Physical Therapy Private Practice: Secrets Of The Top 10%

Let’s look at some hard facts. Life here in the 4th quarter of 2024 is not cheap, whether you’re a physical therapist or otherwise. We understand the financial pains you’re experiencing in this income squeeze, so what is the solution? Let’s take a look at your current practice model and see how you can optimize it for success.  Episode at a glance: Physical therapy wages and admin costs The real problem Practice model and schedule options What you can do about it  

In this episode of Physical Therapy Private Practice Secrets of the Top 10 Percent, host Brian Gallagher, PT, dives straight into one of the most common challenges facing private practice owners: identifying and addressing the root causes of poor performance in their clinics. Drawing on his 30 years of experience, Brian provides practical insights and proven strategies to help practice owners turn around underperforming operations. This episode is a masterclass in diagnosing issues, implementing structure, and fostering accountability—all aimed at transforming a struggling practice into a successful, high-performing business. Key Takeaways  Identify Root Causes - Common issues include staff misalignment, lack of accountability, structural gaps, inadequate training, and quality control. Implement the Five Divisions - HR/Admin, Marketing, Finance, Production, and Quality Assurance. Use Metrics for Accountability - Track Net Promoter Scores, visit adherence, and staff performance. Foster a Learning Culture

In this episode of Physical Therapy Private Practice Secrets of the Top 10%, host Brian Gallagher dives deep into often-overlooked areas that could transform your private practice. He discusses the power of managing by data and metrics rather than intuition, how to maximize productivity by setting aside admin time, and why knowing the math behind your practice is essential for sustained growth. Brian also shares valuable insights on outsourcing, controlling payroll costs, and effectively scaling up for a profitable 2025. Key Topis Discussed: Set Dedicated Admin Time Rely on Data, Not Just Instinct Keep Payroll in Check Outsource Wisely These essential actions will help you build a practice poised for success in 2025!

You’ve heard it before, “If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’re going to keep getting what you’ve got.” The message of PPS 2024 could be summed up in one word: help! People are seeking financial, personnel and practice management help. We are so grateful to be able to continue helping you! Episode at a glance: Consulting versus coaching Perfectionism gets nothing done Do it for others! Only pay for what you need  

Do you relate to the hot topics that are circulating as “problems” in the physical therapy world? Unfortunately, burying our heads in the sand will not make them go away. Learn how to master the basics, set the tone and foster a shared reality for your private practice. Remember: only after the group wins do the individual members win. Episode at a glance: Post-onboarding training The Two-Way Street Environment, Structure, Personnel, Systems of Operation Staff certification training  

Calling new and veteran therapists alike! Is the APTA’s Private Practice Section conference worth your time? Short answer: yes! We know it’s an investment of time and money, but truly, you can’t afford not to learn the latest in physical therapy and be able to predict its future. Mingle with and learn from the best in our industry! Episode at a glance: Make the investment Physical therapy is a “retail business” PPS is the place to learn Get resources and connections  

It’s important that we take a good look at how we can help unburden others, but it really starts with yourself! Don’t burden your staff with things that they didn’t go to school for, and make sure they really know the difference that they make at your clinic. Enhance their skills both personally and professionally, and you will have the best practice in town! Episode at a glance: Strive for betterment Minimize admin burdens AI and RTM Virtual Front Desk  

I know we’re coming in hot with this title, but really, we’re addressing the executive mindset! You must have standards of practice and a two-way street implemented in your organization. In other words, learn how to say “no!” Learn how to enable the success of those you work with and how to manage by statistics.  Episode at a glance: Don’t spoil your staff 5 things to master as a manager Administrative versus worker mindset Structure & systems  

It might seem contrary to everything else you hear, but you actually can have it all! Let’s evaluate what your work options are in today’s environment. Sit down and bullet point out your ideal scene. Avail yourself to better strategies, protocols and systems that will protect you against any downturns - you can’t afford not to!    Episode at a glance: Growth = viability Hire based on performance and goals Energy versus emotion Definition of effort  

There’s nothing wrong with being content and not wanting for anything more. But if you know there’s room for improvement in your company culture and operations, it’s time to invest in yourself and your team. Create the game of professional opportunity for your staff. Running a successful practice in 2024 is not as impossible as you may think! Episode at a glance: Get training beyond PT School  Define hats and products Post onboarding checklist You can’t afford to wear others’ conditions  

It’s not about what you do, it’s about what you can do to help others. Today, we are excited to welcome Zak Bartley and Derek Sanborn to introduce the PatientStudio software to our audience. These data experts have developed an EMR with intuitive tools like we’ve never seen before. Look for yourself, and aim to work with people who you know, like and trust! Episode at a glance: Great fit for startups and small-to-medium sized businesses Can work with cash and insurance (or a hybrid!) The difference between scribe and generative AI Live demo! Connect with PatientStudio at www.patientstudio.com or zak@patientstudio.com   

If there’s something we don’t know or fully understand, it becomes too easy to sweep it under the rug and ignore it. Compliance might not seem like the #1 area that you should have your attention on as the practice owner, but in this “over-regulated” society, the consequences for not confronting it can be detrimental. Don’t be sloppy with your business operations, ensure that you have the proper safeguards to protect your business.  Episode at a glance: Don’t ignore and justify 7 essential elements What is your risk management plan? Get ongoing support  

Back in the 1990’s, we ran the endless cycle of “more patients, more staff, more money” in order to grow our practices. Today, we must realize that people are looking for an experience, and a group that truly cares about them. Your therapists are not in the business of “billing” - they are in the business of giving an abundance of skilled care. Episode at a glance: The 1990’s versus today We are a retail provider  Physical therapists do not “bill” The absolute best schedule  

Welcome back! Let’s talk about choosing the right business coach for you. If you plan to open a physical therapy practice, make sure that you work with someone who has a proven track record of success in that field. Ensure that they listen well and are able to put themselves in your shoes.  Episode at a glance: Must be niche-specific Make sure they really listen to you Willing to learn from others Soft personnel management skills  

Let’s take a step back and evaluate where we are in private practice today, and where we are quickly headed. It’s not all about the referrals anymore, it’s about reputation. What does it take to be the #1 provider in your community? Stay purpose-driven by focusing on serving others as your primary function.  Episode at a glance: Becoming a retail provider Your bandwidth is limited Reduce your payroll Branding  

There are a million and a half reasons NOT to do something. But here’s the reality: someone, somewhere is doing it and succeeding - and so can you! Join us as we bust the 5 most common myths about going into private practice that we hear every week, and discover the truth about what it takes to run a viable and thriving business! Episode at a glance: Myth #1: Profit = Greed Myth #2: I can just DIY it! Myth #3: I need to hire everyone in-house Myth #4: I’m a good clinician or manager, so I should be a good owner Myth #5: My practice needs to be a cash-only business Bonus myth! It’s better for me to grow slowly

We are excited to welcome Ross Young, CEO of Clinical Notes AI to the podcast! With clinician burnout becoming a major problem across the field, the mission statement at Clinical Notes is to help the people who are helping people through the use of AI technology. Imagine if your therapists had their own personal therapeutic scribe! Explore the power of this speech-to-text technology to make your clinician’s lives easier. Episode at a glance: AI transcript with documentation accuracy & consistency Can integrate with EHR Web-based and app on the way Works on mobile as well HIPAA Gap Analysis for self-assessment Zero Data Retention (ZDR) method  

We are now halfway through the year - it’s time for us to reset and reevaluate! Why did you pursue a career in physical therapy in the first place? This isn’t just a business, it’s a passion! Get the support you need for optimum practice sustainability and growth.  Episode at a glance: Achieving life freedom Get the administrative functions off your plate How to communicate with doctors Pros and cons of technology  

What is the ultimate dream of any private practice owner? Success is dependent on those that you surround yourself with. The policy & procedure manual is a perfect way to establish the rules of the road for a healthy and thriving business. Do yourself a favor and make sure that yours is thorough and up-to-date! Episode at a glance: How to handle antagonistic people Standard Operating Procedures Real (and avoidable) policy horror stories Inspection and correction

Many of us who have moved through careers in physical therapy remember the transition from staff therapist to Clinical Director - a transition that was not always an easy one. What could we have done differently? In this episode, we provide structured guidance and successful actions for therapists who are moving into management and leadership roles! Episode at a glance: The true objective of a Clinical Director Staff investment program Increase reality and communication Manage by statistics It’s not about directing, it’s about engaging