Get the basics right
- Registration and insurance current, including professional indemnity for every way you work, such as home visits and telehealth.
- A provider number with the health funds your patients use.
- A place to work: a rented room, a shared clinic or a home visit car.
- Software that handles bookings, notes and invoices in one place.
Let patients book themselves
You cannot answer the phone while treating. Online booking lets patients book any time, and reminders cut no-shows. See online booking and handling calls while treating.
Plan your week deliberately
Clinical blocks, admin blocks, a lunch break and a finish time. See a solo physio's week.
Keep your caseload manageable
Know how many patients a day you can see well, and keep it there. See managing your patient load.
Do the admin in the session
Notes, invoices and the next booking before the patient leaves. Everything you leave for later becomes your evening. See doing your own admin and faster notes.
Get paid properly
Payment at the end of every visit, claims sent the same day, and a weekly look at anything unpaid. See getting paid on time.
Plan for being away
Holidays and sickness are certain. Plan cover, close the diary early for leave, and tell patients well ahead. See taking leave.
Know when to grow
When you are turning patients away or drowning in admin, it may be time for help. See when to hire.
Frequently asked questions
Can one physiotherapist run a practice alone?
Yes, many do. Online booking, automatic reminders and doing admin within the session make it manageable.
What software does a solo physio need?
One system for bookings, reminders, notes, invoices and claims, which works on a phone as well as a computer.
How many patients can a solo physio see a day?
It depends on appointment length and your energy. Many solo physios find a steady number well below their maximum is more sustainable.