In this episode of the Staffless Practice Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Aaron LeBauer, a physical therapist who has built his entire career around a cash-based practice model.

Aaron started as a massage therapist more than 25 years ago and eventually became a physical therapist but one thing never changed: he never took insurance. Instead, he built a practice centered on giving patients the time, attention, and problem-solving they often don’t get in traditional healthcare systems.

In our conversation, we talk about why insurance-driven care often forces practitioners to rush through visits, and how stepping outside of that system can restore something many providers feel they’ve lost: clinical freedom, deeper connection with patients, and the ability to truly solve problems.

Aaron also shares how he now helps other physical therapists, chiropractors, and wellness practitioners build cash-based practices that are both profitable and sustainable.

We talk about:

• Why the traditional insurance model can limit patient outcomes
• How focusing on results — not services — changes everything
• The importance of listening, connection, and hands-on care
• Systems and automation that help practitioners run lean practices
• Why working smarter matters more than working harder

If you're a chiropractor, PT, or wellness practitioner who has ever wondered whether a cash-based model could work for you, this conversation will give you a lot to think about.

At the end of the episode, Aaron also shares how you can get a free copy of his book and learn more about his work.