Over half of Dutch physiotherapists consider selling practices amid rising costs
More than half of the Netherlands’ independent physiotherapists are considering selling their practices as rising regulations and costs squeeze earnings, according to the latest Klein Bedrijf Index Fysiotherapie from Hogeschool Utrecht, FD reports.
While revenues and business confidence are recovering after years of stagnation, many practice owners report declining profitability and increasing burnout. “Physiotherapists now decide to sell their practice because the timing is favorable, meaning you can get a good price for your business. But that is certainly not the main reason,” Rutger IJntema, a researcher at Hogeschool Utrecht, told FD.
“A more important factor is that physiotherapists feel they are spending too much energy on their work. This comes from excessive healthcare regulations. Motivation and drive start to decline, and people want to make timely choices,” IJntema added.
The survey shows that only 14 percent of practices have a net margin above 20 percent, down from more than a quarter two years ago. Around 15 percent of physiotherapists pay themselves minimum wage or less.
Practice owners reportedly prefer selling to staff members or colleagues, though national healthcare chains are increasingly looking to expand through practice acquisitions. IJntema noted that while the sector faces growing demand due to an aging population, healthcare costs and insurer tariffs place pressure on independent operators. “We must deliver more quality for a lower reimbursement. You cannot blame the insurer, but it makes practices vulnerable. Motivation then decreases,” he told FD.
