Insurance Untangled

In this episode, Tessina, an insurance expert, discusses the complexities of Coordinating Benefits (COB) and provides practical advice for dental practices. She highlights common misunderstandings caused by insurance companies and emphasizes the importance of understanding COB policies. Tessina outlines a three-step process to simplify COB: know the coordination type, use usual and customary rates...

In this episode, the focus is on recent changes in insurance contracts affecting dental practices. Key shifts include extended termination notice periods, now ranging from 120 to 180 days, compared to the traditional 60 to 90 days. This change is a response to the increasing number of doctors leaving insurance networks. Additionally, new contracts are introducing minimum participation requirements...

In this podcast episode, the focus was on transforming dental practices through four key marketing habits. First, Naren Arulrajah emphasizes the importance of Google Reviews, encouraging practices to aim for ten or more five-star, detailed reviews monthly to enhance reputation and trust. Second, highlighting the value of showcasing high-value dental cases through before-and-after visuals on variou...

In this episode, Ben and Naren discuss the challenges dental practices face with insurance claim denials post-healthcare hack. They explore how government agencies, primarily state insurance commissioners, can intervene in appeals against insurance companies. They clarify that while agencies protect consumer rights, dentists can utilize them effectively through strategic advocacy. The conversation...

In this episode, we explore the critical distinction between working in your dental practice and working on it. Our guest, Naren, delves into how focusing solely on day-to-day operations—like patient care, staff management, and administrative tasks—can limit your practice's growth potential. Drawing insights from Michael Gerber's "The E-Myth," Narin highlights the transformative power of strategic...

In this episode of the Insurance Untangled podcast, Naren welcomes Ben to discuss the rise of umbrella networks and network affiliations among PPOs. Ben explains that umbrella networks involve PPO plans leasing their networks to independent insurance companies, allowing providers to be in-network with multiple companies through one contract. He outlines the reasons behind this trend, including the...

In this episode, marketing expert Naren Arulrajah uncovers the key marketing concepts to boost your online presence and drive traffic to your business. Ever heard of NAP? It's not what you think! Naren breaks down why Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) consistency is the hidden gem of digital marketing, especially for mastering SEO and reeling in direct traffic from sites like Yelp. Discover ho...

In this episode, the Insurance Untangled host and guest explore the viability of the PPO practice model for dental practices. Ben Tuinei discusses the financial challenges that PPO plans present, including lower payments and increased costs, which lead to significant write-offs. With his years of experience, he shares his evolving perspective on PPOs, emphasizing that while the fee-for-service mod...

In this episode, Ben interviews Naren and discusses the dual role of dentists as clinicians and business owners. With the increasing implementation of business programs in dental schools, the importance of business acumen in private practice is highlighted. Naren shares insights from experience, emphasizing that while many dentists focus on clinical excellence, they must also master business manag...

In this episode, Ben and Naren discuss the challenges of period billing and period denials in dentistry. They highlight the rising denials for periodontal disease claims, attributing it to increased treatment and insurance companies' efforts to reduce payouts. Ben explains that many dental practices underreport period treatments due to misinformation and insurance complexities, leading to financia...

In this episode, Naren Arulrajah shares how dentists can use influence principles to attract and retain patients. He explores the seven principles taught by Dr. Chinni, which will help increase patient compliance and case acceptance. Specific examples include using Google reviews for social proof, gaining awards for authority, and building relationships for reciprocity. Naren encourages listeners...

In this podcast discussion, Ben Tuinei explains the concept and purpose of umbrella or leasing networks in the insurance industry. These networks allow insurance companies with smaller or less established networks to expand their in-network provider lists by partnering with other companies. This helps in attracting more employer groups by presenting a larger network of in-network providers. Ben em...

In this episode, Ben and Naren uncover the secrets behind converting potential new patients into booked appointments. With Naren's 17 years of experience in dental marketing, he highlights the importance of understanding call conversion rates. He emphasizes the need for practices to listen to calls regularly, address common mistakes such as assuming callers are price shoppers, and focus on buildin...

In this episode featuring special guest Brian Hanks, we explore the decision-making process behind acquiring a dental practice, with a particular focus on whether to buy a PPO or a fee-for-service practice. Brian underscores the significance of ownership for career control and financial benefits, advocating for practice acquisition regardless of type but suggesting a bias towards fee-for-service p...

Seeking assistance from a State Insurance Commissioner can be beneficial in overturning claim denials, particularly in cases of insurance bullying. These commissioners, both state and federal, advocate for consumers, ensuring insurance companies fulfill their obligations. Dentists can represent patients in appeals, emphasizing the patient's perspective. Despite challenges, seeking help from experi...

In this engaging podcast episode, join hosts Ben Tuinei and Naren Arulrajah as they explore the pressing challenges dental practices face regarding insurance in 2024. From a shortage of skilled billers to perplexing denial trends and mounting accounts receivables, we dissect the top five issues impacting dental offices today.

In this episode, Naren Arulrajah explores the core practices driving success for dental practices. He stresses the significance of being metrics-driven, fostering accountability, prioritizing patient experience, mastering case acceptance, and excelling in marketing. Through candid discussions, listeners can gain invaluable insights into overcoming common challenges such as burnout and delegation....

In this episode, we talk about errors in the processing of insurance claims. We start by examining the staggering 19.3% error rate reported by the American Medical Association, with a focus on underpaid claims. Through real-life examples, we uncover instances where insurance companies downgrade procedures, leading to significant financial losses for healthcare providers. We discuss strategies for...

Tune in to our latest episode, where we recap an incredible three-hour event held on March 1st, 2024. Featuring insightful talks from industry experts Ben Tuinei, Jordon Comstock, Naren Arulrajah, Morgan Millett, Dr. Eric Block, Erica Aguilera, and Tessina Bullock, the event delved into avoiding common pitfalls in dental practice management. Highlights include: Strategies for negotiating fees with...

In this episode, Naren Arulrajah explores the essential attributes of successful dental practice owners. Drawing from the guest's extensive experience working with dental practitioners, he delves into three key focuses: delegation, a win-win mindset, and a commitment to growth. The podcast hosts emphasize the importance of mastering delegation, fostering a positive, win-win attitude, and maintaini...

In this episode, Ben Tuinei will talk about the types of dental plans and non-covered service laws. He explores the distinctions between self-funded and fully insured plans, discussing the financial implications for employers and patients. Ben explains how self-funded plans fall under federal ERISA laws, while fully insured plans are governed by state regulations. He addresses the challenges denti...

In this insightful episode, Jordon emphasizes the critical role of processes and systems in increasing the valuation of dental practices. He highlights the importance of understanding daily processes to enhance practice value. From marketing to clinical processes, Jordon underscores the need for documented systems to ensure consistency and quality, ultimately leading to growth and scalability. Mor...

In this episode, Insurance Untangled hosts dive into the pressing concerns of practice owners. They kick off with the pivotal question: What are the digital marketing options available, and what are their pros and cons? Naren sheds light on the invisible costs of PPO plans, emphasizing the need to explore more cost-effective alternatives like SEO, Google ads, and social media marketing and stressi...

In this episode, Ben Tuinei shares insider knowledge about the evolving landscape of dental insurance and its impact on dentists. He sheds light on the challenges faced by dentists in obtaining crucial information about insurance changes, highlighting a need for more transparency in the industry. Ben discusses how insurance companies prioritize profits over the well-being of dentists, leading to f...

In this episode, Jordan talks about building a practice that can thrive without the constant presence of its owner. He emphasizes the importance of structuring the business to generate income independently, allowing the owner to take time off without compromising operations. Drawing from personal experiences and recommended readings like "Built to Sell" and "Traction," Insurance Untangled hosts di...