Healthcare Business Thrivecast

SummaryHosts Randall Cooper, Michael Kenihan, and Anthony Hirst review the first year of the APA/Nous physiotherapy fee education report and its updated 2026-27 figures. They discuss pricing, affordability, staffing and practice sustainability, and how rising wages and changing clinic models may reshape the profession.Keywordsphysiotherapy fees, APA fee recommendations, physiotherapy practice management, clinic profitability, physiotherapy staff retention, healthcare business AustraliaChapters00:00 Season reflections and the pricing topic03:08 Why the APA pursued a physiotherapy fee report06:23 Updated 2026-27 hourly rate benchmarks08:15 Making the hourly fee practical for clinics11:17 Appointment time, insurer rates, and patient value15:20 Affordable care versus profession-wide sustainability18:23 Wage growth, profitability, and practice value21:16 A practical test for whether a clinic is sustainable23:07 Are annual fee increases keeping pace with costs?27:20 Graduate numbers and the future of competition28:50 Clinic consolidation, new services, and the road aheadResourcesLearn.Physio - https://www.learn.physio

SummaryIn this episode, Randall Cooper interviews Mick Hughes about the evolving role of social media in physiotherapy. They explore how social media can be used for continuing education, professional promotion, and building a credible practice, while also discussing the challenges and misconceptions around its impact.Keywordssocial media, physiotherapy, continuing education, professional promotion, ACL rehabilitation, healthcare marketing, online learning, content creation, professional developmentKey topicsThe evolution of social media use in physiotherapy since 2016How social media can generate referrals and professional opportunitiesThe importance of credibility and evidence-based content onlineChallenges of short-form content and attention spansStrategies for local versus global social media marketingBuilding community and humanizing your practice onlineAddressing fears of negative comments and trollsThe balance between online content and in-person educationSound bites"Short form content can be attractive but may not improve clinical reasoning""Build credibility over time with evidence-backed posts""Fears of trolls are often unwarranted and manageable"Chapters00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest Mick Hughes01:23 Mick Hughes' journey into social media and its impact04:24 Early results of social media efforts in practice07:16 Social media as an educational tool for clinicians09:26 Changes in social media use among physiotherapists over time12:55 The quality and impact of social media content on practice18:27 The challenge of short-form content and attention spans20:23 Using social media for local practice promotion27:44 Humanizing clinics and behind-the-scenes content32:54 Balancing online presence with in-person relationships33:33 Final thoughts and advice for clinicians on social mediaResources & Links:www.learn.physio - Evidence-based courses for health professionals

SummaryIn this episode, Paul Wright shares insights on how clinical excellence impacts marketing and retention, the importance of work-life balance, and strategies for building a practice that serves your life, not the other way around.Keywordshealthcare business, physiotherapy, practice management, clinical excellence, work-life balance, practiceology systemKey topicsClinical excellence as a marketing and retention factorThe importance of work-life balance for health professionalsStrategies for building a practice that serves personal goalsThe practiceology system for efficient practice managementThe role of mindset and systems in healthcare successTakeawaysClinical excellence alone is not a marketing advantage if the practitioner lacks good people skills or connection.Focusing on clinical skills is important, but spending time on marketing, leadership, and systems yields better business results.Practices should be designed around the owner's life goals, prioritizing family and personal time.Building pathways for career progression within a practice encourages longevity and staff retention.Practices that serve the owner's lifestyle and values tend to be more sustainable and fulfilling.Sound bites"Clinical excellence is overrated as a marketing advantage.""Great clinicians are not always great at retaining patients.""Start with the end in mind for your family, lifestyle, and business."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Paul Wright and his background02:26 Is clinical excellence a marketing advantage?04:11 Marketing effectiveness regardless of clinical skill05:01 Clinical excellence and retention: does it matter?06:36 The importance of common sense and clinical competence07:00 People care more about how you connect than your skills08:14 Starting to think about work-life balance early in your career09:15 Why engineer your practice around your personal goals10:22 The entrepreneurial journey from physio to business owner12:05 Prioritizing family and personal life in practice management15:24 The evolution of practice ownership and mentorship18:33 Addressing staff retention and career pathways22:04 Introduction to practiceology and its mission26:04 Creating a practice that serves your lifestyle28:46 Three tips for living a good lifeResources & Links:www.learn.physio - Evidence-based courses for health professionals

SummaryIn this episode, Anthony Hirst interviews Tony Ganter from Healthia to explore the dynamics of healthcare practice acquisitions, the importance of culture and leadership, and the future of corporate health groups.Keywordshealthcare practice acquisition, corporate health groups, practice management, healthcare entrepreneurship, practice valuation, health industry trendsKey topicsPractice acquisition strategiesImportance of culture and leadership in healthcareMetrics and evaluation of clinics for saleFuture of corporate healthcare groupsRole of capital and technology in healthcare expansionSound bites"You're not gonna go and do your own knee surgery""Anyone to come in and replace their billings will cost circa six figures""The future is bigger clinics with integrated care and high tech environments"Chapters00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest01:15 Overview of Healthia's growth and acquisition appetite02:37 Early days and initial vision of Tony Ganter04:39 Learning the business side of healthcare in the 90s06:31 Key advice from a mentor in business growth07:05 Success factors of Healthia compared to others09:47 What Healthia looks for in practice owners12:23 Financial metrics and operational standards14:45 Assessing practice readiness for sale16:05 Valuation misconceptions and advice for owners17:54 Group vs single clinic investment appeal19:23 Owner feedback and retention at Healthia22:08 Leadership with clinical experience and future outlook23:24 Future of healthcare practice models and technology25:28 Closing remarks and industry insightsResources & Links:www.learn.physio - Evidence-based courses for health professionals

SummaryAndrew Small, director of rehabilitation for the New York Knicks, shares insights from his extensive career in pro sports, including his unique journey with high-level athletic rehabilitation work in the NBA. Discover how his experiences can inspire practitioners to elevate their practice and understand the business and culture of elite sports.Keywordssports physiotherapy, pro sport, healthcare leadership, culture, NBA, athlete rehab, US sports industry, practice differentiationKey topicsAndrew Small's career path from Australia to the USThe role of a the NBA in sports physiotherapyDifferences between Australian and US healthcare models in sportsBuilding trust and rapport with elite athletesCreating a high-value, differentiated practiceLeadership and culture in professional sports teamsNavigating external practitioner relationships in pro sportThe importance of local presence for US sports opportunitiesSound bites"The commercial aspect is a big part of what we do""Getting your credentials verified is a long, tedious process""Your culture is what you allow"Chapters00:00 Introduction to Andrew Small and his background01:16 Andrew explains his decision to pursue working with the Knicks02:54 The commercial differences between Australian and US pro sports03:49 Andrew's move from Australia to the US and initial challenges05:23 Differences in healthcare models between Australia and the US07:14 Business models and billing practices in New York clinics08:30 Marketing and patient acquisition in Manhattan10:22 Getting involved with the Milwaukee Bucks11:12 Tips for Australian practitioners aiming for US pro sports12:18 Qualifications and credentialing process in the US13:52 Working with external practitioners and athletes' teams17:22 Building team culture and leadership lessons from NBA championships20:27 Key elements of effective leadership and team culture22:19 Advice for Australian practitioners to succeed in US sports24:15 Andrew's future plans and reflections on his careerResources & Links:www.learn.physio - Evidence-based courses for health professionals

SummaryIn this episode of the Healthcare Business Thrivecast, host Michael Kenihan interviews Seamus Bradley, an expert in communications and crisis management. They discuss the importance of good writing in the age of AI, the role of healthy communications in organizations, and the critical nature of crisis communication in healthcare. The conversation also delves into the significance of effective communication in building relationships with patients, the training of AI for writing, and the risks associated with AI, including hallucinations and skills collapse. Finally, they explore the advantages of AI in healthcare practices and how to effectively introduce AI into these settings, along with insights on blog writing.Sound bites"Good writing engages your audience.""Everything is communication in a practice.""AI can populate a blank page quickly.""AI can rewrite a novel in ten seconds.""The human voice is infinitely interesting."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Healthcare Business Thrivecast01:42 The Importance of Good Writing in the Age of AI03:37 Understanding Healthy Communications05:48 Crisis Communication in Healthcare07:22 Building Relationships Through Effective Communication11:01 Training AI for Effective Writing13:23 Managing AI Risks and Hallucinations18:26 The Dangers of AI and Skills Collapse20:32 Advantages of AI in Healthcare Practices24:31 Introducing AI into Healthcare Practices26:24 Blog Writing and the Role of AIResources:www.learn.physio - Evidence-based courses for health professionals

SummaryIn this episode, Brad Beer shares his journey from starting his own practice to leading a major physiotherapy group, emphasizing the importance of personal branding, clinical excellence, and strategic growth. Discover insights on building a successful clinic, managing team dynamics, and maintaining clinical passion.Keywordsphysiotherapy, personal branding, clinic growth, leadership, healthcare entrepreneurship, clinical excellence, social media, practice managementKey topicsBrad Beer's background and practice journeyThe role of personal branding in healthcareClinic growth strategies and team managementThe Win Work program and practitioner developmentChallenges and lessons from business ownershipBalancing clinical care with business leadershipSound bites"Opportunities flow from being visible""Treat your local patient well, develop your skills""Don't act out of fear of loss"Chapters00:00 Introduction to Brad Beer and his practice journey01:30 Brad's personal brand and social media presence04:00 Impact of personal branding on clinic success04:38 Team dynamics and clinic ecosystem06:51 Mentoring and practitioner development at Pogo Physio08:28 The Win Work program and practitioner goals11:50 Business journey and early practice experiences16:57 Joining and leading the back in motion group20:46 Challenges and exit from the group23:37 Lessons learned and advice to younger self27:45 A typical week in Brad’s busy life30:19 Closing remarks and key takeaways

SummaryIn this episode, Randall Cooper is joined by Michael Kenihan and Antony Hirst to explore building a fulfilling career in healthcare. They discuss career journeys, the realities of practice ownership, and balancing work with family life.Keywordshealthcare career, practice ownership, professional growth, work-life balance, physiotherapyKey topicsCareer development and serendipityPractice ownership and growth strategiesWork-life balance and family considerationsScaling practices and managing resourcesOpportunities in modern healthcare careersTakeawaysCareers evolve over time and require flexibility.Planning exit strategies is crucial for long-term success.Growth should be strategic, not just for vanity.Work-life balance is a myth for small business owners.Expanding within the current site can be more effective than multiple locations.Sound bites"Be aware of opportunity and take it""Begin with the end in mind""Time, health, and money must be balanced"Chapters00:00 Introduction to the episode and guests01:15 Discussing the journey of building a healthcare career03:21 Did you build the career you wanted?06:25 The importance of planning your career exit09:00 The role of ownership and entrepreneurship in healthcare11:20 Opportunities for new practitioners in the current landscape13:49 Managing multiple clinics and growth challenges19:56 Expanding within a single site versus multiple sites26:19 Balancing family life and practice ownership27:11 The reality of work-life balance in healthcare30:29 The importance of mental and emotional energy32:59 Lessons learned from starting and running practices33:27 Closing remarks and future episodesResources & Links:www.learn.physio - Evidence-based courses for health professionals

SummaryThis episode explores the importance of developing a clinical niche in physiotherapy, discussing when and how practitioners should specialize, the benefits of niche practices, and the future of niche clinics in the industry.Keywordsphysiotherapy, clinical niche, specialization, healthcare practice, physiotherapy clinics, expert practice, telehealth, niche marketing, career developmentKey topicsThe importance of developing a clinical niche early in a physiotherapy careerHow niche specialization can lead to higher professional satisfactionExamples of successful niche practices in physiotherapyStrategies for expanding a niche practice into a clinicThe impact of geographic location on niche practice viabilityThe transition from generalist to specialist over a careerThe future trends in niche healthcare clinicsSound bites"Is it the same thing as the unique selling proposition?""Having a niche practice makes it harder to sell.""Online reviews and AI will point patients to niche clinics."Chapters00:00 Introduction to the series and episode focus01:15 Discussion of personal niches in physiotherapy02:27 The concept of the niche and its relation to unique selling propositions04:00 Examples of clinical niches from guest interviews05:40 When should clinicians start developing a niche?07:10 How interests evolve into clinical expertise08:29 The satisfaction and career longevity of niche practitioners10:20 The role of niche expertise in job satisfaction14:45 The rise of niche clinics and their future in healthcare17:41 The importance of understanding your target customer and location considerations19:32 The impact of industry leaders and productization on niche practice21:48 Opportunities in niche areas like pelvic health and sports23:04 Geography and its influence on niche practice success25:05 The importance of flexibility and reputation in niche practice27:44 The role of telehealth and online presence in expanding niche practices28:12 Summary and closing thoughts on the future of niche clinicsResources & Links:www.learn.physio - Evidence-based courses for health professionals

SummaryIn this episode, Randall Cooper, Michael Kenihan, and Antony Hirst explore the core principles of building a successful healthcare practice, emphasizing clinical excellence, commercial skills, and adapting to industry changes. They share insights from interviews, common themes, and practical advice for health professionals aiming to thrive.Keywordshealthcare practice, clinical excellence, business skills, healthcare industry, practice growth, patient outcomes, healthcare leadership, industry trendsKey topicsImportance of clinical excellence as the foundationBalancing clinical skills with commercial acumenCommon themes from industry interviewsAdapting to industry changes and trendsBuilding systems for scalable growthThe role of profit and financial healthMentoring, culture, and strategic assetsLearning from industry experts and thought leadersChapters00:00 Introduction and episode overview02:20 Recurring themes from guest interviews03:52 Analyzing common themes with AI05:23 Importance of systems for growth06:36 Industry consistency and change09:18 Focus on clinical excellence10:55 Clinical skills versus commercial skills12:59 The importance of understanding business metrics16:46 Career pathways and upskilling19:34 Profitability and sustainability in healthcare24:09 Balancing KPIs and clinical care26:51 The journey from clinician to business owner30:29 Final thoughts on clinical and commercial excellence32:12 Closing remarks and next steps