Did you know that less than 1% of denied insurance claims are appealed—but more than 50% of those that are, actually succeed? That stat alone should give every patient hope. It’s a reminder that when insurance says “no,” that doesn’t mean the fight is over. In fact, it’s often just the beginning.

Risk is inevitable, but how you assess risk and manage a crisis is essential to the success of your business. Many of us are so hyper-focused on the myriad of variables associated with providing quality patient care that we forget we are in the business of healthcare.

I have owned a medical practice for over a decade, 12 years and 2 months to be precise. I have certainly made some bad decisions, but one must learn from a mistake in order to make it a learning opportunity. Fortunately, I have made more good decisions than bad ones, thus I claim success. To share my success story with others allows for me to continue to ingrain the learning opportunities I have experienced. While I am a mother, University instructor, medical practice Vice President, and business owner, I aspire to inspire and mentor my children, students, employees, colleagues and those I continue to meet along life’s journey.

We all know it — American health care costs more than any other nation. Nobody working inside the system needs another headline to prove that point. We see it in the denials, the administrative bloat, the endless billing gymnastics we perform just to keep the lights on. But it’s worth asking: why does it cost so much?