The P.T. Entrepreneur Podcast

Why Your Customer Experience Is Killing Referrals (and How to Fix It) In this episode, Doc Danny shares the three-step customer experience framework that drives more referrals, boosts retention, and builds a reputation that speaks for itself. Inspired by a recent emergency surgery experience with his son, Danny lays out exactly how clinics can elevate their communication and consistency—without spending a dime on marketing.

Clinician or CEO? The Mindset Shift You Must Make to Grow In this episode, Danny shares the single most important mindset shift physical therapists must make if they want to build a scalable, impactful business. It's a brutally honest look at what it takes to transition from clinician to entrepreneur—and why trying to be world-class at both is a losing game.

How to Rank #1 on Google Maps: Danny & Jeremy on Local SEO for PT Clinics In this episode, Danny sits down with marketing expert and former clinic owner Jeremy Dupont to break down what every clinic owner needs to know about ranking high in local search in 2025. They cover why Google Business Profiles matter more than ever, how AI is changing search results, and the simple steps to boost your local visibility—without wasting money on bad ad spend.

What's Your Clinic Actually Worth? Danny on Cash Practice Valuation & Exit Potential In this episode, Danny shares what most clinicians never think about—how much their clinic is actually worth. From understanding owner's discretionary income to how investors evaluate a cash-based business, Danny explains why your clinic may be more valuable than you think—and how to start tracking its worth.

Rob Wilson on Self-Care, Emotional Intelligence, and the Real Cost of Burnout In this episode, Danny sits down with Rob Wilson—coach, author, and founder of the Check Engine Light system—to dive into the often ignored but absolutely essential side of human performance: self-care, emotional regulation, and sustainability. Rob shares lessons from years of working with elite tactical and athletic populations, and how his new book offers a framework that applies to anyone looking to build health and resilience for the long haul.

Is It Worth It? Danny on Continuity, Value, and Recurring Revenue in Cash PT In this episode, Danny tackles one of the most overlooked and misunderstood elements of running a successful cash-based practice: continuity. What do you do when patients want to keep coming back—long after the “problem” is solved? Are you really worth $200/hour when you're no longer rehabbing an acute injury? Dan breaks down why ongoing care is not only valid, but vital for your patients and your business.

Inside the APTA: How Kyle Covington Sees the Future of Physical Therapy In this episode, Doc Danny sits down with APTA President Dr. Kyle Covington for a candid conversation about the future of physical therapy. From navigating insurance and burnout to embracing AI and education reform, this episode covers the real challenges and massive opportunities facing the profession today. Whether you're a student, seasoned clinician, or clinic owner, this is a must-listen for anyone serious about the evolution of PT.

The #1 Marketing Mistake Clinicians Make (And How to Fix It) In this episode, Doc Danny dives into the most common reason physical therapists struggle with marketing: unclear messaging and a lack of defined audience. If you've ever felt like your content is falling flat, your ads aren't working, or your community doesn't “get” what you do—this is a must-listen. Danny explains how to identify your avatar, craft a message that resonates, and why this one step makes or breaks every marketing strategy—no matter the platform.

The 3-Year & 5-Year Dilemmas: Burnout, Leadership & Long-Term Success In this episode, Doc Danny and Yves Gege break down two critical turning points they see repeatedly in physical therapy careers and business ownership: the three-year clinician dilemma and the five-year business owner burnout. They also dive into systems, leadership, continuity programs, and financial clarity as key tools to break through these walls. If you've ever felt stuck or unsure of your next move—this is the episode to hear.

Breaking the $30K Plateau: Why Growth Stalls & How to Scale Smart In this solo episode, Doc Danny dives into one of the most common pain points for cash-based and hybrid clinics: getting stuck between $20K–$30K/month in revenue. If you're hitting that ceiling and can't figure out how to break through, this episode unpacks the real reasons why—and what to do about it. From recurring services to team sales training, this is your roadmap out of the hardest growth phase in business.

AI, Accountability & The Future of Physical Therapy In this episode, Doc Danny and Yves Gege break down how AI is already reshaping healthcare—and how performance-based PTs can stay ahead. From ambient scribe tools to the cultural shift toward longevity, the guys explore why burnout, low compliance, and insurance gridlock are pushing more clinicians to rethink everything. If you're serious about building a future-proof practice, this is essential listening.

The Slow Death of Insurance-Based Clinics (And How to Future-Proof Yours) In this episode, Danny explains why traditional insurance-based physical therapy clinics are slowly dying—and what you can do about it. He breaks down the rise of burnout, declining reimbursements, and increasing provider turnover, and why now more than ever, hybrid and cash-based models are the only sustainable path forward for most clinicians. Whether you're starting a clinic or trying to save one, this is a must-listen.

How to Structure Your Week for Maximum Efficiency as a Clinic Owner In this episode, Danny shares the weekly time-blocking strategy that helped him build and run a thriving cash-based PT clinic—without burning out. If you're running around reacting to your schedule instead of designing it, this is a must-listen. You'll learn how to create a focused, sustainable weekly plan to maximize productivity, protect your energy, and still make time for patients, staff, and yourself.

Why UnitedHealth's Criminal Investigation Is Fueling the Cash Practice Movement In this episode, Danny, founder of PT Biz, exposes the major criminal investigation into UnitedHealth and breaks down how their alleged Medicare Advantage fraud is creating the perfect storm for the rise of cash-based healthcare. With the Department of Justice involved and billions of taxpayer dollars at stake, this could be one of the biggest health insurance scandals of our time. More importantly, Danny explains how this chaos is a massive opportunity for providers who want to ditch the insurance system and build profitable, transparent, patient-first practices outside the traditional model. Topics Covered Why UnitedHealth is being criminally investigated by the DOJ How Medicare Advantage "upcoding" works—and why it's fraud Why more people are abandoning traditional insurance plans The connection between high deductibles and patient behavior How cash-based and out-of-network clinics are thriving in the mess The mindset shift from sick care to proactive health investment Why this is the best time to start or scale a cash-based clinic Common fears about market saturation—and why they're unfounded Key Quote “People used to think I was a jackass for not taking insurance. Now they're looking for clinics like this on purpose.” Resources & Links Visit PT Biz – See how we help cash-based and hybrid practices grow Book a Free Strategy Call – Speak with our team and get clear on your next steps Subscribe on YouTube – Get breakdowns, insights, and client case studies Read the PT Biz Book – Learn how to build your own cash-based practice Final Thought The system is broken—and people know it. With trust in insurance companies at an all-time low, more patients are seeking alternatives that put their health and dollars first. If you've ever considered going cash-based or out-of-network, there's never been a better time to start.

The #1 Killer of Cash Practices In this episode, Danny breaks down the biggest threat facing cash-based and hybrid physical therapy practices today: shrinking net profit margins. With over 1,000 clinics supported through PT Biz, he's seeing more business owners getting squeezed by rising expenses, stagnant revenue per provider, and mounting fatigue. Whether you're running a solo practice or leading a growing team, understanding and protecting your net profit is essential to long-term sustainability. Danny dives into the root issues and gives clear, actionable strategies to help you build a stronger, more resilient business—even in uncertain times. Topics Covered The difference between gross revenue and net profit (and why it matters) How inflation and rising costs are silently crushing practices The 3 critical options net profit provides you (and what happens if you lose them) The real reason owner fatigue sets in after 3-5 years Why revenue per provider must approach $300K/year How to build a brand that commands higher pricing The hidden power of recurring services to stabilize revenue What separates scalable practices from those that fizzle out Key Quote “Gross revenue is a vanity number. Net profit is what really matters.” Resources & Links Visit PT Biz – Explore how we help cash and hybrid clinics grow Book a Free Strategy Call – Chat with our team and get clarity on your next steps Subscribe on YouTube – Watch visual breakdowns and interviews Get the PT Biz Book – Learn the proven blueprint for building a cash practice Final Thought Are you trying to figure this all out on your own? It's a tough time to navigate solo. But with the right systems, mentorship, and support, you can protect your margins and come out ahead when the market stabilizes.

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.

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.

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.

Optimizing Your Cash PT Clinic Website with Jeremy Dupont Hosts: Doc Danny Matei & Jeremy Dupont (Founder of 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Why So Many Clinicians Are Going Cash-Based Feeling stuck in the clinic grind? You're not alone. In this heartfelt solo episode, Doc Danny explores the biggest shift in physical therapy today: why more clinicians than ever are going cash-based—and what's driving them to make the leap.

5 Ways to Thrive During Economic Uncertainty You don't need to panic when the economy shifts. In this episode, Doc Danny breaks down how cash-based clinic owners can survive—and thrive—during uncertain times. He's been through this before, and what he shares is based on real data from hundreds of practices he works with every month.

You don't need a huge ad budget to fill your schedule. In this episode, Doc Danny shares 7 totally free ways to start getting patients—fast. These tactics are perfect if you're in the early stages of your clinic, trying to get scrappy, or just moved to a new area. He breaks them down in under 7 minutes, with no fluff—just practical, actionable steps.

When someone searches “physical therapy near me” or “PT for runners,” does your clinic show up on Google's first page? If not, you're missing 80% of potential patients. In this episode, Doc Danny breaks down 5 local SEO tactics that actually work—and best of all, they're totally free. He also shares how to get your time back using AI so you can actually implement these growth strategies instead of being buried in admin tasks.

In this episode, Doc Danny—founder of Physical Therapy Biz—shares the two non-negotiable traits you need to succeed in business and in life. They're not fancy strategies or marketing hacks. They're human qualities that, when developed together, create a powerful foundation for long-term success. This isn't fluff. It's about building a practice—and a life—you can be proud of.

In this episode, Doc Danny—founder of Physical Therapy Biz—lays out the scrappy, step-by-step blueprint he'd follow if he had to start a cash-based clinic from scratch in 2025. No big budget, no fancy space—just hustle, clarity, and a game plan that works. Whether you're still working PRN or ready to jump all in, this episode is a masterclass in starting lean, gaining momentum, and going full-time fast.

In this episode, Doc Danny—founder of Physical Therapy Biz—dives into one of the most underutilized yet powerful tools for clinic growth: referrals. If you're hoping referrals just show up without a system in place, you're leaving serious money and momentum on the table. Damon breaks down exactly how to generate consistent, high-quality referrals by optimizing the client experience and building a simple, scalable strategy to drive word-of-mouth growth.

In this tactical episode, Doc Danny breaks down the three key drop-off points in your clinic that are quietly crushing your growth. If you've been focused only on plan of care conversion, you're missing the bigger picture—and leaving thousands on the table. Danny walks through the full client journey and shows you exactly how to tighten up your systems to increase revenue, boost patient outcomes, and build long-term continuity.

In this episode, Doc Danny shares a powerful story from the early days of his clinic that completely changed how he views client care. After proudly boasting about his low visit average, a 50-year-old marathoner sat him down and explained exactly why she wanted ongoing care—and how he was missing the bigger picture.

In this powerful episode, Doc Danny reflects on his journey from military PT to business owner, sharing the 10 most important lessons he's learned since starting his first clinic a decade ago. Whether you're just launching or years into your practice, this episode will hit home.

In this episode, Doc Danny breaks down a proven strategy to add $50K+ in recurring revenue to your clinic—without chasing new patients every month. By implementing small group training, you can create consistent income, improve patient retention, and maximize your existing space. Key Takeaways: ✔ Small group training is the easiest way to add predictable revenue while keeping past patients engaged. ✔ A simple two-day-per-week program with just 12 participants at $400/month generates $57K/year. ✔ Retention is high—patients stick around for years, creating stability for your clinic. ✔ This model helps offset rent & overhead costs while allowing clinicians to coach in a new, engaging way.

In this episode, Doc Danny recaps the most impactful PT Biz Mastermind event yet—held at Truist Park in Atlanta. With over 200 clinic owners from across the country, this event revealed key trends shaping the future of physical therapy business. Key Takeaways: ✔ Cash-based PT clinics are scaling bigger than ever, with real exit strategies becoming more common. ✔ AI isn't replacing PTs—but it's eliminating time-wasting tasks like documentation. Check out meetclaire.ai for a glimpse into the future. ✔ Economic uncertainty is real, and small businesses need to adapt. Learn how to position your clinic for stability and growth. ✔ The power of in-person connection—entrepreneurship is lonely, but the right community helps you grow faster and stay motivated. Resources Mentioned:

In this episode, Doc Danny reveals a key metric that separates slow-growing clinics from thriving ones—continuity visits. If your new hires are struggling to fill their schedules, you're likely missing a recurring revenue strategy that builds sustainable patient flow. Learn how to get 50-60% of your visits from returning patients and scale your clinic faster. Key Takeaways: ✔ Clinics with 50-60% continuity visits grow 3-4x faster ✔ Tracking & improving recurring visits reduces reliance on new patients ✔ Every patient you retain helps fill your next hire's schedule faster ✔ If you're only seeing patients 3x on average, you're working too hard to stay afloat ✔ Stop the "eat what you kill" model & create long-term stability Resources Mentioned:

In this episode, Doc Danny shares the ultimate playbook for staff retention in your PT clinic. High turnover slows growth, disrupts culture, and creates a frustrating cycle of hiring and training. Learn how to keep your team happy, engaged, and committed by structuring better pay, benefits, culture, and growth opportunities. Key Takeaways: ✔ Turnover happens—but you can minimize unnecessary losses ✔ Pay stability > risky performance-based structures ✔ Healthcare is the #1 benefit employees value most ✔ A strong culture makes people want to stay & recruits top talent ✔ Growth opportunities keep high-performers engaged Resources Mentioned:

In this episode, Doc Danny breaks down a simple but powerful way to increase engagement and build a stronger brand on social media—sharing behind-the-scenes content. Most clinic owners underestimate how interesting their daily work is to others. From dry needling, corrective exercises, and mobilizations to patient sessions, these posts help potential clients connect with your brand and build trust before ever booking an appointment. Key Takeaways: ✔ People love behind-the-scenes content—it builds curiosity and engagement ✔ What feels routine to you is fascinating to others—document, don't create ✔ Posting clinic moments on IG Stories & Reels is easy and boosts visibility ✔ Avoid overthinking content—just film what you're already doing ✔ Patient trust builds over time—small posts lead to bigger commitments Resources Mentioned:

In this episode, Doc Danny breaks down the latest trends in cash-based and hybrid physical therapy practices and why these models are thriving in 2025. From patient spending behavior to economic factors like inflation and interest rates, he highlights what clinic owners need to know to stay profitable and scale successfully this year. Key Takeaways: ✔ Cash & hybrid PT clinics are growing, not slowing—patient spending remains strong ✔ Hiring is the biggest challenge for growing clinics, not lack of patients ✔ High deductibles & co-pays drive patients to cash-based providers ✔ Inflation, interest rates & tariffs affect the economy, but PT clinics remain stable ✔ AI will automate admin tasks, but hands-on PT remains in demand ✔ A strong brand, niche focus & customer experience are key to growth ✔ Prevention & performance services drive recurring revenue and clinic stability Resources Mentioned:

In this episode, Doc Danny breaks down the key considerations when expanding your physical therapy clinic, from negotiating tenant improvements (TI) to managing build-out costs. With commercial real estate shifting, clinic owners have more leverage than ever, making it a prime time to secure better lease terms. He discusses two main approaches to expansion: letting the landlord handle the build-out or negotiating lower rent to complete the renovations yourself. Key Takeaways: ✔ Why PT clinic owners have stronger negotiation power in today's market ✔ Understanding tenant improvement (TI) allowances and how to leverage them ✔ The pros and cons of letting the landlord handle the build-out vs. doing it yourself ✔ How negotiating rent reductions in place of TI can save long-term costs ✔ Common lease mistakes that can cost you thousands ✔ Why working with a commercial realtor and attorney is crucial for lease agreements ✔ How PT Biz helps clinic owners avoid costly build-out mistakes Resources Mentioned:

In this episode, Doc Danny tackles an often-overlooked challenge in running a business—the impact of stress and anxiety on mental health. Starting and growing a clinic comes with financial insecurity, long hours, and constant uncertainty, which can take a toll on both personal and professional well-being. He shares insights on how to navigate the emotional ups and downs of entrepreneurship while maintaining strong relationships and avoiding burnout. Key Takeaways: ✔ The emotional toll of running a business and how financial uncertainty affects mental health ✔ Why balancing clinical and business skills can be overwhelming—and how to manage it ✔ The challenges of task-switching between clinician, business owner, and leader ✔ How business stress can spill into personal life and impact relationships ✔ The importance of having a mentor to provide clarity and reduce anxiety ✔ Why business mentorship is crucial for long-term success and peace of mind ✔ How defining your business goals (lifestyle, scalable, or sellable) can bring clarity and reduce stress ✔ The role of therapy or a support group in managing stress effectively Resources Mentioned:

In this episode, Doc Danny explores a growing trend in the physical therapy industry—the rise of hybrid clinics. More insurance-based practices are looking to decrease dependency on insurance or transition fully to cash-based models. He breaks down why this shift is happening, the challenges with low-reimbursing contracts, and how adding cash-based recurring services can stabilize revenue and improve business sustainability. Key Takeaways: ✔ Why more insurance-based clinics are struggling with reimbursement rates ✔ How hybrid models create a more stable and profitable business ✔ The importance of recurring revenue to reduce financial turbulence ✔ Why deductibles and patient behavior are leveling the playing field for cash-based services ✔ How to strategically phase out low-paying insurance contracts while adding cash services   Resources Mentioned: Visit PhysicalTherapyBiz.com to learn more about scaling your practice and schedule a consultation with the team. Join our 5-Day Challenge at physicaltherapybiz.com/challenge Apply at physicaltherapybiz.com/apply Leave a 5-star review on iTunes if you enjoy the podcast! Encourage a friend to do the same! Join our free PT Entrepreneur Facebook Group at facebook.com/groups/ptentrepreneurv

In this episode, Doc Danny sits down with Courtney Morse, owner of Natural Wellness Physical Therapy in Wichita, Kansas, and PT Biz's new head coach. They dive into Courtney's transition from running a successful cash-based practice to coaching full-time, all while maintaining his business. The conversation covers the evolution of mentorship, the dynamics of working with a spouse, and the key lessons Courtney has learned about leadership, business growth, and overcoming fear of failure. Key Takeaways: The value of mentorship both as a mentee and mentor Lessons on business leadership, delegation, and scaling Insights on balancing work with personal growth and family life Why fear of failure is the biggest barrier for entrepreneurs—and how to overcome it The importance of continuous learning, skill acquisition, and resilience in business   Resources Mentioned: Visit PhysicalTherapyBiz.com to learn more about scaling your practice and schedule a consultation with the team. Join our 5-Day Challenge at physicaltherapybiz.com/challenge Apply at physicaltherapybiz.com/apply Leave a 5-star review on iTunes if you enjoy the podcast! Encourage a friend to do the same! Join our free PT Entrepreneur Facebook Group at facebook.com/groups/ptentrepreneurv