Alright, dental warriors, buckle up! If you’re here, you’re probably daydreaming about cutting the cord with PPOs. You’ve had enough of their slashed reimbursements, endless red tape, and general soul-sucking energy. You’re ready to step out of the PPO hamster wheel and into the big leagues as an out-of-network dentist.
But let’s not sugarcoat it—this isn’t for the faint of heart. Going out of network is like pulling off a Band-Aid. It stings at first, but the freedom? Oh, it’s glorious.
We’ve got your back with a three-step roadmap to financial independence and dental bliss. Let’s dive in, starting with the secret sauce to surviving and thriving as an out-of-network practice: marketing, membership plans, and strategic contract cuts.
Step 1: Build a Killer Marketing Engine
If you’re going out of network, you need to scream it from the rooftops. That means creating a marketing machine that makes your practice impossible to ignore. Here’s how to crush it:
SEO That Slaps
Google is your BFF. Optimize your website with local keywords like “best dentist near me” and “out of network dentist in [Your City].” Add blogs, patient resources, and success stories to show up on Page 1 where the magic happens.
PPC Ads to Steal the Spotlight
Paid ads are your golden ticket to capturing attention. Run Google Ads targeted at high-value services like implants, Invisalign, and cosmetic dentistry. Make sure your landing pages are polished and packed with conversion power.
Direct Mail, Done Right
Yes, snail mail still works—when done creatively. Send eye-catching postcards offering special deals for new patients or inviting them to your membership plan (more on that in a minute).
Review Domination
Patients trust reviews more than your website. Encourage happy patients to leave glowing reviews on Google and Yelp. Pro tip: Respond to every single one, even the negative ones, with grace and professionalism.
Referrals That Work Harder
Happy patients bring more happy patients. Create a referral program that rewards both the referrer and the new patient with credits, discounts, or exclusive perks.
Step 2: Launch and Scale a Patient Membership Program
If going out of network feels like jumping off a cliff, think of a patient membership plan as your parachute. This is your ticket to predictable, recurring revenue without the PPO drama. Let’s break it down:
Why Membership Plans are a Game-Changer
- Predictable Revenue: No more feast-or-famine cycles. Membership plans bring in steady cash flow every month.
- Loyal Patients: Members stick around, refer friends, and spend 2X to 5X more than PPO patients. That’s right—your members become super fans.
- No Insurance Hassles: No approvals, no waiting periods, just pure dentistry.
BoomCloud™ to the Rescue
Managing a membership plan can be a headache—unless you’re using BoomCloud™. This software takes care of billing, tracking, and scaling so you can focus on doing what you love (you know, saving teeth).
Proven Stats
Practices with membership plans are killing it. Here’s the lowdown:
- MRR (Monthly Recurring Revenue): Thousands in predictable income.
- ARR (Annual Recurring Revenue): Six figures in the bag.
- Patient Spend: Members drop serious cash on treatments, averaging 4.2X more than PPO patients.
Step 3: Cut PPO Contracts One by One
This is where the magic happens. Cutting PPO contracts is the final step to becoming a full-fledged out-of-network dentist. But don’t pull the plug all at once—this requires strategy and patience.
Channeling Gary Takacs
Gary Takacs says it best: “You don’t have to go cold turkey; you can gradually reduce your PPO participation over time.” And he’s right. Here’s how:
- Start with the Worst PPOs: Analyze your contracts and identify the ones with the lowest reimbursements. Cut those first—they’re costing you more than they’re worth.
- Monitor Patient Retention: Keep a close eye on how many patients stick around after each contract cut. With a strong membership program, you’ll keep the majority of them.
- Communicate Transparently: Be upfront with your patients. Explain the benefits of being out of network—better care, more time, and personalized attention.
Case Study: The BoomCloud™ Effect
Let’s take a look at how BoomCloud™ helped one practice crush their goals and thrive as an out-of-network dentist.
7 to 7 Dental
- Members: 1,672 members paying $35/month.
- MRR: $58,520.
- ARR: $702,240.
- Patient Spend: Members spent 4.2X more than PPO patients.
With BoomCloud™, 7 to 7 Dental automated their membership plan and transitioned out of PPOs with minimal patient loss. Now, they’re thriving with loyal members and predictable revenue.
Why Going Out of Network is Worth It
Ditching PPOs is scary, but the benefits are undeniable:
- Freedom to Set Your Fees: No more working for peanuts.
- Stronger Patient Relationships: Focus on care, not quotas.
- Higher Profit Margins: Keep more of what you earn.
Final Thoughts
Going out of network isn’t just a financial move—it’s a lifestyle upgrade. By building a solid marketing strategy, launching a patient membership plan with BoomCloud™, and cutting contracts strategically, you’ll set your practice up for long-term success.
So, dentists, it’s time to take the leap. Say goodbye to PPO shackles and hello to freedom, profitability, and a thriving practice. Ready to make the jump? Let’s do this!
