Physical Therapy Private Practice: Secrets of the Top 10%

What’s your secret weapon? Staff retention! We are lucky to have staff who have been with us 10, 15, even 20 years! You want to establish staff loyalty so that you have less turnover and thus, less need for recruitment efforts. Learn how to attract people who want to stay with you long-term. Create a career, not just a job!

Episode at a glance:

• Marketing and branding

• Recruitment never stops

• Incentives for non-clinical and clinical staff

• Top tier compensation models

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 - Invest in a learning management system to support continuous team development.
• Outsource for Efficiency - Delegate non-clinical functions to trusted professionals to focus on clinical growth.

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