Negotiated Fee Schedules – Truth or Fiction?

In this episode of the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah discuss “Negotiated Fee Schedules: Truth or Fiction.” 

Historically, until around 2011 or 2012, dentists had some success negotiating fees with PPO plans. However, in recent years, insurance companies have largely stopped negotiating fees, leaving dentists with limited options. Gary explains that while insurance companies generally refuse to negotiate when asked directly, there has been a recent shift. In some cases, after a dentist resigns from a PPO plan, the insurance company might reach out with an offer to renegotiate the fee schedule in an attempt to retain the dentist within their network.

 The key takeaway is that while negotiated fee schedules can be a reality, they require persistence, strategic resignation, and careful consideration. Gary advises dentists to be cautious and prepared to follow through with their resignation if negotiations do not yield acceptable results, highlighting that this approach is not one to be taken lightly.

Reviewed by

Naren Arulrajah

CEO & Founder, Ekwa Marketing

Naren Arulrajah is the CEO and Founder of Ekwa Marketing, a 300-person dental marketing agency that has helped hundreds of practices grow through SEO, reputation management, and digital strategy. A published author of three books on dental marketing, contributor to Dentistry IQ, co-host of the Thriving Dentist Show and the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, and a member of the Academy of Dental Management Consultants. He has spent 19 years focused exclusively on helping dental practices succeed online.