Beyond the Treatment Session

In our latest episode, number 15, something powerful emerged that we want to expand on. That’s the concept of our professional identities as physical therapists. As we reflect on our conversation with our guest, Jerry Durham, we’re struck by the fundamental question we explored: Are we acting as true healthcare professionals, or are we simply "operators" in a broken system?

What does it mean to be a physical therapist professional in 2025? We believe it means looking beyond our immediate clinical environment to understand the broader healthcare ecosystem. It means recognizing that we're part of a complex, interconnected network of providers, and our ability to collaborate within that network determines our relevance and value.

Dana mentioned feeling "static in the air." That’s a palpable sense that healthcare is transforming around us.

This is evidenced by policy shifts like the 2026 Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule and changes to work Relative Value Units (RVUs) and practice expense RVUs across the board. It’s not all about the conversion factor.

While other time-based providers like primary care physicians and behavioral health specialists are seeing increases of 5-9%, independent PTs are facing a -1% adjustment. This disparity should concern us all.

But here's where we see opportunity. 

Our profession has something that can't be replaced by AI or technology, although it can and should be enhanced by it. That thing is our hands-on work with patients. This is our competitive advantage in a healthcare landscape increasingly dominated by digital solutions. The question is: How do we leverage this advantage?

It starts with redefining our role. We need to move beyond delivering physical therapy as a service and embrace our identity as physical therapist professionals who understand the patient's entire journey. This means asking tough questions like: When was the last time you referred a patient to another discipline because PT wasn't the best solution? Who's responsible for patient drop-offs in your clinic? Are you measuring outcomes that matter to referring physicians and payers?

Team-based care isn't just a buzzword—it's the future. Understanding what primary care physicians and specialists care about, what models they operate in, and how you can help them succeed in value-based care models is critical. This approach not only benefits patients but positions PTs as essential partners in value-based care models.

We challenge you to read beyond just PT literature. Engage with publications like Health Affairs. Understand the broader conversations happening in healthcare policy. Build systems that demonstrate your value not just to patients, but to the entire healthcare ecosystem.

The static in the air represents both disruption and opportunity. Whether our profession thrives or merely survives depends on our willingness to embrace our professional identity and step confidently into the healthcare landscape of tomorrow.

What steps are you taking to secure your place in this evolving ecosystem? We’d love to hear your thoughts.