentum before doors open.
Your Practice Runs on Us
Launch is just the beginning. Your practice continues running on the Freedom Practice System — operations, marketing, billing, and growth support — so you can focus entirely on practicing medicine.
Two Paths to Practice Ownership
Both paths lead to independence. Choose what works best for you.
Self-Directed Path
Full independence, self-paced
- 12-18+ months learning curve
- $10K-20K in various consultants
- Research and compare EMR options yourself
- Build marketing presence from scratch
- Navigate complex decisions alone
- Build patient panel independently
Average self-directed launch timeline: 12-18 months. Industry data shows 33%+ of self-directed DPC practices close within 2 years.
With Freedom Healthworks
Proven system, expert guidance
- 6-8 month proven timeline
- From $2,800/mo · Launch Included
- Pre-vetted technology stack
- Marketing support included
- 155+ successful launches
- 3-year commitment · Tier flexibility
155+ practices launched since 2016
Physician Testimonial
"Freedom Healthworks gave me the structure to build something real."
Dr. Kristen Stehling launched Empower Wellness in California using the Freedom Practice System — and hasn't looked back. Hear her story in under a minute.
Dr. Kristen Stehling, DO
Empower Wellness · California
Launch Success Stories
Hear from physicians who launched their DPC practices with our help.
"Our practice was only a dream in March 2022 and they brought it to fruition by June 2022. As two busy healthcare providers, there was no way we could have done this without their guidance and support."
"Their startup services set our new endeavor up for success. Through our first year, they continued to support our clinic, always quick to answer questions and very responsive to our needs. The Freedom team is top notch!"
"I would never have been able to do this without you... y'all are the perspective that I get month to month. And that's huge."
Dr. Melinda MarzolfBalance Integrated Health, Colorado