In South Carolina—and across the nation—we urgently need more independent healthcare facilities. Smaller practices promote true patient autonomy, reduce the burnout that plagues hospital-based clinicians, and circumvent restrictive non-compete clauses that stifle innovation. Independent practitioners can set their own appointment lengths, prioritize patient education over productivity metrics, and control costs without sacrificing quality.
Imagine a network of autonomous practitioners who collaborate, share best practices, and amplify each other’s voices—while retaining the freedom to put patients first. This is the vision that inspired the founding of IndeDocs. Our organization exists to champion this movement, supporting independent providers of every specialty. Whether you’re a family physician, orthopaedist, endocrinologist, or mental health counselor, there’s a place for you in our web of collective expertise.
Together with our valued sponsors, vendors, and partner organizations, IndeDocs empowers you to build a practice that balances high-quality care with professional and financial fulfillment.
We are witnessing a profound shift, as more patients seek the individualized attention and continuity of care that only independent practices can deliver. At IndeDocs, we’re proud to stand at the forefront of this transformation—united by our commitment to the “human scale” of medicine that Schumacher described so eloquently.
Thank you for joining us in redefining healthcare. Together, we will ensure that independent practitioners remain a vibrant, influential force—centered on the very people we serve.
Dr. Marcelo Hochman President, IndeDocs
Together at the Summit: Thank You for Elevating the 2025 Independent Medical Practice Experience!
The 2025 IndeDocs Independent Medical Practice Summit was more than an event it was a gathering of forward-thinking healthcare professionals united by a shared commitment to the future of independent medical practice. The annual meeting brought together leaders, innovators, and passionate practitioners, all dedicated to reshaping healthcare through collaboration, insight, and empowerment.
The event served as a dynamic platform where renowned speakers and industry experts addressed critical topics such as healthcare reform, physician empowerment, and sustainable practice management. Participants left with actionable strategies and renewed energy to overcome challenges and seize emerging opportunities in independent practice.
The summit offered abundant opportunities for healthcare professionals to connect, exchange ideas, and forge valuable partnerships.
ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF AN INDEDOCS MEMBERSHIP!
Active members of IndeDocs had the opportunity to attend the summit at no additional expense one of the many exclusive benefits of being part of our community of independent medical providers.
Learn more about becoming an IndeDocs member by clicking below: IndeDocs.com/ Membership
The insights shared and relationships formed at the event remind us that the journey toward a more patient-centered, independent practice environment is a collaborative effort. As we reflect on the successes of 2025, we invite every healthcare professional to continue the conversation, share their experiences, and contribute to the ongoing evolution of our field.
Thank you to every speaker, participant, and supporter who made the 2025 IndeDocs Independent Medical Practice Summit an inspiring success. Your dedication to elevating independent medical practice not only enriches your own journey but also lights the way for countless others in the healthcare community.
SMARTER, NOT HARDER: HOW AI IS HELPING INDEPENDENT DOCTORS TAKE BACK THEIR TIME
From virtual scribes to patient follow-ups that run themselves, artificial intelligence is making private practice more efficient — without losing the human touch.
Let’s be honest: running an independent medical practice isn’t for the faint of heart. Between charting, scheduling, follow-ups, and trying to stay on top of it all — there’s barely time left to breathe, let alone grow. But there’s good news. The same technology that’s transforming how we shop, travel, and even order lunch is finally starting to make life easier for doctors, too.
We’re talking about AI — artificial intelligence — and no, it’s not here to replace your job. In fact, AI is proving to be one of the most powerful tools available to private practice physicians who want to keep their autonomy while still running a smooth, efficient, and patientfriendly operation.
“Artificial Intelligence lets me “Artificial Intelligence lets me concentrate more on what I concentrate more on what I really came here to do… which really came here to do… which iis s engage with my patients & engage with my patients & help make them better help make them better. ” . ”
-- Brian Hoberman, MD, Brian Hoberman, MD,
National IT Leader, Permanente Federation
National IT Leader, Permanente Federation (Washington Post, March 25, 2025) (Washington Post, March 25, 2025)
SMARTER, NOT HARDER: HOW AI IS HELPING INDEPENDENT DOCTORS TAKE BACK THEIR TIME
and suggest next steps for tricky cases. It’s not about replacing your expertise it’s about having a sounding board that doesn’t get tired.
The Catch: AI Only Works If You Trust It. Here’s the thing: not all AI is created equal. When choosing tools for your practice, HIPAA compliance is a must, and any platform that touches patient data should offer a Business Associate Agreement (BAA). Stick to companies that are built for healthcare — they’ll understand your world and protect your patients’ privacy.
So… Is AI Worth It? In a word: yes — if you choose the right tools for your needs. The beauty of AI in private practice is that you can start small. Maybe it’s a virtual scribe, a smarter reminder system, or a chatbot for your website. Little changes can make a big difference.
At its best, AI helps you get back to doing what you love: caring for patients. It cuts the
busywork, reduces burnout, and brings back the efficiency (and joy) that inspired many doctors to go independent in the first place.
Because at the end of the day, no algorithm can replace your instincts, your compassion, or your experience — and with the right support, it never has to.
Want help choosing your first AI tool or figuring out what’s worth the investment? Start by identifying your practice’s biggest time-waster and automate that.
Let the tech do the heavy lifting, while you get back to being the doctor your patients count on.
A Physician’s Journey to Work-Life Balance in Independent Practice
A PHYSICIAN’S JOURNEY TO WORK-LIFE BALANCE IN INDEPENDENT PRACTICE
WISDOM FOR NEW INDEPENDENT PHYSICIANS
Prioritize Patient Care: Excellence breeds reputation, referrals, and financial stability.
Live Modestly & Invest Early: Consistent contributions harness the power of compounding and secure retirement.
Seek Ancillary Income: Ownership in outpatient surgery centers, therapy services, imaging, and real estate can diversify revenue and fund investments directly.
Learn to Say “No”: Protect your well-being by setting limits on work pressures an advantage of independence.
Leverage Mid‑Level Clinicians: A skilled PA or NP enhances efficiency, patient care, and personal freedom.
Choose a Supportive Partner: A spouse aligned on finances and priorities provides essential stability and safeguards work–home boundaries.
REFLECTION AND FULFILLMENT
As I approach retirement, patients’ heartfelt gratitude reminds me that choosing independent practice was more than a career path it was the key to shaping both a rewarding profession and a rich personal life. Independence allowed me to be “my own machine,” balancing priorities on my terms and leaving behind a legacy of compassionate care.
James D. Dalton, Jr., M.D.
Dr. James Dalton completed his orthopaedic residency at Duke University Medical Center and a Shoulder & Sports Medicine fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh before joining South Carolina Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center alongside some of the nation’s top surgeons. He specializes in advanced knee and shoulder procedures—such as Mako robotic‑arm assisted partial and total knee replacements—and continuously incorporates the latest techniques into his practice. Dr. Dalton also serves as team physician for local high schools, Charleston Southern University, and the South Carolina Stingrays, helping patients regain mobility and excel athletically.
BRIDGING GAPS: TELEHEALTH’S IMPACT ON ACCESS FOR BUSY PATIENTS
In today’s fast-paced world, independent physicians face a dual challenge: delivering high-quality care while accommodating the schedules of patients who juggle work, family, and other obligations. Traditional office hours no longer align with the needs of many individuals and families, leading to missed appointments, delayed follow-up care, and ultimately, gaps in treatment. Telehealth has emerged as a powerful tool to bridge these gaps, offering a flexible, patient-centered approach that can both attract new patients and strengthen relationships with existing ones.
For many patients, the convenience of logging on from home or the office makes all the difference. As Dr. Lisa Annan, Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, observes, “Some [patients] find Telehealth beneficial before or after their work, and it’s easier for them to juggle everything they have going on in their lives.” By extending appointment availability beyond the traditional 9-to-5, independent practitioners can meet patients where they are—whether that’s on a lunch break, after the school run, or even during travel. This flexibility is particularly valuable for families: “Some of my patients take advantage of Telehealth while their children are in school and find it beneficial for them, rather than dealing with the stress of traffic,” says Dr. Annan.
BRIDGING GAPS: TELEHEALTH’S IMPACT ON ACCESS FOR BUSY PATIENTS
The patient experience underscores Telehealth’s transformative potential. One of Dr. Annan’s own clients shares, “Being able to speak to Dr. Annan via Telehealth is a huge convenience. With our family's current schedule, finding a time that does not conflict with other activities or obligations can be challenging. I am able to schedule appointments with her during nontraditional times. I do not feel the quality of services diminish in any way meeting through Telehealth versus face-to-face. The advice and guidance provided during my appointments with her have been extremely helpful.” Testimonials like these highlight not only the convenience but also the clinical efficacy of virtual visits when conducted thoughtfully and with the proper technology.
From a practice management standpoint, adopting Telehealth can open doors to new revenue streams while reducing no-shows and last-minute cancellations. Busy professionals who might otherwise forgo routine checkins whether for mental health counseling, chronic disease management, or preventive care—are more likely to follow through when scheduling is seamless. For independent physicians, this translates into improved patient retention, steadier cash flow, and the opportunity to differentiate their practice in a competitive healthcare landscape.
BRIDGING GAPS: TELEHEALTH’S IMPACT ON ACCESS FOR BUSY
PATIENTS
Implementing a Telehealth platform requires thoughtful planning: ensuring HIPAA-compliant software, training staff, and establishing clear protocols for virtual visits. Yet the upfront investment often pays dividends in operational efficiency. Automated appointment reminders, digital intake forms, and seamless billing integrations streamline administrative workflows, freeing up physicians to focus on patient care. Moreover, offering both in-person and virtual options demonstrates a commitment to patient-centered care that today’s consumers value highly.
Dr. Lisa Annan (843)
Ultimately, Telehealth is more than a convenience—it’s a strategic tool for independent physicians seeking to meet patients’ evolving needs. By embracing virtual care, practices can bridge access gaps, foster deeper patient engagement, and position themselves for sustainable growth. In a world where time is often the scarcest resource, Telehealth ensures that healthcare remains within reach for everyone—no matter how busy life becomes.
The IndeDocs Board of Directors are passionate advocates for independent medicine and have dedicated their careers to upholding the doctor-patient relationship as the most important tenet of medicine.
IndeDocs, a proud 501(c)(6) professional trade association of independent doctors in South Carolina, is dedicated to preserving both the esteemed profession of medicine and the vital doctorpatient relationship. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors, whose unwavering support directly connects them with independent primary care and specialty physicians throughout the state.
Your sponsorship is not only a powerful marketing asset that elevates your brand or business, but also a unique opportunity to forge lasting relationships and showcase your products and services to South Carolina’s premier independent physicians. Thank you for partnering with IndeDocs and for investing in the future of healthcare in our community.
www.indedocs.com/sponsorship Explore more about our sponsorship opportunities by visiting:
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
G3 Wealth Advisors differentiates itself through our commitment to creating a formal written financial plan for every client. These plans are tailored to each individual and serve as the foundation for making well-educated financial and investment decisions that support both short-term and long-term goals. Additionally, we work closely with our clients' other trusted advisors, including attorneys, CPAs, and trustees, as needed to ensure that all planning decisions are cohesive and complete.
In addition to these services, independent practitioners may find value in our expertise in 401k Profit Sharing and Cash Balance Plans. These qualified plans can be of great benefit for employee retention as well as offer significant potential pre-tax savings for practice owners and key employees.
Discover how G3 Wealth Advisors can support independent practitioners in achieving their financial goals:
