The Economics Between In-Network vs. FFS Fee Models

The Economics Between In-Network vs. FFS Fee Models

1/2/2026 5:18:59 AM   |   Comments: 0   |   Views: 307

The Economics Between In-Network vs. FFS Fee Model

View More Episodes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dental-boardroom/id1518344747

In this insightful episode of The Dental Boardroom Podcast, Wes Reed, CPA, CFP and founder of Practice CFO, breaks down the real financial impact of staying in-network with PPOs versus transitioning to a fee-for-service (FFS) model. Using a crown-focused case study, Wes illustrates how fewer procedures can yield significantly higher profits under FFS — even with some patient attrition. If you're a dental practice owner evaluating your profitability strategy, this episode will give you a clear-eyed view of the numbers that matter.

Key Points Covered:

• The purpose of PPOs: high patient volume but lower profit margins.
• FFS model: fewer crowns, less overhead, but more profit.
• Why many dentists feel trapped in PPOs despite shrinking reimbursement rates.
• A detailed crown-based financial comparison: 30 PPO crowns vs. 20 FFS crowns.
• Key overhead costs: fixed vs. variable and their implications in each model.
• Why switching to FFS can potentially double your net profit.
• The long-term sustainability challenges of staying in-network.
• How patient relationships and brand strength affect attrition rates when transitioning out-of-network.
• Practical considerations for associate-driven vs. solo practices.

Want more podcasts from The Dental Boardroom? - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dental-boardroom/id1518344747
Want more podcasts from The Dental Sales? - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dental-practice-sale/id1677648235

Discover Your Complete Financial Team: https://practicecfo.com/
Discover The Best Marketplace to Buy or Sell a Dental Practice: https://practiceorbit.com/

PracticeOrbit:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559125754834
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/practiceorbit/

PracticeCFO:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PracticeCFO
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/practicecfo
You must be logged in to view comments.
Total Blog Activity
997
Total Bloggers
13,451
Total Blog Posts
4,671
Total Podcasts
1,788
Total Videos
Sponsors
Townie Perks
Townie® Poll
Who primarily handles HR responsibilities in your practice?
  
The Dentaltown Team, Farran Media Support
Phone: +1-480-445-9710
Email: support@dentaltown.com
©2026 Dentaltown, a division of Farran Media • All Rights Reserved
9633 S. 48th Street Suite 200 • Phoenix, AZ 85044 • Phone:+1-480-598-0001 • Fax:+1-480-598-3450