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1. The Direct Care Movement Is Mainstream Now

2026 is the year specialists can no longer ignore the shift—direct care is making headlines and attracting advocates like Mark Cuban, who’s cutting out middlemen and championing patient-centered care. The time to act is now.

2. You Have More Power (and Options) Than You Think

The old insurance model is broken, but you don’t have to play by those rules. Whether you’re worried about opening a new office, choosing your location, or deciding on cash vs. membership models, direct care lets you design your practice your way.

3. Support, Community, and Real Answers Await

Join Dr. Tea’s private Facebook group for monthly Q&As, peer support, and details on the next group coaching cohort. You’re not alone—connect, ask questions, and get ready to take control of your career in 2026.

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*NEW!* Are you ready for Direct Care? Start with this Google Form Readiness Scorecard here

--> Contact me here

--> MASTERING PRIVATE PRACTICE CONFERENCE by Doctors On Social Media. Recording: Use my affiliate link to attend, here

--> Record your question easily here

--> FREE Direct Care Guide to get you started

--> Join the Direct Care Society private Facebook group here. Monthly coaching sessions & a community that gets you.

--> Own a DSC practice and want to share your story? Apply here

• EMR I'm currently using in my Direct Care practice Simple Practice
• HIPAA Compliant Email with Paubox Get $250 Credit Here
• Find me on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/teadpm
• More resources teadpm.com

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Dr. R. Michelle Koolaee is a board-certified rheumatologist with over 12 years of experience in academic and multi-specialty practices across Los Angeles. In 2025, she opened a direct care rheumatology practice in Pasadena to move beyond the constraints of 15-minute visits and provide patients with more time, access, and personalized care. She now shares her journey to help other physicians explore and implement the direct care model.

Connect with her:
Email: michelle@drrmichellekoolaee.com
Website: https://www.drrmichellekoolaee.com
Free Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/drrmichellekoolaee/subscribe

Support the show

*NEW!* Are you ready for Direct Care? Start with this Google Form Readiness Scorecard here

--> Contact me here

--> MASTERING PRIVATE PRACTICE CONFERENCE by Doctors On Social Media. Recording: Use my affiliate link to attend, here

--> Record your question easily here

--> FREE Direct Care Guide to get you started

--> Join the Direct Care Society private Facebook group here. Monthly coaching sessions & a community that gets you.

--> Own a DSC practice and want to share your story? Apply here

• EMR I'm currently using in my Direct Care practice Simple Practice
• HIPAA Compliant Email with Paubox Get $250 Credit Here
• Find me on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/teadpm
• More resources teadpm.com

Send us a text

I want to share some unexpected lessons that have sprouted from my garden—and from my perimenopause journey. From plants that refuse to grow to learning when to let go, I’ve realized the importance of focusing on what truly thrives in our lives and businesses.

This episode is about protecting your energy, sorting out what really matters, and making space for the things that bring you joy. If you’re navigating big life changes, I hope these reflections help you step into the new year with more ease, focus, and clarity.

Support the show

*NEW!* Are you ready for Direct Care? Start with this Google Form Readiness Scorecard here

--> Contact me here

--> MASTERING PRIVATE PRACTICE CONFERENCE by Doctors On Social Media. Recording: Use my affiliate link to attend, here

--> Record your question easily here

--> FREE Direct Care Guide to get you started

--> Join the Direct Care Society private Facebook group here. Monthly coaching sessions & a community that gets you.

--> Own a DSC practice and want to share your story? Apply here

• EMR I'm currently using in my Direct Care practice Simple Practice
• HIPAA Compliant Email with Paubox Get $250 Credit Here
• Find me on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/teadpm
• More resources teadpm.com