Why Private Practices Are Going Multistate
Physicians in concierge and direct-pay models increasingly want geographic freedom. Whether it’s virtual consults, executive wellness, or remote second opinions, the ability to treat patients in multiple states opens up significant growth potential — but only if you’re licensed to do so legally.
Can the IMLC Help Private Practice Physicians?
Absolutely. The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) lets eligible physicians obtain licenses in 35+ states using a single streamlined process. This gives concierge doctors the legal footing to see clients in other states without the hassle of applying to each state manually.
What Kind of Practices Benefit Most?
- Concierge internal medicine
- Tele-dermatology
- Functional and integrative medicine
- Executive health clinics
- Second-opinion or advisory-only services
Whether your model is virtual-first or includes occasional in-person travel, IMLC licensure makes it legally viable.
Does Insurance Matter?
If you’re a private-pay provider, licensure matters more than insurance. Even if you’re not billing third-party payers, you must be licensed in the patient’s state at the time of service — even for telehealth. That’s a legal requirement across all 50 states.
How to Use the IMLC in a Concierge Model
- Get licensed in your primary state
- Apply to the IMLC and receive your Letter of Qualification (LOQ)
- Select target growth states (e.g., where current or former patients live)
- Request and pay for licenses in those states
- Begin offering services in compliance with each board’s rules
Licensure opens the door to legally marketing and operating across state lines.
How Many States Should You Start With?
Start with 3–5:
- Where your patients spend time (e.g., Florida in winter)
- Where you’re planning to market your services
- States with high telehealth adoption or executive clientele
You can add more licenses later as demand grows.
What About Medical Boards and Telehealth Rules?
Even with IMLC licensure, you must comply with each state’s laws. Some require initial visits to be in-person or mandate specific disclosures for virtual care. Always check the state board’s telehealth policies before launching services in that jurisdiction.
Does It Impact Your Malpractice Coverage?
Yes — your insurer must list each licensed state on your policy. This is usually a minor administrative step, but important to ensure claims are covered. Some providers also consider umbrella coverage for multistate operations.
Final Thoughts
The IMLC empowers private practice physicians to grow beyond geographic limitations. Whether you’re building a boutique concierge brand or a multi-state telehealth operation, licensure is your launchpad. With the right legal setup, your practice can travel wherever your patients — and your ambitions — take you.