

Less Insurance Dependence Podcast
Less Insurance Dependence
There is an underlying precept in our country's healthcare system that medical professionals can only survive through increased participation in insurance programs. The Less Insurance Dependence podcast series exposes that misperception, shedding light on how Dentists can thrive by breaking out of the insurance-controlled business model.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 28, 2024 • 18min
Take Away Lessons from Our Most Recent Virtual Event
In this podcast episode, Gary and Naren share a recap of the recent webinar with Dental Intel on the topic of Secrets to Thriving in Dentistry in 2024 and Beyond. Tune into this episode to learn further about the five proven strategies to make 2024 your best year yet, to learn about the data collected by Dental Intel working with 10,000 practices, and The Dental Buyer's journey further explained by Naren. This episode will help you understand the importance of leveraging psychology to convert website visitors into patients. Feeling stuck and unsure how to grow your dental practice in 2024? Tune into this episode to get insights from Gary and Naren.

Mar 21, 2024 • 17min
The PPO Umbrella Nightmare
In this podcast episode, Gary and Naren expose the hidden costs and restrictions of PPO umbrella plans. Learn how to break free and take control of your practice's profitability. You can also discover success stories and 3 key steps to resigning from PPO plans strategically. Listen now and escape the PPO Umbrella Nightmare!

Mar 14, 2024 • 18min
How Adding High Value Services Makes You Less Insurance Dependent
The Less Insurance Dependence podcast episode titled "How Adding High-Value Services Makes You Less Insurance Dependent" delves into the significance of incorporating high-value services, particularly cosmetic dentistry, into dental practices. Hosts Gary Takacs and Naren Arulraja stress the economic drawbacks of relying heavily on insurance plans, which often result in significant fee write-offs for dentists. By contrast, offering services like cosmetic dentistry allows practitioners to set fair fees and attract patients who prioritize quality care over insurance coverage. The episode highlights the shift in patient mindset from seeking free or insurance-covered treatments to valuing and investing in services that enhance their oral health and aesthetics. Emphasizing the need for skill development and effective marketing strategies, the hosts suggest that adding high-value services not only reduces insurance dependence but also leads to greater professional fulfillment and practice success. They encourage dentists to explore opportunities for continuing education, renew memberships with organizations like the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and consider coaching to integrate high-value services into their practices effectively.

Mar 8, 2024 • 19min
What does it really mean to be Fee-for-Service?
In this episode of The Less Insurance Dependence podcast, co-hosts Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah delve into the topic of what it truly means to be fee-for-service (FFS) in dentistry. They emphasize that being FFS entails charging your full fees and receiving them directly from patients without involvement from insurance companies. They address common misconceptions about FFS dentistry and advocate for a patient-friendly approach. They highlight the importance of continuing to provide excellent care and support to patients, regardless of their insurance status. Additionally, they discuss practical strategies for navigating the transition from being in-network with insurance plans to becoming FFS. This includes insights on handling insurance claims, retaining patients, and effectively marketing a practice. Ultimately, the episode provides valuable guidance for dental practitioners seeking to reduce their dependence on insurance and create a thriving FFS practice.

Feb 29, 2024 • 18min
Episode #281: Top 10 Questions from RIDA Members Part 2
In this episode, Gary and Naren tackle 'The Top 10 Questions from RIDA Members, Part 2'. They stress the importance of addressing patient concerns directly when resigning from PPO plans, provide strategies for deciding which plan to drop first, get team buy-in, estimate out-of-network fees, and proactively replace lost patients through effective marketing. Tune in for practical insights and actionable steps.

Feb 22, 2024 • 21min
Episode #280: Top 10 Questions from RIDA Members Part 1
In this podcast episode, Gary and Naren address the top 10 questions from RIDA members on transitioning from PPO plans. They discuss the timeframe for the transition, fee adjustments by Delta Dental, costs of SEO versus Google Ads patients, secrets to low-cost SEO patients, and evaluating readiness to resign from PPO plans. Practical insights and strategies are shared for dental practitioners aiming to reduce insurance dependence.

Feb 15, 2024 • 21min
Episode #279: High-Value Dentistry Series: Oral Conscious Sedation
Discover how Gary's real-life practice story can help you explore the benefits of oral conscious sedation in dentistry. By focusing on high-value services like oral conscious sedation, you can attract patients outside PPO plans while also easing dental fears. Learn about the importance of SEO in attracting anxious patients for comprehensive care and reducing insurance dependence. With high-value services, you can transform your practice into a patient-centered and profitable dentistry business.

Feb 8, 2024 • 22min
Episode #278: Lessons from Smile Direct Club Failure
Gary and Naren explore the fallout of SmileDirectClub's collapse, drawing parallels to the pitfalls of the DIY mindset. Through anecdotes and case studies, they caution against undertaking complex tasks without proper expertise. Discover the risks of navigating unfamiliar territory alone and the importance of seeking professional guidance in this eye-opening episode.

Feb 1, 2024 • 19min
Episode #277: Mastering Marketing is Your Key to Successfully Resign from PPO Plans
In this episode, Gary explores the crucial link between mastering marketing and successfully resigning from PPO plans. By framing insurance write-offs as a strategic marketing expense, he reveals a path to acquiring new patients while minimizing losses. Drawing on practical examples, the episode emphasizes the transformative impact of redirecting marketing efforts from PPO plans to platforms like Google, showcasing the financial benefits and enhanced patient acquisition strategies for dental practices.

Jan 25, 2024 • 18min
Episode #276: Does being a PPO Provider Help You Achieve an Effective Work-Life Balance?
Gary and Naren explore whether being a PPO provider truly supports work-life balance. This episode challenges the belief that PPO status aligns with equilibrium, emphasizing the sacrifices practitioners make. Discover actionable steps to reclaim balance and why cutting ties with PPO plans might be the key to professional success and personal well-being. Tune in for a fresh perspective on dental practice management.


