Source: American Academy of Family Physicians
In this episode of CME On the Go, the hosts 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 (FFS), 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 the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Learning Objectives
- Compare the structures and implications of DPC, FFS, and hybrid practice models to identify how each can impact patient access, continuity of care, and physician satisfaction.
- 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.
- 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.
After listening to the podcast episode, claim 0.5 American Academy of Family Physicians continuing medical education credits.