Peer2Peer Networks
Overview
Peer2Peer NetWorks operates on the principle of "mastermind" collaboration. Private practice owners with similar specialties gather in small groups (5-8 physical therapists) to exchange best practices, address current industry issues, set performance benchmarks, evaluate operations, foster enduring relationships, and collectively work toward helping each other improve their business. Central to the group's success is trust and a commitment to transparent information sharing. We screen carefully to ensure that competitors are not in the same group.
2025 Peer2Peer Application
DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 17, 2025
The application for the class of 2025 is currently closed. Please check back soon for updates. Application reviews begin in January 2025.
APPLY HERE
If you applied for the class of 2024, and are awaiting information, please contact Kat Castillo, kcastillo@ppsapta.org.
Programming:
The Peer2Peer program workgroup has developed a comprehensive curriculum spanning three years, focusing on cultivating a CEO mindset, leadership development, and strategic planning. Each year aims to equip groups with the tools and skills necessary for effective business leadership. While Peer2Peer initially provides structured content, the ultimate goal is to empower you to take control of your group discussions and goals. Depending on your business goals and niche, the structure of your group can evolve over time to meet your evolving needs.
Membership & Fees:
Eligibility: APTA Private Practice members serving as the top executive in their practice for at least one year. Applicant MUST be a APTA Private Practice member and membership is restricted to PT/PTA members ONLY. Not a member?
Group Structure: Each group comprises 5-8 practice executives, with an annual election of a Group Leader. The Group Leader will collaborate closely with the Facilitator to develop agendas and prepare the group for all meetings. Additionally, the Group Leader will serve as the group representative and main point of contact.
Fees: Peer2Peer requires an annual subscription fee of $750 and is designed as a three-year program. Subscription fees cover registration for the annual Summit meeting and participation in in-person workshops at the APTA Private Practice Annual Conference. All members are responsible for their travel, accommodation, and some meal expenses.
Group Assignments:
Segmentation: Applicants are initially divided by practice size based on revenue, location, and potential expansion areas. This division helps align needs and experiences to facilitate equal participation and shared interests while avoiding competition between practices.
Assignment: The Facilitator assigns members to groups, ensuring alignment with their needs and experiences through application review and Zoom interviews.
Flexibility: Members can request a change if their initial group is not the right fit. The Facilitator manages any change requests. New applicants may be recommended to join an existing group seeking to expand membership or may be assigned to a new group based on availability.
Peer2Peer Networking Summit
April 17 - 19, 2024
Old Town Alexandria, VA
The Summit is only available for Peer2Peer members. Participation in the Summit is a critical component of the Peer2Peer program. If you're applying to the program, be sure to hold these dates on your calendar!
Peer2Peer Membership Directory
To access the Peer2Peer Membership Directory, email info@ppsapta.org
Meet the Facilitator!
Mike Horsfield is President and CEO of Rock Valley Physical Therapy, a Private Practice with 60+ locations in Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska. Mike received his MPT and his MBA from the University of Iowa. He is an adjunct faculty member in the DPT Programs at St. Ambrose University and the University of Iowa. Mike has served on numerous APTA Private Practice committees, co-founded Peer2Peer Networks, started the KPI Benchmarking Initiative, been a Director on the APTA Private Practice Board, and is currently serving as the APTA Private Practice President. Mike Horsfield is also a co-founder and current Board Member of Midwest Therapy Network, a collaborative of 100+ clinics throughout the Midwest that assist therapist-owned companies with contracting, credentialing, outcome management, education, and group purchasing.
KPI Resources
OPERATIONS 101 VIDEO SERIES
Learn how to measure and improve KPIs in your practice.
OPERATIONS 201 VIDEO SERIES
Take your KPI management to the next level.
KPI BENCHMARKING DEFINITIONS
Glossary of metric definitions used in KPI data collection.
Testimonials
We each had an opportunity to share our strengths with a group of well-respected peers. I returned from our meeting looking at marketing and operations from a different perspective, and I can say that it had a major impact on my practice and my thought process. It was invigorating, relationship building, and sparked innovative thought
Dan Rootenberg, PT, DPT, CSCS, SPEAR Physical Therapy New York, New York
The intimacy of the small group setting offered by APTA Private Practice Peer2Peer NetWorks promotes a trusting environment that cannot be achieved with traditional networking. And it is the trust that allows private practice owners, both new and experienced, large and small, to sit down side by side and effectively work on the issues affecting our industry. Within six months of leaving my first Peer2Peer meeting, I implemented five major practice changes that have influenced my clinic's growth.
Kristen Wilson, PT, DPT, GCS, Action Potential PT Glen Mills, Pennsylvania
I left excited and refreshed with new ideas and a broader understanding of the opportunities that existed to further develop my practice. Finally, I developed trustworthy, genuine relationships with like-minded people that I know will continue to develop and enrich my professional career.
Michelle Collie, PT, DPT, MS, OCS, Performance PT Providence, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME? WHY SHOULD I DO THIS?
Have you ever wished you could just talk to another practice owner about a problem you're dealing with, or about a new idea for a niche, or even "Should I buy a building?", "When do I hire that next person?", "Do I need an administrator?" We can all agree we didn't get the business education we need to run our practices in PT school. And sometimes we feel like we're running this thing by the seat of our pants!!
APTA Private Practice Peer2Peer NetWorks will bring like-minded Private Practice owners from different markets together in small groups to share best practices and expertise, discuss "hot topics," establish key metric benchmarks, analyze operations, build life-long friendships, and work toward helping each other improve the bottom line. Peer2Peer NetWorks are networking on steroids!!
This program offers Private Practice owners access to invaluable resources to help grow and improve their practices. Participation in a NetWork will benefit practices of all sizes and will be especially valuable to the solo and small practice owners who will now have access to peers who understand and share the challenges that come with ownership.
HOW DO I APPLY?
APTA Private Practice members may complete the application online on the APTA Private Practice website. The application for the class of 2025 is currently closed. Please check back soon for updates. The application review process will begin in February 2025. A subscription fee is required upon group placement.
HOW OFTEN AND WHERE DO THE GROUPS MEET?
APTA Private Practice will facilitate biannual meetings. One meeting will coincide with the APTA Private Practice Annual Conference, while the other will be a two-day annual Summit held in the spring. These gatherings will offer participants access to guest speakers, consultants, and networking opportunities with other Peer2Peer groups. In addition to these formal biannual meetings, groups are encouraged to maintain ongoing discussions throughout the year, either virtually or in face-to-face meetings as often as desired. It is suggested that meetings occur no less than quarterly, but ultimately, the frequency and duration of meetings will be determined by each group. Meetings may be conducted via teleconference or in person, according to each group's preference.
IS THERE A CHARGE?
The cost for Peer2Peer NetWorks membership is $750 per year for a 3-year commitment. These fees include access to the biannual meetings as well as the other functions offered throughout the year. Participants are responsible for costs related to travel, hotel rooms, and some meals for the meetings. Expenses for any additional meetings at the discretion of the individual groups are the responsibility of the group members.
HOW ARE THE FEES USED?
APTA Private Practice will oversee all aspects of this program and provide support to the groups in various ways to ensure their success and smooth operation. Some of the functions of this section include:
- Administrative support
- Planning and managing logistics for biannual meetings
- Confidential compilation of key metrics and benchmarks
- Provision of a Facilitator for overall program management and assistance with Peer2Peer Networks functions
CAN I DESIGNATE COLLEAGUES I WOULD LIKE TO BE GROUPED WITH?
Yes! If you have colleagues with whom you've developed a camaraderie, you may request that you join their group or be assigned together to a new group.
WHAT IF I DON'T LIKE THE GROUP I'M ASSIGNED TO?
Success depends on the full cooperation and involvement of all members. If, for any reason, you feel uncomfortable in a group or sense that it's not the right fit for you, a change can certainly be arranged. The Facilitator will manage this process.
SHOULD I WORRY ABOUT GIVING INFORMATION TO COMPETITORS?
Absolutely not! Trust is indispensable for the success of Peer2Peer NetWorks, as is a commitment to open and candid sharing of information. We screen meticulously to ensure that competitors are not placed in the same group.