General Practitioners (GPs), especially those running solo private clinics, are facing tough times.
Many doctors started their own clinics because they wanted to do more for their patients.
They were tired of being told how to treat by the clinics they worked for and decided to take control.
But after starting their clinics, reality hit hard.
The freedom they wanted is now overshadowed by the challenges of running a business—low fees, too much admin, and problems with Third-Party Administrators (TPAs).
They feel stuck, unable to do what they envisioned for their patients.
But what exactly are TPAs, and how did they take over? More importantly, what can you do to not just survive but actually grow your practice? Let’s break it down.
What Are TPAs, and How Did They Take Over?
TPAs, or Third-Party Administrators, manage health insurance claims for insurers and employers.
They’re like middlemen between you and your patients—processing claims, setting fees, and deciding what gets covered.
They came into the picture to help streamline healthcare benefits for big companies, but for solo GPs, TPAs have brought more headaches than help.
Think about it: you’re working hard, seeing patients, and providing care, but TPAs are deciding how much you get paid and when.
They’re taking a cut of your hard-earned money while adding extra layers of admin work. And when you’re running a solo practice, every dollar and every hour counts.
How TPAs Are Hurting Solo GPs
1. Low Fees TPAs. Negotiates low consultation fees with GPs to keep costs down. According to the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), they take 10-15% of your bill. This might not seem like much, but over time, it adds up. Imagine losing a chunk of your income every single day. Source: Malaysian Medical Association
2. Late Payments Payments. From TPAs don’t come quickly. Some clinics wait weeks, even months, for their money. Meanwhile, your rent, staff salaries, and other bills are due. Late payments can put solo GPs in a financial crunch. Source: CodeBlue
3, Too Much Paperwork. TPAs demand a lot of documentation for every claim. For solo GPs who don’t have big administrative teams, this means more time on paperwork
4. Less Control. TPAs set the rules—what you can charge, which treatments are covered, even which medications you can prescribe. You’re left following their playbook instead of focusing on what’s best for your patients. This can feel like you’re losing control of your own practice.Source: Malaysian Medical Association
5, Chain Clinics Get the Advantage. TPAs often favor chain clinics that can handle more patients at lower fees. For solo GPs, competing with these well-funded chains is nearly impossible. They have marketing budgets, economies of scale, and locations in high-traffic areas. How can a solo GP keep up?
Chain Clinics: The New Competition
Chain clinics are growing fast. They’re convenient, they’re marketed well, and they’re often cheaper. Patients are drawn to them, and TPAs love them. For solo GPs, this means fewer patients and more pressure to lower fees just to compete. It’s a race to the bottom, and solo GPs are the ones losing out.
Imagine this: A patient who used to visit your clinic sees an ad for a chain clinic offering cheap health check-ups. They try it out, and the chain clinic offers them a package deal. Suddenly, that patient is no longer coming to you. Multiply this scenario by dozens of patients, and it’s easy to see why chain clinics are dominating.
The Old Way of Doing Things Isn’t Working
Most GPs are stuck in the old model of sick care—patients come to you only when they’re unwell. It’s reactive, and it’s limited. If patients only visit you when they’re sick, you’re stuck waiting for them. And with TPAs and chain clinics in the mix, those sick visits are becoming fewer and far between.
But what if you flipped the script? What if instead of treating sickness, you focused on keeping people healthy? That’s where the real opportunity lies. People are willing to pay to stay healthy. They want regular check-ups, personalized advice, and long-term plans to avoid illness altogether.
Stop Fighting—Start Thriving
Here’s the truth: solo GPs can’t beat TPAs or chain clinics at their own game. But you don’t have to. Instead, focus on a different pool altogether—healthcare, not sick care.
1. Focus on Wellness. Offer services that help people stay healthy. Think health screenings, weight management programs, or personalized wellness plans. For example, you could create a package for annual check-ups, complete with lifestyle advice and follow-ups. People will see the value in paying for better health, not just treatment.
2. Build Long-Term Relationships. Turn patients into clients. Clients come back regularly for check-ups and ongoing care. They value their health and are happy to pay for a plan that keeps them feeling their best. For instance, offer packages that include priority appointments, health monitoring and plans on how they can optimize their health, and exclusive workshops.
3. Offer Value Beyond the Appointment. Patients don’t just want treatment—they want care. Follow up after appointments with personalized advice or resources. Offer workshops or webinars on health topics. Providing extra value keeps patients coming back and turns them into loyal clients.
4, Carve Out Your Niche. Specialize in something that sets you apart. It could be preventive care, chronic disease management, or even wellness programs tailored for specific groups. For instance, focus on helping busy professionals manage stress and stay healthy. When you’re the go-to expert, clients will seek you out.
5. Embrace Technology. Add tools like telemedicine, remote health monitoring, or digital scheduling to make your practice more efficient. This saves you time and shows patients you’re committed to making healthcare easy and accessible.
6. Invest in Marketing. Most patients don’t know about the services you offer unless you tell them. Use social media, email newsletters, and local advertising to promote your clinic and its unique offerings. Share patient success stories (with permission) and educate your audience about preventive care to build trust.
7. Build a Strong Online Presence. Having a website isn’t optional anymore—it’s a necessity. Your website should clearly outline your services, include an easy way to book appointments, and provide valuable content like blogs or FAQs. A good online presence helps patients find you and builds credibility.
8. Brand Your Practice. Think of your clinic as more than just a medical office; it’s a brand. Create a consistent identity through your logo, signage, and even how you communicate with patients. A strong brand helps your clinic stand out and makes it memorable.
9. Network & Collaborate. Instead of competing with other GPs, find ways to collaborate and complement with fellow GPs and build your network. One of the best places to network with other forward-thinking doctors is at Disruptive Doctors Annual Conference.
A Better Way Forward
If you keep fighting for sick patients in the TPA and chain clinic pool, you’re going to burn out. But by shifting your focus to healthcare—helping people stay healthy—you’ll carve out a space where you can grow. Not only will this help you make more money, but it will also let you build stronger relationships with your clients.
Don’t miss the Disruptive Doctors Conference 2025, where we’ll dive deeper into topics like this to help you take your practice to the next level.
