Maryal Concepcion
- 12 minutes ago
- 4 min read

Personalized Pediatric Care: Dr. Phil Boucher’s Frontier Pediatric Care Journey

Direct Primary Care Doctor

Dr. Phil Boucher sitting in plaid shirt and glasses — Dr. Phil Boucher

A New Frontier in Healthcare

In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, innovative models like Direct Primary Care (DPC) are changing the game for providers and patients alike. Dr. Phil Boucher, founder of Frontier Pediatric Care in Lincoln, Nebraska, is not only embracing this model but transforming it for pediatric care. In this episode of the "My DPC Story" podcast, hosted by Dr. Maryal Concepcion, we delve into Dr. Boucher’s journey from a fast-paced fee-for-service environment to the more personalized and patient-centric world of DPC. His story highlights the potential for Direct Primary Care to revolutionize healthcare for children and their families.

From Side Gigs to Full-Time Innovator

Before founding his own DPC practice, Dr. Boucher was no stranger to innovation. He dabbled in side gigs that involved technical components, which equipped him with the skills necessary to manage various aspects of his own practice, from the tech side to marketing strategies. Understanding the importance of context, he methodically assessed both independent and assisted ways of transitioning to DPC, weighing the pros and cons to create a practice best suited for his community.

The Personal Touch of DPC

Dr. Maryal Concepcion highlights the significance of personalization in DPC, emphasizing how every DPC practice is unique. This uniqueness stems from the close relationships between doctors and patients. At Frontier Pediatric Care, Dr. Boucher knows his patients and their families deeply, allowing him to provide tailored, comprehensive care. This doctor-patient connection makes personalized care possible, affecting aspects such as technology use, patient engagement, and even the marketing of the practice.

Crafting the Perfect Practice Name

Choosing the right name for his practice was no small feat. Initially considering names reflecting the prairie, Dr. Boucher settled on "Frontier Pediatric Care" to signify innovation and the pioneering of new methods in pediatric healthcare. The name also encapsulates a broader range of services beyond traditional healthcare, setting a clear expectation for the community about the comprehensive and forward-thinking care they can expect.

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Navigating the Transition to DPC

Transitioning from his old practice to Frontier Pediatric Care was a whirlwind experience for Dr. Boucher. From December 30th to January 2nd, he managed to set up his new office with the help of his community, even building furniture himself. Starting with about 115-150 patients, the immediate support from the community was a testament to the growing demand for more personalized and accessible healthcare options.

Building Community Buy-In

One of the critical challenges Dr. Boucher faced was navigating legal non-compete issues while informing patients about his new practice. Leveraging social media, he effectively communicated the benefits of the DPC model, addressing common objections and concerns. Meet-and-greet sessions proved invaluable in easing transitions for families and ensuring they felt comfortable moving to the new practice.

The Power of Social Media in DPC

A consistent theme in Dr. Boucher’s success has been his strategic use of social media. By maintaining an active presence before and during his transition, he kept his audience informed and engaged. He emphasizes focusing on specific, granular questions that patients often have and providing short, authentic snippets of information regularly. This approach not only maintains patient engagement but also simplifies the transition to a new practice model.

Balanced Work-Life Harmony

Direct Primary Care has profoundly impacted Dr. Boucher’s life. Approaching his third DPC anniversary, he reflects on how the model has given him more time for his patients, his team, his family, and his innovative side projects. Daily team meetings allow for thorough patient care discussions, and the ability to use text messaging for patient communication ensures efficiency and accessibility. This has contributed to a redefined work-life balance, enabling him to finish work by 4:30 PM and dedicating more time to personal endeavors.

Expanding Services and Future Plans

Frontier Pediatric Care has grown to over 600 pediatric members, offering services tailored to community needs, such as autism evaluations and mental health care. Looking ahead, Dr. Boucher plans to focus on under-supported pediatric areas like PANS and PANDAS, expand virtual care, and support other DPC doctors in starting and growing their practices.

Dr. Phil Boucher’s story is a powerful testament to the transformative potential of Direct Primary Care. By prioritizing personalized, patient-centered care, he is not only enhancing the wellbeing of his community but also serving as an inspiration for other physicians to consider the DPC model. As Dr. Maryal Concepcion urges, it is crucial to stay informed, advocate for DPC, and celebrate the profound impact it can have on healthcare delivery. For more insights, listeners can explore additional resources and episodes on "My DPC Story" podcast.

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and advancements in Direct Primary Care by subscribing to the "My DPC Story" podcast, and visit pediatricdpcmastermind.com for information on the upcoming Pediatric DPC Mastermind conference. Your journey towards more meaningful and efficient healthcare starts here.