In this episode of DPC Pediatrician, Dr. Phil Boucher and Dr. Marina Capella dive into the frequently debated topic of whether DPC practices should charge an enrollment fee. They share their personal experiences, perspectives, and practical advice for pediatricians considering this approach.

Key Highlights

1. What Is an Enrollment Fee and Why Consider It?

* An enrollment fee is a one-time charge for new patients joining a DPC practice. It helps offset the upfront time and effort spent on onboarding families, such as reviewing medical records, conducting lengthy initial visits, and creating follow-up plans.

* Dr. Capella initially disliked the idea of enrollment fees but later found them beneficial for protecting against families who leave shortly after joining, despite significant upfront investment.

2. Benefits of Charging an Enrollment Fee

* Commitment Indicator: The fee encourages families to think carefully before signing up, ensuring they understand the membership model.

* Financial Protection: It provides a buffer for the time-intensive onboarding process.

* Clarity: It reinforces the idea that DPC is different from traditional practices, helping patients understand the recurring membership structure.

3. Practical Approaches to Enrollment Fees

* Both doctors charge $100 per family as a reasonable fee but note that practices can set their own amount or waive fees in certain situations (e.g., newborns or special cases).

* Waiving fees can be used as an incentive to encourage sign-ups during meet-and-greet sessions.

4. Alternatives to Enrollment Fees

* Minimum Membership Commitment: Practices can require families to commit to a minimum duration (e.g., six months) instead of charging an enrollment fee. This ensures stability while avoiding upfront costs.

* Flexible Policies: Some practices opt not to charge enrollment fees or enforce commitments to minimize barriers for families, especially in lower-income or rural communities.

5. Tailoring Fees to Your Community

* Pricing strategies should reflect the economic realities of your patient base. For example, in areas with lower average incomes, an enrollment fee might deter families from joining.

* Testing your market and adjusting policies based on feedback is crucial for success.

6. Final Thoughts

* The beauty of DPC is its flexibility—practitioners can decide whether to charge fees or enforce commitments based on their values and community needs.

* Both Dr. Boucher and Dr. Capella emphasize that it’s okay to experiment with different approaches and adjust as needed.