Physical Therapy Private Practice: Secrets of the Top 10%

What separates PT practices that thrive from those that plateau? It's not size — it's focus. In this episode of Physical Therapy Private Practice: Secrets of the Top 10%, Brian reveals the strategic mindset shift that turns overwhelmed owners into growth-driven leaders. Whether you're running a solo clinic or managing multiple locations, the key is thinking like the next-level version of yourself — starting today. You'll learn: What “thinking one level up” really means — and why it works How to shift your focus from tasks to strategy Why small practice owners stay stuck — and how to break through How large clinics lose momentum without the right mindset Simple, actionable ways to regain control and scale smart

In this episode of Physical Therapy Private Practice: Secrets of the Top 10%, Brian Gallagher reveals the simple but powerful formula for saving more by scaling smarter. If you're a private practice owner stuck in a cycle of cost-cutting or overwhelmed by inefficiency, this episode will show you how strategic growth can actually lead to bigger savings and less stress. What You'll Learn: How to grow your physical therapy practice without overspending Why shrinking your expenses isn't the only path to profitability The biggest mistakes owners make when trying to scale Real-world examples of successful, lean growth strategies Where to focus your time, money, and team for lasting results

Owning a PT practice is one thing. Living the dream as a successful, fulfilled practice owner is another. In this episode, Brian Gallagher, PT, breaks down what it truly takes to turn ownership into freedom, purpose, and profitability in 2025. Learn how to move beyond just “getting by” and start building a practice that works for your life—not the other way around. You'll learn: What separates successful PT owners from the rest The 3 growth phases of practice ownership—and how to evolve through them How to delegate, scale, and lead without burning out What your patients and staff really want (and need) from your clinic How to create a brand, culture, and team that drives lasting results

Kelly Brown from Prediction Health shares how smarter, purpose-built AI tools are helping physical therapy clinics save time, improve documentation, and stay compliant — without burning out their teams. Free Offer: Trial Sidekick AI scribing for 2 weeks Guest Info: Kelly Brown, PT VP of Operations at Prediction Health

Are your profits hiding in plain sight? Brian breaks down the top 3 places PT owners lose money and gives you real-world tactics to fix it. From visit volume to staff productivity and payroll bloat—this episode gives you the tools to reclaim your margin and grow sustainably in 2025.

What separates top-performing PT owners from the rest? In this episode, Brian breaks down the four “superpowers” that transformed his journey from employee to successful practice owner. Learn why you can't manage over disagreement, how to handle your team without carrying their emotional load, and why managing your clock is your biggest asset. Plus: the 4 Ps of practice success and a behind-the-scenes look at how MEG Pro is reshaping clinic operations across the country. ➡️ Want to scale without stress? Visit megbusiness.com to schedule a discovery call.

Private practice ownership today can feel overwhelming—rising costs, team drama, burnout, and unpredictable reimbursement. In this episode, Brian shares the insights he gained after a week in Costa Rica and shows why your mindset—not just your metrics—is the key to pushing through the storm. Hear real stories from owners nationwide and learn how to: Reclaim your vision and lead with clarity Let go of toxic staff and build your A-team Shift from survival mode to strategic growth Create the ideal scene for your life and practice ☂️ The storms may be pouring down—but Brian hands you the umbrella: your beingness.

After selling his practice to his management team, Brian returned to find it nearly $200K in debt and on the brink of closing. In this episode, he shares the exact lessons and systems he used to bring it back to life and restore profitability—from front desk fixes and therapist scripts to company-wide policy changes. Whether you're building, rebuilding, or refining your practice, these are proven actions you can implement today.

Want higher profit and lower stress in your physical therapy practice? This week, Brian Gallagher shares the real top challenges PT owners are facing in 2025—and gives you 6 actionable solutions that are already helping clinics restructure and thrive. After surveying dozens of practice owners, it's clear: the biggest struggles aren't hiring or marketing. They're hidden in the systems you rely on every day. You'll learn… • Why credentialing is crushing productivity—and how to fix it • What to do about front desk churn and burnout • How to overhaul your IVO process for smoother intake and faster flow • The billing standards you should demand (and what to do if you're not hitting them) • How to hit 25% of revenue in cash-based services • When to expand hours and where to cut payroll without losing talent  

Want more patients and profit without burning out? This week, Brian Gallagher interviews Neil Trickett, PT and CEO of Practice Promotions, to talk all things physical therapy marketing—what's working in 2025 and how to avoid the common traps practice owners fall into. Neil shares how over 1,200 clinics are using smarter marketing systems to scale their practice, grow revenue, and stand out online—without relying on doctor drop-offs. You'll learn… • The 3 must-haves for marketing success • Why your website is your #1 conversion tool • How to stand out in your local market • When to hire a marketing director • And why consistency is king! Free Resources: ✅ Download the Market2Grow Book by Neil Trickett, PT Learn the proven strategies top PT clinics use to grow, hire, and profit.

The reality of running a private practice in 2025 is tough—Medicare cuts, rising payroll costs, and staff turnover are making it harder than ever to stay profitable. In this episode, Brian Gallagher breaks down exactly what PT owners must do to survive and thrive in today's economy. From renegotiating insurance contracts to restructuring your team for maximum efficiency, this is a coaching session you don't want to miss. Key Takeaways: ✅ Why fighting insurance reimbursement cuts requires a strategic approach (not just form letters). ✅ The #1 reason PT payroll is skyrocketing—and how to fix it. ✅ The staffing strategy that reduces burnout, improves efficiency, and cuts costs. ✅ The simple marketing shift that can generate a steady stream of new patients. ✅ Why running a monthly P&L is critical to keeping your practice financially healthy.   Book a Disacover Call Today!: Click Here

In this episode of Secrets of the Top 10%, Brian Gallagher unpacks the complexities of contracting and credentialing in physical therapy private practice. Often considered one of the most time-consuming and regulated aspects of running a PT business, getting this right can mean the difference between smooth scaling and costly delays. Brian shares insights on: ✅ The real time commitment for contracting & credentialing (hint: it's 90-120 days!) ✅ Why outsourcing this process is a smart business move ✅ How to increase your chances of getting into closed insurance panels ✅ The pitfalls that could cost you valuable contracts ✅ A little-known acquisition strategy to fast-track your network inclusion If you're planning to expand your practice in 2025 or want to streamline your admin processes, this episode is packed with essential strategies to save you time, money, and headaches. Contact Us: Website: Discover Solutions Discovery Call: Book a Free Discover Meeting with our Experts!

In this high-energy episode of Physical Therapy Private Practice: Secrets of the Top 10%, Brian Gallagher dives into the power of Executive Vision—the essential mindset shift that can elevate your private practice. If you find yourself constantly putting out fires and reacting to problems, it's time to stop just doing and start leading. Brian shares hard-earned lessons from his own journey—from clinician to national business leader—and breaks down the four pillars of private practice success. If you're ready to think bigger, plan smarter, and scale faster, this episode will challenge you to elevate your vision beyond the daily grind and step into your role as a true executive leader. Need help implementing these strategies? Click Here to connect with our Discovery Team today to explore customized solutions for your practice.

Brian Gallagher reflects on his experience at APTA's CSM conference in Houston, sharing insights on the new generation of physical therapists and the evolving landscape of private practice. In this episode, he breaks down the key business models available to PTs, the importance of practice management strategies, and how MEG Business is lowering the barrier to entry for private practice owners. If you're thinking about scaling, transitioning, or launching your PT business, this episode is for you! Click Here to Book a Free Discovery Call!  

In this episode, Brian Gallagher highlights the rapid pace of change in business and technology—using AI, automation, and blockchain as analogies for how physical therapy practices must evolve or risk falling behind. While AI may not directly run a PT clinic, the way owners manage their business is changing just as rapidly as AI is reshaping industries. The old-school model of handling everything in-house—billing, front desk, HR—is no longer sustainable. To stay ahead, practice owners must confront reality and adapt their business strategy to remain competitive. Visit megbusiness.com for more information or to schedule your free practice assessment.

Running a PT practice comes with unique challenges—but you're not alone. In this episode, Brian Gallagher shares real conversations with practice owners who are facing the same struggles as you. From staff turnover and financial pressures to operational bottlenecks, discover the biggest challenges PT owners are dealing with right now and the exact strategies to overcome them. Key Takeaways: The top challenges PT owners face in 2025—and how to fix them The 5 essential divisions every successful practice must have How to regain control of your staff, systems, and profitability Why shifting to a Progressive PT Private Practice Model is critical The financial benchmarks you should be tracking to stay ahead Ready to take back control of your practice? Visit www.megbusiness.com to book a free call with Brian today.

In this episode of Physical Therapy Private Practice: Secrets of the Top 10%, Brian Gallagher shares the five vital life-changing principles that every practice owner needs to know to thrive in today's challenging healthcare environment. Whether you're just starting or managing a multi-clinic practice, these insights will help you improve efficiency, optimize revenue, and build a stronger practice culture. Tune in to learn why luck isn't a strategy, how transparency breeds trust, and the secret to running a highly efficient practice.

Not all private practice owners lead the same way. Some struggle, some survive, and some thrive—but what makes the difference? In this episode, Brian Gallagher breaks down the 4 types of PT owners and challenges you to identify where you stand: ✅ The Know-It-All Owner – Resistant to change, convinced they have it all figured out ✅ The Innocent Owner – New and uncertain, lacking structure and direction ✅ The Caregiver Owner – Passionate about patient care but neglects business fundamentals ✅ The Go-Getter Owner – Proactive, strategic, and always seeking growth   If you want to achieve true financial freedom and time flexibility, you need to evolve into a Go-Getter Owner—someone who observes, decides, and takes action.

Starting a private practice can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. In this episode of Physical Therapy Private Practice: Secrets of the Top 10%, we dive into the essential steps for starting your practice the smart way. Whether you're transitioning from employee to employer or considering mobile PT, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to make informed decisions, avoid common pitfalls, and set yourself up for success. Learn how to achieve financial stability, time flexibility, and true freedom in your career. Highlights from the Episode: Understand the Path to Freedom: Discover why owning a private practice can offer financial stability paired with optimal time flexibility. Mobile PT vs. Brick-and-Mortar: Weigh the pros and cons of each model to align with your long-term goals. The 27-Step Startup Process: Learn the key steps to get your practice off the ground and running within six months. Smart Financial Strategies: Find out how to leverage other people's money to build your business without draining your savings. Avoiding Common Mistakes: Hear real-world examples and advice on how to sidestep risks, scale effectively, and stay true to your vision. Ready to take the next step? Click Here to visit our Linktree for access to all our resources, including our website, podcast episodes, YouTube channel, and contact information. Stay connected and take advantage of everything we offer to help you succeed in private practice!

In this episode, Brian dives into a critical topic for physical therapy private practice owners in 2025: profitability. While patient volume is often strong, ensuring a sustainable and profitable practice is the real challenge. Drawing on over 30 years of experience and countless practice assessments, Brian shares actionable strategies for financial success, including diversifying services, leveraging automation, and outsourcing administrative tasks. This episode features an in-depth case study on the financial dynamics of running a 2,100-square-foot clinic, offering practical insights for practice owners at any stage of their journey. Actionable Takeaways for Practice Owners: Focus on profits by optimizing operations and expanding services. Leverage technology and automation to improve efficiency and patient care. Transition to a hybrid or cash-based model if it aligns with your market and goals. Reduce payroll costs by outsourcing non-clinical roles. Stay data-driven and proactive in decision-making. ---- Resources Mentioned: WebPT State of Rehab Therapy Report The “Newbie eSTIM” system for cash-based services. Contact Brian for a free practice assessment via Zoom. ---- Quote of the Episode: “The way you've been doing physical therapy for the last five years won't cut it in 2025. It's time to innovate, automate, and outsource so you can thrive—not just survive.” ---- Next Steps: • Book a Free Practice Assessment to evaluate your profitability and growth opportunities for 2025! • Start each day expecting to do well—your success is in your hands.

What does the practice of the future look like? What is our full potential as physical therapists? Join us for a deep dive of the robust State of Rehab Report with the one and only Heidi Jannenga, DPT and Co-Founder of WebPT.  Episode at a glance: Adding value versus cutting costs The technology catch-up Top reasons and solutions for burnout Advocating for ourselves Choose your own adventure

When looking ahead, it's important that we study past trends as well. But it all starts with your purpose and goals! If you can't see where you want to go, how do you expect to get there? What do you have control over? Invest in your quality, and watch your quantity soar! Episode at a glance: Decisions for 2025 The 95% rule Create your business strategic plan Quality, Efficiency, Production  

What matters most? The mechanics or the magnetism of your private practice? A lot of people can do good therapy, but that's not necessarily the only reason that patients come to you! Learn how to be the provider that people know, like and trust.  Episode at a glance: It's about BEING versus DOING Transparency breeds trust There's no time management without discipline “Collaborative Capitalism”  

If we're going to be able to “turn the faucet” on and off for new patients, we must think critically about our challenges and tackle them using innovation! Come along for successful actions to solve patient compliance, patient engagement, company culture and schedule. Learn how to strike the perfect balance of policies and fun! Episode at a glance: Operate with integrity Be consistent (have policies!) Train your front desk Make it a game  

We are on a crusade to help you wrap up this year in the best way possible! Whatever your function is in the physical therapy world, we thank you for joining us in our journey to help you navigate the paradigm shift into a brighter future. What are five things that you're grateful for? List them out, and enjoy the holiday with your friends & family! Episode at a glance: Grateful for all of our clients Grateful for the physical therapy community  Invest quality to gain quantity in business Technology  

Just like you in private practice, we are also constantly trying to improve and help you in the best way possible! Remember how much time and money you invested to become a physical therapist? Have you done the same thing to become the best CEO? Let's take a look at actionable strategies for ultimate success in leadership.  Episode at a glance: It's time to LOOK Focus on time management Live by the numbers Give a little grace  

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  

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

This week, we're excited to welcome back Co-Founder & CEO Pedro Teixeira, MD, PhD, and Kelly Brown, DPT from PredictionHealth! It has become increasingly difficult to keep up with the many advancements in AI technology as it pertains to physical therapy. Join us for an exciting discussion on the evolving capabilities of AI and how it's able to free your practice from the growing list of administrative burdens.  Episode at a glance: Advanced AI documentation tool Compliance & CPT coding accuracy  Secure, HIPAA-compliant data storage The patients love it! Ask AI chatbot

Have you ever dreamed of moving from employee to employer? Let's talk about being a leader who isn't afraid to drive change for maximum growth. Be willing to spot and remove problematic people from your group. Most of all, get the training you need to fill in the gaps of what you don't know! Episode at a glance: No complaining! Be willing to “put the cart before the horse” Spot and distance yourself from problematic people Embrace technology  

Today, we welcome our Billing Director, Stacey White, and our Director of Virtual Front Desk, Taylor Wagner, to give their unique perspectives on the good, the bad, and the ugly of your EMR system. There's no sugarcoating today! Join us for an open dialog on why people leave their current system, major red flags to avoid, and what you should expect from an effective system.  Episode at a glance: All-in-one comprehensive program Communication and transparency are everything Defining Clearing House and “scrubbing the claim” Costs explained Tips for choosing the right EMR