Making Healthcare Human: Dr. Kainth's Commitment to Patient-Centered Direct Primary Care

Mar 23 min read

Direct Primary Care Doctor

Dr. Kainth in a white coat — Dr. Manvinder Kainth of Maple Primary Care

In an era where healthcare can often feel impersonal and bureaucratic, Dr. Manvinder Kainth is a breath of fresh air with her direct primary care (DPC) practice. Focusing on affordability and accessibility, Dr. Kainth has built a practice that truly puts patients first. In a conversation with host Dr. Maryal Concepcion on the My DPC Story Podcast, Dr. Kainth sheds light on her journey from traditional fee-for-service healthcare to a simpler, more personal model of care at her Direct Primary Care clinic in Plano, TX called Maple Primary Care.

From Canada to the U.S: A Tale of Two Health Systems

Dr. Kainth’s early exposure to different healthcare systems played a pivotal role in shaping her medical career. Born in Canada, her family experienced national healthcare. "There was never a talk about money," Dr. Kainth remembers, highlighting the system's simplicity and accessibility. In contrast, after relocating to the U.S. as a teenager, she recalls her mother struggling with the complexities of the American insurance system. These experiences underscored the stark differences between the two systems and planted seeds for Dr. Kainth's future in DPC.

Discovering Direct Primary Care

Prompted by the unsustainable demands of fee-for-service positions, Dr. Kainth considered several options, including establishing a concierge practice or launching her private insurance-based clinic. However, a pivotal moment came when she attended a DPC conference. The simplicity of DPC—where a patient pays a monthly fee directly to their doctor—resonated deeply with her values.

“I love the simplicity of DPC. I mean, how simple is it?” she shares. This model, likened to the small-town doctor who knows everyone, aligned perfectly with her vision of patient care: personal, accessible, and affordable.

Building Maple Primary Care

Launching Maple Primary Care in Plano, Texas, Dr. Kainth focused on an affordable, patient-centered approach. A nod to her Canadian roots, "Maple" signifies her commitment to offering unencumbered healthcare reminiscent of her experiences there. Her practice thrives on the principles of simplicity and efficiency, managing to maintain high-quality care with minimal staff.

Dr. Kainth’s transition was facilitated by her husband’s financial support, allowing her to keep startup costs around $10,000. Her micro-practice model emphasizes direct patient communication, often bypassing the unnecessary layers seen in traditional setups.

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Challenges and Triumphs in DPC

Transitioning to DPC wasn’t without its hurdles. One significant challenge was managing patient communication effectively. Initially overwhelmed by direct access requests, Dr. Kainth has since implemented a structured communication protocol. "I’ve had to retrain some of my earlier patients on communication," she notes, ensuring both efficiency and personal boundaries are respected.

Her practice continues to grow, primarily through word-of-mouth and Google searches. Though patient churn is inevitable, particularly in January when new insurance begins, the value-driven care model retains a loyal patient base.

Looking ahead, Dr. Kainth plans to maintain a micro-practice, valuing simplicity and direct patient relationships over expansion. Her story serves as an inspiring testament to how direct primary care models can reintroduce human connection, streamline healthcare delivery, and empower both patients and physicians.

In embracing DPC, Dr. Kainth not only found professional fulfillment but also rediscovered the joy in practicing medicine, bringing back the focus on the most critical aspect of healthcare: the patient-doctor relationship.