Why Physical Therapy Keeps Underselling Itself

Why aren’t physical therapists paid like doctors — even though the outcomes prove they should be?In this episode of PT Pintcast, Jimmy sits down with Josh Bailey, PT, to unpack the uncomfortable truth about reimbursement, CPT codes, employer contracting, and why physical therapy keeps getting boxed into time-based billing instead of value-based care.Josh shares:Why early PT saves 50% of downstream costs — and why payers still ignore itHow CPT code 97110 commoditized physical therapyThe biggest diagnostic mistakes around plantar fasciitisWhy grit, effort, and reps matter more than credentialsAnd his mic-drop case for treating PTs like doctors — in pay, productivity, and respectThis episode is a must-listen for clinic owners, healthcare leaders, and PTs who want more than burnout and flat reimbursement.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Why PT Isn’t Paid Like Medicine03:45 – Incentives, Insurance, and Misaligned Value10:30 – Why CPT Codes Limit PT’s Worth17:15 – Plantar Fasciitis: What PT School Got Wrong26:45 – Effort, Grit, and the Path to Mastery35:30 – Hiring for Character Over Credentials44:50 – The Amazon Prime Lesson in Value50:35 – Parting Shot: Treat PTs Like DoctorsGuest & ResourcesJosh Bailey on LinkedIn: jbaileyptRehab Associates: https://rehabassociatesracva.comPT Management Group of Virginia: https://ptmgva.com