Making Up for Declining Reimbursements in 2026

Integrating new surgeons can be difficult, even for the most seasoned practices.  But why is that? It’s because they overlook what’s most important in those first few months.In this episode, join Matt and Vance as they share personal onboarding experience, common pitfalls, solutions, and the tools every practice should use to set up new physicians for success on their very first day.

Oftentimes, the best way to grow your workplace is to step outside of it. Companies like Disney, Chick-fil-A, and Apple can teach us a lot about creating a memorable customer experience. In this episode, Matt and Vance discuss what insights they’ve learned  from outside industries to elevate their internal workplace culture and offerings.

In healthcare, few moments are as uncomfortable—or as important—as when a patient asks, “How much is this going to cost?” Too often, providers avoid the question or deflect it, missing a critical opportunity to build trust.In this episode, Matt Jensen and Vance Thompson unpack the “million-dollar conversation” and share practical ways surgeons and their teams can approach cost conversations with clarity and confidence, along with actionable strategies to turn these moments into trust-building interactions that strengthen relationships and drive long-term loyalty.

From handwritten notes to surprise gifts, companies continue to chase the idea of creating loyal customers through “magic” moments. But research tells a different story; Loyalty doesn't come from magic. It comes from making things easy. It’s this methodology that’s made clinics like Vance Thompson Vision in Sioux Falls, SD become world-renowned. In this episode, Matt Jensen and Vance Thompson share the secret to crafting consistent, “effortless” experiences for customers, including actionable strategies you can apply to your workflow.

Education equals empowerment. This is especially true for patients, and one of the prime reasons every clinic should consider hosting a refractive seminar. These seminars are more than a simple lecture—they’re a prime opportunity to meet patients where they are, answer questions and dispel any misinformation or concerns they might have about refractive surgery.Join Matt and Vance as they share what makes an impactful refractive seminar for patients and how it can promote your practice.

Education equals empowerment. This is especially true for patients, and one of the prime reasons every clinic should consider hosting a refractive seminar. These seminars are more than a simple lecture—they’re a prime opportunity to meet patients where they are, answer questions and dispel any misinformation or concerns they might have about refractive surgery.Join Matt and Vance as they share what makes an impactful refractive seminar for patients and how it can promote your practice.

Here’s the reality: declining reimbursements are hitting practices hard. How do we offset lost revenue without sacrificing patient care? In this episode, Matt and Vance take a look at the current patient landscape and share how you can regain lost income.

Patients still want spectacle freedom. But do they want LASIK? In part two of this series, Matt and Vance share how to look at vision correction holistically, including the full spread of refractive surgery options. Learn the old-school patient education tactic that’s having a comeback, the value of checklists to empower patients, and the importance of prioritizing outcome over pricing.

Spoiler alert: LASIK is still king, it’s just time to tell its story differently. In this episode, Matt and Vance hand you the playbook for effectively sharing refractive options with patients in today’s age of reimbursement uncertainty. The surprising truths? You can do refractive surgery and stay friends with glasses and contacts, patients are hungry for in-person education, and tear film is key. Listen in, share the episode with your team, and present your refractive correction options with confidence.

What kind of leader lets their team members launch another business? One who knows and trusts their own strengths and weaknesses. In this episode, Matt and Vance talk about the secret to their unprecedented partnership at Vance Thompson Vision: understanding yourself and being comfortable with your team’s greatness growing. Learn about the power of creative tension, why even a consultant you disagree with can be valuable, and how to find real joy through focus.