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Highbar Expands to 57 Clinics Amidst Payment Challenges in Physical Therapy

In a notable development during National Physical Therapy Month, Highbar Physical Therapy has successfully expanded from a single clinic to an impressive total of 57 locations. This achievement is particularly remarkable given the backdrop of significant challenges within the physical therapy payment landscape. Many professionals in the industry are grappling with a declining payment structure, and Highbar is pushing back against these trends by refusing to compromise on clinician workload expectations.

The Payment Dilemma

The payment structure for physical therapy in the United States has seen a dramatic downward trend, especially concerning Medicare. Historically, Medicare's conversion factor, which determines the reimbursement rates for services, fell from $36.09 in 2020 down to $32.35 in 2025. This decline of more than 10% occurs before accounting for inflation, and unfortunately, many commercial insurance companies tend to follow Medicare's lead. As a result, the repercussions are felt far beyond just Medicare patients, influencing payment structures across the board.

Clinicians are not only facing reduced pay but are also burdened with additional administrative work stemming from prior authorization processes. This has led to countless hours of unpaid labor as therapists strive to manage an increased caseload with stagnant pay.

Highbar's Alternative Approach

Highbar Physical Therapy is breaking the mold. Unlike many practices that respond to the payment crisis by raising productivity benchmarks for their clinicians, Highbar has chosen a different path. The company's CEO, Michelle Collie, PT, DPT, MS, who is also a former president of the American Physical Therapy Association in Rhode Island, states,

"Our profession has been trained to accept the payment system as it is. That has to change. Fair pay for physical therapists depends on fair payment for physical therapy, and that takes payers, policymakers, and providers solving it together."

In an environment where many clinics are opting to increase patients per clinician to compensate for reduced payments, Highbar stands firm in its philosophy. They have managed to grow without placing additional productivity expectations on their therapists, allowing their staff to engage deeply with patients while maintaining high standards of care.

How Highbar Operates

Highbar's operational structure is noteworthy:

• - The leadership team consists of licensed physical therapists and physical therapist assistants, ensuring that decisions are made with clinical expertise at the forefront.
• - Continuous mentorship and residency programs are emphasized, boasting a 100% pass record for board certifications.
• - Advanced certifications receive robust support, promoting professional growth.
• - Individualized patient care is paramount, complemented by AI tools designed to alleviate the administrative burden often faced by clinicians.
• - Every employee can benefit from growth through H-Shares, aligning employee interest with the company’s success.

David Pavao, PT, DPT, who serves as the Chief Clinical Officer at Highbar, exemplifies this growth-minded philosophy:

"I did my final clinical rotation here as a student and have grown through every role since. That path exists because physical therapists lead this company."

Addressing Common Misconceptions

What’s Wrong with Physical Therapy Payment?

The stark reality is that Medicare reimbursement for physical therapy has decreased significantly over the years, and many private insurance plans mirror these reductions. This ultimately pressures practices to increase volumes per clinician, creating a cycle of burnout and dissatisfaction among providers.

How Does Highbar Differ?

Highbar distinguishes itself by refusing to demand more productivity of its clinicians while still achieving impressive growth. They focus on individualized care, operate under clinician-led leadership, and share the benefits of company growth through programs like H-Shares.

Conclusion

Highbar Physical Therapy exemplifies a new paradigm in the physical therapy field, demonstrating that growth and fair compensation can coexist. Their approach challenges existing norms and advocates for meaningful reform in payment structures to ensure fair compensation for therapists, ultimately benefiting both providers and patients alike. Highbar is committed to being at the forefront of this change, redefining standards in the physical therapy profession.

Those who are interested in joining an innovative practice are encouraged to visit highbarhealth.com/careers for current job openings and opportunities.