Rebekah Lockhart

Healthcare is no longer defined by the hospital campus. According to Deloitte, care is increasingly shifting to “alternative sites of care,” including physician offices, ambulatory surgery centers, retail clinics, urgent care, virtual platforms, and even patients’ homes. This evolution is being driven by technology, cost pressures, workforce challenges, and patient demand for more convenient and accessible care. While large health systems are now investing heavily in these models, independent practices have long operated in these environments. As care continues to decentralize, this shift creates meaningful opportunities for physician-led, community-based care. Patients Want Care That Fits Their Lives One of the biggest drivers of alternative sites of care is consumer preference. Patients want care that is easier to access, closer to home, and delivered with minimal disruption to their daily lives. Long hospital visits, complicated scheduling, and fragmented care are increasingly out of step with expectations. Alternative sites of care offer: Independent practices are often best positioned to deliver these advantages. Many already provide accessible, relationship-based care that aligns with what patients are seeking. Lower-Cost Care Creates Opportunity for Independent Physicians Payers and employers are pushing for care to move into lower-cost settings when clinically appropriate. Alternative sites of care often reduce facility fees, decrease unnecessary utilization, and improve care efficiency. Independent practices naturally fit this model. Physician offices, independent ambulatory centers, and community-based clinics frequently deliver high-quality care at a lower total cost. This shift creates opportunity for independent practices to: These services strengthen independent practices as central hubs of care. Independent

Healthcare delivery is moving beyond the traditional hospital setting. According to Deloitte, inpatient services are declining as a share of overall health system revenue, while outpatient, home-based, and virtual care continue to expand. This shift is being driven by advances in clinical technology, payer pressure to use lower-cost settings, and growing consumer preference for convenience and accessibility. While much of this conversation is framed around health systems adapting to change, the reality is that independent practices are already aligned with this model. In many ways, the future of care delivery looks a lot like the care independent physicians have been providing all along. Independent Practices Are Built for This Moment Independent physicians have always focused on accessible, community-based care. As more services move out of hospitals, patients are increasingly seeking care in physician offices, outpatient centers, and through virtual visits. These are environments where independent practices excel. This shift allows independent practices to: Because independent practices are often more nimble than large systems, they can adopt these models quickly and tailor them to their patient populations. Lower-Cost Settings Align with Independent Medicine Payers are encouraging care to move to lower-cost settings whenever clinically appropriate. Independent practices are naturally positioned to meet this demand. Care delivered in physician offices and ambulatory settings often reduces overall healthcare costs while maintaining high quality and continuity. This creates an opportunity for independent physicians to demonstrate value. By keeping patients out of unnecessary hospital admissions and managing conditions proactively, independent practices can play a central role in

Recently, the South Carolina House of Representatives passed H.4767, a bill that would prohibit non-compete clauses in physician contracts and protect the doctor-patient relationship. The vote followed a hard-fought debate, ultimately passing by narrow margins before advancing to the Senate Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee. For many physicians, this may sound like a policy update. But for those currently employed, this legislation could represent something much more meaningful: flexibility, opportunity, and the ability to choose what is best for your patients and your career. Non-compete clauses have long limited physician mobility. They can restrict where you practice, prevent you from caring for established patients, and make it difficult to explore new opportunities, even when those opportunities would improve access and continuity of care. These restrictions often impact not just physicians, but the communities they serve. If passed, this legislation would help remove those barriers. Physicians would have greater freedom to remain in their communities, continue caring for their patients, and explore new practice models without being limited by geographic or contractual constraints. This shift could also encourage more innovation. When physicians have the flexibility to consider independent practice, partnerships, or new care models, it expands what is possible. Across the state, we are already seeing growing interest in physician-led care, collaborative independent networks, and community-based access models. Removing non-competes could accelerate that momentum. For employed physicians, this is an important moment to follow closely. Even if you are not currently considering a change, this legislation speaks to professional autonomy and

IndeDocs continues to grow, and with that growth comes stronger physician leadership. We are proud to welcome three new board members who bring diverse experience, innovation, and a shared commitment to independent medicine: Dr. Fiona Rahbar, Dr. Ted Swann, and Dr. Laura Lee Kinney. Dr. Rahbar brings expertise in dermatology, integrative medicine, and service to underserved populations, along with leadership as co-founder of an independent practice. Dr. Swann offers a strong background in family medicine and innovation, including his leadership during the pandemic through development of a widely utilized SARS-CoV-2 testing program. Dr. Kinney contributes decades of experience in internal medicine and a long-standing commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care in Charleston. Together, these physicians represent the strength and diversity of independent medicine across South Carolina. Their perspectives will help guide IndeDocs as we continue to support physician autonomy, expand access to care, and strengthen independent practices. Welcoming new leaders is more than growth for the organization. It is a reflection of the continued momentum behind independent medicine and the physicians committed to preserving it. If you’d like to learn more about IndeDocs and how to join our membership, please visit our website at IndeDocs.com/Membership.

If you feel like you spend more time on forms and phone calls than actually seeing patients, you’re not alone. In fact, physicians spend almost 2 hours on admin work for every hour of face-to-face patient time, according to the AMA. But here’s the good news: today’s automation tools can take a huge chunk of that admin burden off your plate, freeing up your schedule and helping you get home on time.  Let’s break down the tools every independent practice in South Carolina should consider: Online Scheduling & Automated Reminders Tools like Solutionreach, NexHealth, or Luma Health enable patients to book appointments online (even at 2 a.m.) and receive automatic text or email reminders. Fun fact: Practices using automated scheduling see no-show rates drop by up to 40% Common Sense Systems. Automated Billing & Insurance Checks Nothing stalls cash flow like billing mistakes or slow insurance verification. Platforms like Tebra, AdvancedMD, and DrChrono can automate processes such as: Did you know? Automated billing can shrink reimbursement times by up to 30% Thoughtful AI. Digital Intake Forms Instead of handing patients a clipboard, tools like Phreesia and IntakeQ let them fill out forms on their phone or tablet ahead of time. Source: Digital intake tools have been shown to reduce check-in times by 50% while improving accuracy [Emitrr]. Voice Dictation & Virtual Scribes Do you hate spending hours after work finishing charts? Tools like Dragon Medical One, DeepScribe, or Augmedix allow you to dictate notes or hire a virtual scribe to

Running your own medical practice comes with the freedom to chart your own course, but it also means riding out the ups and downs of patient volume. Whether it’s summer vacations, back-to-school schedules, or the post-holiday slump, seasonal fluctuations in patient visits can wreak havoc on your cash flow if you’re not prepared. The good news? With a few proactive steps, you can stabilize your income, protect your staff, and keep your practice thriving year-round.  Here’s how to do it: Know Your Seasonal Patterns Before you can manage seasonal swings, you need to understand them. Review your billing data from the past 2–3 years to spot predictable slow periods, like summer months when families travel, or December holidays when many patients postpone visits. Proactively Fill Gaps with Preventive and Follow-Up Visits Once you know when patient volume is likely to dip, schedule follow-up appointments, wellness visits, or chronic care check-ins during those slow periods. Build a Cash Reserve A key lesson from successful independent practices is maintaining at least 2–3 months of operating expenses in cash reserves. This cushion allows you to cover payroll, rent, and vendor bills during lean months without taking on debt. Optimize Billing & Collections Slow periods feel even worse when insurance payments lag. Speed up collections with: Market During Slow Seasons Don’t go quiet just because your waiting room isn’t full. Use slow months to boost brand awareness and attract new patients: Adjust Staffing Strategically Consider cross-training your team so you don’t have to lay off or reduce

Independent doctors are constantly balancing excellent patient care with the financial realities of running a small business. Implementing in-office diagnostic testing not only improves convenience and outcomes for patients but also creates new revenue streams to keep your practice strong.  Here’s what South Carolina physicians need to know: Why In-Office Diagnostics Matter More Than Ever In today’s competitive healthcare landscape, convenience is king. When you can offer point-of-care tests like urinalysis, strep and flu swabs, EKGs, spirometry, or basic blood panels right in your office, you: Immediate results also mean fewer follow-up calls and missed connections, which saves staff time.  Revenue Benefits of In-Office Testing Diagnostic tests performed in-office can generate significant additional revenue. For example: Legal and Regulatory Considerations Before offering in-office diagnostics, practices must: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) CLIA Program outlines certification requirements for in-office labs. Getting Started: Practical Steps For independent physicians in South Carolina, adding in-office diagnostics isn’t just about boosting your bottom line; it’s about providing faster answers, better care, and a superior patient experience. With thoughtful planning and attention to compliance, you can turn these services into a win-win for your patients and your practice.

Running your own medical practice is incredibly rewarding, but it can also feel overwhelming trying to keep everything on track. You’re not just a physician; you’re a business owner, too.  When it comes to staying profitable, delivering great care, and making sure your doors stay open, a few key metrics—or KPIs—can make all the difference. Here’s a breakdown of the most important KPIs to watch, plus simple ways to start improving them: Patient Volume & Visit Frequency If your schedule isn’t full, your revenue suffers. Keeping track of the number of new and returning patients you see helps you plan for staffing and expenses. How to boost it: Fun fact: According to Medical Economics, growing patient volume is one of the simplest ways to increase revenue without changing your overhead. Average Days in Accounts Receivable (A/R) Nobody likes waiting to get paid. Long A/R cycles can mess up your cash flow. Ideally, less than 15% of your total A/R should be over 90 days old. How to improve it:  Source: MGMA says keeping A/R tight is one of the best indicators of a healthy revenue cycle. Patient Satisfaction Happy patients come back, refer their friends, and leave good reviews online, which is huge for practices competing against big hospital systems. How to improve it: Did you know?  AdvisoryBoard.com found a strong link between good patient experiences and higher patient loyalty. Provider Productivity (RVUs or Visits per Day) How many patients you see or RVUs you generate each day says a

Running your own practice means wearing a lot of hats, and one of the most important is ensuring that your practice is on potential patients’ radar as a trustworthy source of care. Large hospital systems have substantial marketing budgets, but community outreach provides independent physicians with a powerful and authentic way to build relationships, earn referrals, and strengthen their brand. Here’s how you can make a big impact in your local community (without spending a fortune): Host Free Health Screenings and / or Educational Workshops Events such as blood pressure checks, cholesterol screenings, and seminars on managing things like diabetes or menopause are a win-win: they serve the community and introduce you as a trusted provider. Source: According to the CDC, workplace or community health programs improve access to care and increase patient engagement. Sponsor or Participate in Local Events Farmers’ markets, youth sports, charity runs, and community fairs are an excellent way to connect with people on a personal level.   Strong community engagement helps build trust, foster patient loyalty, and increase referrals, a key principle supported by the American Medical Association’s emphasis on patient-centered care and practice visibility. Partner with Other Local Providers Don’t think of nearby chiropractors, dentists, or physical therapists as competition; they can actually be allies. Building relationships with other healthcare professionals leads to mutual referrals and a more comprehensive care network. Get Involved with Schools & Youth Programs Many families choose pediatricians, family doctors, and specialists based on school or community recommendations. Use Social Media

Independent doctors across South Carolina are exploring creative ways to stay autonomous and financially sustainable in 2025, and two practice models are getting a lot of buzz: Direct Primary Care (DPC) and Concierge Medicine. These approaches eliminate insurance hassles, provide more time with patients, and can dramatically improve both revenue stability and work-life balance. But what’s happening in these spaces right now, and what should you know if you’re considering a switch?  Here’s the latest: What’s Driving Growth in DPC & Concierge Practices? Nationwide, the number of direct pay and concierge practices grew by nearly 18% between 2022 and 2024, with continued growth projected into 2025 as doctors look for ways to escape the paperwork and burnout of traditional fee-for-service models. Medical Economics How DPC and Concierge Models Differ Direct Primary Care (DPC) typically charges patients a flat monthly fee covering most primary care services with no insurance billing. Concierge Medicine often charges a higher annual retainer but may still bill insurance for covered services. Concierge models often include perks like priority scheduling, longer visits, and enhanced care coordination. Key Trends in 2025 Legal and Compliance Considerations While DPC and concierge models give you freedom from insurers, they come with unique requirements: Is DPC or concierge medicine right for your practice? Ask yourself whether you’re spending more time on billing than actually seeing patients, or if you wish you could reduce your patient panel size to spend more time with each individual. Consider whether your patients would be willing and