logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2025
56m 5s

Ep 62: Financial Freedom for Occupationa...

Clarice Grote, MS, OTR/L
About this episode

Financial Freedom for Occupational Therapists with Doug Vestal

As occupational therapists, our primary goal is to help and be in service of others. But to do that, we often undervalue our services, leaving us underpaid, undervalued, and on the road to burnout. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way. Doug Vestal joins me on the podcast today to talk about all things financial freedom for occupational therapists. While he is not an OT himself, he has been a pivotal figure in the OT community, especially in advocating for financial literacy. Doug shares his expert knowledge today as we discuss how understanding policies, creating financial security, and managing a private pay practice can transform the way practitioners approach both their personal and professional lives. That’s why this week on The Amplify OT Podcast, I am talking about financial freedom for OTs!

🚨 Overwhelmed by OT policy, billing, and Medicare rules?

You’re not alone—and that’s why the Amplify OT Learning Platform exists. Designed by an OT for OTs and OTAs, this on-demand resource hub helps you finally understand the “why” behind the rules so you can advocate confidently, bill accurately, and stop second-guessing your documentation.

✨ What you get:

✔ Self-paced courses on Medicare, billing, and advocacy

✔ Real-world examples and easy-to-digest lessons

✔ CEU opportunities to boost your skills and confidence

✔ Support from a community that gets it


Ready to take the guesswork out of OT policy? Join today and amplify your knowledge, your confidence, and your impact.

👉 Click here to learn more and get started!


In this episode, Doug and I cover:

  • How Doug’s book, Financial Freedom for OTs, differs from traditional wealth-building resources.
  • The importance of financial freedom in creating choices for your life.
  • Insights into loan repayment programs and their influence on career choices. 
  • Understanding the business side of healthcare and how insurance impacts OT salaries. 
  • The significance of valuing your services and setting appropriate fees.
  • How OTs can focus on meaningful occupations while building economically sustainable practices.


Tune in for a conversation that challenges the conventional narrative around healthcare finances and offers practical solutions for building a thriving OT practice. Whether you're interested in private practice or simply looking to take control of your personal finances, this episode offers valuable insights for every OT professional.


Amplify OT Resources

Want to keep learning about how insurance and reimbursement impact you? Then head to AmplifyOT.com/Services to see what resources we have available!



CLICK HERE to save $101 off Medbridge Today!


CONNECT WITH DOUG VESTAL:

Up next
Sep 2
Ep 65: Understanding the Benefits and Limitations of Using AI in Healthcare and Clinical Practice
Understanding the Benefits and Limitations of Using AI in Healthcare and Clinical PracticeWelcome to The Amplify OT Podcast with your host, Clarice Grote—occupational therapist, founder of Amplify OT, and self-proclaimed policy nerd who actually enjoys reading the long documents ... Show More
42m 58s
Jun 2025
Ep 64: Hospice vs Palliative Care: OT's Role in Care and Comfort
Hospice vs Palliative Care: OT's Role in Care and ComfortWelcome to The Amplify OT Podcast with your host, Clarice Grote—occupational therapist, founder of Amplify OT, and self-proclaimed policy nerd who actually enjoys reading the long documents most people avoid.No matter where ... Show More
40m 13s
May 2025
Ep 63: Home Health OT vs OT in the Home: Differences in Billing and Practice
Home Health OT vs OT in the Home: Differences in Billing and PracticeWelcome to The Amplify OT Podcast with your host, Clarice Grote—occupational therapist, founder of Amplify OT, and self-proclaimed policy nerd who actually enjoys reading the long documents most people avoid.No ... Show More
31m 11s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 19
August Advocacy Roundup: The 2026 Proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule
<p>APTA staff expert Rachel Miller, MPH, breaks down the proposed 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and what it means for the physical therapy profession.  </p><p></p><p>Use your voice to make a difference: <a href="https://www.votervoice.net/mobile/APTA/Campaigns/129598/Respo ... Show More
17m 34s
Apr 2025
#174 Lp(a) and ASCVD Risk: 5 Pearls Segment
<p>What does <strong>Lipoprotein(a)</strong> tell us that a standard lipid panel doesn’t? Should we be testing <strong>everyone</strong> for it? Dive into the <strong>genetics, clinical implications, and evolving management strategies</strong> for Lp(a). Learn how to interpret re ... Show More
43m 20s
Aug 2024
2815: Social Security - Planning For It or Not In Your Future by Amanda of Women Who Money on Retirement Savings
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2815: Amanda from WomenWhoMoney.com delves into the complexities of Social Security, addressing concerns about its future, ... Show More
12m 27s
Jul 2024
Ep. 44 - Tricks & Tips to Maximize Your Social Security
<p>Are you wondering when to take Social Security and how to maximize your benefits? In this episode, I talk with retirement planner, Greg Kurinec, CFP®, MRFC® about strategies to get the most from your Social Security benefits.</p> <p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Greg, explains the de ... Show More
28m 56s
Mar 2025
How to Get Your Life Together: The 90/10 Rule
There’s never been more information out there about psychology, self-improvement, and mental health, making it easy to get lost in the details and lose sight of what matters. In this special episode, Forrest and Dr. Rick apply the 90/10 rule to psychology and self-help: what are ... Show More
1h 19m
Jul 2023
#65 BAMR: Calling Stroke (part 1)
<p>We welcome another fantastic returning guest in the form of Dr Paul Sellors, consultant in stroke medicine at North Bristol Hospital NHS Trust. Sam and Paul discuss tricky cases in Stroke medicine including stroke mimics, the modified Rankin score, the NIHSS, thrombolysis and ... Show More
58m 47s
Mar 2025
APTA Advocacy Update, March 2025: Celebrating Wins and Fighting for More Reforms
<p>In this episode, we check in on both state and federal advocacy efforts to prioritize patients' access to physical therapy and support PTs and PTAs throughout their careers. We look back on key wins from 2024, while also looking ahead to what the rest of 2025 might have in sto ... Show More
30m 25s
Mar 2025
#172 Microplastics and Macro CV Health Problems: Beyond Journal Club on APACHe Study with NEJM Group
<p>What is the impact of microplastics on human health? How can we use observational data to support the argument that microplastics may lead to poor health outcomes?</p><p>Join us as we tackle these questions and discuss the APAChE study on microplastics and cardiovascular disea ... Show More
33m 36s
Jun 2025
Medicare, Inc. Part 2: Taxpayers Paid for Care Denied by Insurers
Some of the sickest Medicare Advantage patients ran into problems getting end-of-life care. Ultimately many patients switched to traditional Medicare, costing taxpayers billions, according to an investigation by the Wall Street Journal. This is one of many Medicare Advantage prac ... Show More
21m 52s