The $100K Per Year Clinical Formula

In this episode, Dr. Danny Matta breaks down the numbers behind running a lean, profitable lifestyle physical therapy business that nets $100,000/year pre-tax income—with just 15 visits a week.

🎯 Key Takeaways: 1. The $100K Goal Is Common—and Achievable

• Many PTs go out on their own hoping to hit a $100K income.
• In a traditional clinic, this usually requires being a director or working in high-paying but less desirable roles like home health.
• In cash-based outpatient ortho, it’s possible with fewer hours and more control.

2. Typical Overhead in a Subleased Lifestyle Clinic

• Rent: ~$1,500/month (subleased gym or wellness space)
• Tech stack: ~$300/month (EMR, communication, automations)
• Bookkeeping & CPA: ~$200/month
• Business insurance: ~$200/month
• Health insurance: ~$500/month
• Continuing ed & equipment: ~$400/month combined
• Total Overhead: ~$2,800/month or $33,600/year

3. How Many Visits to Hit $100K?

• Target income: $100,000
• Total revenue needed: $133,600 (to cover overhead)
• Average visit rate: $185
• Visits per year: 722
• Visits per month: 60
• Visits per week: 15

4. Why This Model Works

• Low overhead and lean systems = high margins.
• Fixed costs don’t rise with visit rate increases—so your profit scales faster.
• Flexibility in scheduling makes this perfect for work-life balance.

5. Real Examples & Possibility for Growth

• Some solo PTs are earning $20K–$35K/month with strong visit rates and low churn.
• This is achievable in affluent areas with optimized pricing and retention.
• You can stay small and flexible—or scale with systems and staff.

✅ What to Focus On

• Keep overhead low and consistent.
• Improve your average visit rate over time.
• Learn to market and sell effectively—skills you didn’t learn in PT school.

📈 Want Help Hitting $100K+ in Your Clinic?

Whether you're just starting or looking to grow, PT Biz has programs to help: 👉 Visit PhysicalTherapyBiz.com 👉 Book a Free Discovery Call

🧠 Final Thought

You don’t need a giant clinic or a massive team to make $100K+. You need a clear plan, low overhead, and consistent systems. The math works—if you work the model.

How to Travel for Free Using Credit Card Points

In this episode, Dr. Danny Matta shares how clinic owners can travel—sometimes internationally—for nearly free by leveraging the power of credit card points. Whether you’re booking a snowboarding trip to Utah or sending your spouse to Europe, this guide will show you how to make it happen by using points you’re already earning through everyday business expenses.

🎯 Key Takeaways: 1. Use Business Expenses to Rack Up Points

• Put all business expenses—ads, travel, internet, phone, equipment—on a business credit card.
• Use a personal card for groceries, dining, and daily family expenses to double your rewards.
• Meet card minimum spends by timing them with large purchases (e.g., ConEd, travel, IRS payments).

2. Best Credit Cards for Clinic Owners

• Chase Ink Preferred (Business): Great bonus categories (3x points on ads, internet, travel); low $95 annual fee.
• Amex Gold (Business or Personal): 4x points on ads or groceries; higher $375 annual fee.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred (Personal): Solid intro bonus, low fee, easy-to-use transfer partners.

3. Transfer Points to Travel Partners—Not the Card Portal

• Transfer points to partners like Hyatt, Flying Blue (Air France), United, or Southwest.
• Booking directly through airline/hotel gives better value and fewer headaches during changes.
• Avoid using credit card travel portals or cash-back options—they yield less value and more hassle.

4. Example Travel Redemptions

• Snowboard Trip (Park City, UT): - Flights for two: ~60k points - Hotel for 3 nights: ~54k points - Total: ~114k points for two people
• Paris Trip (International): - Flights for two on Flying Blue: ~74k points + ~$300 in fees - Huge value during peak travel season

5. Bonus Perks

• Free rental car insurance through Chase/Amex cards saved Danny over $1,000 in damage claims.
• Increased credit limit and credit score over time due to low utilization and on-time payments.
• Share experiences with friends/family by booking their trips with your points—great for memory dividends.

🚫 What NOT to Do

• ⚠️ Don’t carry a balance. Pay your card off each month—interest rates are 25–28%.
• ⚠️ Don’t book through Chase or Amex travel portals. Use direct transfer partners.
• ⚠️ Don’t opt for cash-back if your goal is travel—it devalues the points.

✅ Action Steps

• Pick one personal and one business card to start (Chase or Amex).
• Use them for expenses you already have—ads, groceries, flights, utilities.
• Meet minimum spends during big purchases or tax payments.
• Transfer points to travel partners, not portals.
• Track and enjoy free travel—with friends or family along for the ride.

📺 Prefer to Watch?

Check out the full visual walkthrough of cards, transfers, and real-time examples on the PT Biz YouTube Channel.

🌍 Final Thought

Owning a business is hard. Travel is one of the few luxuries that pays you back in memories. If you’re paying for expenses anyway—why not earn free trips while you’re at it?

How to Respond When a Patient Says, “I Just Want to Use My Insurance”

In this episode, Dr. Danny Matta breaks down one of the most common (and frustrating) objections in the cash-based PT world—when a patient says, “I want to use my insurance.” Learn how to respond with confidence, empathy, and strategy.

🎯 Key Takeaways: 1. The Landscape Has Changed

• Patients are more informed now—high deductibles, HSA plans, and more out-of-pocket costs are common.
• This creates opportunities to position cash-based care as the better option.

2. Agree and Redirect

• Never be confrontational. Use phrases like: “Totally get it—I have insurance too.”
• Ask if they know their deductible or what their insurance actually covers.
• Educate them that many people are paying out of pocket whether they’re in-network or not.

3. Highlight the Difference in Care

• Traditional PT = high volume, generalist, low face time, limited equipment and customization.
• Cash-based PT = one-on-one, specialized, concierge-level care with better outcomes and communication.
• Reframe the conversation around value, not just cost.

4. If They Still Say No—Lead with Value

• Follow up with a thank-you email and a helpful exercise video based on their issue.
• Check back in 1–2 weeks to ask how they’re doing.
• Often, this simple follow-up brings them back after they realize the difference in care elsewhere.

5. The Triathlete Story

Danny shares how a competitive triathlete left to use insurance, only to return after being handed a generic exercise sheet. That client went on to become one of their best long-term patients.

💡 Tips to Apply Today:

• Have the money and insurance conversation before they walk in your door.
• Never take it personally—always follow up.
• Use these conversations to educate, not sell.

🚀 Want to Convert More Patients Without Insurance?

Learn how to build a thriving cash-based clinic that doesn’t rely on insurance: ✅ Visit PhysicalTherapyBiz.com ✅ Book a Free Discovery Call

Optimizing Your Cash PT Clinic Website with Jeremy Dupont

Hosts: Doc Danny Matei & Jeremy Dupont (Founder of Patch)

🔎 Episode Summary

In this episode, Danny sits down with Jeremy Dupont to break down what it really takes to build a high-performing website for your cash or hybrid physical therapy clinic. From converting site visitors to dominating local SEO, they unpack practical tactics to turn your digital presence into a patient-generating machine.

🔍 Key Topics Covered:

• Why most PT websites miss the mark – It's not about flashy design, it's about clarity and conversion.
• The "grunt test" – What every homepage must communicate before a user even scrolls.
• Copywriting for patients vs. clinicians – Don't confuse your audience with jargon.
• Using your Google My Business page properly – Most people are losing patients here and don't even know it.
• The 3 pillars of local SEO: your website, your GMB profile, and consistent listings in directories like Yelp, Bing, etc.
• What matters more than aesthetics: A clean, mobile-friendly design and clear next steps.
• When to run Google Ads and how SEO impacts ad cost
• How Patch helps clinics scale digital presence and lead flow

🎓 Bonus Insights:

• Why stock photos hurt trust
• The importance of brand consistency (colors, typography, etc.)
• How to use Canva’s brand kit feature to keep your materials on point

🌐 Resources & Next Steps

• Visit Physical Therapy Biz
• Book a Free Discovery Call
• Learn More About Patch

The 3 Most Common Pricing Mistakes in Cash-Based PT Clinics (And How to Fix Them)

In this tactical solo episode, Doc Danny breaks down the three most common pricing mistakes he sees in cash-based physical therapy clinics—and exactly what to do instead. Whether you're a solo provider or growing a team, these pricing missteps can kill your profit, limit patient outcomes, and create headaches as you scale.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Undercharging Is the #1 Killer – Most clinicians start with prices that are far too low, usually based on insurance rates or old employer cash rates. Charge what you’re worth—or your business will pay for it.
• Tiny Packages = Short-Term Outcomes – 3 or 5-visit packages may feel easier to sell, but they rarely solve chronic problems. Larger packages mean better care, better results, and more long-term retention.
• No Payment Plan? You’re Losing Sales – Patients make buying decisions based on monthly cost, not just total price. Offering a simple payment plan increases conversion and helps people commit to solving the real issue.

💬 Real Talk from Doc Danny

"Say your price out loud—and if it doesn’t make you slightly uncomfortable, it’s probably too low."

🎯 Who This Episode Is For

• ✅ Clinicians charging under $175 per visit
• ✅ Practices offering 3-visit or 5-visit packages
• ✅ PTs unsure how to structure pricing for longer-term care
• ✅ Clinic owners struggling with conversion or retention

🔥 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• ✅ Why undercharging limits your ability to grow
• ✅ How package size affects retention and staff performance
• ✅ How to implement a simple, effective payment plan for packages
• ✅ How better pricing leads to better outcomes and a more stable business

🚀 Ready to Fix Your Pricing and Grow Your Clinic the Right Way?

Pricing isn’t just numbers—it’s a growth strategy. Make the shift now and watch your revenue, retention, and referrals improve across the board.

• → Book a Free Discovery Call
• → Explore More at PhysicalTherapyBiz.com

These changes don’t just boost your income—they improve your impact. Set your pricing with purpose, and scale with confidence.

The Clinician’s Compass Part 3: Is the Home Run Practice the Big Swing You’re Meant to Take?

In this final episode of the Clinician’s Compass series, Doc Danny breaks down the most ambitious practice model of the three: the Home Run Practice. This model is built for growth-focused entrepreneurs who want to scale fast, build teams, dominate their market, and eventually create a business that could lead to a major exit.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• What Is a Home Run Practice? – A high-growth clinic built for scale, often generating multiple 7-figures in revenue with layered teams, systems, and leadership.
• Built to Exit or Expand – Whether you plan to sell or keep scaling, this model is structured to attract investors, strategic buyers, or become a multi-location brand.
• Massive Upside, Higher Risk – With the potential for life-changing financial return comes more complexity, risk, and a steep learning curve.
• Requires Strong Leadership – You’ll need to master hiring, delegation, culture, and systems—or surround yourself with people who can.
• Not for Everyone – This isn’t the right race for clinicians who want more lifestyle balance or time freedom—it’s a build-and-scale model through and through.

💬 Real Talk from Doc Danny

"The Home Run Practice is for the few willing to go all-in, lead big teams, and build something much bigger than themselves."

🎯 Who It’s For

• ✅ Visionaries who want to scale a multi-location clinic
• ✅ Clinicians who see themselves as entrepreneurs first
• ✅ Those looking for a high-value business they can eventually sell
• ✅ Builders with the energy, grit, and leadership capacity to grow fast

🔥 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• ✅ The difference between Home Run and Autopilot models
• ✅ The operational demands of rapid scaling
• ✅ How to think like a business builder, not just a provider
• ✅ What it takes to lead a team through growth and exit

🚀 Ready to Choose Your Race?

The Lifestyle Practice. The Autopilot Practice. The Home Run Practice. They’re all different races—but one of them is the right one for you.

• → Book a Free Discovery Call
• → Explore More at PhysicalTherapyBiz.com

This wraps up the 3-part series. If you haven’t already, check out Part 1 on the Lifestyle Practice and Part 2 on the Autopilot Practice to decide which one best fits your goals.

The Clinician’s Compass Part 2: Is the Autopilot Practice the Right Fit for You?

In this episode, Doc Danny continues his 3-part series based on his new book, The Clinician’s Compass. This time, he explores the Autopilot Practice—the most popular model among PT Biz clients. It’s built for clinicians who want time freedom, financial stability, and a business that can function (and grow) without them.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• What Is an Autopilot Practice? – A clinic doing $500K–$3M in revenue where the owner has fully or mostly removed themselves from daily operations.
• Time Freedom Is the Goal – Unlike the lifestyle model, this one gives you the option to reclaim your time for family, hobbies, other businesses, or simply rest.
• It’s Sellable – This model builds true enterprise value, giving you the option to sell your clinic for a significant return or hold it as a long-term passive income asset.
• You're Replacing Yourself – Clinically, administratively, and operationally. That means investing in systems, people, and culture to make it all run.
• Lower Margins, More Leverage – You’ll keep a smaller percentage of revenue, but have more freedom and impact. And the hourly ROI can still exceed a lifestyle practice.

💬 Real Talk from Doc Danny

"Your business should support your life—not become your life. The autopilot practice is about freedom and optionality."

🎯 Who It’s For

• ✅ Clinicians who want to step back from day-to-day treatment
• ✅ Entrepreneurs seeking time flexibility and scalable income
• ✅ Parents who want to be present for their families
• ✅ Those looking to build and eventually sell a valuable business asset

🔥 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• ✅ The difference between lifestyle and autopilot practices
• ✅ What it takes to remove yourself from your business
• ✅ Why reinvestment, leadership, and culture are critical
• ✅ How to think about ROI per hour, not just net profit

🚀 Ready to Build the Practice That Supports Your Life?

Want help deciding if the Autopilot Practice is the right path for you?

• → Book a Free Discovery Call
• → Explore More at PhysicalTherapyBiz.com

Stay tuned for Part 3 of the series, where we dive into the Home Run Practice—designed for those who want to scale big and build a true empire.

The Clinician’s Compass Part 1: Is a Lifestyle Practice Right for You?

In this episode, Doc Danny kicks off a 3-part series on his new book, The Clinician’s Compass. This first installment focuses on the lifestyle practice—a business model built for clinicians who want more freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment without the pressure of scaling a large company.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Start With the End in Mind – Before you build a business, get clear on what kind of life you want. Your business should support that—not consume it.
• What Is a Lifestyle Practice? – A solo or small-team clinic where you're heavily involved in patient care, making great income with minimal overhead, and maintaining schedule freedom.
• Who It's For – Clinicians who love their craft, want to work with a niche population, and prefer low risk, high-control models without managing large teams.
• Real-Life Examples – Danny shares the story of a clinician working just 2 days per week who replaced her full-time income while spending more time with her family.
• Know the Trade-Offs – Lifestyle practices are highly rewarding—but they're not scalable, and your income stops if you stop working. You’ll need to invest outside your business and consider insurance for protection.

💬 Real Talk from Doc Danny

"Your business should create the life you want—not become your entire life. A lifestyle practice can give you freedom, but you’ve got to know the trade-offs."

🏃‍♀️ Is This the Right Race for You?

Think of your practice model like choosing a race. Is it a 5K? A marathon? A sprint? In this book, Danny helps you decide which model—Lifestyle, Autopilot, or Home Run—best aligns with your vision.

🔥 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• ✅ Why lifestyle clinics are ideal for passionate clinicians who value flexibility
• ✅ The financial upside (and limits) of this model
• ✅ How to protect your income stream and plan for long-term financial freedom

 

• → Join the Free 5-Day PT Biz Challenge
• → Book a Free Discovery Call

Stay tuned for the next episodes in the series as we dive into the Autopilot Practice and the Home Run Practice—two other powerful paths to building your ideal business and life.

Living With Intention: The 3-Month Exercise That Can Change Your Life

What would you do differently if you only had three months left to live? In this powerful solo episode, Doc Danny shares the mindset shift that changed the course of his career—and his life. It’s not just about business strategy—it’s about living with urgency, clarity, and purpose.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Ask the Hard Question – If your time was running out, what would you regret? What are you avoiding because of fear, comfort, or outside expectations?
• Stop Living on Autopilot – Most people live a life someone else planned for them. The top regret of the dying? Not living true to themselves.
• The Path Isn’t Fixed – Just because your family or peers followed one path (military, healthcare, corporate), doesn’t mean it’s right for you.
• Make the Shift – Whether it’s launching your own practice or changing your environment, discomfort is the price of freedom and alignment.
• Mentors Matter – Exposure to people living a different way can help you recognize that your dream life is possible—and worth pursuing.

💬 Real Talk from Doc Danny

"You might be climbing a mountain that doesn’t even belong to you. Look around—maybe there’s another one meant for you, but you’re too busy proving something to notice."

🔥 Feeling Out of Alignment? Time to Wake Up

• ✅ Learn how to apply the “3-month regret exercise”
• ✅ Hear why Danny left a safe military career to build something better
• ✅ Get motivated to stop putting your dreams on hold

If you’re ready to start building a life and business that actually aligns with you:

• → Join the Free 5-Day PT Biz Challenge
• → Book a Free Discovery Call
• → Listen to the Full Episode

Funding Your PT Clinic Expansion: SBA Loans vs. Lines of Credit

Thinking about expanding your clinic but unsure how to finance it? In this episode, Doc Danny breaks down the two most common and effective ways to fund growth: lines of credit and SBA expansion loans.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Preserve Your Cash – Cash is your business's lifeline. Instead of bootstrapping expansion, borrow smart and keep cash reserves for flexibility and survival.
• Line of Credit: Fast & Flexible – Ideal for small, variable-cost expansions or extra cash buffers. Flexible repayment, quick access, and higher interest tied to the prime rate.
• SBA Expansion Loan: Bigger Growth Projects – Best for major build-outs or clinic acquisitions. Offers lump-sum funding (up to $500K), set monthly payments, and 10-year terms.
• Strategic Use Is Key – Don’t borrow unless you’re clear on ROI, hiring plans, and expansion metrics. Structure beats guessing—every time.
• You Can Use Both – Many smart owners keep a line of credit for cash flow and use an SBA loan for major projects. The key is knowing what to use and when.

💬 Real Talk from Doc Danny “Cash is like extra lives in Mario. If you burn through all of it trying to grow, and something unexpected hits—you’re out of the game.” 🔥 Ready to Scale the Smart Way?

• ✅ Learn when to use a Line of Credit vs. an SBA Expansion Loan
• ✅ Avoid costly mistakes during your first major growth phase
• ✅ Discover how to use borrowed money to build lasting assets

Need help figuring out your financing strategy?

• → Join the Free 5-Day PT Biz Challenge
• → Book a Free Discovery Call
• → Listen to the Full Episode

Expansion doesn’t have to be risky—if you understand the tools at your disposal. Listen in and get equipped to grow with confidence.