Let’s start with the hard truth:
Dentists want better PPO fees but many don’t want to go through the process of earning them.

If you're reading this, chances are you've already vented to someone (probably your spouse or office manager) about how low your PPO reimbursements are. You've done the math, realized your hygiene visits are running in the red, and said something like:

“This PPO contract is bleeding us dry!”

And yet—when a PPO fee negotiation firm finally offers a path to higher reimbursements and long-term profitability—the first question many dentists ask is:

“Will I lose my contract during this process?”

Cue the sigh.

It’s a fair question... if your goal is to remain exactly where you are.

But if you're here to win—not just survive—then let’s shift your mindset and ask the right questions. Because let’s be honest: PPO fee negotiations and contract optimization aren't for the faint of heart. They’re for dentists with grit.

First, Let’s Clear the Air: Yes, Discomfort Is Part of the Process

You're a healthcare provider. Every day, you educate patients that temporary discomfort is necessary to achieve long-term health. You explain that numbing, drilling, extractions, or post-op sensitivity are small sacrifices for a healthier mouth and a longer-lasting smile.

Yet when it comes to your own financial health, many dentists won't walk the talk.

Optimizing your PPO contracts often requires terminating and replacing outdated, underperforming agreements. Yes, that may mean a temporary lapse or disruption. But that disruption is part of the strategy—it’s a controlled and calculated move that makes your practice stronger.

Let that sink in:

You can't expect major gains while clinging to the same old bad deal.

The Wrong Question:

“Will I lose my contract?”
The real answer: Only temporarily, and only by design.

This fear-based question limits growth. It's like asking if flossing will hurt. It might. But skipping it leads to decay.

The Right Questions to Ask a PPO Negotiation Firm

If you're serious about PPO fee negotiations and contract optimization, here’s what you should be asking:

“What’s your strategy for contract layering and optimization?”

Not all PPO contracts are created equal. A good firm doesn’t just chase higher fees—they restructure your network participation in a way that aligns with your practice goals.

“How do you handle umbrella networks?”

Umbrella networks can be a double-edged sword. They might bring higher fees or better coverage, but they can also entangle you in restrictive or confusing arrangements. A solid negotiating firm understands the pros and cons and guides you through selectively using—or avoiding—them.

“What percentage of revenue increase should I expect?”

Typical PPO fee negotiations yield a 5–8% increase in total revenue. But when combined with contract optimization, practices routinely see 9–18%, and in some aggressive cases, 20%+.

That’s real, measurable impact. For a $1.2 million practice, that could mean $100K–$200K of found money every year.

“Will you guide us through terminations and re-credentialing if needed?”

This is where the real magic happens—and where many practices hesitate. Yes, re-contracting takes time. Yes, it requires courage. But with the right team managing the process, your risk is minimized and your upside is maximized.

“What ongoing support do you offer?”

PPO fees change. Networks evolve. Insurance companies make moves in the dark. You want a partner, not a one-and-done dealmaker. Ask if they provide annual reviews, re-negotiations, and strategy adjustments over time.

“Can you help me evaluate which PPOs to keep, drop, or renegotiate?”

Optimization is not about being in-network with everyone. It's about being strategic. A great firm helps you cut dead weight while maximizing value from profitable relationships.

If It’s Easy, It’s Probably Not Worth It

Dentistry isn’t easy. Insurance sure isn’t. But if you’re looking for the lowest-friction solution, here it is:

Stay in your current contracts. Watch your reimbursements stagnate or decline year over year. Work harder, make less. Rinse and repeat.

Or...

Get bold.

Get uncomfortable.

Get paid what you're worth.

What Makes a PPO Negotiation Firm Worth Hiring?

Not all negotiation firms are created equal. Some simply shuffle a few letters, send a few emails, and call it a day. Others work deep in the trenches—analyzing your UCR fees, understanding regional payer behavior, planning terminations with surgical precision, and aligning every move with your long-term revenue goals.

Here’s what to look for:

• Proven history of contract optimization, not just negotiation.

• Knowledge of umbrella networks and how to manipulate them strategically.

• Willingness to explain the true risk-reward ratio (not sugarcoating it).

• Customized strategies that fit your specialty, size, and market.

• Transparent about potential temporary contract lapses—but with a plan to recover and grow beyond them.

Final Word: Be the Patient, For Once

Dentists often expect patients to trust them through discomfort—needles, drills, recovery. Why? Because the outcome is worth it.

Now, it’s your turn.

The discomfort of PPO fee negotiations and contract terminations? It’s temporary.

The outcome?
Higher revenue. Better margins. A more profitable practice.

Just like you tell your patients:

“We’ll get through this, and you’ll be better for it.”

So ask better questions. Be willing to endure the process. And partner with a PPO fee negotiation firm that’s ready to help you optimize—not just negotiate.

Ready to Level Up?

If you’re serious about taking your practice to the next level, PPO fee negotiations and contract optimization aren’t optional—they’re essential. Partner with professionals who understand the process, guide you through the discomfort, and help you reap the rewards.

Want to learn more about how your practice can grow 9–18%+ in revenue?
Visit www.veritasdentalresources.com to schedule a free consultation and find out what your PPO contracts are really costing you.

Benjamin Tuinei

Founder - Veritas Dental Resources, LLC
Phone: 888-808-4513

Services:
PPO Fee Negotiators | PPO Fee Negotiating | Insurance Fee Negotiating
Insurance Credentialing | Insurance Verifications

Websites:
www.VeritasDentalResources.com | www.VerusDental.com