Ep 15: A Denial is NOT a Disaster

Dearest dental divas and dinosaurs: you know the sound a denial makes when it hits your desk? It’s the same one your soul makes when you realize this is the third one today. That you weren't ready for. 😩

But here’s the truth: a denial isn’t the end of the world: it’s a test of your systems. The real disaster isn’t the claim that got denied… it’s what happens next. (Spoiler: if your plan involves “just resubmitting it,” we need to talk.)

In this episode, Sara Baker and LaRae McMullen break down how most offices accidentally turn denials into chaos: by avoiding them, panicking, or treating them like bad omens instead of normal business events. They’ll show you how to flip the script: how to handle denials faster, prep patients better, and stop letting “let's just submit it again!” tank your cash flow.

💥 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why denials aren’t failures — but ignoring them is
• How to tell the difference between appealable and unappealable claims
• The right way to build an appeal ladder that actually works
• How to prep patients so “not covered” doesn’t equal “angry call later”
• Why communication — not billing — is your biggest AR problem

💡 Top takeaways:

1️⃣ Denials don’t cause chaos. Your response does.

2️⃣ A “clean claim” isn’t enough — you need a clean follow-up system.

3️⃣ Prep patients early. Surprises destroy trust (and collections).

4️⃣ Build your appeal ladder and train your team to own it.

Sara and LaRae also share real stories of offices drowning in denial piles — and how a few small process changes turned it all around. Because when you treat denials as data, not drama, your entire billing system gets smarter.

🎧 Available on all major podcast platforms

📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuIoPh6Tk1E

📥 Download your free resource: Build Your Appeal Ladder!

📩 Have a question? Email [e-mail]

🌐 Learn more → sddentalsolutions.com