Ep827 | Why Insurance-Based PT Is Dying and How To Win The Next Era
Release Date: 06/26/2025
The P.T. Entrepreneur Podcast
850 Episodes In: 8 Lessons That Actually Move Your Business In this milestone episode, Doc Danny Matta reflects on 8+ years and 850 podcasts—what stuck, what changed, and what really matters if you want a durable, thriving cash-based PT business. From showing up consistently to building systems and recurring revenue, Danny lays out the playbook he wishes he had at the start. Episode Summary Consistency pays: Two episodes a week for 8+ years—compound impact over time. Origin story: From the Doc & Jock days to PT Entrepreneur, content created demand and clarity. The big mission: Add $1B...
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Prognosis Over Price: A Simple Hack to Boost Sales Conversions In this episode, Doc Danny Matta unpacks one of the most common struggles in cash-based PT: helping staff (and owners) get comfortable with sales. Drawing from years of coaching, Danny shares a simple “prognosis-first” approach that removes the stress around money and makes closing plans of care natural and effective. Episode Summary The sales hurdle: Many clinicians (especially new grads) struggle with money conversations. Danny’s early mistakes: Starting at $175/session, no packages, offering weak 3-visit plans. The...
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Building Independence & Culture: Inside PHYT Collective with Ashley Speights In this episode, Danny sits down with Ashley Speights, PT Biz coach and founder of PHYT Collective in Washington, D.C. Ashley shares how she built her 4,000 sq ft practice during the pandemic, structured a unique contractor-based collective model, and created a culture of independence, collaboration, and empowerment. They explore the realities of running a clinic in a high-cost city, setting compensation models that work, and why listening deeply to patients creates lifelong loyalty. 🎯 Topics Covered How...
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Why 10x-ing Your PT Business Might Be Easier Than 2x-ing It Episode Highlights: Why small, “safe” goals are limiting your growth How 10x goals force innovation and smarter systems Real-life client examples who went from 100K to 1M+ The mindset shift that separates growing clinics from stagnant ones Why even “failing” at a big goal gets you further than hitting a small one Resources Mentioned: Like what you’re hearing? Please consider sharing this episode with a fellow PT and tagging Danny on Instagram. Let us know what part stood out most!
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Scaling Smart: Lessons from Building a Multi-Location Hybrid PT Clinic In this episode, Danny interviews Chris Roble, a longtime friend, PT Biz coach, and founder of Physio Room, a hybrid model clinic with 4 locations in Colorado. They dive deep into the evolution of his business, how he’s structured team incentives, front desk systems, and the mindset shifts that allowed him to scale without sacrificing culture or profitability. 🎯 Topics Covered The pros and cons of early business partnerships How Chris structured his hybrid model (cash + limited insurance) Why the front desk is your...
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How to Get More New Patients From Local Workshops Most clinicians who run workshops don’t know how to confidently position themselves—and as a result, they walk away with little to no new patients. In this episode, we break down: The mindset shift that turns workshops into patient drivers Why most clinicians fail to confidently pre-frame and close Exactly what to say at the end of a workshop to get new patients Resources & Links: – Learn how to go full-time with a clear, actionable plan – Discover how cash-based PTs overcame fear, imposter syndrome, and built thriving...
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3 Important Cash-Based PT Trends in 2025 What’s changing in the world of cash-based physical therapy? In this episode, Danny Mattei breaks down three emerging trends in 2025 that every clinician should know—whether you're just starting your practice or trying to scale past yourself. These shifts are reshaping the profession and will impact how you grow, hire, and stay profitable. 📈 The 3 Trends Clinicians are starting younger than ever: More DPT grads are skipping traditional jobs and going straight into private practice. Is this the new norm? The first growth cycle is getting harder:...
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The Speed Trap: Why Going Too Slow Is Costing Your Business In this episode, Danny explains why momentum is everything in business—and how clinicians often sabotage their growth by going too slow. Using the analogy of riding a bike or snowboard, he breaks down how fear, hesitation, and “waiting for the right time” lead to instability and burnout, not safety. 🎯 Topics Covered Why clinicians tend to move too slowly—and how it backfires The difference between healthy speed and reckless acceleration How going too slow creates pain, burnout, and lost momentum The mindset behind...
info_outlineThe 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.