Will Power Podcast by Will Humphreys How to Become a Musculoskeletal Primary Care Expert & Reclaim Your Value with Brad Powell
In this electrifying episode of the Will Power Podcast, we break down a historic legislative victory in Utah that designated Physical Therapists as primary care providers for all musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders—the first state in the nation to do so!
Our guest, Brad Powell, Physical Therapist, entrepreneur, and host of "The Healthcare Revolution" podcast, was a key changemaker in this movement. He shares his incredible journey—from recovering from severe motocross injuries to leading the charge to elevate the physical therapy profession.
Brad reveals the detailed strategies used to achieve this legislative success, overcome internal professional resistance, and build a thriving, mission-driven private practice, Foundation Physical Therapy.
This is more than just a legislative update, it's a call to action for all physical therapists, occupational therapists (OT), and speech-language pathologists (SLP) to claim their rightful roles as doctors in the community and musculoskeletal leaders. Learn how embracing your value can create a profitable practice and change patients' lives on a greater scale.
Key Takeaways from This Episode
- The Utah Law: Learn the details of the groundbreaking bill that designates PTs as the initial point of entry for MSK disorders, effectively establishing them as primary care providers in this domain.
- Reclaiming PT's Role: Why physical therapists are uniquely positioned to lead the musculoskeletal industry and how this change benefits patients by avoiding unnecessary delays and costs.
- Overcoming Resistance: Brad discusses the challenge of getting buy-in, noting that the most resistance often came from within the physical therapy profession itself.
- Diagnostic Accuracy: Brad cites research showing PTs are highly accurate in diagnosing MSK conditions, nearly matching orthopedic surgeons, making a compelling case for Direct Access and primary care status.
- The Future is Prevention (Medicine 3.0): The shift towards focusing on prevention and longevity, where PTs play a critical role in proactive health management.
- Building a World-Class Practice: Strategies for scaling a practice, including creating internal growth pathways (Master Clinician, Clinic Director), unlimited C/E budgeting, and an employee NPS of 9.2.
- The Power of Serving: How focusing on genuinely serving people and creating an "attractive" company culture is the ultimate recruiting and marketing strategy.
If you are a PT, OT, or SLP passionate about the future of your profession, share this episode on your social media and with your colleagues! Brad and the host issue a plea to amplify this message and help drive the national revolution in healthcare.
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