Back to Basics – HIPAA 101

In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, Stephen and April Smith of 3 Pie Squared return to fundamentals, breaking down HIPAA through the lens of real operational decisions ABA owners face every day. They are joined by Nandy Bo, Cybersecurity Expert from Cyber Swiss Army Knife Squad. From device security and Wi-Fi risks to IT systems, policies, and staff practices, this conversation is designed to help you identify vulnerabilities before they become liabilities.

You’ll hear practical guidance on encrypted devices, bring-your-own-device policies, iPads in ABA clinic settings, cloud systems, and remote monitoring tools. The discussion also explores scalable IT recommendations for small and mid-sized ABA practices, including penetration testing, multi-factor authentication, and how to evaluate whether a platform is genuinely HIPAA-compliant.

Whether you are just getting started or reassessing your current systems, this episode provides a clear, actionable framework for strengthening HIPAA compliance across your organization.

Episode Highlights

• What HIPAA means for ABA business owners

• The risks of unsecured devices, public Wi-Fi, and poor systems

• Bring-your-own-device policies in clinical environments

• Best practices for ABA document storage and access

• IT system recommendations tailored to ABA practices

• iPads, cameras, and remote technology in your ABA clinic

Have a question for Stephen and April?
Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432

Resources & Links

• Need Nandy’s Help? Check out Cyber Swiss Army Knife - https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/cyber-swiss-army-knife-squad

• Business Essentials List
  https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24

• Schedule a consultation with Stephen
  https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page

• Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment
  https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment

• ABA Billing Tips Guide
  https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips

• ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs
  https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs

In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosted by Stephen and April Smith of 3 Pie Squared, the conversation focuses on one of the most overlooked elements of long-term success in an ABA business: exit planning. Drawing from their experience building, scaling, and exiting a seven-figure ABA practice, Stephen and April explain why your exit strategy should be considered from day one, not as an afterthought.

Throughout the episode, Stephen and April break down how exit planning directly impacts financial security, operational decision-making, and business scalability. They also share personal stories about how defining your “why” as a founder can make it significantly easier to shape a clear and intentional exit strategy.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why having a defined exit plan is essential for long-term success

• How exit planning supports financial security and smoother transitions

• The link between exit strategy and confident, strategic decision-making

• Key factors that influence a successful and profitable exit

• Why early-stage ABA business owners should prioritize exit planning

• How understanding exit options influences daily operations and growth

• Practical insights from Stephen and April based on real-world experience

• How clarifying your personal “why” helps simplify exit planning

This episode is essential listening for ABA business owners who want to build with intention, reduce uncertainty, and maximize the long-term value of their practice.

This episode is sponsored by MarginKeepers, a full-service accounting firm that specializes in supporting ABA businesses:

https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/MarginKeepers

Have a question for Stephen and April?

Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432

Resources & Links

Business Essentials List
https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24

Schedule a consultation with Stephen
https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page

Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment
https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment

ABA Billing Tips Guide
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips

ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs

In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen and April Smith of 3 Pie Squared break down what it really takes to create a healthy, sustainable company culture while supporting staff at every stage of an ABA practice’s growth.

Drawing on their experience building, scaling, and exiting a seven-figure ABA organization, Stephen and April share practical guidance for founders and leaders who want to align values with business realities, course-correct when needed, and intentionally shape the workplace experiences of their teams. Joined by Cortney and Chris of Keene Perspectives, the conversation explores hiring, retention, leadership responsibility, and the long-term impact ABA business owners have on their staff, many of whom are entering the workforce for the first time.

This episode is especially valuable for startup owners, growing practices, and established leaders navigating team dynamics, post-COVID culture shifts, and the balance between mission-driven work and operational sustainability.

Episode Highlights

• Starting Without Perfection
• Establishing Your “Why” and Early Alignment
• Course Correction as a Leadership Skill
• Balancing Values With Business Decisions
• Hiring for Both Objectivity and Fit
• Retention, Culture, and Workplace Impact

Have a question for Stephen and April?

Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432

Resources & Links

Business Essentials List

https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24

Schedule a Consultation with Stephen

https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page

Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment

https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment

ABA Billing Tips Guide

https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips

ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs

https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs

In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen and April Smith of 3 Pie Squared break down one of the most misunderstood and operationally critical areas of running an ABA practice: insurance processes.

From claim denials to prior authorizations, insurance workflows can either support growth or quietly stall it.

Stephen and April walk through the core insurance systems every ABA business owner needs to understand, especially in the early stages, and explain why even experienced providers can run into costly mistakes.

They are joined by insights from Sagar Jajoo of SILNA, who shares real-world data on where providers most often run into trouble and how strong insurance workflows can support scalability and long-term stability. The conversation highlights why most claim denials stem from front-end issues like benefit checks and authorizations, not clinical documentation, and why relying on inconsistent or manual tracking systems can quickly become a liability as your practice grows.

Stephen and April also discuss how insurance processes evolve over time, what new owners typically underestimate, and why predictable, well-documented workflows matter not just for growth, but also when preparing to exit or sell a practice. If you want to scale responsibly, improve cash flow, and reduce administrative headaches, this episode lays out what to focus on and what to fix first.

Get started with SILNA today: https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/silna

Key Takeaways

• New ABA owners must understand the core insurance processes early, including benefit checks, authorizations, and claims submission, to avoid preventable denials.

• Even strong billing teams make mistakes, which is why systems and safeguards matter more than individual effort.

• Most claim denials originate from front-end insurance issues rather than clinical errors.

• Lack of standardization around prior authorizations increases risk and slows intake.

• Manual tracking methods often break down as practices grow.

• Clean, predictable insurance workflows improve scalability and make your business more attractive to buyers.

📞 Have a question for Stephen and April?
Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432

📚 Resources & Links

🧾 Business Essentials List
https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24

💼 Schedule a consultation with Stephen
https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page

🧠 Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment
https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment

💳 ABA Billing Tips Guide
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips

🎧 ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs
https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs

In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen and April Smith get back to basics. They break down the key steps for setting up your ABA business the right way — from licensing and ownership rules to credit card strategies and company naming pitfalls.

It’s a practical, down-to-earth conversation full of lessons learned and advice every ABA business owner should hear — whether you’re just starting out or getting ready to grow.

Key Takeaways

• Get your licenses in order. Many ABA businesses need multiple permits depending on their services and state. Don’t skip this step — it can save you big headaches later.
• Check ownership laws. States like New York (and soon Illinois) require practices to be owned by licensed professionals. Always confirm with an advisor before registering your business.
• Pick a smart name. Your business name and professional email setup can shape first impressions and help you stand out.
• Use credit cards wisely. When insurance payments lag, a business credit card can help you smooth out cash flow.
• Plan for growth. As your business expands, your systems, policies, and even your insurance coverage need to evolve too.
• Document your changes. Keeping notes on what’s working and what’s not makes it easier to delegate and improve operations as you grow.

Sponsored by Live Oak Bank

This episode is sponsored by Live Oak Bank — the go-to financial partner for ABA providers. Live Oak offers flexible lending and specialized healthcare financing to help your business grow responsibly.

👉 Learn more here: https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/live-oak-bank

Resources & Links

📋 The Essential List for a Successful Business Your checklist for building a strong ABA foundation: 👉 https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24

🎧 ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs Earn CEUs while you learn:

👉 https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs

💼 ABA Business Readiness Assessment Find out if your ABA business is ready to scale:

👉 https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment

💡 ABA Billing Tips Simple tips to keep your cash flow strong:

👉 https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips

🗓 Book a Consultation with Stephen Smith Get expert advice for your ABA business:

👉 https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page

Want to Get in Touch?

Have a question for Stephen and April? Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline at (737) 330-1432 — they’d love to hear from you!

ABA Business Leaders Podcast – Episode: “ABA Hotline & Community Questions!

In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen and April Smith discuss the launch of a new hotline ((737) 330-1432) for listeners to ask questions about running ABA practices. They dive into the most common concerns facing ABA business owners, including insurance claims, rate negotiation, cancellation policies, and the challenges of scheduling and hiring staff.

Throughout the conversation, Stephen and April emphasize the importance of curiosity, clear communication, and structured onboarding to ensure high-quality services and sustainable business practices in the ABA field.

Takeaways from this episode:

• Curiosity is valued in the ABA community—no question is too small or silly.

• Launching a hotline provides real-time guidance for practice owners.

• Insurance claims are often denied due to simple errors—attention to detail is critical.

• Understanding your minimum acceptable rates and negotiating contracts protects your business.

• Cancellation policies should be communicated clearly and enforced consistently.

• Scheduling challenges are common but solvable with operational planning.

• Hiring should focus on cultural fit and values alignment.

• Rigorous onboarding ensures staff are prepared to provide quality care.

• Collaboration and transparent communication improve overall service quality.

Sponsored by MarginKeepers: This episode is brought to you by MarginKeepers, a team dedicated to helping ABA practices maintain financial clarity, streamline operations, and grow sustainably.

Resources & Links:

• Stay ahead with practical insights through the ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs: 👉 https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs

• Wondering how to start an ABA business or how to know your ABA business is ready to scale? Take the free ABA Business Readiness Assessment: 👉 https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment

• Looking for straightforward ABA billing tips to keep your cash flow healthy? Grab the quick guide here: 👉 https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips

• Ready to streamline your practice finances and simplify your operations? Check out MarginKeepers here: 👉 https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/MarginKeepers

• Want to get in touch via our new hotline? Give us a call on: (737) 330-1432!

On this episode we did an Ask us Anything event. We got into some great topics like; HIPAA Compliance, Authorizations, CAQH, and so much more!

In this landmark episode of our podcast, we're thrilled to bring our audience something special – our first full-length video version available on YouTube. You can watch the engaging visual content here: Watch on YouTube.

Episode Highlights:

Stephen and April, with their deep roots in ABA business, dive into an enlightening conversation with JJ Carolan, the visionary behind Catalyst Copy House. This episode peels back the layers on the significance of authentic and compelling copywriting within the ABA sector, particularly for businesses focused on services for children with autism.

Crafting Connection through Copy: JJ shares the ethos of Catalyst Copy House, emphasizing the importance of personality-driven and ethical copy that forges genuine connections with audiences. She explains how eliminating the "sleaze and ick" from marketing narratives can transform how ABA businesses communicate their value, making their services more relatable and trustworthy to the families they aim to serve.

Beyond Selling - Serving with Words: Stephen brings to light a crucial perspective on how BCBAs and ABA professionals are not just selling services; they're offering support and solutions that can significantly improve the quality of life for children with autism and their families. He discusses the fine balance between promoting services and advocating for the autism community through empathetic and knowledgeable copy.

April's Insight on Audience Engagement: April discusses the importance of understanding your audience deeply. She emphasizes that effective copywriting in the ABA space must speak directly to the concerns, aspirations, and day-to-day realities of families navigating autism services. It's about creating content that feels right and resonates on a personal level.

JJ's Tips for Authentic Brand Representation: JJ offers actionable advice for ABA businesses looking to refine their messaging. She stresses the importance of diving deep into the brand's personality, ensuring that every piece of copy reflects the authentic self of the business. From website content to email sequences, JJ underscores the need for consistency in voice and the power of storytelling in building a brand that inspires change.

Conclusion: This episode not only sheds light on the art of copywriting in the ABA business landscape but also serves as a clarion call for professionals in the field to embrace authenticity in their marketing efforts. With Stephen and April's insightful hosting and JJ's expert guidance, listeners are equipped with the knowledge to create copy that not only sells but also serves a greater purpose in the autism community.

Watch the Full Episode: Don't miss out on the valuable insights shared in this episode. Click the button below to watch the full discussion and learn how to elevate your ABA business with copy that truly connects.