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 buildi…

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 …

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…

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 mean…

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 provid…

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 c…

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 strate…

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 bene…

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 valua…

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, …

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!…

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, …

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 co…

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 ma…

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 s…

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 an…

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 e…

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 m…

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-b…

In this episode, Gary and Naren discuss the vital need for dental practices to reassess fee schedules, moving away from heavy reliance on PPO plans. They highlight the impact of stagnant fees on profitability and offer strategies for recalibrating prices to reflect fair value and cover rising costs. Explore insights into attracting non-PPO patients…

In this episode, Gary and Naren explore BHAGs (Big Hairy Audacious Goals) in business, inspired by Jim Collins and Peter Diamandis. They center on dentistry's BHAG: quitting PPO plans for practice success. Gary emphasizes the strategic impact and offers actionable steps for reducing insurance reliance, guiding dentists toward transformative changes…

Gary and Naren discuss Dr. Cialdini's unity principle. They highlight its power through initiatives like supplying NFL-grade mouthguards to local teams and creating strong community connections. They contrast this supportive unity with skepticism in traditional dental circles, emphasizing unity's transformative impact on dental practices.…

This episode delves into the nuances of projecting confidence without appearing arrogant, especially in the dental field. It narrates a dentist's unexpected revelation after parting ways with a major insurance provider, highlighting the fears and innovative strategies employed to address patient concerns. Ultimately, it showcases the power of proac…

In this episode, Gary and Naren discuss scarcity as a potent influence principle in professional practice, inspired by Doctor Robert Chinni's teachings. They explore its impact on demand using Apple's iPhone launches as an example. Strategies for dental practices, like special service days and time-limited offers, highlight scarcity's influence. As…

Join Gary and Naren on the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast as they unravel the challenge of dentists being tied to unexpected PPO plans. Explore strategies to reveal hidden contracts, understand specifics, and employ proactive marketing to reduce reliance, regain control, and minimize financial impact on your practice.…

Explore how beliefs shape actions through commitment and consistency. Discover actionable dental strategies leveraging these principles for enhanced patient engagement and practice success.

In this episode, Gary and Naren discuss lessons from the successful 2023 RIDA Virtual Summit. They talk about how more dentists need to learn to rely more on insurance, taking action for practice growth. They touch on economic challenges within networks and the importance of marketing, highlighting the happier and more profitable outcomes for denti…

Gary and Naren discuss influencing patients in dentistry. They share seven principles from Dr. Robert Cialdini, highlighting reciprocity – doing something nice makes others want to reciprocate. They emphasize how these small actions can build strong connections with patients, offering valuable insights for dentists to succeed through meaningful rel…

In this episode, Gary and Narin explore how reducing insurance dependence in your dental practice can significantly enhance its long-term value. By attracting fee-for-service patients and eliminating unnecessary PPO plans, profitability increases, making your practice more attractive. They also discuss the possibility of selling to a Dental Service…

In this episode, Gary and Naren explore the Influence Principle of Authority in your dental practice. They discuss establishing yourself as an expert using doctor testimonials from the Doctor's Choice Awards platform. They also highlight the importance of backlinks for SEO. By applying the Authority Principle, you can reduce insurance dependence an…

In this podcast, Naren and Gary discuss the financial impact of keeping PPO plans for dental practices. They highlight the rising expenses, reduced income, and the need to reconsider their viability in the face of evolving economic conditions.

In this episode, Gary and Naren explore Dr. Robert Cialdini's principle of "liking" as a key element in reducing insurance dependence in dental practices. They emphasize the importance of creating a personal connection with patients, both online and in-person, and offer practical strategies for building likability. They also discuss the value of ed…

In this episode, Gary and Naren explore how PPO dental practices can face significant challenges in achieving their ideal practice. They discuss five key hurdles, including maintaining patient relationships, financial limitations due to insurance write-offs, insurance-driven patient mindsets, difficulties in hiring and retaining top team members, a…

In this episode, Gary and Naren explore the power of social proof in dentistry. They discuss the dependency on PPO insurance plans and the importance of breaking free from this model. Emphasizing Google reviews as a tool to build trust, they share a five-step strategy for effective review gathering.

In this captivating podcast episode, Gary highlights "Three Mistakes Dentists Make with their Membership Plan." Experience the wisdom of an industry expert as he unravels these common pitfalls, championing the virtue of simplicity. Gary offers actionable advice on crafting a straightforward, single-plan approach, targeting a broader audience, and s…

This episode explores the critical phase called "The Messy Middle" in dental practice transitions. After leaving insurance networks, practices encounter various patient reactions, requiring effective communication. Face-to-face conversations are essential for conveying nuances. While some patient loss is anticipated, practices with strong relations…

Explore the transformation of a solo dentist practice as it strategically reduces insurance dependency. This podcast episode showcases how the practice, initially hesitant to drop major insurance plans, experienced remarkable financial improvements. In 2021, it generated $1.9 million in production, collecting $1.4 million while writing off over $50…

Gary and Naren dive into why some dental practices drop insurance plans in this episode. They emphasize the importance of a patient-friendly approach, tailoring responses to individual patients, and maintaining consistency in communication. The episode explores various scenarios and strategies for addressing patients' concerns with empathy and tran…

Join Gary and Naren in exploring dental insurance PPO plan negotiation intricacies. Revealing insurers' covert strategies, they debate if PPO plans are softening negotiation stances. Although PPOs typically resist negotiation, recent shifts suggest a change. Plans now propose fee schedules to retain resigning dentists. Gary urges dentists to boost …

Join Gary and Naren in this episode as they tackle the question, "Can You Successfully Resign From Delta?" Gain insights into reducing insurance dependence, building confidence, and transitioning towards practice control. Explore the journey from doubt to success.

Gary discusses the 'One and Done Thinking' trap in this episode, focusing on areas like Google reviews, verbal skills training, heads-up conversations, and team member recognition. He emphasizes that success requires ongoing effort rather than one-time actions. Gary and Naren highlight the value of consistency in these aspects for dental practice g…

Unveil the hidden challenges of umbrella PPO dental plans with Gary's insights. Gain clarity on active patients, resignation periods, and strategies to break free from entanglements. Learn how to transition to comprehensive marketing and attract patients who value your services beyond insurance dependency.…

In this highly informative episode, Gary reveals five crucial steps to help dentists prepare for resigning from PPO plans. Drawing from his extensive experience, he emphasizes the importance of proper preparation through success and failure stories. Tune in for actionable insights and expert guidance to set your practice up for success.…

In this podcast, Gary and Naren discuss when resigning from PPO plans is not advisable. They identify three critical attributes: needing more reasons for patients to choose the practice, being a reliable source of new patients beyond PPO plans, and being transaction-driven instead of relationship-driven. These insights help dentists make informed d…

In this episode, Gary and Naren discuss the changing landscape of dental insurance, with Delta being defensive. They explore the factors influencing Delta's policies and offer insights for dental practices to navigate the evolving environment successfully.

In this Less Insurance Dependence Podcast episode, Naren and Gary discuss strategies to get team members on board when resigning from PPO plans. They emphasize the importance of team alignment, training, and communicating the benefits of the change to ensure a successful transition.

In this episode, discover how to empower patients who purchase their own dental insurance. Learn about a more beneficial in-office membership plan and its advantages, including cost savings, flexibility, and increased patient loyalty. Don't miss out on this valuable insight!

Dive into the world of PPO plans as Gary demystifies out-of-network benefits. Learn the crucial distinctions between open and closed panel plans and discover how in-office membership options can provide superior coverage at lower costs. Join the conversation for essential insights in this enlightening podcast episode.…

Discover how a dental practice added $250k annually with Invisalign cases. Gary and Naren delve into strategies, including high-profit services and the impact of adult orthodontics. Overcome challenges like PPO plans by offering desired treatments.

Discover the potential of video communication in dental practices. Learn how incorporating facial expressions, tone, and body language enhances patient understanding when resigning from PPO plans. With concise 2-3 minute videos, practitioners effectively convey changes while emphasizing quality care and personalized experiences, maximizing patient …