Dancing with the Devil

A Restoration Contractor's Guide to TPAs (Without the Tears and Getting Toes Stepped On)

Ah, the enigmatic TPA. Those three little letters can strike fear into the heart of even the most seasoned restoration contractors. We build empires out of plywood and desiccants, but a TPA email can leave us sweating like a leaky pipe. But wait! Before you barricade yourself in your office with a stack of cash and a can of beans, let's take a deep breath and a step back.

This Blog wasn’t written to demonize TPAs (Third-Party Administrators). They're not some shadowy cabal sent from the insurance underworld to torment us. They're just folks like you and me, juggling spreadsheets and deadlines. Sure, sometimes their requests might seem like they were scribbled on a napkin during a particularly strong hurricane, but there's a method to the madness.

The TPA Tango - Why We Get Our Toes Stepped On

Let's be honest, sometimes the communication between restoration companies and TPAs resembles a bad game of telephone. We yell instructions into the void, only to receive nonsensical demands back. It's enough to make you want to throw your phone into the nearest overflowing sump pump.

But hold on there, Roy Rogers! Here's the truth: a lot of this frustration comes from a simple lack of understanding. We, the valiant restoration warriors, might march into a disaster zone with the confidence of Julius Caesar, but when it comes to TPAs and program work, we sometimes forget our basic training and well……manners.

The Common Sense Cure

Imagine this: a TPA is drowning in a sea of claims. Your poorly documented project, with invoices that look like a kindergartener's finger painting, is just one more wave threatening to pull them under. Now, wouldn't clear communication, proper documentation, and following program guidelines feel like a life raft?

The Power of Positivity (and a Little Patience)

Look, negativity is a contagion that spreads faster than black mold. We've all heard the horror stories about TPAs, but dwelling on them only fuels our fear. Instead, let's shift our perspective. TPAs can be a fantastic opportunity for growth. They offer steady work, streamlined processes, and a chance to build strong relationships with major insurers.

When I applied to be on my first TPA, Crawford Contractor Connections, I literally whimpered like a new born pup, with puppy dog eyes just begging to be accepted. After 6 months of waiting my wish came true and they kept their word and funneled more jobs my way than I could process to my unusually high standards.

Systemizing my business to handle the influx of work was hard work, took a great deal of time and effort, but at the end of the day we improved our job processing procedures and were finally able to keep up with the work in an ever challenging posture to pass all of their grading metrics to ensure that we stayed at the top of the rotation.

Building Bridges, Not Walls

Think of TPAs as potential partners, not adversaries. By fostering open communication, streamlining our processes, and demonstrating a genuine willingness to work within the program guidelines, we can build bridges of cooperation instead of walls of frustration. Remember, respect goes a long way, even when dealing with seemingly endless paperwork.

This Blog in Not Intended to Bash Any of My Beloved Restoration Brothers and Sisters.

Look, fellow restoration warriors, I've been there. I've worn the battle scars of TPA battles. But trust me, the path to success lies in understanding, not anger. This Blog is here to be your guide, your Gandalf on this sometimes confusing journey.

So, put down the duct tape and the battle axe. Let's grab a cup of coffee (or a stress ball, no judgment) and learn how to navigate the world of TPAs with confidence, clarity, and maybe even a little laughter along the way. Because remember, a well-informed restoration contractor is a happy, and more importantly, a profitable restoration contractor.