The case for independent practice, with Paul Merrick, M.D., and Dan Greenleaf of Duly Health and Care
Season 1, Episode 95, Oct 23, 09:00 AM
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Paul Merrick, M.D., and Dan Greenleaf of Duly Health and Care join the show to discuss why independent medical practices deliver high-quality care at lower costs — and why that matters for the future of U.S. health care.
They share insights from a Duly study on health care spending, the importance of physician autonomy and how independent groups can stay competitive amid industry consolidation.
Learn more about their report, “Chicago provider market trends: Key considerations for employers,” here: https://www.medicaleconomics.com/view/independent-physicians-are-a-viable-alternative-to-hospitals-for-patient-outcomes-lower-costs-study-says
Music Credits:
Light Jazz Piano Trio by Summer Nights - stock.adobe.com
Relaxing Lounge by Classy Call me Man - stock.adobe.com
A Textbook Example by Skip Peck - stock.adobe.com
Editor's note: Episode timestamps and transcript produced using AI tools.
0:20 – Introduction
Austin Littrell introduces the guests and outlines the episode’s focus on independent medicine.
1:35 – Defining independence
How Duly differs from large hospital systems despite its size and reach.
2:10 – Governance and ownership
Merrick explains Duly’s physician-led board and private equity partnership structure.
5:00 – Cost and quality advantage
Greenleaf compares Duly’s lower prices and stronger outcomes against Chicago hospital systems.
8:20 – The Avalere Health study
How Duly’s collaboration quantified the value of independent practice in the Chicago market.
11:00 – Breaking nonprofit myths
Merrick argues that outcomes — not ownership status — define real community value.
14:10 – Study findings
Duly patients experience lower costs, fewer hospital stays and faster follow-up care.
19:20 – Primary care and coordination
Why integrated teams and close specialist ties improve patient outcomes.
21:10 – Using AI to cut friction
How Duly applies artificial intelligence to streamline documentation, scheduling and coding.
23:50 – Battling burnout
Inside Duly’s “Joy in Medicine” program and how it helps physicians rediscover purpose.
27:35 – Prevention and wellness
Duly’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, culinary medicine and supplement education.
32:15 – Message to independents
Advice for smaller practices on collaboration, technology and sustaining autonomy.
36:40 – Closing thoughts
Greenleaf and Merrick on the future of physician-led medicine.
37:10 – Outro
Host wrap-up, credits and subscription reminder.
They share insights from a Duly study on health care spending, the importance of physician autonomy and how independent groups can stay competitive amid industry consolidation.
Learn more about their report, “Chicago provider market trends: Key considerations for employers,” here: https://www.medicaleconomics.com/view/independent-physicians-are-a-viable-alternative-to-hospitals-for-patient-outcomes-lower-costs-study-says
Music Credits:
Light Jazz Piano Trio by Summer Nights - stock.adobe.com
Relaxing Lounge by Classy Call me Man - stock.adobe.com
A Textbook Example by Skip Peck - stock.adobe.com
Editor's note: Episode timestamps and transcript produced using AI tools.
0:20 – Introduction
Austin Littrell introduces the guests and outlines the episode’s focus on independent medicine.
1:35 – Defining independence
How Duly differs from large hospital systems despite its size and reach.
2:10 – Governance and ownership
Merrick explains Duly’s physician-led board and private equity partnership structure.
5:00 – Cost and quality advantage
Greenleaf compares Duly’s lower prices and stronger outcomes against Chicago hospital systems.
8:20 – The Avalere Health study
How Duly’s collaboration quantified the value of independent practice in the Chicago market.
11:00 – Breaking nonprofit myths
Merrick argues that outcomes — not ownership status — define real community value.
14:10 – Study findings
Duly patients experience lower costs, fewer hospital stays and faster follow-up care.
19:20 – Primary care and coordination
Why integrated teams and close specialist ties improve patient outcomes.
21:10 – Using AI to cut friction
How Duly applies artificial intelligence to streamline documentation, scheduling and coding.
23:50 – Battling burnout
Inside Duly’s “Joy in Medicine” program and how it helps physicians rediscover purpose.
27:35 – Prevention and wellness
Duly’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, culinary medicine and supplement education.
32:15 – Message to independents
Advice for smaller practices on collaboration, technology and sustaining autonomy.
36:40 – Closing thoughts
Greenleaf and Merrick on the future of physician-led medicine.
37:10 – Outro
Host wrap-up, credits and subscription reminder.