983: 2 Things You Must Do in 2026 to Improve Your Reimbursements – Shelley DeGroff

Insurance can be frustrating to figure out on your own. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Shelley DeGroff, founder of PPO Advisors, to decode some of the biggest changes in the PPO world and share two things you need to do to improve your reimbursements in the upcoming year. To stay up to date with PPO changes and prevent future revenue loss, listen to Episode 983 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Shelley:

• Send Shelley an email: shelley@ppoadvisors.com 
• Join PPO Advisors on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PPOAdvisorsLLC
• Learn more about PPO Advisors: https://ppoadvisors.com
• Mention this episode or visit this link to receive $500 off your analysis fee: https://learn.ppoadvisors.com/promo

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

• Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen
• Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
• Download ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360
• Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_US
• Join ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt
• Get The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazine
• Please leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218

Episode Resources:

• Watch the video version of Episode 983: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos
• Watch Episode 954 with Shelley DeGroff: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjJ6cLq_k50

Main Takeaways:

• Stay on top of your EOBs by auditing them regularly.
• Evaluate your master fee to ensure you're paid what you're owed.
• Learn what stacking order means and how it can affect your practice.
• Opt-outs are not automatic! Be proactive so they are processed correctly.
• You don't need to be 100% PPO or 100% fee-for-service. Have a healthy mix.
• Don't get complacent or comfortable. Understand the contracts you're agreeing to.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:16 Shelley’s background.

2:10 A refresher on important PPO changes.

7:15 Audit your EOBs regularly.

10:23 Master fee, explained.

17:29 Stacking order, explained.

20:55 How PPO Advisors can help your practice.

26:10 Final thoughts.

28:24 More about PPO Advisors, their discount code, and how to get in touch.

Shelley DeGroff Bio: 

Shelley DeGroff, founder and CEO of PPO Advisors, knows dentistry. After graduating from the University of Nebraska, she began working as a dental receptionist in a nearby dental office. After completing her certification as a dental assistant, Shelley transitioned to become a successful office manager. It was in that role that Shelley began noticing the need for PPO negotiations for her employing doctor. This experience began the business model for PPO Advisors, which has now become a nationwide industry leader.