What Causes Attrition in Pediatric DPC?

What Causes Attrition in Pediatric DPC?

From DPC Pediatricians Podcast by Marina Capella & Phil Boucher

March 22, 2026 · 26 min

About this episode

Phil and Marina discuss the causes of patient attrition in pediatric Direct Primary Care practices and how to manage it effectively.

In this episode of the DPC Pediatricians Podcast , Phil and Marina tackle a question every Direct Primary Care (DPC) pediatrician eventually faces: why do patients leave—and how often does it really happen? Drawing on five years of real-world experience, they unpack the truth behind patient attrition in a membership-based model. While DPC is known for its accessibility, strong relationships, and high-quality care, no practice is immune to turnover. But the reasons patients leave may surprise you—and they’re not always what you’d expect. From families relocating or experiencing financial changes, to shifts in expectations or misunderstandings about the DPC model, Phil and Marina break down the most common causes of attrition. They also explore a critical mindset shift: not all attrition is a failure. In many cases, it’s a natural and even healthy part of running a sustainable practice. The conversation goes deeper into how pediatricians can: * Set clear expectations from the start * Build stronger, longer-lasting relationships with families * Identify preventable vs. unavoidable attrition * Use patient departures as opportunities for growth and refinement If you’ve ever worried…

People in this episode

Hosts: Phil, Marina

Topics covered

  • patient attrition
  • Direct Primary Care
  • pediatric practice
  • patient relationships
  • membership model

Keywords

  • patient turnover
  • DPC model
  • pediatricians
  • family relocation
  • financial changes
  • expectations
  • attrition causes

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: DPC Pediatricians Podcast, Direct Primary Care (DPC)

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