Using the IMLC to Expand Your Concierge or Private Practice

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 — see our IMLC telehealth compliance guide. 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.

Does It Fit a Concierge Model?

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. See our concierge pricing for fully managed multi-state filings.

Common questions

Do I need a license where my concierge patient travels?

To treat them there, generally yes. Authority follows the patient’s physical location, including for telephone and video contact.

How does the compact help a concierge practice?

It makes adding the states your panel visits fast enough to be worthwhile, particularly for seasonal patterns like winters in Florida or Arizona.

Which states should a concierge practice license in?

The ones your panel actually spends time in. Ask patients where they travel and license against the answer rather than guessing.

Does a brief call require licensure?

Generally yes if clinical advice is given and the patient is in that state. Narrow consultation exceptions exist and are narrow.

Is the cost worth it?

For a small panel paying for continuity, usually. The licensing cost per patient is modest relative to what concierge membership represents.