For many pediatric OTs, SLPs, and PTs, starting a private practice represents freedom — the ability to choose your own hours, work directly with families, and build a caseload that aligns with your expertise. But while the desire is clear, the path isn’t always simple.

Starting a private practice requires time, money, and operational effort that most clinicians never learned in school. Credentialing, billing, marketing, scheduling, documentation systems — each piece adds complexity, cost, and delays to getting started.

This guide breaks down the true financial and time investment required to launch a pediatric private practice and compares it with what Coral Care provides for clinicians who want independence without the administrative burden.

The Real Cost of Starting a Pediatric Private Practice

Starting a practice doesn’t just require clinical skill — it requires building an entire operational infrastructure. Here’s what therapists typically spend in their first year.

1. Credentialing With Insurance Panels

Credentialing is critical for accessing the majority of families seeking care — but it’s a slow, paperwork-heavy process.

Typical requirements:

• CAQH registration and maintenance
• Individual applications for each insurer
• Follow-up calls and corrections
• 60–180 days of waiting

Estimated cost:

• Professional credentialing help: $2,000–$4,000
• Lost income from delays: often much higher

2. Billing, Claims, and Payment Management

Clean claims submission and denial management are essential for consistent income — but also one of the most time-consuming parts of private practice.

Costs include:

• Billing software
• Clearinghouse fees
• Payment posting
• Denial follow-up
• Reconciliation and records retention

Estimated annual cost: $3,000–$7,000

3. Marketing and Caseload Building

To get a steady caseload, therapists must invest in visibility — which includes branding, outreach, and sometimes paid advertising.

Typical costs:

• Website design + hosting
• Logo + brand materials
• Referral marketing
• Local advertising or Google ads

Estimated annual cost: $1,500–$6,000

And this doesn’t include the time required to maintain those channels.

4. EMR, Scheduling, and Documentation Tools

Running a practice requires a set of digital tools that support scheduling, cancellations, documentation, and communication.

Costs include:

• EMR subscription
• Scheduling software
• Secure messaging
• Document storage
• Progress note templates

Estimated annual cost: $1,200–$2,500

5. Admin Time (the hidden cost)

Most therapists underestimate the amount of administrative work required.

Clinicians typically spend:

• 5–10 hours/week on paperwork
• 10–30 hours/month unpaid
• Evenings and weekends catching up on notes

If billed at a modest professional rate…
Estimated value of lost time: $10,000–$18,000 annually

Total First-Year Cost of a Solo Pediatric Practice:

💰 $17,000–$35,000+

And that’s before factoring in inconsistent referrals or reimbursement delays.

This is why so many clinicians want private practice — but few feel equipped to actually build one.

How Coral Care Removes the Barriers to Private Practice

Coral Care was designed to give pediatric clinicians the autonomy of private practice without the financial and administrative burden of running a business.

Here’s what clinicians receive at no cost:

✔ Insurance Credentialing Managed for You

We complete the applications, track updates, and maintain payer relationships so you can start treating families faster.

✔ Billing & Claims Management (End-to-End)

We submit claims, manage denials, process remittances, and ensure timely reimbursement — no clearinghouse fees or billing headaches.

✔ A Full Matching Engine to Build Your Caseload

You don’t need a website, ads, or marketing strategy. Coral Care brings families directly to you based on your specialties and location.

✔ Automated Scheduling & Parent Support

We reduce cancellations, coordinate appointment logistics, and manage parent communication so you can focus on clinical care.

✔ Documentation Tools That Save Hours Each Week

Our EMR includes:

• Session note templates
• Voice note documentation
• Integrated scheduling
• Clinical history and goals
  This keeps documentation fast, consistent, and compliant.

✔ A Clinical Support Network — Without Micromanagement

You’re independent, but never alone. Coral Care provides a community of pediatric experts, supervision opportunities, and guidance when you need it.

What Clinicians Still Get to Own (the good stuff)

Coral Care removes the barriers, but preserves the autonomy:

• You choose your caseload size
• You choose your schedule
• You choose your preferred age groups and specialties
• You choose your travel radius
• You practice the way you believe children learn best

It’s your practice — just with the infrastructure already built.

Who This Model Is Right For

This approach is especially powerful for clinicians who:

• Want private practice flexibility without running a business
• Are tired of clinic productivity pressures
• Want to earn more without adding hours
• Prefer in-home, family-centered therapy
• Are looking for sustainable work-life balance
• Enjoy autonomy and clinical creativity

The Bottom Line

Building a pediatric practice doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. When clinicians don’t have to manage spreadsheets, insurance applications, or marketing plans, they can focus on what they do best — helping children make meaningful progress.

With Coral Care, therapists gain the freedom and impact of private practice without the administrative weight or financial burden.

If you're an OT, SLP, or PT thinking about starting or expanding your private practice, Coral Care gives you the foundation to do it sustainably — and the support to thrive.

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