CME | Private Practice, Public Impact: Finding Your Fit in Modern Medicine

 

 

In this episode of CME On the Go, Jason Marker, MD, MPA, FAAFP and Lauren Brown-Berchtold, MD, FAAFP, discuss how private practice in family medicine is evolving and how physicians can evaluate different models in 2026. They review trends showing a shift from 50/50 self-owned vs. other-owned practices in 2016 to about 75% other-owned and 25% private practice today, note rural workforce losses, and highlight rapid growth in direct primary care (DPC) and concierge models, alongside increasing corporate ownership. They compare employed practice vs. independent practice trade-offs, outline traditional fee-for-service, DPC, and hybrid structures, define the Triple Aim and related aims, and emphasize aligning practice choice with desired autonomy, scope, patient relationships, and community investment, with resources available through AAFP. 

 

 

Learning Objectives 

1. Compare the structures and implications of direct primary care (DPC), fee-for-service (FFS), and hybrid practice models to identify how each can impact patient access, continuity of care, and physician satisfaction.  

2. Evaluate the trade-offs between employed and independent practice models, focusing on how physician autonomy can influence clinical decision-making, patient relationships, and practice sustainability.  

3. Formulate personalized strategies for incorporating “private practice” principles—such as relationship-based care and operational efficiency—into any clinical setting to enhance both patient experience and professional fulfillment. 

 

The AAFP has reviewed Private Practice, Public Impact: Finding Your Fit in Modern Medicine and deemed it acceptable for up to 0.50 Enduring Materials, Self-Study AAFP Prescribed credits. Term of Approval is from 05/04/2026 to 6/4/2027. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. 

The AAFP is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. 

The American Academy of Family Physicians designates this Enduring Materials for a maximum of 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. 

CME activities approved for AAFP credit are recognized by the AOA as equivalent to AOA Category 2 credit. 

 

After listening to the podcast episode, claim 0.5 AAFP credit by following the provided link. 

https://www.aafp.org/assessment/take/19938/e 

 

References and Resources 

Direct Primary Care 

https://www.aafp.org/family-physician/practice-and-career/delivery-payment-models/direct-primary-care.html 

 

Managing Your Practice   

https://www.aafp.org/family-physician/practice-and-career/managing-your-practice.html 

 

Eskew, P. M., & Klink, K. (2015). Direct Primary Care: An Alternative to Fee-for-Service. Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine. Eskew PM, Klink K. Direct Primary Care: Practice Distribution and Cost Across the Nation. J Am Board Fam Med. 2015 Nov-Dec;28(6):793-801. doi: 10.3122/jabfm.2015.06.140337. PMID: 26546656. 

Sinsky, C. A., et al. (2013). Joy in Practice: Innovative Professional Models. Lessons on operational efficiency. Sinsky CA, Willard-Grace R, Schutzbank AM, Sinsky TA, Margolius D, Bodenheimer T. In search of joy in practice: a report of 23 high-functioning primary care practices. Ann Fam Med. 2013 May-Jun;11(3):272-8. doi: 10.1370/afm.1531. PMID: 23690328; PMCID: PMC3659145. 

Physician Employment Eclipses Practice Ownership: The Ongoing Trend and Its Effect on Family Medicine 

JULIE HYPPOLITE, MD, MPH, BRIAN ANTONO, MD, MPH, STEPHEN PETTERSON, PhD, AND YALDA JABBARPOUR, MD 

Am Fam Physician. 2021;104(4):351-352 

Fogarty CT, Byun H, Huffstetler AN. Family Physician Workforce Trends: The Toll on Rural Communities. Ann Fam Med. 2025 Nov 24;23(6):535-538. doi: 10.1370/afm.240549. PMID: 41285597; PMCID: PMC12751282. 

Zhu JM, Marsh T, Polsky D, Huntington A, Song Z. Growth In Number Of Practices And Clinicians Participating In Concierge And Direct Primary Care, 2018-23. Health Aff (Millwood). 2025 Dec;44(12):1473-1481. doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.2025.00656. PMID: 41329882; PMCID: PMC12965179. 

 

Disclosure: It is the policy of the AAFP that all individuals in a position to control content disclose any relationships with commercial interests upon nomination/invitation of participation. Disclosure documents are reviewed for potential conflicts of interest and, if identified, conflicts are resolved prior to confirmation of participation. Only those participants who had no conflict of interest or who agreed to an identified resolution process prior to their participation were involved in this CME activity.  All individuals in a position to control content for this session have indicated they have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.   

Disclaimer: Copyright 2026. AAFP. The views presented in this broadcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent those of AAFP.  The information presented is for general, educational, or entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal, health, financial, or other advice.  AAFP makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information and is not responsible for results that may arise from its use.  Consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation and respective governing bodies for applicable laws. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by AAFP unless specifically stated otherwise. AAFP and the AAFP logo are registered trademarks of American Academy of Family Physicians.