05/07/2026
Sometimes the things we do to improve our business are the very things that quietly start to destroy it.
A few years ago, we had our driveway repaved to fix the potholes and water damage. It looked great, but during the construction, the roots of a massive tree along the edge were accidentally damaged. On the surface, the tree looked fine for a while, but then it started to lean. It spent two years struggling to stay upright, propped up only by the branches of a neighboring tree. This spring, no leaves grew. The foundation was gone, and we had to take it down.
In my 20+ years as a CFP® and now working with medical practices at Legacy Practice Solutions, I see this "leaning tree" syndrome all the time. A practice decides to grow or "pave a new path," but in the process, the administrative roots, the billing, the credentialing, the follow-up, get nicked or ignored.
We often ignore the "cracks" because we’re focused on the fresh pavement. But by the time you notice the lean, the damage is often deep. Financial stability in a practice isn't just about the new patients coming in; it’s about the health of the roots you can't see. If you ignore the small denials or the "administrative noise" today, you might find your practice's independence leaning on someone else tomorrow.
Have you ever noticed a "small" administrative headache turn into a major structural problem for your practice? I’d love to hear how you handled it in the comments. Also, there is a gift for you in the comments, your free copy of my Revenue Defense Playbook for 2026. Get it now to protect your revenue.
