Doctors of South Carolina joining together to preserve,
Doctors of South Carolina joining together to preserve, promote, and protect the independent practice of medicine promote, and protect the independent practice of medicine to ensure that patients in South Carolina have alternatives to ensure that patients in South Carolina have alternatives and access to high quality, doctor-driven care. and access to high quality, doctor-driven care.
Welcome to the inaugural issue of IndeDocs Magazine. I am honored to introduce this publication born out of our deep commitment to the independent practice of medicine and the enduring Doctor-Patient relationship that lies at its heart.
EF Schumacher, the economist and statistician, presciently described the myth of "bigness" in case of corporations, as it's "generally told that gigantic organizations are inescapably necessary". And that as soon as an organization of a great size is created, it inevitably entails "a strenuous attempt to attain smallness within bigness" to remain efficient. If this strikes a chord, you are well tuned in to the status quo in South Carolina healthcare – hospital systems growing larger and beginning to struggle under their size. Yet, a common strategy I’ve heard in their Csuites is ‘we’ll grow out of’ our problems.
Schumacker also stated that for every activity there is a certain appropriate scale, and the more active and intimate the activity, the smaller the number of people that can take part, and the greater the number of such relationship arrangements that need to be established. This sounds like the Doctor-Patient relationship, the most intimate professional interaction I know of and of which we need many, many more. The best venue for this? The independent physician’s office where, to quote Schumacher again, ‘small is beautiful’.
Though many sophisticated interventions and routine ones in complicated patients may require the infrastructure of a large hospital the vast majority of doctor-patient interactions can be provided in a personal, less expensive, highquality manner in a smaller setting – the independent physician’s office. Patients prefer this to ‘big box medicine’ and Doctors want to be able to create the practice environment of their choice.
This is what IndeDocs is about – promoting and protecting the core relationship of medicine and to provide our members with solutions for their practices regardless of specialty or business model. I am confident that IndeDocs will become the most consequential medical organization in South Carolina and honored to be its President during this period when the pendulum swings back to ‘smallness’.
Marcelo Hochman MD President, IndeDocs
EF: Small is Beautiful: Economics as if People Mattered First Harper Perennial Edition New York, NY: HarperCollins 2010
To learn more or to register for the event, please visit:
www.indedocs.com/event
Join us for this must-attend event for healthcare professionals dedicated to the future of independent medical practice. This summit brings together leaders and innovators to discuss healthcare reform, physician empowerment, how to thrive in an independent practice setting, and more.
Gain insights on topics relevant to the independent medical community
Network with fellow physicians and healthcare professionals
Explore strategies for patient-centered care and practice growth
Earn up to 5.25 CME credits by attending this event
Saturday, March 15th, 2025 Junction 800 Columbia, SC 9:00am-6:00pm
8:45 - 9:15am
9:15 - 9:30am
9:30 - 10:30am
10:30 - 11:00am 11:00 - 11:30am
11:30 - 12:00pm
12:00 - 12:45pm
12:45 - 2:00pm
1:30 - 2:00pm
2:00 - 2:15pm
2:15 - 2:45pm
2:45 - 3:30pm
3:30 - 4:00pm
4:00 - 4:45pm
4:45 - 5:00pm
5:00 - 6:00pm
Breakfast
Welcome
Introducing the IndeDocs Network
Break
The Future of Independent Medicine Which Practice Model Works for You?
Work Smarter: Tools and Strategies for a Profitable, Streamlined Practice Announcements / Presentation & Lunch
How to Be “Sticky”: Creating an Impactful Brand Strategy Afternoon Introductions
Legislative Issues Affecting Independent Practice
Opposing Counsel: A Litigator’s Guide on How to Avoid Legal Pitfalls Break
Show Me the Money
Closing Remarks Social Hour
If you are an active IndeDocs member, please contact us for a promo code to receive admission as part of your membership!
IndeDocs.com/contact
As physicians who value the autonomy and patient-centric approach of independent practice, we are excited to introduce you to the IndeDocs Board of Directors. These passionate advocates for independent medicine have dedicated their careers to upholding the doctor-patient relationship as the most important tenet of medicine.
Dr Hochman is a double Board-certified surgeon who specializes in adult and pediatric facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. He is past President of the Charleston County Medical Society, where he spearheaded the successful repeal of the certificate of need law in South Carolina and set the stage for repeal of non-compete clauses for doctors. He currently sits on the South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners and is a recipient of The Order of the Palmetto – the state’s highest civilian award recognizing his medical work with children with vascular anomalies.
Dr. Lovelace, a rural family physician named the National Family Physician of the Year in 2015 with a passion for obstetrics, sees the detrimental effects of physician practice buyouts. He firmly believes that the independence of physicians is crucial in preserving the doctor-patient relationship, reducing costs, and improving the quality of medical care in America.
Dr. Brown has a B.S. in Chemistry from Norfolk State University and a doctorate from Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk. Though he’s from Virginia, Brown has called South Carolina home for nearly three decades and is renowned for his dedication to providing healthcare in rural areas. He has been the medical director and owner of Lake City Family Medicine for 27 years.
With over 30 years of experience as a highly respected Ophthalmologist, Dr. Dickson has seen the value of the private practice model firsthand. He is deeply committed to exceptional patient care and believes that maintaining the patient-doctor relationship is best achieved through independent practice.
A native of Columbia, SC, Dr. Finch has an extensive and distinguished career in pediatrics. He earned his B.S. degree in biology from the College of Charleston and his MD from the Medical University of South Carolina. After completing his Pediatrics residency at the Medical College of Georgia in 1993, Dr. Finch returned to Columbia and joined Sandhills Pediatrics, where he had been a patient in his youth. Today, he serves as the Senior Partner and President of the Sandhills group, which remains proudly independent.
DIRECTORS: MEET
DIRECTORS:
By aligning with these influential leaders, you join a movement that values integrity, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Together, we are shaping a future where personalized care is at the heart of every decision, and where the needs of patients always come first. Welcome to a community that is redefining healthcare —one independent voice at a time. MEET
Dr. Rosner is a skilled and highly respected Otolaryngologist, who brings extensive experience in otolaryngology/head and neck surgery. He has been a trusted practitioner at Coastal Carolina Otolaryngology since 1995, and his commitment to the private practice model aligns perfectly with IndeDocs’ mission.
Dr. Waring, an accomplished endocrinologist, understands the challenges and opportunities faced by independent physicians. As the President of Carolinas Society of Endocrinologists, she advocates for the importance of independent practice in providing high-quality, patient-centered care commitment to the private practice model aligns perfectly with IndeDocs’ mission.
At IndeDocs, our mission is clear: we promote the interests of independent physicians in South Carolina and advocate for the improvement of business conditions which lead to better patient experiences. We are committed to ensuring that patients have alternatives and access to high-quality, doctor-driven care, and we actively support the ethical and practical issues that impact on our community’s healthcare providers.
With the elimination of Certificate of Need (CON) requirements, the healthcare market is now less restrictive, which fosters more competition. Removing these barriers will improve service quality and foster innovation by giving physicians the freedom to introduce new services and facilities where doctors and patients think they are most needed. Local market forces, we believe, are most suited to determine healthcare service expansion, as both physicians and their communities best understand the unique needs.
IndeDocs also champions the flexibility to offer pro bono medical care to those in need. Providing pro bono services ensures that underserved, uninsured, or low income individuals receive essential care, which bridges the gap in healthcare access and fosters more equitable health outcomes across the community. We support tax incentives for individual practitioners who provide such care because these incentives help offset the financial costs associated with offering free or reduced-cost services. The savings from reduced tax liabilities can be reinvested into independent practices—upgrading technology, hiring additional staff, or expanding services —which ultimately benefits both pro bono and fee-for-service patients.
IndeDocs advocates for the elimination of non-compete clauses in South Carolina, as proposed in Senate Bill 46. These restrictive agreements undermine physicians’ most valuable assets— their knowledge and skills—by limiting their ability to practice freely and pursue future opportunities. When physicians are forced to operate within capricious boundaries, they experience heightened personal stress and moral injury, particularly when their ties to a specific locale and patients are encumbered by unfair covenants.
Such clauses not only impede career mobility and innovation but also hinder competition, which are vital for improving healthcare quality and reducing costs. Equally importantly, a physician forced to work within arbitrary boundaries disrupts the continuity of care for patients, whose right to choose and follow their preferred doctor is abridged by decisions beyond their control.
Robust, patient-focused care is the cornerstone of a healthy community, so by advocating for policies that empower doctors and patients, IndeDocs is creating a healthcare environment where independent physicians can thrive, and patients receive the best possible care. By removing unnecessary regulatory barriers, supporting tax incentives for pro bono care, and eliminating restrictive non-compete clauses, we are paving the way for a more innovative, competitive, and patient-focused healthcare system in South Carolina.
IndeDocs fosters a vibrant and inclusive community of passionate individuals who hold a common interest. If you share these ethical and practical values, we invite you to join our network. IndeDocs membership means standing together with our patients so that the people we know and care about receive the best treatment possible, and the highest ideals of medicine remain upheld.
Independent physicians face a unique set of challenges when it comes to marketing their practices, and must take a proactive approach to growing their patient base and maintaining strong relationships with referring providers.
Here are some effective marketing strategies to help your practice thrive in today’s competitive healthcare landscape.
Referrals are the lifeblood of many independent practices, and maintaining strong relationships with referring providers is crucial. A physician liaison serves as a direct connection between your practice and other medical professionals, ensuring that they stay informed about your services, specialties, and availability.
“Having a physician liaison visit referring providers regularly helps keep your practice top of mind,” says Rebekah Lockhart, owner of Uplift Marketing Group. “It’s not just about dropping off brochures; it’s about fostering relationships, educating providers on your services, and ensuring that their patients receive the best possible care.”
Social media is a powerful tool for independent physicians to connect with current and potential patients. However, simply having a presence isn’t enough you need to post consistently with a mix of educational, fun, and creative content.
“Patients want to see the human side of healthcare,” says Lockhart. “Sharing informative posts about common conditions, treatment options, and preventative care is important, but don’t forget a personal touch. Behind-the-scenes photos, patient success stories (with permission), and even a little humor can go a long way in building trust and engagement.” A well-maintained social media presence helps position your practice as a knowledgeable, approachable resource, strengthening patient relationships and engagement.
When patients search for a physician, their first stop is often Google. Maintaining an accurate and optimized Google My Business (GMB) profile is essential for ensuring potential patients can find and connect with your practice. This includes up-todate contact information, services, and office hours. Additionally, leveraging Google Search Campaigns can strategically drive new patient inquiries.
“Think of your Google My Business profile as your digital front door,” explains Lockhart. “If your address, phone number, or office hours are incorrect, you risk losing potential patients before they even have a chance to reach you. With Google Search Ads, you can proactively target individuals searching for your specialty in your area, ensuring your practice appears in front of the right patients at the right time.”
While some independent physicians prefer to handle marketing efforts inhouse, working with a marketing agency can provide significant advantages. Agencies that specialize in healthcare marketing, like Uplift Marketing Group, understand the specific challenges independent physicians face and can craft tailored strategies to maximize growth.
“You don’t have to do it all alone,” says Lockhart. “Marketing your practice effectively takes time and expertise. Whether you need help with social media, referral outreach, or digital advertising, partnering with an agency can free you up to focus on what matters most caring for your patients.”
By implementing these marketing strategies you can strengthen your independent practice, attract more patients, and build lasting success in the healthcare industry.
To promote and protect the doctor-patient relationship by preserving the professionalism of medicine through independent practice. IndeDocs serves its member physicians to facilitate the delivery of the highest quality and most cost effective medical care.
The independent practice of medicine is a viable alternative for all specialties. It takes an organization that believes in this and is committed to promoting and facilitating this option.
That is IndeDocs, Inc.
Visit our website to learn more about becoming an IndeDocs member: https://indedocs.com/membership/