Less Insurance Dependence Podcast

In this episode of The Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, co-hosts Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah discuss the growing trend of dental insurance claim denials. They explore how insurance companies are increasing claim rejections, requesting excessive documentation, and leveraging policies like wait periods to reduce benefits utilization. They emphasize that these practices prioritize profits over patient care, creating challenges for dentists and patients alike. Gary and Naren encourage dentists to reduce their reliance on Insurance, highlighting the benefits of resigning from PPO plans and attracting patients without Insurance, stressing the importance of building strong patient relationships to sustain a thriving, independent dental practice. Book your free marketing strategy meeting with Ekwa at your convenience. Plus, at the end of the session, get a free analysis report to find out where your practice stands online. It's our gift to you! https://www.lessinsurancedependence.com/marketing-strategy-meeting/

In this episode of The Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah discuss whether dental insurance will undergo significant changes in 2025. Gary highlights the historical context and entrenched profit-driven practices of insurance companies and explains why a major overhaul is unlikely. However, minor legislative improvements, such as prohibiting insurers from setting fees on uncovered services, might occur. Book a free marketing strategy meeting with Ekwa and discover how we can help you leverage reviews to attract more patients! https://www.lessinsurancedependence.com/marketing-strategy-meeting/

Find out the impact of Google Reviews on reducing PPO dependence through this episode of The Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, where Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah share how modern consumer behavior is reshaping dental marketing. They explore why fewer patients rely on insurance company websites and instead turn to Google to find top-rated dental practices. Learn how having numerous positive reviews influences patient decisions and enhances your online presence, which is a mindset shift for dentists, focusing on Google strategies rather than PPO participation. Book a free marketing strategy meeting with Ekwa and discover how we can help you leverage reviews to attract more patients! https://www.lessinsurancedependence.com/marketing-strategy-meeting/

In this episode, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah talk about one of the most common questions dental practices face from potential new patients: "Do you take my insurance?" They emphasize the importance of proper call training to address this question effectively and convert inquiries into appointments. Gary shares a case study of a practice that improved its call conversion rate from 25% to 75% through focused training, highlighting the impact on new patient numbers without increasing marketing costs. Book your free marketing strategy meeting with Ekwa at your convenience. Plus, at the end of the session, get a free analysis report to find out where your practice stands online. It's our gift to you! https://www.lessinsurancedependence.com/marketing-strategy-meeting/

This episode of The Less Insurance Dependence Podcast focuses on "Recession Proofing Your Dental Practice." Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah share straightforward tips to help dental practices thrive during challenging economic times. They emphasize building patient trust, creating a relationship-driven environment, and providing unique reasons for patients to choose your practice, such as state-of-the-art technology and a focus on prevention. The episode also highlights the pitfalls of relying heavily on dental insurance networks and encourages practices to attract patients who value quality care. Book your free marketing strategy meeting with Ekwa at your convenience. Plus, at the end of the session, get a free analysis report to find out where your practice stands online. It's our gift to you! https://www.lessinsurancedependence.com/marketing-strategy-meeting/

In this episode, Gary and Naren dive into strategies for "Recession Proofing Your Dental Practice." They explore the reality that dental practices are often viewed as expendable by insurance companies, leading to unfair reimbursement rates and restrictive policies. Gary shares insights from working with over 400 practices that have successfully transitioned away from PPO plans, emphasizing the power dentists have when they choose to operate independently of insurance constraints. This discussion offers a blueprint for building a thriving, resilient dental practice that prioritizes fair treatment for patients and providers, regardless of economic downturns or industry pressures. Book your free marketing strategy meeting with Ekwa at your convenience. Plus, at the end of the session, get a free analysis report to find out where your practice stands online. It's our gift to you! https://www.lessinsurancedependence.com/marketing-strategy-meeting/

Ever wondered how to Improve Your Practice Without Completely Committing To Fee-for-Service? Gary and Naren take on a discussion throughout this episode about ways to improve a dental practice without fully committing to a fee-for-service model. They address the benefits of gradually reducing participation in PPO plans, allowing practices to increase profitability while maintaining flexibility. Gary shares a compelling case study of a dental practice that successfully transitioned out of PPO networks, increasing collections and reducing overhead. Tune in and get inspired to make small, impactful changes that could transform your practice's future. Book your free marketing strategy meeting with Ekwa at your convenience. Plus, at the end of the session, get a free analysis report to find out where your practice stands online. It's our gift to you! https://www.lessinsurancedependence.com/marketing-strategy-meeting/

In this episode, co-hosts Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah discuss the rising appeal of fee-for-service dental care as inflation and economic challenges strain insurance-based practices. They explore how increasing costs, especially in wages, and declining reimbursements from PPOs are pushing many dentists to consider dropping insurance plans altogether. By reducing insurance dependence, dentists can regain control over their fees, enhance practice profitability, and offer high-quality care. This episode highlights the benefits of transitioning to fee-for-service as a sustainable path to a thriving, independent dental practice.

In this episode of the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah explore whether potential new patients exist who are unaffected by a soft economy. They discuss how certain high-value dental services, such as implant restorations, smile makeovers, and sleep apnea treatments, remain in demand despite economic downturns. They emphasize the importance of attracting patients seeking specific solutions, regardless of financial conditions. Listeners will gain insights into how to build a recession-proof practice by focusing on patients who seek high-value procedures and leveraging SEO to reach them.

In this episode of the Less Insurance Dependence podcast, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah explore the concept of a hybrid dental practice model. They begin by discussing the definition of a hybrid model, which involves a mix of participating in some PPO insurance plans while also offering fee-for-service care. For many dental practices, the journey to a fully fee-for-service model may seem daunting, especially since around 90-95% of U.S. dentists are in-network with PPO plans. For these practices, transitioning to a hybrid model can serve as a stepping stone, allowing them to gradually reduce insurance dependence without fully stepping away from PPOs. The hybrid model can be a viable long-term strategy for practices wanting to balance PPO participation with fee-for-service offerings. It provides an opportunity to improve profitability and patient care gradually while maintaining some level of insurance participation when necessary.