Episode 954

954: Big Changes With Insurances You Need to Know About – Shelley DeGroff

Published on: 10th October, 2025

Working with PPOs is more confusing than ever — and it’s by design! In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Shelley DeGroff, founder and CEO of PPO Advisors, to help decode the complexity around upcoming changes and help you be an active player in the game of insurance. To stay up to date with the new changes and become less insurance dependent, listen to Episode 954 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Shelley:

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

Episode Resources:

Main Takeaways:

  • Think of insurance as a game. Be an active player!
  • Understand the contracts you're agreeing to, long term.
  • Insurance confusion is by design. Don't just set it and forget it!
  • Audit your EOBs daily. Do the math and figure out why fees are different.
  • New associates cannot use the owning doctor's NPI-1 — it is insurance fraud.
  • Success is not determined by the number of insurance you do or don't participate in.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

1:53 Shelley’s background.

2:51 The current state of PPOs.

5:22 Why are these changes legal?

9:08 Confusion is by design.

11:07 Be an active player in the insurance game.

12:22 How often should you audit EOBs?

14:30 Is any of this negotiable?

16:16 Provider-specific credentialing, explained.

18:25 How long does it take to credential?

20:10 NPI fraud, explained.

23:12 Other upcoming changes.

27:57 The trend of non-dentists purchasing dental practices.

31:12 Lose your dependency on insurance.

40:45 About PPO Advisors and how to get in touch.

Shelley DeGroff Bio: 

Shelley DeGroff, founder and CEO of PPO Advisors, knows dentistry. After graduating from the University of Nebraska, she began working as a dental receptionist in a nearby dental office. After completing her certification as a dental assistant, Shelley transitioned to become a successful office manager. It was in that role that Shelley began noticing the need for PPO negotiations for her employing doctor. This experience began the business model for PPO Advisors, which has now become a nationwide industry leader.



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About the Podcast

The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt
Elevate Your Dental Practice: Insights & Strategies from Industry Leaders
Welcome to The Best Practices Show, hosted by Kirk Behrendt, founder of ACT Dental (https://www.actdental.com/) and a leader in dental practice coaching. This podcast is your gateway to discovering the hidden gems and tactics used by the most successful dental practices worldwide.

At ACT Dental, we have meticulously curated strategies that have consistently proven effective in elevating dental practices. Our podcast, The Best Practices Show, extends our commitment to sharing this wealth of knowledge. Each episode features interviews with renowned dental professionals and industry leaders who have made significant strides in their practices. They share their experiences, insights, and the challenges they've overcome, offering a unique perspective that you won't find anywhere else.

Why should you listen to The Best Practices Show? Whether you're a seasoned dentist, a new practice owner, or somewhere in between, this podcast is tailored to inspire and educate. Our goal is not just to provide you with information but to transform the way you think about and run your dental practice. We delve into topics ranging from advanced clinical techniques and practice management to leadership skills and personal growth.

Kirk Behrendt, a respected figure in the dental community, brings his vast experience and infectious enthusiasm to each episode, making complex topics both understandable and engaging. As the CEO of ACT Dental, Kirk has helped countless dental practices thrive by focusing on holistic development - professionally, personally, and within their community.

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Kirk Behrendt