In this episode of What's Best For The Patient Is Best For Business, Jerry sits down with Angela Diaz, PT, Vice President of Market Development for TailorCare, to explore the future of physical therapy in a value-based healthcare system. With decades of experience as a clinician, practice owner, and healthcare executive, Angela shares her insights on why PTs must lead—or risk being left behind—in the shift toward patient-centered, outcomes-driven care.

Key Takeaways:

-  Value-Based Care Is Here – Physical therapists must transition from fee-for-service models to payment structures that reward high-quality outcomes, cost efficiency, and patient satisfaction.

-  Data Is Non-Negotiable – PTs need to track pain, functional outcomes, and patient satisfaction to prove their value. Angela emphasizes: "If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it—or get paid for it."

-  The Power of Shared Decision-Making – Angela shares a case study of a knee pain patient who avoided surgery through tailored PT and lifestyle changes—highlighting how aligning care with patient goals improves outcomes and reduces costs.

-  PTs as First-Line Providers – In TailorCare’s model, PTs triage musculoskeletal cases, collaborating with PCPs, orthopedists, and behavioral health to streamline care and prevent unnecessary procedures.

-  Future-Proof Your Practice – Angela outlines four trends reshaping PT: hybrid care (telehealth + in-person), integrated care teams, AI/wearables for outcomes tracking, and patient choice driving reimbursement.

-  "Step Up or Get Left Behind" – Angela’s rallying cry: PTs have a unique role in prevention, recovery, and wellness—but must advocate for their place at the table in policy and payment reform.

Whether you’re a clinician, practice owner, or healthcare leader, this episode is a masterclass in positioning physical therapy as the cornerstone of value-based MSK care. Tune in and rethink what’s possible for your practice and your patients.

If you'd like to learn more about Strata EMR & RCM and achieving a 99.99% reimbursement rate for your PT, OT, or SLP Clinic head over to stratapt.com and book a demo with their team!