In this episode, Dr. Phil Boucher and Dr. Marina Capella discuss one of the most pressing concerns for pediatricians considering DPC: managing vaccines. They explore the challenges and solutions surrounding vaccine procurement and administration in a DPC model and offer practical advice on how to navigate this critical aspect of pediatric care without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re a seasoned DPC practitioner or just contemplating the switch, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you ensure your practice can effectively handle vaccinations.

Key Highlights:

* Dr. Phil shares his experience with VaxCare, a service that simplifies vaccine management by handling procurement, billing, and inventory tracking.

* Dr. Marina discusses alternative solutions for states without VaxCare, such as partnerships with local pharmacies and other practices to provide vaccines.

* Examination of the financial implications of stocking vaccines and how to manage costs effectively, including strategies like adjusting membership fees.

* Exploration of using services like ClaimMD to submit vaccine-related claims and potentially recoup some costs from insurance.

* Discussion on the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, its benefits, and the administrative workload it entails.

* Emphasis on the importance of not letting vaccine logistics deters pediatricians from transitioning to the DPC model, as there are multiple viable solutions.

Don’t let the challenge of managing vaccines keep you from pursuing a Direct Primary Care model if it aligns with your vision for pediatric practice. There are numerous ways to navigate this hurdle, and the flexibility of DPC allows for creative and effective solutions. Stay tuned for more episodes that tackle the real-world challenges and triumphs of DPC pediatricians.