The P.T. Entrepreneur Podcast

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. 🎯 Topics Covered Why $20K–$30K/month is a common plateau for clinic owners The hidden costs of growth: overhead, staff, and shrinking margins Why hiring a new provider often slows momentum—if done wrong The critical role of recurring revenue and retention How to teach your team to sell long-term transformation (not just plans of care) Why solving the “eval hamster wheel” unlocks true scale How to build a business that runs even when you’re not treating 💡 Key Quotes "Recurring services are the difference between a stressful grind and a scalable business." "This is where most clinics stall—and where the real growth starts if you do it right." "You’re not playing the insurance game anymore. You’re selling lifetime value, transformation, and long-term health." 🧠 Pro Tips Track how many new patients each provider truly needs—then cut it in half with better retention Train your staff to sell ongoing services: wellness, performance, prevention Stop playing the discharge game—play the long game instead Expect lower profit margins during growth—and don’t panic Build systems that eventually make you non-essential to daily fulfillment 🔗 Resources & Links Visit PT Biz – Learn how we help clinics grow and scale Book a Free Strategy Call – Work through this phase with expert guidance Subscribe on YouTube – More insights on growing a cash-based business 🧭 Final Thought If you’re stuck in the $25K–$30K/month grind, it’s not because you're not good at what you do. It’s because you're playing the wrong game. Shift to long-term value, train your team to sell transformation, and you’ll scale faster—and with less stress. This phase is hard, but it's also where real businesses are built.

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. 🎯 Topics Covered Why AI will disrupt admin-heavy healthcare roles (but not manual therapy) How tools like Claire are helping PTs win back time and improve patient care The real difference between high-accountability practices and commoditized care Why movement-based, lifestyle-focused clinicians are in high demand How cultural trends—like wearables, ruck clubs, and no-alcohol meetups—are shaping the next generation of patients Challenges and opportunities in practice acts and direct access laws The importance of building community and brand identity in your local market 💡 Key Quotes "One hour a day saved is 20 hours a month. That’s almost an entire day of your life you get back—just by changing how you document." "We’re not just PTs anymore—we’re human body consultants who can coach, program, and guide long-term transformation." 🧠 Pro Tips Start using AI tools for documentation now—before you’re forced to Double down on human connection; that’s what AI can’t replace Educate your patients—don’t assume they know PT isn’t just hot packs and massages Create a community—start a ruck club, host workshops, be part of local health trends If you’re burned out, don’t wait—there’s more opportunity than ever to build your own practice 🔗 Resources & Links Visit PT Biz – Learn how we help clinics grow beyond insurance Book a Free Strategy Call – Get help building your cash or hybrid model Subscribe on YouTube – For more real-talk business advice Check Out Claire AI – Save time, reduce burnout, and connect with your patients 🧭 Final Thought AI isn’t coming—it’s here. But for performance-based PTs who prioritiz

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. 🎯 Topics Covered Why reimbursements are lower than ever—and what that means for your bottom line The burnout crisis among young clinicians and its impact on turnover How small clinics are losing to niche, cash-based competitors Why hybrid models are becoming the norm for modern clinics The rise of the informed consumer and how to win their trust How transparency and experience win in a crowded market What it takes to stand out and future-proof your practice 💡 Key Quote "You can’t just be a clinician who owns a business—you have to become a business owner." 🧠 Pro Tips Pick a niche and become the go-to expert in your area. Double down on your patient experience—know their names, goals, and stories. Educate clients on what they’re really paying at in-network clinics. Sell the transformation, not the treatment method. Be transparent and clear—no surprise bills, ever. Focus on long-term buy-in for long-term results. 🔗 Resources & Links Visit PT Biz – Learn how we help clinics grow beyond insurance Book a Free Strategy Call – Get help building your cash or hybrid model Subscribe on YouTube – For more real-talk business advice Read the PT Biz Book – Step-by-step playbook for cash-based growth 🧭 Final Thought The old model is crumbling. If you want to protect your team, your time, and your income—you need to adapt. Niche down, lead with transparency, and deliver a world-class experience. That's how you thrive in today’s healthcare environment.

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. 🎯 Topics Covered Why most new business owners waste time without realizing it The hidden cost of constant task-switching (and how to avoid it) How to time-block your schedule based on your clinic size What a 34-hour structured week looks like in real life Building in admin time, mentorship, content, and networking How “Flex Fridays” can help you stay sane long-term Using structured vs. unstructured time for creative breakthroughs Why this schedule helps you be a better leader and clinician 💡 Key Quote "Most of us don't burn out from working too many hours—we burn out from the constant switching, lack of boundaries, and feeling like we’re always behind." 🧠 Pro Tips Batch similar tasks together to reduce mental fatigue. Designate one or two days for heavy patient care only. Use midweek days for deep administrative and creative work. Schedule staff meetings and mentorship early in the week to set the tone. Use Fridays for flex time—recovery, deep work, family, or strategy. Unstructured time outdoors can lead to your biggest breakthroughs. 🔗 Resources & Links Visit PT Biz – Learn 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 insights, walkthroughs, and business coaching Read the PT Biz Book – Step-by-step guide to building a cash-based practice 🧭 Final Thought If you don’t structure your week, your week will structure you—and that usually means chaos. By getting disciplined with your time and creating boundaries, you unlock the freedom, energy, and focus to grow your business while staying sane. You can’t pour into others if you’re running on empty.

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. 🎯 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