Author Topic: Starting a Business  (Read 10309 times)

Tsaav

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 9
Starting a Business
« on: December 02, 2009, 05:38:30 PM »
I haven't been billing long, little less then a year now, but I have alway though about starting my own business. It seems to me that this kind of business I can do even as apart time thing, well as part time I mean working when I come home from another job, as of now anyway. But I want to know more on how and what is needed.

I have not had any formal training in billing, but I am a quick learner and picked up the information need for my job right now. I want to advance and learn more and eventually start a billing business. Right now all I bill for is personal care, which we really only us two billing codes. What should I learn? I was thinking about becoming a coder also, just to have that as a help. What do you guys think would be the best way to learn or where should i go to get more eduation on billing.

Thanks

Tsaav

P.S. My second thread, but this forum is filled with people that are really interested in helping out other billers with there issues. Thanks.

Pay_My_Claims

  • Guest
Re: Starting a Business
« Reply #1 on: December 02, 2009, 11:44:46 PM »
insurance.....a background in insurance (benefits, verifications etc). I am not a fan of the learn as you go process...(fake it til you make it) it gives such a negative image for the at home medical billers who have been doing this for years. You have to remember that you have someone's livelihood in your hands. Errors you make can cost a physician more than just money.

Michele

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5927
    • Solutions Medical Billing
Re: Starting a Business
« Reply #2 on: December 03, 2009, 09:51:19 AM »
Charlene is right.  It is best to learn all you can before you start.  Also, start small with an account that you understand like a social worker.  Learn all you can about billing for a social worker, the codes are limited as well, then start with that and build yourself up.  There are a lot of resources out there.  We have a book specifically on mental health billing.  You can read more about it here:

http://www.medicalbillinglive.com/mental-health-medical-billing.shtml

Good luck!

Michele
Sign Up for our FREE Medical Billing Newsletter
Get a 10% discount on Medical Billing Products by using Coupon Code: 10OFF
http://www.solutions-medical-billing.com

Gloriamaxx

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 17
Re: Starting a Business
« Reply #3 on: December 03, 2009, 12:31:03 PM »
I am also interested in starting my own Billing Business.  I have experience as an Medicare Insurance Biller.  I have also have a college certifications in Medical Biller Receptionist.  I have have an General Associates that is centered around Billing.  I am now in my final year as a Medical Facility Business Manager.  I have taken several coding classes also and business classes.  I just want to find a doctor and bill for him.  I have a network of Teachers and also people who are in the business as Billers and Coders.  I was just wondering what software should I be purchasing first?  Or should I look for the client first.  This is not a hobby for me.  This will be my final career.  I just want to do it at home or go to the business and bill.
Gloriamaxx

Pay_My_Claims

  • Guest
Re: Starting a Business
« Reply #4 on: December 03, 2009, 04:54:50 PM »
I am also interested in starting my own Billing Business.  I have experience as an Medicare Insurance Biller.  I have also have a college certifications in Medical Biller Receptionist.  I have have an General Associates that is centered around Billing.  I am now in my final year as a Medical Facility Business Manager.  I have taken several coding classes also and business classes.  I just want to find a doctor and bill for him.  I have a network of Teachers and also people who are in the business as Billers and Coders.  I was just wondering what software should I be purchasing first?  Or should I look for the client first.  This is not a hobby for me.  This will be my final career.  I just want to do it at home or go to the business and bill.

There are various software programs available, and it depends on what your needs are going to be regarding your choices. All I can tell you is I prefer web-based, and I feel eventually all server based software will be obsolete. Web-based can be very expensive. I really can't say get the client first, because you won't have time to get used to your software before you purchase it.

Medical Billing Forum

Re: Starting a Business
« Reply #4 on: December 03, 2009, 04:54:50 PM »

Gloriamaxx

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 17
Re: Starting a Business
« Reply #5 on: December 03, 2009, 06:17:17 PM »
I don't want to limit myself.  I have found a couple of names of web-based sites....AdvancedM, AllegianceMD, athenahealth, Chartlogic, eClinicalWorks.  How do you chose which one?  What should I be looking for in a company?  Also I understand I also need a clearing house?  What should I look in a clearing house?
Gloriamaxx

margemib

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 209
Re: Starting a Business
« Reply #6 on: December 03, 2009, 07:58:36 PM »
Check out Medlook.
It used to only be a computer based software and now it is online, the price is right and if you call and speak to Jeff he will be happy to give you all the info.
I am going with this software.
http://www.medlookusa.com/
Check it out for yourself.
Margie
Margie Finlay CMRS

Gloriamaxx

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 17
Re: Starting a Business
« Reply #7 on: December 03, 2009, 11:32:57 PM »
I have several questions?  What is the average amount for the software? Should the software be the first purchase for the business?  I use to bill for a hospital and I billed for all outpatient procedure should I stick to that?  I did physical therpist billing also. 
Gloriamaxx

Michele

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5927
    • Solutions Medical Billing
Re: Starting a Business
« Reply #8 on: December 03, 2009, 11:46:08 PM »
One thing you should look for in a web based software is costs.  Not that you should automatically go with the cheapest, but we just spoke with someone today who was surprised that her monthly bill for her webbased was $3000.  When you are charged by provider, and per claim, and set ups etc, it adds up quickly. 

Also, you need to look at functionality.  There are a few free web based softwares but the functionality is not good. 

Charlene is right, if you don't get software before your client you will be scrambling.  Many web based softwares come with clearinghouse connections and you can easily connect thru them.

Michele
Sign Up for our FREE Medical Billing Newsletter
Get a 10% discount on Medical Billing Products by using Coupon Code: 10OFF
http://www.solutions-medical-billing.com

Pay_My_Claims

  • Guest
Re: Starting a Business
« Reply #9 on: December 04, 2009, 11:43:10 PM »
One thing you should look for in a web based software is costs.  Not that you should automatically go with the cheapest, but we just spoke with someone today who was surprised that her monthly bill for her webbased was $3000.  When you are charged by provider, and per claim, and set ups etc, it adds up quickly.  

Also, you need to look at functionality.  There are a few free web based softwares but the functionality is not good.  

Charlene is right, if you don't get software before your client you will be scrambling.  Many web based softwares come with clearinghouse connections and you can easily connect thru them.

Michele

Wow 3grand...thats an employee salary. The DME company that I work for is looking at a web based software program and the  cost for the premium package about 2400 a month. It's ridiculous how much they charge you.

« Last Edit: December 05, 2009, 02:43:17 PM by Pay_My_Claims »

Medical Billing Forum

Re: Starting a Business
« Reply #9 on: December 04, 2009, 11:43:10 PM »

margemib

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 209
Re: Starting a Business
« Reply #10 on: December 05, 2009, 09:30:07 AM »
Medlook online is a good price and also is very soon going to be upgraded to Medlook 4 which has a lot of functionality and very good support whenever you need it. I did not mean that the whole thing about it was that it was a good price that is why I say check it out for yourself. You can download a trial version in you computer which is equal to the Medlook online so you can check it out yourself and form your own option. In that price upgrades are included.
Margie
« Last Edit: December 05, 2009, 11:56:04 AM by margemib »
Margie Finlay CMRS

Gloriamaxx

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 17
Re: Starting a Business
« Reply #11 on: December 06, 2009, 07:51:23 PM »
I am a little confused.  Sorry.  I understand getting the software to download on my computer.  The software is only price only right?  After the software is download I know I need so type of web-base to send my claims electronically.  Or is their any other kind of way?  I am sorry but if I am just starting out how can I afford a web base at any price?  What is concerned as being low or high price?  Can I consider coming into the business office if they have the software and bill from their office?  How do I get the claims to bill?  Sorry I have billed before but from a hospital setting?

Please help.  Just need help.  I hope my questions are too wild.
Gloriamaxx

PMRNC

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4562
    • One Stop Resources & Networking for Medical Billers
Re: Starting a Business
« Reply #12 on: December 07, 2009, 09:25:06 AM »
If you are starting your own business it is imperative you have start up funds. You will need more than just your software. The costs you can then incur later with clients will be clearinghouse fees, forms, etc. Depending on what software you purchase you might also consider training and I highly recommend a support plan as well. You are also going to need many other items to start. It's like any other business. For example, you wouldn't purchase a restaurant and not the ovens while you wait for people to enter the restaurant.  There are some of us who will connect with offices and use their PM software but I would suggest you have a vast amount of experience first because you do not want to charge your client to learn their software, one of the advantages to outsourcing for providers is cost, so you have to keep that in mind.
Linda Walker
Practice Managers Resource & Networking Community
One Stop Resources, Education and Networking for Medical Billers
www.billerswebsite.com

Gloriamaxx

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 17
Re: Starting a Business
« Reply #13 on: December 07, 2009, 11:30:51 AM »
I do have experience in the billing and also schooling to go with it. I am still in school doing the coding part of the field along with the coding I am also taking several business classes.  I wanted to do the billing part time for now.  Get 1-2 doctors if possible and bill for them.  I have joined Michigan Medical Billers Association to get more knowledge.  I also have the advantage of my professors not only teaching billing and coding but working in the business.  I was thinking about interning somewhere a couple of days an week to get a feel of billing again.  I want to have my business but if need be I can go to the Doctor's office and do the billing or try remote billing.  I know I am good at billing, coding and research. 
Gloriamaxx

PMRNC

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4562
    • One Stop Resources & Networking for Medical Billers
Re: Starting a Business
« Reply #14 on: December 07, 2009, 03:44:10 PM »
There really is no market for physicians hiring "employees" to work from home, there are too many costs and liabilities associated with an employee working at home. I would suggest looking into your own business and starting out slow. If you are only looking for a "job" than you might want to consider a nearby office or practice and in many cases you might need to start out at entry level.

This article explains the differences between a "at home job" vs. "Owning your Own Business"
 http://www.billerswebsite.com/jobvsbiz.htm
Linda Walker
Practice Managers Resource & Networking Community
One Stop Resources, Education and Networking for Medical Billers
www.billerswebsite.com

Medical Billing Forum

Re: Starting a Business
« Reply #14 on: December 07, 2009, 03:44:10 PM »