Seen and Heard
This month, we spoke with Dr. Rachel Murphy, founder of Pismo Health DPC in Carmel, about what primary care looks like when the doctor actually has time for you. A family physician with nearly a decade of experience in Central Indiana, Dr. Murphy opened her own practice in early 2026 with one goal in mind: to give patients the kind of care they deserve.
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Q: What should Central Indiana families be paying attention to this summer when it comes to their health?
A: Indiana summers tend to be very hot and humid, so hydration and sun protection (sunscreen, hats, SPF tops and swimsuits) are of utmost importance. If your family is camping or hiking, always check for ticks. And with children spending so much time outside riding bikes and scooters, drivers should be paying extra attention in neighborhoods. Children should always wear a helmet when riding. Q: What are the small, everyday habits that make the biggest difference in long-term health? A: Prioritize sleep. It is so important and often neglected. Establishing a nighttime routine with good sleep hygiene and a regular bedtime can help. Consistent movement and a diet full of whole foods, fruits, vegetables, fiber and protein helps treat or prevent several medical conditions and maintain a healthy weight. Daily SPF. And avoiding tobacco while minimizing alcohol has so many benefits as well. Q: For a family trying to simplify their healthcare, what does Pismo Health actually look like in practice? A: One doctor, one location, one number to message and one monthly payment without extra charges. Visits can be scheduled together to simplify logistics. I also believe care improves when physicians understand their patients more wholly—when we know their family dynamics, their stressors, their lifestyle. I learn so much about patients through their families. Q: One of the biggest frustrations in healthcare is trying to reach your doctor. How does direct messaging and same-day access change that? A: Being able to reach your doctor in a timely fashion and schedule an appointment when it's actually needed is the whole point, especially in primary care. What good is it to see your doctor in six weeks for blood pressure that is high today? Or to be sent to urgent care, only to see a provider who knows nothing about you or your history? |
Historically, physicians spoke to their patients directly by phone, but that has changed as doctors manage panels of 2,400 patients while seeing 15 to 20 people a day. In a direct primary care practice, physicians have much smaller panels, which means more time for visits and to answer calls and messages. The schedule is never booked out weeks at a time. And all messages come directly to me. No phone tree, no triage system. I can ask questions directly, call if necessary, answer on the spot or recommend a visit.
Q: A lot of people only see their doctor when something is wrong. What does proactive care actually look like at Pismo? A: Prevention is key. The best way to optimize our health is to be proactive. In a traditional setting, patients would come in once a year for a physical and arrive with a list of several concerns, and a 30-minute visit simply isn't enough time to address all of it alongside a full physical exam. The ability to call, text or come in when issues arise allows patients to address concerns in real time instead of waiting. And the annual visit can then be used for what it's actually meant for: thorough preventive health maintenance. Q: What is it about the Direct Primary Care model that allows you to practice the way you've always wanted to? And what does that mean for patients who are used to the traditional system? A: Unlike traditional insurance-based practices, Direct Primary Care operates on a monthly membership model with no surprise bills, no administrative middlemen, just a direct relationship between patient and physician. In reading patient reviews over the last nine years, the theme is always the same. They say I listen. And that is something I truly pride myself on. It's the only way I know how to practice. I believe it sets me apart, and the DPC model allows me to continue approaching care this way, without the insurance burden, the administrative weight and the burnout I experienced in a traditional setting. |
Pismo Health DPC is located at 9650 Commerce Drive, Suite 531, in Carmel. To learn more or to become a member, visit pismohealthdpc.com and follow along at @pismohealthdpc on Instagram for updates and wellness tips.