When choosing where to practice, physical therapists often weigh the merits of various clinical settings. Physician-owned physical therapy services (POPTS) stand out as environments where therapists can thrive through integrated care delivery and specialized focus. In this guide, we discuss the compelling perks of physician-owned settings that make them attractive career destinations for physical therapy professionals, and share the perspectives of physical therapists on our team.
“The number one reason for working in a Physician-owned practice is Direct Access to the Physician/Surgeon. That access facilitates relationship, communication, trust, and understanding of each Physician’s preferences and needs.” — TSAOG Physical Therapist
What Are Physician-Owned Physical Therapy Services (POPTS)?
Physician-owned physical therapy services are a healthcare delivery model where physicians own the physical therapy services. The physical therapy services may be housed within the same facility as the physician’s practice or in a nearby location under the same ownership umbrella. POPTS vertically integrates services so physicians can expand their scope of care beyond traditional medical treatment. The model typically involves orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians, physiatrists, or other specialists who frequently prescribe physical therapy as part of their treatment plans.
In POPTS arrangements, physicians maintain clinical oversight throughout the entire treatment continuum. For example, an orthopedic surgeon who performs knee replacement surgery can directly supervise the subsequent rehabilitation process by having the patient receive physical therapy from therapists employed within their practice. Surgical intervention and rehabilitation are seamlessly connected, with the physician maintaining visibility into all aspects of the patient’s recovery journey. The POPTS model has gained particular traction in specialties with high rehabilitation needs, where close coordination between medical treatment and physical therapy can significantly impact recovery outcomes. It reflects a broader trend in healthcare toward comprehensive service offerings under unified management structures.
“I work alongside the doctors who are next door and are easily accessible. If ever, I need to discuss a case with a referring MD, I can just go next door and talk to them directly or text him or her personally to collaborate about the continuum of care for their clients to optimize their outcomes.” — TSAOG Physical Therapist
Physician Owned Physical Therapy vs Independent Physical Therapy Clinics
Physician-owned physical therapy services and independent physical therapy clinics are two different models for delivering rehabilitation care.
In physician-owned models, the physical therapy practice operates under the direct ownership of physicians, typically specialists such as orthopedists or physiatrists. The therapy services are often co-located within the physician’s medical practice or nearby, creating an integrated care environment. Physical therapists in POPTS settings typically function as employees of the physician practice, working under the clinical direction and practice philosophy established by the physician owners.
Independent physical therapy clinics, by contrast, operate as separate business entities without physician ownership. These clinics are typically owned by physical therapists themselves, by non-physician entrepreneurs, or by larger healthcare corporations. Independent clinics receive patient referrals from various physicians and medical practices without the referring physicians having financial interests in the therapy services. Physical therapists in independent settings generally exercise greater autonomy in clinical decision-making and treatment protocols.
6 Benefits of Working for a Physician-Owned Physical Therapy Clinic
Continuity of Care
Working within a physician-owned model allows therapists to participate in truly integrated care delivery. Therapists can follow patients from pre-surgical conditioning through post-operative rehabilitation and long-term recovery, with consistent oversight that improves treatment outcomes. With continuity, therapists can build stronger therapeutic relationships with patients and better understand their recovery journeys.
“I feel that we as a company really take patient centered care to the next level. With easy communication with the Doctors, their PA’s, and their staff, we can all stay on the same page and notify each other of progress or lack thereof.” — TSAOG Physical Therapist
“I think too the patients take comfort in knowing that we are able to communicate directly with the Physician to handle any concerns effectively & efficiently.” — TSAOG Physical Therapist
Professional Development Opportunities
Physical therapists’ close association with physicians creates unique learning opportunities. Therapists can observe surgeries, attend physician-led clinical rounds, and participate in joint case reviews that enhance their clinical knowledge.
Practice Stability and Referral Security
The built-in referral network from physician owners typically provides a more stable and predictable patient flow. Referral security can translate to more consistent scheduling and potentially greater job stability compared to independent clinics that must constantly develop new referral sources.
“It’s a system that works best for all parties involved because it’s time efficient care.” — TSAOG Physical Therapist
Advanced Resources and Technology
Physician practices, particularly larger specialty groups, often have greater capital resources to invest in advanced equipment, technology, and facilities. Physical therapists can access state-of-the-art rehabilitation technologies, specialized treatment equipment, and robust electronic health record systems that improve treatment capabilities.
Specialized Practice Focus
Working with physician specialists allows therapists to develop deep expertise in specific clinical areas. For example, therapists in orthopedic-owned practices become highly specialized in post-surgical rehabilitation protocols for joint replacements or sports injuries, developing mastery that can advance career opportunities.
“The other great advantage is [POPTs] allows for the PT to Specialize in a particular area, e.g. Orthopedics.” — TSAOG Physical Therapist
Participation in Research and Innovation
Physician-owned practices may engage in clinical research and innovation projects. Therapists may have opportunities to participate in research studies, contribute to developing new treatment protocols, and co-author professional publications.
“One more unique advantage of TSAOG is ‘BRIO‘ which is an absolute Phenomenal Benefit for any PT/OT interested in Research!” — TSAOG Physical Therapist
Explore Physical Therapy Careers in Texas with TSAOG
Are you ready to experience the professional advantages of a premier physician-owned practice? TSAOG offers physical therapists a unique opportunity to advance their careers in an integrated, collaborative environment recognized for excellence.
Our welcoming, inclusive culture has made us a San Antonio employer of choice, earning “Best Places to Work” recognition for multiple years. Physical therapists at TSAOG benefit from direct collaboration with orthopedic specialists, access to cutting-edge resources, and clear paths for professional advancement.
With a vision “to be trusted for patient care, based on our experience and traditions,” we’ve built a practice where therapists can deliver exceptional outcomes while developing specialized expertise. Our award-winning services, including “Best Physical Therapy” recognition in 2022, reflect the quality of care our team provides.
