The Claim Game

The Claim Game podcast, hosted by Jeremy and Kathryn Zug, is designed to help healthcare providers navigate the complexities of revenue cycle management (RCM). Each episode aims to cut through confusion by breaking down complex billing processes and sharing real-world solutions. The podcast uses a "game board" metaphor to simplify the RCM landscape, offering strategies and practical tips to help practices "win" at revenue cycle management. Jeremy and Kathryn draw on their extensive experience to empower providers to take control of their revenue, turning claim denials into deposits and allowing them to focus more on patient care. The podcast covers key territories of billing, such as credentialing, patient registration, eligibility & benefits, payment posting, aging follow-up, and claim submission, with the ultimate goal of providing clarity in a confusing, frustrating, and outdated industry. <a href="https://jeremyzug.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast" rel="noopener noreferr

The Claim Game is a business podcast hosted by Jeremy and Kathryn Zug, with 65 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Jeremy and Kathryn Zug hosts The Claim Game, a business show with 65 episodes published.

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  Episode #64

  Scaling a Group Practice Without Burning Out with Gabrielle Juliano-Villani

  Sep 24, 202640 minS1

  EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of The Claim Game , Jeremy Zug sits down with Gabrielle Juliano-Villani, LCSW, to discuss scaling a seven-figure group practice, navigating burnout, and stepping into the CEO role. Gabrielle shares lessons on leadership, delegation, and taking risks, plus why Medicare and Medicaid can offer valuable growth opportunities for behavioral health practices. KEYWORDS Group Practice, Private Practice, Medicare for Therapists, Medicaid, Practice Burnout, Group Practice Growth, Practice Management, Healthcare Billing, Medicare Billing, Practice Leadership, Revenue Cycle Management TAKEAWAYS Growth Can Come at a Cost: Scaling to seven figures taught Gabrielle that growth isn't worth sacrificing your well-being or alignment. Boundaries Make Better Leaders: Clear expectations and systems protect your time while helping your team work more independently. Step Into the CEO Role: Delegating routine tasks gives practice owners more time to focus on leadership and growth. Do It Afraid: You don't have to eliminate fear before taking action. Progress often requires risk and a willingness to fail. Don't Fear Medicare: Medicare and Medicaid can provide meaningful opportunities for behavioral health practices to grow and get paid for valuable work. Compliance Matters: Strong documentation and appropriate billing can help reduce the fear surrounding audits and clawbacks. CHAPTERS 00:00 Gabrielle's Journey to Private Practice 17:24 Stepping Into the CEO Role & Doing It Afraid 29:54 Why Practices Shouldn’t Fear Medicare 37:25 Connect with Gabrielle RESOURCES Today Sponsors: Visit practicesol.com Visit gabriellejulianovillani.com Visit medicareconsultingfortherapists.com Connect with Gabrielle 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 .

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  Episode #62

  How to Scale a Private Practice to Seven Figures with Nicole McCance

  Sep 10, 202639 minS1

  EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of The Claim Game , Jeremy Zug sits down with retired psychologist and business coach Nicole McCance to discuss how she grew from a burned-out solo practitioner to building a 55-therapist, multi-seven-figure group practice. Nicole shares the systems and strategies behind that growth, including hiring the right team, creating SOPs, using AI and automation, attracting and retaining clients, and focusing on your zone of genius. She also breaks down her five-step approach to scaling and the mindset that helped her make the leap from clinician to CEO: “do it scared.” KEYWORDS Group Practice Growth, Private Practice, Scaling a Therapy Practice, Practice Management, SOPs, Systems and Automation, Hiring Therapists, Digital Marketing, Client Retention, AI for Private Practice, Leadership, Practice Growth TAKEAWAYS Systemize Before You Hire: Document your processes and build clear SOPs so your practice can operate without everything depending on you. Hire for the Right Fit: Nicole shares why your first hire should reflect your personality, energy, clinical approach, and brand. Growth Is More Than Marketing: A scalable practice needs systems to attract, convert, and retain clients—not just generate leads. Delegate, Automate, Eliminate: Create more time for your zone of genius by removing tasks that don’t require your expertise. Do It Scared: Growth can feel uncomfortable. Nicole explains why moving forward despite fear was key to becoming a CEO and building a practice that could run without her. CHAPTERS 00:00 Scaling from Solo to 55 Therapists 13:28 SOPs, Training, and Smarter Systems 22:30 The Five Steps to Practice Growth 34:23 Systems, ROI & Doing It Scared RESOURCES Today Sponsors: Visit practicesol.com The Business Savvy Therapist Podcast Free Masterclass: How to Build a Seven-Figure Group Practice 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 .

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  Episode #61

  From Insurance to Private Pay: Building a Practice with Tara Wells

  Sep 3, 202644 minS1

  EPISODE SUMMARY 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. KEYWORDS Private Practice, Sports Social Work, Sports Mental Health, Private Pay Practice, Mental Health Practice, Practice Growth, Alma, Headway, Private Practice Marketing TAKEAWAYS 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. CHAPTERS 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 RESOURCES 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 .

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  Episode #1

  Alexandra Hoerr on Scaling Optimum Joy Without Losing Its Culture

  Aug 27, 202645 minS60

  EPISODE SUMMARY 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. KEYWORDS 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 TAKEAWAYS 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. CHAPTERS 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 RESOURCES 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 .

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  Episode #59

  Burnout, Anxiety & The Science of Stuck with Britt Frank

  Aug 20, 202633 minS1

  EPISODE SUMMARY 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. KEYWORDS 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 TAKEAWAYS 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. CHAPTERS 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 RESOURCES 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 .

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