Less Insurance Dependence Podcast

In this episode of the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, hosts Naren Arulrajah and Gary Takacs focus on the ten key performance indicators (KPIs) that define a thriving and profitable dental practice. They highlight the importance of these KPIs in measuring and improving various aspects of a dental practice. First, they discuss the importance of new Google reviews, recommending a goal of at least ten new reviews per month to enhance online reputation and attract new patients. Next, they emphasize the need to measure new patients per month, specifically adult patients undergoing comprehensive exams, to ensure a steady influx of new patients. Gary emphasizes the importance of monitoring these KPIs monthly to keep a finger on the pulse of the practice and shares insights on how focusing on these metrics can lead to significant improvements. The episode provides practical advice for dental practices aiming to enhance their performance and profitability through strategic measurement and management of these essential KPIs.

In this episode of The Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah explore strategies for maintaining profitability after dropping PPO plans. They emphasize the dual approach of increasing revenues and decreasing expenses, noting that eliminating the high overhead of PPO adjustments is crucial. Gary advises focusing on building a strong hygiene department, incorporating high-value services like adult orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, and dental implants, and using oral conscious sedation to boost treatment acceptance. He also highlights the importance of effective marketing, maximizing the use of auxiliary team members, and improving case presentation skills to increase daily production. The episode concludes with a discussion of the most profitable elective procedures, such as dental implants, adult orthodontics, and smile design. These services not only generate high revenue but also meet patient demands for comprehensive care. The hosts underline that with the right strategies, practices can successfully transition away from PPO plans and achieve greater profitability.

In this episode of the "Less Insurance Dependence" podcast, hosts Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah tackle the pressing question: Can Your Practice Truly Survive Without Insurance? The episode elaborates on four questions sent in by listeners, addressing various aspects of dealing with insurance companies, particularly focusing on Delta Dental. Gary shares his expertise and experience, shedding light on the evolving landscape of insurance, the challenges posed by Delta Dental, and strategies for managing insurance transitions effectively. Listeners learn about the expected changes from Delta Dental, including potential fee reductions and increased administrative burdens for providers. They also gain insights into why Delta Dental sends payments to subscribers for out-of-network patients, understanding the company's tactics to pressure providers to stay in-network. Furthermore, the hosts discuss the importance of effective communication with patients when considering dropping insurance plans, emphasizing the significance of face-to-face discussions and strategic planning to minimize patient loss during transitions. They highlight the need for a comprehensive approach, including coaching and backup plans, to comprehend the complexities of insurance transitions successfully. Tune in to gain valuable insights and strategies for success in an evolving dental landscape.

In this episode of "The Less Insurance Dependence Podcast," Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah engage in a detailed discussion on whether insurance companies possess the authority to establish fees for services not covered under insurance plans. They travel into the historical challenges dentists face when insurance companies dictate fees for services beyond their coverage, pondering the philosophical implications of such practices. Notably, they shed light on recent legislative advancements in select states that aim to address this issue. The conversation underscores the importance of dentists staying abreast of state regulations and refraining from violating contract terms. Furthermore, they advocate for a strategic transition away from reliance on PPO plans, emphasizing alternative marketing avenues like Google SEO to attract patients and regain control over fee setting.

In this episode of the Less Insurance Dependence podcast, Gary Takas and Naren Arulrajah tackle a common dilemma faced by dental practices transitioning out of network: should they accept the assignment of benefits? They begin by elucidating the significance of this term in dental insurance processes, where accepting the assignment of benefits means authorizing the insurance company to send the reimbursement check directly to the dental practice rather than to the patient. The hosts discuss the variability in policies among insurance companies, particularly focusing on the restrictive nature of Delta Dental regarding the acceptance of the assignment of benefits. They emphasize the importance of checking with insurance companies about their policies post-transitioning out of the network, as some may need to allow practices to accept the assignment of benefits for in-state patients. Despite the challenges, Gary and Naren advocate for a patient-friendly approach even after transitioning out of the network. They stress the importance of making processes easy for patients and disagree with consultants who suggest completely washing hands off insurance involvement post-transition. Instead, they recommend maintaining a level of involvement in insurance processes to provide better customer service to patients. The hosts express optimism about successfully resigning from PPO plans within a specific timeframe.

In this episode of The Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, co-hosts Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah dive into a thought-provoking discussion on whether dentistry should be considered a profession or an industry. They acknowledge the significant influence of insurance companies on dental practices, shaping them more towards being transactional providers rather than relationship-driven professionals. Gary emphasizes the importance of the terminology used, advocating for viewing dentistry as a profession due to the expertise, care, and dedication involved in providing dental services. He urges listeners to assess where their practice lies on the spectrum between transactional and relationship-driven and to consider moving towards a more patient-centered approach. The episode concludes with invitations for further assistance in reducing insurance dependence and improving marketing strategies, encouraging dentists to schedule coaching or marketing strategy meetings. Through their insightful discussion, Gary and Naren provide valuable insights into the evolving nature of dentistry and the importance of patient-focused care.

In this episode of The Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, hosts Gary Takas and Naren Arulrajah delve into the topic of reducing practice overhead in dentistry. They emphasize the importance of addressing rising expenses, particularly in the post-COVID era, where overhead costs have surged due to inflation and increasing wages. The hosts present a case study illustrating the impact of transitioning from in-network to fee-for-service, highlighting significant revenue increases and profit gains. They emphasize viewing PPO adjustments as marketing expenses and advocate for dentists to regain control over fee setting by resigning from PPO plans. Gary recommends seeking guidance from the Academy of Dental CPAs and conducting a marketing strategy meeting to reduce overhead and increase profitability. Overall, the episode provides valuable insights into addressing practice overhead challenges and emphasizes strategic decision-making to enhance practice profitability.

In this podcast episode, hosts Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah discuss the importance of offering high-value services like cosmetic dentistry to attract new patients and improve practice profitability. They share tips for dentists interested in expanding their services, such as joining professional organizations and using effective marketing strategies. They also highlight the growing demand for cosmetic dentistry among millennials. Tune in for valuable insights and opportunities for practice growth!

Tune in to this episode of the "Less Insurance Dependence" podcast, where hosts Naren Arulrajah and Gary Takacs provide a sneak preview of possible benefits reform in dental insurance. Drawing from Gary's insightful interview with Dr. Brett Kessler, president-elect of the American Dental Association (ADA), they delve into the pressing topic of benefits reform and its potential impact on dental practices. From disparities in coverage to advocating for patient-friendly approaches, Naren and Gary shed light on the transformative possibilities that reform could bring. Don't miss this engaging discussion. Join the conversation today!

Join Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah on the "Less Insurance Dependence" podcast as they delve into the often-overlooked benefits of resigning from PPO plans. In this enlightening episode, learn how freeing yourself from PPO entanglements can lead to increased profitability, more time for patient care, and a happier workplace environment. Gain valuable insights and real-life examples that will empower you to take control of your dental practice and thrive outside the confines of PPO dependence. Don't miss out on this eye-opening discussion.