In early 2020, as the world faced the challenges of a global pandemic, I found myself witnessing the stark reality of healthcare in underserved communities across New England. The vulnerabilities in our healthcare system were laid bare, and nowhere was this more apparent than in the small, independent primary care practices that served as lifelines in these areas. This was where my journey with Metacare began.

I had spent years working in both medical practices and with major insurance companies, gaining an insider’s perspective on the complexities and challenges that physicians face every day. But it wasn’t until I immersed myself in these communities that I truly understood the magnitude of the struggles these doctors were enduring. They were not just healthcare providers—they were pillars of their communities, working tirelessly to care for their patients, often with limited resources and overwhelming administrative burdens.

I knew that something had to change. These doctors needed more than just words of encouragement; they needed real, tangible support. They needed a partner who understood their pain points and could offer solutions that would allow them to focus on what they do best—caring for their patients. That’s when the idea for Metacare was born.

Starting in Massachusetts, I began working closely with a few primary care practices in some of the most underserved areas. I saw firsthand the long hours these physicians put in, the mountains of paperwork they had to tackle, and the constant financial strain they faced. I also saw their unwavering dedication to their patients, their commitment to providing care despite the odds. It was both inspiring and heartbreaking.

As I spent more time with these doctors, I started to identify the specific challenges that were holding them back—complex billing processes, frequent coding errors, delays in credentialing, and the ever-changing landscape of healthcare regulations. I realized that if we could address these issues, we could significantly lighten the load on these physicians and allow them to thrive in their practices.

With this in mind, I set out to create a company that would provide comprehensive support to independent physicians, starting with those in New England. Metacare was built from the ground up with a single purpose: to empower physicians to succeed in independent practice. We developed a suite of services tailored to the unique needs of these practices, from full-service billing and AI-based coding to marketing, staffing, and IT support.

As word spread about the work we were doing, more and more physicians reached out for help. It was clear that the need was far greater than I had initially imagined. We started expanding our reach, first across New England and then to other parts of the country. Everywhere we went, we found doctors facing the same challenges, and we were determined to help them.

By 2024, Metacare had grown into a leader in revenue cycle management and practice support, endorsed by Aledade, The Massachusetts Medical Society and the IPA Association of America. But even as we expanded, I never lost sight of our original mission. I continue to work closely with our clients, always listening to their needs, always looking for new ways to support them.

The journey with Metacare has been incredibly rewarding. We’ve been able to make a real difference in the lives of so many physicians and the patients they care for. But there’s still so much more to do. Healthcare is constantly evolving, and the challenges that doctors face are ever-changing. At Metacare, we’re committed to staying ahead of the curve, always innovating, and always putting the needs of our physicians and their patients first.

Metacare isn’t just a company—it’s a movement. It’s about transforming healthcare, one practice at a time, and ensuring that every physician has the support they need to succeed. And as I look to the future, I’m more determined than ever to continue this work and help even more doctors across the country.

-Raymond Shih, Founder and President