In this episode of The Claim Game, Jeremy Zug sits down with Tara Wells, sports social worker and founder of Finish Line Mindset, to discuss building a private practice around therapy, coaching, and prevention.

Tara shares her approach to separating coaching from clinical work, transitioning from insurance to private pay, and using networking to grow her practice. They also discuss setting boundaries, finding the right niche, and building the confidence to create a practice that works for you.

Private Practice, Sports Social Work, Sports Mental Health, Private Pay Practice, Mental Health Practice, Practice Growth, Alma, Headway, Private Practice Marketing

Know the Line Between Coaching and Therapy: Clearly defining the scope and boundaries of each service is essential when offering both.

Your Niche Can Be an Advantage: Specific messaging helps the right clients and referral partners understand who you serve.

Insurance Isn't the Only Path: Tara shares how she moved from insurance platforms to a private-pay model that better fits her practice.

Relationships Build Practices: Networking and word-of-mouth referrals have become key drivers of Tara's growth.

Set Boundaries Around Your Business: Creating intentional time away from clients and work helps protect your life outside the practice.

Start Before You Feel Ready: Experiment with marketing, networking, and new opportunities while you still have a safety net.

00:00 Building a Practice Around Therapy and Coaching

13:41 The Journey from Insurance to Private Pay

28:43 Setting Boundaries as a Practice Owner

37:50 From Self-Doubt to Taking the Leap

Today Sponsors: Visit practicesol.com

Learn More About Finish Line Mindset and The Unpacked Mastermind

Connect with Tara on Instagram and TikTok

Learn More About The Claim Game: Visit practicesol.com/podcast

The Hourglass Learning Hub: Dive deeper into RCM best practices and downloadable tools mentioned in this episode, like the various checklists and templates, by visiting The Hourglass Learning Hub.

Our Blog: Explore years of educational articles on billing and practice management at Practice Solutions Blog.

Insurance Billing Basics: Steps for Therapists to Successfully Take Insurance.

In this episode of The Claim Game, Jeremy Zug sits down with Alexandra Hoerr, founder of Optimum Joy, to discuss building and leading a growing group therapy practice. Alexandra shares how burnout inspired her approach to practice ownership and how Optimum Joy balances growth, accessibility, clinician development, and strong organizational systems.

They also explore the challenges of leading a 45-provider practice, making values-driven decisions around insurance, supporting clinician retention, and using AI to improve efficiency without replacing human connection in therapy.

Group Practice Growth, Private Practice Leadership, Therapy Practice Management, Mental Health Practice, Insurance Billing, Clinician Retention, Therapist Burnout, AI in Therapy, Leadership Development, Practice Culture

Growth Requires Strong Systems: Scaling a group practice requires intentional leadership, clear roles, and repeatable processes.

Values Drive Difficult Decisions: Optimum Joy balances access to care with supporting and investing in its clinicians.

Development Supports Retention: Mentorship, education, and career growth can help clinicians stay engaged and reduce burnout.

AI Is a Tool, Not a Replacement: AI can improve efficiency, but empathy and human connection remain essential to therapy.

00:00 How Burnout Sparked a Thriving Group Practice

09:19 The Hard Truth About Practice Leadership

17:34 How Core Values Shape Practice Decisions

25:21 Scaling with Purpose, Not Just Size

34:03 Where AI Belongs in Therapy—and Where It Doesn't

42:52 Where to Connect with Alexandra Hoerr

Today Sponsors: Visit practicesol.com

Learn More About Optimum Joy and Resonate Joy

Connect with Optimum Joy on Instagram
 

Learn More About The Claim Game: Visit practicesol.com/podcast

The Hourglass Learning Hub: Dive deeper into RCM best practices and downloadable tools mentioned in this episode, like the various checklists and templates, by visiting The Hourglass Learning Hub.

Our Blog: Explore years of educational articles on billing and practice management at Practice Solutions Blog.

Book: For a comprehensive guide on navigating insurance, grab your copy of Insurance Billing Basics: Steps for Therapists to Successfully Take Insurance.

Burnout isn't a personal failure, and feeling stuck doesn't mean you lack motivation. In this episode of The Claim Game, Jeremy Zug sits down with psychotherapist and bestselling author Britt Frank to discuss burnout, anxiety, leadership, and the mindset shifts that help practice owners thrive. From moving from clinician to CEO to setting boundaries, leading healthier teams, and using anxiety as a tool for growth, Britt shares practical strategies for building a more sustainable practice.

Burnout Prevention, Private Practice Leadership, The Science of Stuck, Therapist Burnout, Anxiety Management, Leadership Boundaries, Practice Owner Mindset, Team Accountability, Workplace Communication, Private Practice Growth, Mental Health Leadership

Burnout Is Systemic: Burnout happens when demands exceed resources—not because people aren't working hard enough.

Get Unstuck: Ask what you're stuck in, not why you're stuck, so you can take the right action.

Lead with Role Clarity: Practice owners need to shift from clinician thinking to CEO thinking.

Use Anxiety as Data: Anxiety is a signal that something needs attention—not something to ignore.

Healthy Teams Need Healthy Systems: Clear expectations, accountability, and recognition reduce workplace drama.

Slow Down to Go Further: Sustainable success comes from intentional pacing, not constant hustle.

00:00 From Addiction to Therapist: Britt Frank's Story

06:20 Stop Asking "Why Am I Stuck?"

14:59 Burnout Isn't Personal—It's a Systems Problem

23:45 Better Boundaries Start with Role Clarity

27:03 Turning Workplace Drama into Teamwork

31:00 Connect with Britt Frank

Today Sponsors: Visit practicesol.com

Visit brittfrank.com

Connect with Britt on LinkedIn and Instagram

Learn More About The Claim Game: Visit practicesol.com/podcast

The Hourglass Learning Hub: Dive deeper into RCM best practices and downloadable tools mentioned in this episode, like the various checklists and templates, by visiting The Hourglass Learning Hub.

Our Blog: Explore years of educational articles on billing and practice management at Practice Solutions Blog.

Book: For a comprehensive guide on navigating insurance, grab your copy of Insurance Billing Basics: Steps for Therapists to Successfully Take Insurance.

In this episode of The Claim Game, Jeremy Zug sits down with Anne Neal, Vice President of Product Management & Payment Integrity at Availity, to discuss the future of revenue cycle management. Together, they explore Availity's Abrasion Index, payment integrity, AI, prior authorization, and preventing claim errors before submission.. They also discuss fraud prevention, responsible AI, and the future of touchless claims processing.

Availity, Revenue Cycle Management, Payment Integrity, Claims Management, Claim Denials, Prior Authorization, Healthcare AI, Payment Accuracy, Abrasion Index

Prevention Beats Correction: Preventing claim errors before submission reduces denials, appeals, administrative work and payment accuracy.

Shared Challenges: Providers and payers face many of the same pain points, creating opportunities to collaborate.

Payment Integrity Starts Early: Helping providers submit clean claims before submission improves reimbursement.

Responsible AI: AI can streamline claims management and prior authorization when combined with transparency, governance, and human oversight.

Touchless Claims: Automation, AI, and better data sharing are moving healthcare toward faster, more accurate reimbursement.

00:00 Introduction to Availity and Anne Neal's Journey

04:50 Availity's $4.5T Network Healthcare Network

09:37 Preventing Claim Errors

15:56 Prevention Over Clawbacks

22:40 What the Abrasion Index Reveals

26:40 What Is Payment Integrity?

29:50 Responsible AI in Healthcare

34:55 The Future of Touchless Claims

38:49 Innovation at the Speed of AI

40:43 Building a Better System Together

Today Sponsors: Visit practicesol.com

Visit availity.com 

Availity’s Payment Integrity, Availity Extend, and Abrasion Index

Anne Neal on LinkedIn

The Claim Game Podcast

The Hourglass Learning Hub.

Practice Solutions Blog.

Book: Insurance Billing Basics: Steps for Therapists to Successfully Take Insurance.

In this episode of The Claim Game, Jeremy Zug sits down with Hemant Gupta, physician advisor and former Chief Medical Officer at UnitedHealthcare, to explore the intersection of clinical care, insurance, and healthcare innovation. Together, they discuss why claim denials happen, how better documentation supports medical necessity, the structural challenges of value-based care, and how AI can reduce administrative burden while improving patient outcomes. Whether you're a provider, practice owner, or healthcare leader, this episode offers practical insights into building a more transparent, efficient healthcare system.

Revenue Cycle Management, Medical Necessity, Claim Denials, Physician Advisor, AI in Healthcare, Clinical Documentation, Prior Authorization, Value-Based Care, Healthcare Transparency, Utilization Management, Healthcare Innovation, Insurance Billing

Bridge the Provider-Payer Gap: Strong documentation helps demonstrate medical necessity and supports appropriate reimbursement.

Claim Denials Aren't One-Size-Fits-All: Different denial types require different prevention and resolution strategies.

Better Documentation Matters: Clear, complete records reduce audits, strengthen claims, and support better patient care.

Value-Based Care Needs Alignment: Lasting change depends on aligning providers, payers, data, and incentives.

AI Should Reduce Friction: Used responsibly, AI can streamline documentation, speed approvals, and improve healthcare efficiency.

00:00 Introduction to Hemant Gupta's Journey

08:47 Closing the Gap Between Physicians and Payers

16:07 The Biggest Misconceptions About Insurance Denials

21:23 The Structural Barriers to Value-Based Care

35:45 Can AI Reduce Healthcare Friction?

42:53 Connect with Hemant Gupta

Today Sponsors: Visit practicesol.com

Connect with Hemant on LinkedIn

Learn More About The Claim Game: Visit practicesol.com/podcast

The Hourglass Learning Hub: Dive deeper into RCM best practices and downloadable tools mentioned in this episode, like the various checklists and templates, by visiting The Hourglass Learning Hub.

Our Blog: Explore years of educational articles on billing and practice management at Practice Solutions Blog.

Book: For a comprehensive guide on navigating insurance, grab your copy of Insurance Billing Basics: Steps for Therapists to Successfully Take Insurance.

In this episode of The Claim Game, Jeremy Zug sits down with Daniel Fava, founder of Private Practice Elevation, to discuss how your website can become an extension of your administrative team. Daniel shares how building his wife's therapy practice website led to an agency specializing in web design, SEO, copywriting, and digital strategy for private practices.

Together, they explore how AI is changing SEO, why Google holds healthcare websites to a higher standard, and practical ways to improve your website. From creating helpful FAQ pages and clearly explaining insurance participation to building topic-focused content that attracts the right clients, this episode is packed with actionable advice for building trust, reducing confusion, and converting more website visitors into clients.

Private Practice SEO, Website Redesign, Revenue Cycle Management, Therapist Marketing, Insurance Clarity, AI Search Optimization

Directories Get You Found; Your Website Gets You Chosen: Directories help prospective clients discover your practice, but your website is what builds trust and turns visitors into clients.

Google Expects Expertise: Therapy websites fall under Google's YMYL (Your Money or Your Life) category, making trustworthy, high-quality content essential for SEO.

Focus on Topic Depth: Create content that answers specific client questions instead of relying on keyword repetition.

Reduce Intake Questions: FAQ pages, insurance information, and billing expectations eliminate confusion before a client reaches out.

Clarity Improves Lead Quality: Listing pricing, insurance networks, and coverage details upfront attracts better-qualified leads.

Invest in Strategic Copywriting: Strong messaging paired with SEO helps visitors feel understood and encourages them to schedule.

00:00 Meet Daniel Fava: From WordPress to Private Practice Websites

05:41 Is SEO Dead? How AI Is Changing Therapist Websites

12:01 Why Clear Website Messaging Wins More Clients

19:31 Why Therapist Bios Matter More Than You Think

23:45 The SEO Strategy Every Therapy Practice Needs

27:13 Directories Get You Found. Your Website Gets You Chosen.

30:37 How Therapist Websites Build Trust Before the First Session

35:31 How to Structure a Therapy Website That Converts

44:46 Final Advice for Building a Better Therapy Website

Today Sponsors: Visit practicesol.com

Learn More About Private Practice Elevation: Visit privatepracticeelevation.com

Check out the Private Practice Elevation Podcast

The Claim Game Podcast

The Hourglass Learning Hub: Dive deeper into RCM best practices and downloadable tools mentioned in this episode, like the various checklists and templates.

Practice Solutions Blog.

In this episode of The Claim Game, Jeremy Zug sits down with Dr. Marina Badillo-Diaz, LCSW, founder of The AI Social Worker, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming mental health and human services. Dr. Badillo-Diaz shares practical guidance on using AI ethically, protecting client privacy, and maintaining clinical judgment while embracing new technology. Together, they discuss AI documentation tools, HIPAA compliance, AI companions, and how therapists can confidently integrate AI into their practice without losing the human connection.

AI Should Support, Not Replace, Clinicians: Dr. Badillo-Diaz's "Co-Star" framework emphasizes that providers must review, edit, and guide AI outputs to preserve clinical judgment.

Always Verify AI Documentation: AI scribes can save significant time, but every note should be carefully reviewed before becoming part of the client's record.

Know the Risks of AI Companions: AI can improve administrative workflows, but relying on AI for emotional support raises important ethical concerns, especially for younger users.

Use AI Transparently: The AI Assessment Scale encourages thoughtful, transparent AI use while recognizing when human expertise is essential.

Choose Secure AI Tools: Paid, HIPAA-compliant platforms with Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) provide stronger privacy protections than free consumer AI tools.

00:00 Dr. Marina Badillo-Diaz's Background and Journey

10:38 Using AI in Therapy Without Losing the Human Touch

13:03 Beyond ChatGPT: Smarter Ways to Use AI

19:54 Choosing the Right AI Tool for the Job

27:11 The Risks of AI Becoming a Companion

39:09 Why AI Needs Human Oversight

40:50 Helping Therapists Embrace AI

46:43 Connect With Dr. Marina Badillo-Diaz

Today Sponsors: Visit practicesol.com

Learn more About The AI Social Worker: Visit theaisocialworker.com 

Connect with Dr. Marina on LinkedIn

Learn More About The Claim Game: Visit practicesol.com/podcast

The Hourglass Learning Hub: Dive deeper into RCM best practices and downloadable tools mentioned in this episode, like the various checklists and templates, by visiting The Hourglass Learning Hub.

Our Blog: Explore years of educational articles on billing and practice management at Practice Solutions Blog.

Book: For a comprehensive guide on navigating insurance, grab your copy of Insurance Billing Basics: Steps for Therapists to Successfully Take Insurance.

In this episode of The Claim Game, Jeremy Zug sits down with Daniel King of Fireside Strategic to explore the realities of healthcare mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Together, they discuss what makes a practice attractive to buyers, how valuations are really determined, and why factors like payer diversification, clinician retention, and operational readiness can significantly impact practice value. They also examine how AI is reducing administrative burden and helping practice owners build stronger, more sustainable businesses.

Practice Value Is About More Than EBITDA: Strong valuations come from reducing risk, maintaining healthy operations, and building a sustainable business—not chasing industry myths.

Diversify Your Payer Mix: Heavy reliance on one insurance payer increases financial risk and can reduce your practice's appeal to potential buyers.

Retention Drives Long-Term Value: Keeping clinicians engaged strengthens culture, improves patient continuity, and creates a more valuable organization.

Prepare for Due Diligence: Buyers closely examine compliance, operations, and financial processes. Addressing issues early can protect your practice's value.

Use AI to Reduce Burnout: AI is most effective when it supports clinicians by automating administrative work, allowing them to spend more time with patients.

Private Practice, Revenue Cycle Management, Practice Growth, Healthcare Business, Mental Health Billing, Medical Billing, Practice Valuation, Healthcare AI, Clinician Retention, Cash Flow

00:00 Welcoming Back Dan King

08:47 What Is Your Practice Really Worth?

12:03 What Investors Look for Before Buying a Practice

23:21 How Due Diligence Impacts Practice Value

29:25 Why AI Matters in Practice Growth

35:02 Conclusion: Buy, Sell & Grow with Confidence

Today Sponsors: Visit practicesol.com

Learn More About Fireside Strategic: Visit firesidestrategic.com

Learn More About Your Group Practice Podcast: Visit yourgrouppractice.com

Learn More About The Claim Game: Visit practicesol.com/podcast

Email Dan: [email protected]

The Hourglass Learning Hub: Dive deeper into RCM best practices and downloadable tools mentioned in this episode, like the various checklists and templates, by visiting The Hourglass Learning Hub.

Our Blog: Explore years of educational articles on billing and practice management at Practice Solutions Blog.

In this episode of The Claim Game, Jeremy Zug sits down with Danny Freed, founder and CEO of Blueprint, to discuss how AI is transforming mental health practice management. Danny shares the personal journey that led him to healthcare, why Blueprint reimagined the traditional EHR model, and how AI is helping therapists spend less time on documentation and more time with clients. From automated billing workflows to real-time insurance eligibility and payer rate transparency, this conversation explores the future of efficient, therapist-first technology.

Rethinking the Traditional EHR: Blueprint's approach is simple: the core EHR should be free, and providers should only pay for AI tools that save meaningful time.

From Session to Submitted Claim in Minutes: Integrated AI can automate documentation, treatment plans, claim submission, and invoicing in just a few clicks.

Clinical-Grade AI Matters: Effective healthcare AI relies on secure clinical data and context—not generic chatbot responses—to support therapists safely and accurately.

Simplifying Insurance Eligibility: AI can translate complex eligibility data into clear, real-time coverage and out-of-pocket cost information for providers and clients.

Bringing Transparency to Payer Rates: Benchmarking tools help therapists better understand market reimbursement rates and negotiate stronger insurance contracts.

00:00 Introduction: From a Personal Mission to a Full-Stack EHR

06:10 Building Around Therapists, Not Software Limitations

10:31 AI, Automation, and the Future of Therapy Billing

20:15 Clinical-Grade AI: Beyond Generic Chatbots

29:04 How Therapists Can Stop Accepting Below-Market Rates

32:12 Keeping Therapists at the Center of AI

37:52 Personalization at Scale: Training the AI Assistant

41:51 Conclusion: Better Tools, Better Care, Better Outcomes

Today Sponsors: Visit practicesol.com

Learn more About Blueprint: Visit blueprint.ai 

Connect with Danny on LinkedIn

Email Danny: [email protected]

Learn More About The Claim Game: Visit practicesol.com/podcast

The Hourglass Learning Hub: Dive deeper into RCM best practices and downloadable tools mentioned in this episode, like the various checklists and templates, by visiting The Hourglass Learning Hub.

Our Blog: Explore years of educational articles on billing and practice management at Practice Solutions Blog.

In this episode of The Claim Game, Jeremy Zug sits down with Danielle Hayes, founder of Therapy Austin, to explore how she grew a cash-pay therapy practice from three clinicians to more than 140 providers across multiple locations. Danielle shares the leadership strategies, hiring philosophies, and operational systems that supported sustainable growth, along with lessons on clinician development, practice culture, and selling a successful therapy business. Whether you're building your first team or planning your long-term exit strategy, this episode is full of practical insights for practice owners.

Group Therapy Practice, Therapy Austin, Private Practice Growth, Practice Leadership, Selling a Therapy Practice, Behavioral Health Business, Practice Operations, Private Practice Coaching, Healthcare Entrepreneurship

Invest in Clinician Development: Strong onboarding, mentorship, and leadership opportunities help clinicians grow while improving retention and practice stability.

Culture Is Your Competitive Advantage: Shared values and a supportive environment create consistency, strengthen teams, and drive long-term growth.

Hire for Character: Skills can be taught, but curiosity, accountability, and values alignment are essential for building a successful team.

Growth Requires Systems: Scaling a practice means shifting from founder-driven relationships to structured processes, leadership, and operational excellence.

Selling Takes Preparation: Successful practice sales require realistic expectations, careful planning, and finding a buyer who shares your vision.

Patience Wins: Sustainable growth comes from focusing on quality, consistency, and long-term goals—not chasing every new opportunity.

Build Strong Referral Networks: Trusted advisors and industry relationships provide valuable guidance as your practice grows.

00:00 Introduction: From Solo Practice to a Mentorship-Driven Team

06:11 The Therapist Growth Mindset: Investing in Your Craft

14:33 The Shift from Relationships to Systems

17:26 Hiring for Character, Training for Skill

28:22 When It Was Time to Sell

33:17 Selling a Practice: More Than Just the Numbers

38:55 Conclusion: Patience Is the Ultimate Growth Strategy

Today Sponsors: Jane | One Month Grace Period Promo Code: PRACTICESOLUTIONS1MO

Email Danielle at [email protected] 

Learn More About The Claim Game: Visit practicesol.com/podcast

The Hourglass Learning Hub: Dive deeper into RCM best practices and downloadable tools mentioned in this episode, like the various checklists and templates, by visiting The Hourglass Learning Hub.

Our Blog: Explore years of educational articles on billing and practice management at Practice Solutions Blog.