Independent Practice Isn't Dead: How Physicians Can Thrive Outside Big Healthcare Featuring David T. Ford, EP 183

Thriving Practice with Tracy Cherpeski

Tracy sits down with David Ford, CEO of CMA Physician Services, to challenge the notion that independent medical practices are becoming obsolete. David shares his passion for supporting private practitioners and unveils Medway, a new subscription-based service designed to lift administrative burdens off physicians' shoulders. Through compelling stories and practical insights, David makes the case that private practice may actually be the wave of the future, with more physicians seeking independence and control over their practice style. This conversation offers hope and practical guidance for healthcare providers considering or currently managing independent practices.

Episode Highlights:

• CMA Physician Services' mission to help independent practices thrive through "the upside of coordination without the downside of consolidation"

• How the soon-to-launch Medway service helps physicians outsource administrative burdens like payroll, benefits, and compliance

• The story of a physician in California's high desert who can continue serving Medicare patients thanks to shared savings programs

• Why private practice isn't dead - and may actually be making a comeback

• The systemic challenges facing new physicians with student debt, and programs that help address these barriers

• How lifting administrative burdens gives physicians more time for patients AND personal life

• The importance of community-centered healthcare and treating social determinants of health

Memorable Quotes:

"Independent practice isn't dead, like you can do it." - David Ford

"You didn't do all that schooling to run payroll." - David Ford

"Why would you own your practice if you don't have control over your schedule and your time? What's the point?" - Tracy Cherpeski

"I think of it like standing on the beach and seeing the swell that's a half mile out... it's not a wave yet, but you can see a little bit of a swell out there." - David Ford on the trend of physicians returning to private practice

"It can be done... It probably can't be done the same way it was 50 or 60 years ago. You have to approach it a little differently... But it is very much still possible. You can do it. You can be successful and you can thrive, have your practice and still have the life you want to have." - David Ford

Bio:

David Ford serves as the CEO of CMA Physician Services, a subsidiary of the California Medical Association. A nationally recognized expert in health information technology, David previously led as Vice President of Health IT at CMA where he developed thought leadership in electronic health records, health information exchange, and telehealth. Prior to CMA, he was Executive Director of CalHIPSO, the nation's largest federally designated Regional Extension Center, where he helped thousands of safety net providers implement health IT systems to improve care delivery and participate in payment reform. David began his career in the California State Legislature, most recently as Chief of Staff to then-Assemblymember Ted Lieu. He holds a BA in Political Science from The American University in Washington, D.C.

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