Medical Billing Forum

Starting a Medical Billing Business => Starting Your Own Medical Billing Business => : QueenAlicia February 02, 2011, 10:25:44 PM

: Email Marketing
: QueenAlicia February 02, 2011, 10:25:44 PM
Has anyone marketed their business by email marketing?  Have you found this method to be effective?  How did you compile your list for providers?  I have been creating lists for the different specialties that I want to market but have yet to find email addresses, well I have found a few.  Any suggestions?
: Re: Email Marketing
: Pay_My_Claims February 02, 2011, 11:04:22 PM
Honestly...90% of my providers came from Craigs List
: Re: Email Marketing
: QueenAlicia February 03, 2011, 01:52:48 AM
I have decided to use craigslist to respond to ads and to promote the business.  I just need to post an ad.
: Re: Email Marketing
: aksharhealth February 03, 2011, 12:38:35 PM
Honestly...90% of my providers came from Craigs List

Can you share some tips on how to respond to Craiglist adds besides sending resume, flyer and sales letter?
: Re: Email Marketing
: Pay_My_Claims February 03, 2011, 12:53:12 PM
I have decided to use craigslist to respond to ads and to promote the business.  I just need to post an ad.

I don't post a craigs list ad
: Re: Email Marketing
: Pay_My_Claims February 03, 2011, 12:58:01 PM
Honestly...90% of my providers came from Craigs List

Can you share some tips on how to respond to Craiglist adds besides sending resume, flyer and sales letter?


It depends on the post. I send information regarding my company, my e-brochure etc
: Re: Email Marketing
: QueenAlicia February 03, 2011, 04:49:42 PM
I have decided to use craigslist to respond to ads and to promote the business.  I just need to post an ad.

I don't post a craigs list ad

I was thinking of posting an ad just to spread the word and respond to ads I see on craigslist.  I know there will be some spam involved as well. 
: Re: Email Marketing
: aksharhealth February 04, 2011, 09:48:08 AM
Honestly...90% of my providers came from Craigs List

Can you share some tips on how to respond to Craiglist adds besides sending resume, flyer and sales letter?


It depends on the post. I send information regarding my company, my e-brochure etc
So you don't send your resume?
: Re: Email Marketing
: Pay_My_Claims February 04, 2011, 01:20:22 PM
No, I send my credentials. (certification, years of experience, specialties, info regarding my company) No work history
: Re: Email Marketing
: PMRNC February 04, 2011, 10:28:51 PM
I don't like craigs list at all.. I just don't.  However if I am looking at an ad in paper and it asks for a resume, I send one, it's only proper etiquette since that is what they requested. I also include a cover letter again to be polite and respectable to the nature of their ad. I put myself in their shoes. If I put an ad in the paper for an "employee" and I ask interested candidates to send a resume, I'm tossing the fliers, solicitations right in the trash.  JMO
: Re: Email Marketing
: Pay_My_Claims February 05, 2011, 12:23:11 AM
Well I love Craigs List because as I stated 90% of my clients have come from there. As far as a resume is concerned I don't think its IMPROPER etiquette to not send one since they placed the ad for an employee, not necessarily a billing service. As a billing service, i am offering them a solution to their billing needs (one of the lines I use), and that is my company. There are as you know a lot of people who may own a billing service, but have NEVER done billing, so sending them their resume with no experience isn't helpful. I have yet to obtain any client with my resume. What was a help to me was my flyer that I created with my association listed. I asked permission of the owner if I could use the home page of the association that lists the members who have written a guide and convert that to a flyer. I emailed a craigs list person on wed, and she called me wed and her first question was about the association. She saw it on my website, and in the flyer. In the flyer she was impressed that I taught DME and had written a guide about it. That was more impressive than a resume because if you can TEACH it, you can do it. I interview with them Tuesday about taking over their billing. Craigs list is NOT a place to post an ad regarding your business, but most employers are using craigs list because its FREE. The DME company that I was working for full time ONLY posted ads on Craigs List. What does get tossed, is faxed brochures, flyers etc to businesses that DIDN'T ASK FOR YOUR INFORMATION. That is considered spam more than me sending you information about my services to an ad you posted. I don't follow the logic, but then again it is JYO.
Craigs list has been WONDERFUL to me!!
: Re: Email Marketing
: medauthor February 05, 2011, 12:23:29 AM
Has anyone marketed their business by email marketing?  Have you found this method to be effective?  How did you compile your list for providers?  I have been creating lists for the different specialties that I want to market but have yet to find email addresses, well I have found a few.  Any suggestions?

Hi Alicia,

E-mail marketing is how I obtained ALL of my current providers!  If you concentrate on a specialty, you must research websites and organizations for that specialty.....you then follow through to a website....and on the website, there is usually a 'contact us' page with an email address or even a contact form to submit.............it is A LOT of work to compile e-mail addresses, however, in my case--it has been well worth the effort!!  Much luck to you  :)
: Re: Email Marketing
: Pay_My_Claims February 05, 2011, 12:27:43 AM
MedAuthor,
I hate those contact pages!! I know your specialty and it works (living proof) very well for you!! My issue with the contact page in most specialties is where the email is headed. Who monitors the website?? In some companies it can be the office manager who is actually doing the billing and not about to forward your information to the hiring staff (physicians). Any marketing effort however is worthwhile.
: Re: Email Marketing
: PMRNC February 05, 2011, 12:30:01 PM
I don't think its IMPROPER etiquette to not send one since they placed the ad for an employee, not necessarily a billing service.

This is exactly why I think it's just good etiquette to give them something they ask for. I can't imagine why anyone would NOT want to send their resume.  Advertising and asking for their business via outsourcing is a little deceiving so that is why sending a resume with a cover letter to let them know you are in business at the same time as giving your work experience and education.  Why not send it? If not for Etiquette why NOT? Would you hire someone w/out one especially if you put in an ad for help?
: Re: Email Marketing
: PMRNC February 05, 2011, 12:45:06 PM
she called me wed and her first question was about the association. She saw it on my website, and in the flyer.

I get that their might be a time to ride on someone's coat tails for a while.. Anyway.. if the ad says they are looking for an "experienced" medical biller and to respond by sending a resume..  not doing so in my opinion is deceptive. If they state they want "experience" that's WHY they want the resume. Wouldn't it be better to get the business on your own merit's?

In the flyer she was impressed that I taught DME and had written a guide about it. That was more impressive than a resume because if you can TEACH it, you can do it. I interview with them Tuesday about taking over their billing. Craigs list is NOT a place to post an ad regarding your business, but most employers are using craigs list because its FREE

I THINK that is one of my hangups with craigs list. My god MOST of the ad's there are so unprofessional written, it's a free ad but is free always good? Just something about this doesn't get me all tingly inside to go for a client who can't afford to put in a real ad anywhere, or ones that cannot take the time or care enough to make a professional ad. Doesn't really promote a warm fuzzy feeling with me, but that's just me I'm a little picky on who I take on now.


The DME company that I was working for full time ONLY posted ads on Craigs List. What does get tossed, is faxed brochures, flyers etc to businesses that DIDN'T ASK FOR YOUR INFORMATION. That is considered spam more than me sending you information about my services to an ad you posted. I don't follow the logic, but then again it is JYO.
Craigs list has been WONDERFUL to me!!

But we are not talking "information" providers don't go on Craigs list looking for billing companies so they don't advertise to "Send your information" they say "send your resume" that's pretty specific. And you mentioned you send Flyers from ad's on craigslist?

Anyway, that's just my opinion

 
: Re: Email Marketing
: Pay_My_Claims February 05, 2011, 01:09:23 PM
I don't think its IMPROPER etiquette to not send one since they placed the ad for an employee, not necessarily a billing service.

This is exactly why I think it's just good etiquette to give them something they ask for. I can't imagine why anyone would NOT want to send their resume.  Advertising and asking for their business via outsourcing is a little deceiving so that is why sending a resume with a cover letter to let them know you are in business at the same time as giving your work experience and education.  Why not send it? If not for Etiquette why NOT? Would you hire someone w/out one especially if you put in an ad for help?

It has nothing to do with NOT wanting to it has to do with CHOICE. What does me OWNING a billing service have to do with me working as a biller?? The AD is for a medical biller, not a billing service. I am giving the provider an OPTION to no longer hire a biller, but to consider a billing service. Obviously it works..LMAO because I'm getting clients that way. When they open their options up to using a service, they ask for my credentials not my resume. My credential are the providers that I bill for. I gained a 2 practice account off of Craigs list and instead of my resume, he wanted references. My previous employers provided that information. Its not about how you view things, its about how it works. You don't like Craigs list, so your opinion will be shaded.

CRAIGS LISTS WORKS!!
: Re: Email Marketing
: Pay_My_Claims February 05, 2011, 01:13:49 PM
Oh my God........I see why I took a HIATUS off this Forum!!
Stop interpreting my post so much. You don't like Craigs List..cool. When people ask you about marketing ideas, give them your Snooty opinion on it. Craigs list is too bottom of the barrel for you, I get it. Well it has allowed me to stop working full time on my other job. It has allowed me to gain clients. Its a good business sense to SAVE MONEY. Its not like they being cheap on benefits. The economy is bad.

Advertising

Craigs List--free (no charge for people to post resumes or look for jobs)

Career Builders--charges (no cost for people to post resumes or apply for jobs)

Monster.com--charges (no charge for people to post resumes or apply for jobs)

WHY IN THE BLAZES would I pay to post an ad for a job when I will get the same resumes???

smdh
: Re: Email Marketing
: PMRNC February 05, 2011, 01:29:42 PM
Oh Gawwd charlene, why do YOU get to have an opinion and I don't? For the last 20+ years I've expressed my as is opinion and I've not changed simply to coddle you.

I did not say you couldn't get a client, it was MY OPINION that to NOT send something requested was not good etiquette That's all. Don't get your panties in a twist.. keep up the good work! I would work on your quick to judge actions however.
: Re: Email Marketing
: medauthor February 05, 2011, 02:19:31 PM
I have to agree with Charlene; if, as a medical billing service, you are using CRAIGSLIST as a marketing tool--then NO-YOU WOULD NOT SEND A RESUME.  If you are looking for a JOB in the office as a MEDICAL BILLER, then YES--OF COURSE YOU WOULD SEND YOUR RESUME!!  The topic was not about getting an in-office job as a medical biller--it was about being a MEDICAL BILLING SERVICE MARKETING CLIENTS......so NO RESUME NEEDED!!
: Re: Email Marketing
: Pay_My_Claims February 05, 2011, 02:49:24 PM
Oh Gawwd charlene, why do YOU get to have an opinion and I don't? For the last 20+ years I've expressed my as is opinion and I've not changed simply to coddle you.

I did not say you couldn't get a client, it was MY OPINION that to NOT send something requested was not good etiquette That's all. Don't get your panties in a twist.. keep up the good work! I would work on your quick to judge actions however.

You can have your opinion, I replied to what you said.........whats the issue. Please don't coddle me...I don't need that. but before you throw up mirrors look in them yourself. If you feel Craigs List applicants are cheap because they don't pay to post an ad, what about Free Forums?? Free Yahoo groups?? Does the value of the material change because it is free? Should Alice N Michelle charge members for the "free advice" that is given on the boards, or should we as EXPERIENCED members maybe have a drop a dollar on my site to answer your question?? Are you ranting because my logic makes sense??  It is what it is....good grief!!

The real question you should ask is why is it always with YOU and never anyone else?? Maybe YOU need to work on your quick to judge actions.......
: Re: Email Marketing
: Pay_My_Claims February 05, 2011, 02:52:28 PM
I have to agree with Charlene; if, as a medical billing service, you are using CRAIGSLIST as a marketing tool--then NO-YOU WOULD NOT SEND A RESUME.  If you are looking for a JOB in the office as a MEDICAL BILLER, then YES--OF COURSE YOU WOULD SEND YOUR RESUME!!  The topic was not about getting an in-office job as a medical biller--it was about being a MEDICAL BILLING SERVICE MARKETING CLIENTS......so NO RESUME NEEDED!!

Thanks MedAuthor for comprehending what I was trying to say. Oh and Thanks for letting me ride your coattail since you own the association affiliated with the flyer I was using. I thought it was a marketing tool, had no idea I was riding you like a donkey.....LMAO

I'm wondering what do you send to the ad if you own the billing service and you have NEVER done billing?? Oh well N e Way..back to marketing gotta get a new flyer done!
: Re: Email Marketing
: PMRNC February 05, 2011, 04:23:41 PM
Oh my God........I see why I took a HIATUS off this Forum!!
Stop interpreting my post so much. You don't like Craigs List..cool. When people ask you about marketing ideas, give them your Snooty opinion on it

Yeah I can see how you wouldn't think this was personal? LOL

I have to agree with Charlene; if, as a medical billing service, you are using CRAIGSLIST as a marketing tool--then NO-YOU WOULD NOT SEND A RESUME.  If you are looking for a JOB in the office as a MEDICAL BILLER, then YES--OF COURSE YOU WOULD SEND YOUR RESUME!!  The topic was not about getting an in-office job as a medical biller--it was about being a MEDICAL BILLING SERVICE MARKETING CLIENTS......so NO RESUME NEEDED!!

Ok, so doctors post on craigs list to be marketed to? That is their objective?... Why wouldn't they say "No experienced?... send us your fliers, brochures"  or " HEY we want medical billing companies to bombard our fax with fliers and disregard the fact that we would like to see your experience?"

Use Craigslist.. I really don't care.. I'm sure it does work for you, never said it didn't. I was expressing my opinion, if you don't like it..seems to me you have the problem, not me.
: Re: Email Marketing
: Alice Scott February 05, 2011, 04:36:21 PM
After that massage therapist got killed as a result of her ad on Craigs list by a guy who grew up 30 miles from here I wouldn't use Craig's list for anything either. :o
: Re: Email Marketing
: aksharhealth February 05, 2011, 04:38:06 PM
Well I love Craigs List because as I stated 90% of my clients have come from there. As far as a resume is concerned I don't think its IMPROPER etiquette to not send one since they placed the ad for an employee, not necessarily a billing service. As a billing service, i am offering them a solution to their billing needs (one of the lines I use), and that is my company. There are as you know a lot of people who may own a billing service, but have NEVER done billing, so sending them their resume with no experience isn't helpful. I have yet to obtain any client with my resume. What was a help to me was my flyer that I created with my association listed. I asked permission of the owner if I could use the home page of the association that lists the members who have written a guide and convert that to a flyer. I emailed a craigs list person on wed, and she called me wed and her first question was about the association. She saw it on my website, and in the flyer. In the flyer she was impressed that I taught DME and had written a guide about it. That was more impressive than a resume because if you can TEACH it, you can do it. I interview with them Tuesday about taking over their billing. Craigs list is NOT a place to post an ad regarding your business, but most employers are using craigs list because its FREE. The DME company that I was working for full time ONLY posted ads on Craigs List. What does get tossed, is faxed brochures, flyers etc to businesses that DIDN'T ASK FOR YOUR INFORMATION. That is considered spam more than me sending you information about my services to an ad you posted. I don't follow the logic, but then again it is JYO.
Craigs list has been WONDERFUL to me!!
What do you mean by your association? Means the organization like MGMA or AMBA or HBMA?
: Re: Email Marketing
: PMRNC February 05, 2011, 04:58:23 PM
After that massage therapist got killed as a result of her ad on Craigs list by a guy who grew up 30 miles from here I wouldn't use Craig's list for anything either. :o

Not to mention the baby selling, the Podiatrist/killer, and teenage abduction rings!   There's a lot more free advertising venue's out there. 
: Re: Email Marketing
: medauthor February 05, 2011, 07:51:50 PM
I get that their might be a time to ride on someone's coat tails for a while.. Anyway.. if the ad says they are looking for an "experienced" medical biller and to respond by sending a resume..  not doing so in my opinion is deceptive. If they state they want "experience" that's WHY they want the resume. Wouldn't it be better to get the business on your own merit's?


Linda.....you have NO idea what you are talking about....Charlene does not ride on my coat-tails.....We help one another out!  The business relationship that we have developed far exceeds what one biller to another biller wishes for.....And, believe you me, she DOES get her clients on her own merits......she was trying to explain what was 'helpful' to her.........and did so to HELP others out.....every post from you is so negative...nothing ever changes...........from 2 years ago to today....still the same.....why must you be so argumentative?  It's such a 'downer'...really it is......that's why I stopped posting for so long....  Can you not be happy for anyone else?  Geez.............
: Re: Email Marketing
: Pay_My_Claims February 05, 2011, 08:01:38 PM
Oh my God........I see why I took a HIATUS off this Forum!!
Stop interpreting my post so much. You don't like Craigs List..cool. When people ask you about marketing ideas, give them your Snooty opinion on it

Yeah I can see how you wouldn't think this was personal? LOL

I have to agree with Charlene; if, as a medical billing service, you are using CRAIGSLIST as a marketing tool--then NO-YOU WOULD NOT SEND A RESUME.  If you are looking for a JOB in the office as a MEDICAL BILLER, then YES--OF COURSE YOU WOULD SEND YOUR RESUME!!  The topic was not about getting an in-office job as a medical biller--it was about being a MEDICAL BILLING SERVICE MARKETING CLIENTS......so NO RESUME NEEDED!!

Ok, so doctors post on craigs list to be marketed to? That is their objective?... Why wouldn't they say "No experienced?... send us your fliers, brochures"  or " HEY we want medical billing companies to bombard our fax with fliers and disregard the fact that we would like to see your experience?"

Use Craigslist.. I really don't care.. I'm sure it does work for you, never said it didn't. I was expressing my opinion, if you don't like it..seems to me you have the problem, not me.


YOU ARE AN ABSOLUTE IDIOT!!! Trying to belittle me you are really making yourself look incredibly STUPID!!! What you are saying then is NOBODY SHOULD SEND MARKETING INFORMATION TO ANYONE because NO company that I have seen has EVER ADVERTISED to ask to receive this information. Never have you said to anyone in this forum to NOT SEND UNSOLICITED information to them.  I can understand completely why you were BANNED from the other forum. The one I still belong to, so dear its not me its YOU!!!

You take PERSONAL issues you have with people I associate with and you try to constantly create confusion NOBODY has to like Craigs list. those that listen to you and others it is their choice. Everything you and others say against it, you CONTRADICT in your own actions. Inviting people into your home you don't know you take a chance....correct?? Any person who has posted an ad on Craigs list I obtain vital information from them before I meet them or do their billing. Your motto "think outside the box" LMAO only if you think as Linda does I guess that applies. Since we are all entitled to our opinion I no longer will argue the stupidity in the replies because I don't argue with FOOLS!!


: Re: Email Marketing
: PMRNC February 05, 2011, 08:53:40 PM
Michele who mentioned you??
Charlene, you made this personal when I weighed in with my opinion..you were the first to make it personal. Alice weighed in with same type of opinion...you are not jumping on her?

If you don't want responding opinions, DO not post, it's a public forum!   

Yes Michele, nothing changes much.. how are those "India" offshore members doing?
: Re: Email Marketing
: medauthor February 05, 2011, 09:19:54 PM
Yes Michele, nothing changes much.. how are those "India" offshore members doing?
 

They're doing quite well thanks.....in fact, I see many of them post in here :)
: Re: Email Marketing
: PMRNC February 05, 2011, 09:32:30 PM
Really? Seriously?  You always 'mention' me without saying my name...LOL---just like you've done for the past 2 years!!! HAHAHA!

I can't help your paranoia.
: Re: Email Marketing
: Pay_My_Claims February 05, 2011, 10:50:20 PM
Linda I did say ALL PEOPLE. I saw Alice's remark, I am NOT against anyone who doesn't use Craigs List. I stated that your comments were CONTRADICTORY. If you need me to reply to feel better..

@ Alice, as I comprehend the problems associated with Craigs list on some isolated incidents. it is in my opinion to shut down or consider it a poor marketing tactic simply closed minded. As I also stated in my post that offering to have strangers to come into your home to sit and watch you work is equally as dangerous. These people are replying to a FREE MARKETING project posted on a FREE FORUM, as well as a FREE NEWSLETTER. So I truly don't comprehend the rationale in the replies.

Anybody replying to any ad anywhere is in fact dangerous. People lurk anywhere. People place ads everywhere. It is a BEWARE type of society we live in. I can easily have interns come work for me FOR FREE but like others my office is HOME BASED, and I don't want everyone coming to my home. I had to obtain a PO box so that people can't google me to see where I live. Just like I can google map your home and it shows a nice clear picture of the address you post as your office location.

I didn't make it personal you did. You broke down my post and made insinuations, just as you are doing now towards Michelle. Any person with half a brain can see through your posts. You ride any band wagon you can and you have a problem with anyone who mentally challenges you. You post in this forum simply because you can. As long as you were getting the praise and adoration you are ok, but once someone crosses your line, you are as vicious as a pitt bull.

My only issue is allowing someone such as your self Linda to get under my skin. I KNOW as well as others who are smart enough to say nothing simply sit back and laugh at the stupidity in this post. Everyone has their opinion but you seem to be the only person who create problem.......its funny how you are able to be a moderator of a forum when you simply can't moderate your OWN MOUTH....

BACK INTO HIATUS I GO...............
: Re: Email Marketing
: PMRNC February 05, 2011, 11:03:32 PM
And I never said NOT to use Craig's list, just as you posted the advantages, I posted the disadvantages.  I think it is YOU who seem to be paranoid about my targeting you or making it personal. Now if I'm responded to the way you responded..damn straight I'm coming back at ya.  You were the first person to find a way to make it look like big bad Linda was beating on poor defenseless Charlene.  You are the one with the problem..

BACK INTO HIATUS I GO...............

Thank goodness!
: Re: Email Marketing
: dekenn February 06, 2011, 01:00:41 PM
Oh my goodness... I feel like I'm at a preschool.....
: Re: Email Marketing
: DMK February 07, 2011, 03:07:49 PM
It seems like we should all be entitled to our opinions, but I for one am grateful for ALL the opinions and experiences.  What works for some is not for others, but shouldn't be denigrated when we don't agree with it.  Just store the information, it may come in handy later.

I work for a Chiropractor.  They notoriously "eat their young".  They bicker and fight and point fingers and accuse each other of hurting the industry.  The simple fact is that the good ones will stay in business, the quacks will get sued out of business, and the immoral jerks who rip people off will end up in jail.

Oooooo that analogy works for billing too!  We all need to help each other to be more noble and to make our profession more noble.  We all get our opinions too!  Us newbies can take it all with a grain of salt and learn!

Love all you guys and respect ALL your opinions!

Dina
: Re: Email Marketing
: Alice Scott February 07, 2011, 05:01:30 PM
Well put!
: Re: Email Marketing
: QueenAlicia February 07, 2011, 05:23:49 PM
Ok soo...whew... Thank you EVERYONE for your opinion. I will take what I want and apply it to what I think will work best for my business.

Next question:

"I'm wondering what do you send to the ad if you own the billing service and you have NEVER done billing?? "  Well that was more of a quote from Charlene, which btw, please don't go in hiding, I appreciate your and everyone elses advice and opinion.

Since I graduated from school for billing I don't have experience ( I had a family emergency last year that put a hault in EVERYTHING!).  I am however taking more courses to stay current in billing.  What should I do when they ask for experience and references?

Thank you in advance again everyone for your help!  :)
: Re: Email Marketing
: Pay_My_Claims February 07, 2011, 05:55:44 PM
Queen,
I never send a resume since I am not seeking to work for them, but for them to consider another option (A billing company). What I send (same as if I had no experience) would be background on my services, and the credentials of my employees (EX: We employ billers who have a minimum of XX years of experience and are certified blah blah blah). There are a variety of people who do invest in Billing Services (entrepreneurs) who don't have any billing expertise. If you send me your email, I have no problem sending you some sample marketing material that has worked for me.

As far as services to bill for, if you comprehend the basics of billing, you can really market to anyone, however being rationale, I wouldn't try to obtain providers like Cardiology, Inpatient/hospital billing, facility billing, or surgical services. Opthalmology is also one I would stay from since the billing is medium (complex in certain areas). I would stay with general practice, mental health (psychiatry), internal medicine, or PCS services. If you find a service you are interested in, GOOGLE GOOGLE GOOGLE. You can obtain so much information online. Also there are reference books available. I usually tell people to stick to 3 specialties. Unless you are trying to hire a lot of people. if you stay with 3, you can specialize in that area and really market to those providers.
: Re: Email Marketing
: PMRNC February 07, 2011, 06:28:23 PM
I think if you are responding to an ad and it's a fax or email type of response, honesty will be the best policy. Yes obviously you can't send a resume in this situation, but I still think (IMO) that bombarding them with solicitations is not very professional. I would send them a simple letter or email (whichever they are requestiong..fax/email) and introduce yourself and your business and then ask if you can send them the additional information. You can certainly impress upon them briefly the benefits of outsourcing. I just wouldn't go with the fliers, and the hard sell to be respectful of their ad.  I'm starting to see ad's in the paper now where it says PLEASE ONLY FAX RESUME'S ONLY, NO SOLICITATIONS and that's probably why.
: Re: Email Marketing
: Pay_My_Claims February 07, 2011, 09:39:15 PM
Sample of a Craigs List Ad (Vital information removed since I am applying to this ad)  ;D

Medical Insurance and Biller Manager (XXXX, NC)
Date: 2011-02-07, 6:44PM EST
Reply to: see below

Internal Medical Practice in XXXX NC is seeking an experienced billing, coding, and insurance manager for a practice. Applicant should be proficient in dealing with insurance companies and all aspects of medical office billing. Applicant will need to code using ICD-9, and CPT, processing claims, work A/R, correcting, and resubmitting any denials. Candidate should experienced, self-directed, efficient, and aggressive in billing and insurance. Full time position, available to fill immediately. Please forward resume and contact information to Providernameremoved@earthlink.net

    * Location: XXXX, NC
    * Compensation: Salary based on experience
    * Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster. (This does not mean Billing services-it means Employment agencies)
    * Please, no phone calls about this job!
    * Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.


Key Points:
1. The company is seeking to hire a Biller/Billing Manager
2. Company seeks experience
3. Company requests Resume & Contact information
4. For those who don't know, the bottom half of the post is a DEFAULT. Unless you enter your information that generic do not call, do not contact is there for ALL CRAIGS LIST posting. 90% of them have this listed

My response to this ad is an EMAIL to the poster. In most ads there is a default craigs list email addy  to prevent people from obtaining information in order to SPAM or send UNSOLICITED information to them.

(Unsolicited information-does not mean a flyer!!) Unsolicited information is what you fax, email, scan, call, mail to a provider who DOES NOT ADVERTISE for something! When you send out email marketing, mail marketing, go door to door that is UNSOLICITED information. This provider is asking for a biller, and my company can PROVIDE that for him. The ONLY difference is instead of hiring a biller to work in-house, I work outside of the company. I am upfront with all my providers, when they ask the answer is "Yes I work out of the home" then I whip out the copy of my business license (one provided in each packet I prepare)

So my question would then be to ask (Linda) how does one market to a provider that is NOT advertising for a biller?? How do you send them information without it being labeled "unsolicited"? If me sending out a flyer to a company that is LOOKING for a biller is considered that, what is it for all the newbies who are trying to find ways to get a new provider by email marketing, looking for lists of new or even established providers who DID NOT ADVERTISE for a biller?

Marketing is finding unique and creative ways to reach a target audience. I stopped sending out mass brochures, flyers etc to people I found in the yellow pages because it didn't justify the cost. I received 0 return on my investment, however sending out E-BROCHURES, E-flyers, has been very successful. I get an audience who is looking for what I have to offer, however they were not expecting to receive it in the form of a Billing Service, but in a Medical Biller.

Everytime I open my mail box, I get unsolicited mail. Mail from Time Warner Cable, Carpet cleaning companies, dog groomers etc etc. I toss it in the trash. If I were seeking to hire a maid, and a maid service contacted me, I would not be upset or ready to toss that information should I feel that it would be cost-effective to what I was looking for. This is equivalent to what I have been saying. NOBODY is debating that you should OR SHOULD NOT use Craigs List. I just don't comprehend the logic of the "unprofessional-ism" in replying with a flyer, or the flyer being Unsolicited information when basically ALL MARKETING IS UNSOLICITED!!


: Re: Email Marketing
: PMRNC February 08, 2011, 10:58:30 AM
So my question would then be to ask (Linda) how does one market to a provider that is NOT advertising for a biller?? How do you send them information without it being labeled "unsolicited"? If me sending out a flyer to a company that is LOOKING for a biller is considered that, what is it for all the newbies who are trying to find ways to get a new provider by email marketing, looking for lists of new or even established providers who DID NOT ADVERTISE for a biller?

I am not going to change my mind about Craigslist. But to answer your question, I would respond to the add with the etiquette and respect it deserves. When viewing those ad's you do not really know IF they are firm on an in-house position or maybe they were burnt by a medical billing company. With that in mind and for what they are requesting I will simply send a cover letter along with my resume. My cover letter will introduce myself and my company. It's only 2 paragraphs and I attach my resume. If you send fliers and other marketing things you are sending "unsolicited advertising" If you don't have a resume the most respectful thing to do would be to send just a cover letter and request permission to send additional information on your company. That would be a first impression after all and it should be respectful, faxing them over fliers and brochures simply is not respecting the wishes of the practice or the ad.  
: Re: Email Marketing
: Pay_My_Claims February 08, 2011, 11:06:43 AM
Nobody is asking you to change your mind about craigs list. thats a DONE DEAL!! The question you keep dodging is how do newbies send information to potential clients............clients WHO DO NOT ADVERTISE for a biller without it becoming unsolicited information??

If me sending a flier to a person who is asking for a biller is considered that, what about sending emails, brochures, post-cards, phone calls, coming door  to door, what is that called?

I want clarity on that. I hope all others DON'T USE craigs list because its been great for me. I have a meeting today at 12 with a craigs list client.

What you have basically said and wont admit to, is marketing to people who DON'T REQUEST information is unsolicited. So please tell me and the newbies what do you do, what do you send to people so it won't be unsolicited. Leave the craigs list ad out of it. We talking straight out marketing now!!!
: Re: Email Marketing
: PMRNC February 08, 2011, 11:09:52 AM
Marketing is finding unique and creative ways to reach a target audience. I stopped sending out mass brochures, flyers etc to people I found in the yellow pages because it didn't justify the cost. I received 0 return on my investment, however sending out E-BROCHURES, E-flyers, has been very successful. I get an audience who is looking for what I have to offer, however they were not expecting to receive it in the form of a Billing Service, but in a Medical Biller.

There is an old saying that has ALWAYS been true, no matter what business you are in.. IT TAKES MONEY TO MAKE MONEY.  Every company SHOULD have a marketing budget.  Why would I open a restaurant if I didn't allocate funds to MARKET this new restraint?   0 return on your investment does not mean it doesn't work, it means you are not investing enough. The average response on direct mail is 1%.  Internet marketing of a website is 5% or higher ..but only for the ones who have taken the time and spent the money to advertise it.  

Every time I open my mail box, I get unsolicited mail. Mail from Time Warner Cable, Carpet cleaning companies, dog groomers etc etc. I toss it in the trash. If I were seeking to hire a maid, and a maid service contacted me, I would not be upset or ready to toss that information should I feel that it would be cost-effective to what I was looking for. This is equivalent to what I have been saying. NOBODY is debating that you should OR SHOULD NOT use Craigs List. I just don't comprehend the logic of the "unprofessional-ism" in replying with a flyer, or the flyer being Unsolicited information when basically ALL MARKETING IS UNSOLICITED!!

As my mom would say.."If everyone was robbing a bank, does that make it ok for you to rob a bank?"   In my opinion, etiquette, respect wins out, It works for me in every facet of my business.  I think it's best to stand out and not do what everyone else does.

I toss it in the trash. If I were seeking to hire a maid, and a maid service contacted me, I would not be upset or ready to toss that information should I feel that it would be cost-effective to what I was looking for.

But you might be inclined more to say hmmm  when they send you just a quick note asking your permission to send you additional information. I would.

 
: Re: Email Marketing
: PMRNC February 08, 2011, 11:19:49 AM
Nobody is asking you to change your mind about craigs list. thats a DONE DEAL!! The question you keep dodging is how do newbies send information to potential clients............clients WHO DO NOT ADVERTISE for a biller without it becoming unsolicited information??

Charlene, I'm not dodging you, I guess I should give a vocabulary lesson on the word "Unsolicited"??   I told you what I do. I did not say everyone should do it. I said it's the most polite and respectful thing to do. UNSOLICITED means they did NOT ask for it. If the ad says "Send your fliers, marketing materials etc.." that is fine, it's NOT unsolicited.  If it says "Send a cover letter and a resume" and you send them fliers, brochures, YES that is UNSOLICITED.  I did not dodge your questions, you asked me what do I do and I told you 3 times, I send a cover letter along with my resume and for those that do not have a resume than my suggestion is to send the cover letter with an introduction to you and your company (BRIEF) along with a REQUEST to send additional information.  

If me sending a flier to a person who is asking for a biller is considered that, what about sending emails, brochures, post-cards, phone calls, coming door  to door, what is that called?
 

That too is called solicitation, I never go do a cold-call walk-in with a hard sell, I ask them if I can leave the information and if they say yes, great! Places that have signs that say "no solicitation" I don't bother them at all, I will mark the address and send the information via mail.

I want clarity on that. I hope all others DON'T USE craigs list because its been great for me. I have a meeting today at 12 with a craigs list client.

What you have basically said and wont admit to, is marketing to people who DON'T REQUEST information is unsolicited.


No Charlene, you don't get to interpret what I am saying. It's not my fault you can't comprehend what I am saying. I've not DODGED YOU nor do I need to admit to anything.. YOU ASKED ME the questions remember?

We were talking about "ad's"  we were not talking about other situations, as each one requires a unique set of respectful values and etiquette.. clearly your not getting that part <g>

Bottom line if the ad requests one thing and you send another, I'm sorry to me that shows you can't follow directions, maybe you get lucky, maybe you don't. To me it's disrespectful to ignore a direct request for specific information (ie; resume with cover letter)
: Re: Email Marketing
: Pay_My_Claims February 08, 2011, 11:24:35 AM
First I don't know how my post got under your picture, guess you didnt' reply
OMG @ not investing enough.....you are hilarious

I guess from old posts in which I believe Alice N Michelle spoke about sending out post cards and things was NOT considered solicitation.

The thing is the ads are asking for information. The FLIER or BROCHURE is simply ADDITIONAL information that they are getting. My flyer is my RESUME!! It has my experience listed, how many years, my specialties my credentials. It includes everything that my resume does.

As a paralegal you should know the FTC law on unsolicited mail.

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt063.shtm

I can opt out of Time Warner mail, or Stanley Steemer because it is UNSOLICITED mail. The people who advertise for something and I apply, I am not sending out unsolicited information. Just because I give them MORE than what they asked for there is no unprofessional or etiquette rule broken. What is unsolicited is all the newbies sending out postcards, calling companies, mailing out flyers etc to people who don't ask for it.

You just have an issue with something else, and believe me..its CLEAR as rain. Its no paranoia but I gotta go get my new client...

Have a blessed and Craigs list free day!!
: Re: Email Marketing
: Pay_My_Claims February 08, 2011, 11:28:42 AM
Nobody is asking you to change your mind about craigs list. thats a DONE DEAL!! The question you keep dodging is how do newbies send information to potential clients............clients WHO DO NOT ADVERTISE for a biller without it becoming unsolicited information??

Charlene, I'm not dodging you, I guess I should give a vocabulary lesson on the word "Unsolicited"??   I told you what I do. I did not say everyone should do it. I said it's the most polite and respectful thing to do. UNSOLICITED means they did NOT ask for it. If the ad says "Send your fliers, marketing materials etc.." that is fine, it's NOT unsolicited.  If it says "Send a cover letter and a resume" and you send them fliers, brochures, YES that is UNSOLICITED.  I did not dodge your questions, you asked me what do I do and I told you 3 times, I send a cover letter along with my resume and for those that do not have a resume than my suggestion is to send the cover letter with an introduction to you and your company (BRIEF) along with a REQUEST to send additional information.  

If me sending a flier to a person who is asking for a biller is considered that, what about sending emails, brochures, post-cards, phone calls, coming door  to door, what is that called?
 

That too is called solicitation, I never go do a cold-call walk-in with a hard sell, I ask them if I can leave the information and if they say yes, great! Places that have signs that say "no solicitation" I don't bother them at all, I will mark the address and send the information via mail.

I want clarity on that. I hope all others DON'T USE craigs list because its been great for me. I have a meeting today at 12 with a craigs list client.

What you have basically said and wont admit to, is marketing to people who DON'T REQUEST information is unsolicited.


No Charlene, you don't get to interpret what I am saying. It's not my fault you can't comprehend what I am saying. I've not DODGED YOU nor do I need to admit to anything.. YOU ASKED ME the questions remember?

We were talking about "ad's"  we were not talking about other situations, as each one requires a unique set of respectful values and etiquette.. clearly your not getting that part <g>

Bottom line if the ad requests one thing and you send another, I'm sorry to me that shows you can't follow directions, maybe you get lucky, maybe you don't. To me it's disrespectful to ignore a direct request for specific information (ie; resume with cover letter)

LMAO-sending the first letter is UNSOLICITED communication....its the "can I ask you a question" you just did scenario. If you send me a letter asking me you can send me information on my company, the letter itself was UNSOLICITED!!

: Re: Email Marketing
: PMRNC February 08, 2011, 11:38:31 AM

OMG @ not investing enough.....you are hilarious

I didn't say YOU were not investing enough, I said it's COMMON and well known that to make money you spend money and that in general if you are getting a 0 return on an investment it means you need to invest more.

I guess from old posts in which I believe Alice N Michelle spoke about sending out post cards and things was NOT considered solicitation.

That is TOTALLY different, that is DIRECT MAIL MARKETING..  We were talking about "ad's (first Craigslist then ad's in general")

The thing is the ads are asking for information
.

NO Charlene... they are NOT asking for "information" they are asking for a resume and/cover letter Those are the ad's we were discussing!  Just because YOU interpret Resume/cover letter as a flier and brochure certainly does not make you right!   You like to interpret things to mean what YOU want it to mean.

The FLIER or BROCHURE is simply ADDITIONAL information that they are getting. My flyer is my RESUME!! It has my experience listed, how many years, my specialties my credentials. It includes everything that my resume does.

Again, you are interpreting your flier as your Resume.. that's YOUR interpretation, a Flier is NOT a professional resume.

As a paralegal you should know the FTC law on unsolicited mail.

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt063.shtm


And what does that have to do with the price of tea in china?   I do know the rules/laws on solicitation, both federal and state.. as well as both phone AND FAX!  The rules on faxing mean "sending any information not directly requested by the fax owner" But you can let the FTC know that you think a flier is a resume. Go fight it Charlene :)  and I never said anything about solicitation laws because we know they are enforceable only by the party who makes the complaint. Unless you are continuously sending unsolicited faxes or mail and the person has requested it to stop..it's not likely someone is going to turn you in.

: Re: Email Marketing
: PMRNC February 08, 2011, 11:46:10 AM
LMAO-sending the first letter is UNSOLICITED communication....its the "can I ask you a question" you just did scenario. If you send me a letter asking me you can send me information on my company, the letter itself was UNSOLICITED!!

Did you forget your brain in bed this morning?

WHAT first letter.  I realize I have to spell everything out for you.. so let's try this a little slower ...    The ad says: " P L E A S E   S E N D   A  C O V E R  L E T T E R   W I T H   Y O U R   R E S U M E"   IF you have a resume you send the COVER LETTER AND RESUME. If you don't have a resume you can still send the cover letter introducing your business and a request to send additional information.
Whew..like talking to one of my teenagers!

When did I say "can I ask you a question"  LOL  Now we need to go over vocabulary for the words "Question" and "permission" <sigh>

My opinion is just my opinion. I don't care what you do. But I do believe people should have an understanding of marketing etiquette. It seems to ME you just are baiting me and the funny thing is.. this is based on my opinion to which you asked for!! that is LMAO!
: Re: Email Marketing
: Pay_My_Claims February 08, 2011, 05:28:27 PM
No Linda you don't comprehend and its funny....you break down the entire post but you still act DUH!!

I asked you to EXPLAIN how sending a flier that was not requested to a person who places an ad different than sending a flier to a a person WHO DOES NOT!!

How is one unsolicited and the other is not. That is the question.

Meaning how can I get a new client to market to unless I send them information? Nobody asked me for anything. I go online research all DME companies in NC and I send them all information about my company. Even if its a letter asking if I can send MORE information...is not the first letter UNSOLICITED MARKETING???


You keep referring to an AD, and my question has NOTHING TO DO WITH THE AD. Its a marketing question. You keep saying that If I send them the "unrequested flier" I am showing poor etiquette and sending unsolicited information.

Keep running around the question that YOU CAN'T ANSWER with bullzhit replies its clear to us all why you won't come out and say even to a NEWBIE that your reply is ridiculous...

Have a blessed day

oh and my Craigs List interview went VERY WELL!!
She actually loved my flier....I can fix one up for you if you like :-)
: Re: Email Marketing
: rdmoore2003 February 08, 2011, 05:52:15 PM
Just reading all of this 'back & forth" nonsense.   It sounds like someone needs to make an appt with my office for psych eval.....
: Re: Email Marketing
: PMRNC February 08, 2011, 07:10:40 PM


I asked you to EXPLAIN how sending a flier that was not requested to a person who places an ad different than sending a flier to a a person WHO DOES NOT!!

That right there makes no sense so I'm THINKING you mean.. what was the difference between sending out a direct mail campaign (flier..brochure, etc) than sending one in response to an ad requesting a Resume?

Ok, the difference is the office has placed an ad requesting SPECIFICALLY for a resume and/or cover letter. Direct mail marketing you are still sending out unsolicited mail, however your not disregarding a specific request! The ad wants someone in house most likely so they are requesting the resume to show experience..they are not saying "Send your brochures and fliers"

How is one unsolicited and the other is not. That is the question.
  See Above

Meaning how can I get a new client to market to unless I send them information? Nobody asked me for anything. I go online research all DME companies in NC and I send them all information about my company. Even if its a letter asking if I can send MORE information...is not the first letter UNSOLICITED MARKETING???

The offices you direct market too are not asking for anything SPECIFICALLY!. If they are asking for something in particular and you send something else, well that in MY opinion is not following directions! If they ask for nothing, your not disregarding their wishes and they can ask you not to send them any further information.


You keep saying that If I send them the "unrequested flier" I am showing poor etiquette and sending unsolicited information.

Wow you really do need my validation don't you.. I HAVE SAID OVER AND OVER it is MY FEELING that DISREGARD OF A REQUEST FOR SOMETHING SPECIFIC SUCH AS A RESUME IS NOT GOOD ETIQUETTE.  It's like asking a person to fill out their application in Blue ink and they turn it in written in black ink.  I really didn't ask you to do this.. I really could care less.. REMEMBER YOU ASKED ME!  It's like you want me to say.. Ok Charlene.. no it's not improper in my opinion, you go ahead..  LOL just do it.. don't listen to me.. Again.. I really do NOT care. I offered up my feelings on the subject. 

Keep running around the question that YOU CAN'T ANSWER with bullzhit replies its clear to us all why you won't come out and say even to a NEWBIE that your reply is ridiculous..
.

My reply was ridiculous? Are you sure about that.. I was told I went above and beyond responding to you.. LOL

Have a blessed day

oh and my Craigs List interview went VERY WELL!!
She actually loved my flier....I can fix one up for you if you like :-)

Na..no thanks I've actually got more business than I can need.

: Re: Email Marketing
: KLA February 08, 2011, 10:27:43 PM
Charlene -

I have posted ads on craigslist to hire sales people and they are nuts! - Well thats if I can even get them to answer the phone for an interview but I have to say, I have had 3 good one come out of it and they are my best employees!  I am curious how you go about your marketing online.  I have a website and an ebrochure - arent the office managers just getting the emails and deleting them?  I give you praise with the patient you have and think that everyones post especially yours are great and informing.  May I ask if you bill flat fee or % and what you feel the pros and cons are of both?  Thanks so much!
: Re: Email Marketing
: Pay_My_Claims February 08, 2011, 11:30:22 PM
KLA
i don't post my company on Craigs List. It does open the door for spam. Even when I apply to some of the ads online, I run into the "crazies" but we take the good with the bad. If I was seeking to hire help, which may come very soon, I would probably look for someone in my association. It is what I believe is one of the benefits to joining...networking and growth. As far as how I bill, I have since I started in 2009 ONLY BILLED FLAT FEE. The obvious advantage to % billing is the more you bring in, the more you make, but its also that same theory that brings the disadvantage. Every beginning of the year you deal with the Medicare deductibles not being met, private insurance deductibles starting again. So although you are putting in the work and billing the claims out correctly, the balance drops to the deductibles and its a zero pay claim. You have to hope the patient pays, and for some practices if the money is collected in the office it does not count towards the billers fee.

: Re: Email Marketing
: KLA February 08, 2011, 11:55:52 PM
Charlene,

Thank you so much.  I think I want to transition over to the flat fee just so I dont runinto a legal issue.  I am just a bit stumped on how to figure out the flat fee.  Maybe a formula???  As far as the salespeople.  They were all Pharma sale so they know how to deal with the delicate doctors staff.  It really has done well.  I have focused my PM business of Pain Management - it seems that is my strong suit.  A pain in the butt, but my strong suit.  Do you have a niche?  I have run into a few mental health but I dont know enough about it yet to want to take them.  I am going to take some refresher courses soon.  Stay well and as always, thanks for all your info!!
: Re: Email Marketing
: Pay_My_Claims February 08, 2011, 11:57:58 PM
DME is my biggest niche, but also facility billing for substance abuse, PCS services, Mental health (for community support, respite care etc)
I have other specialties, but DME is my fav.
: Re: Email Marketing
: KLA February 09, 2011, 12:04:09 AM
DME is a moster in of itself.  That's awsome that you have that niche because billing companies are tough to find that are good.  I mean real good.  There is a big company in NJ called Arcadian Healthcare that I did billing for - I don't know how your office is set up but they are always looking for a good company.  I did their billing when they had it in house.  I got pregnant with my son and left.  I wonder if you sent them an ebrochure what would hapen.  They do O2/Resp.  is your office set up for that type of long communication?  I do it with my NJ/NY clients.  It is a challenge but well worth it.  I just am not as passionate about DME as you!  I have the whole Pain Management thing going with orthapedic spinal surgery!  Say that ten time fast!
: Re: Email Marketing
: Pay_My_Claims February 09, 2011, 12:13:33 AM
Yes I love DME, but agreed it is cumbersome billing. I have done custom Rehab equipment and all those MODIFIERS!! Medicare has changed the rule on group 3 pwc, capped rental items, the documentations, audits etc. its a lot. obtaining the cmn, knowing if they are in a skilled facility, or if they got the equipment somewhere else and isn't eligible. ....My only issue with doing billing out of state is knowing the medicaid rules. I NEVER contract with any company until I learn their medicaid system. I bill for a California provider, however she doesn't accept medicaid, so thats great. MY SC provider didn't either, but I was very familiar with SC medicaid since I worked at a major hospital for 10 years and we dealt with a lot of out of state medicaid plans, especially NY, SC, Florida, VA.
: Re: Email Marketing
: KLA February 09, 2011, 12:43:44 AM
Hey Charlene,

I have a question for you.  I have a great website but when I put it in google it dosent come up.  How do you get to the top of google or any search engine for that matter.  Any suggestions??
: Re: Email Marketing
: Pay_My_Claims February 09, 2011, 08:17:41 AM
i will email you. there are marketing companies that help put your ad at the top of the search engine.
: Re: Email Marketing
: KLA February 09, 2011, 04:01:36 PM
great!  thanks so much.  My email is kelly@meditrustllc.com  your the best!
: Re: Email Marketing
: Pay_My_Claims February 09, 2011, 05:10:16 PM
u are welcome
: Re: Email Marketing
: PMRNC February 09, 2011, 05:26:17 PM
Make sure you review the company and what they are offering good.  SEO placement and SEO submission services are COMPLETELY different. No company CAN guarantee placement, however they can Guarantee submission. YOU Will find a lot of companies guaranteeing submission, stay away from those if possible.   If you have just a few hours once a month, you don't really need to pay for services at all.  ;)
: Re: Email Marketing
: QueenAlicia February 09, 2011, 10:01:09 PM
Make sure you review the company and what they are offering good.  SEO placement and SEO submission services are COMPLETELY different. No company CAN guarantee placement, however they can Guarantee submission. YOU Will find a lot of companies guaranteeing submission, stay away from those if possible.   If you have just a few hours once a month, you don't really need to pay for services at all.  ;)

This is soo true and I just had this conversation today.  I am paying like $3.99 a month to optmize the word search and other marketing tips through my sites server.  However, there are companies charge $1500 for email addresses of doctors and other services that you could do yourself.  As a start up I am trying to save as much money as possible so a lot of marketing I will be doing myself.
: Re: Email Marketing
: KLA February 09, 2011, 10:51:14 PM
Queen,

Do you mind me asking who you use at 3.99 a month and how are you doing it yourselves?
: Re: Email Marketing
: Pay_My_Claims February 09, 2011, 11:06:19 PM
Vista Print has a "optimizer" feature that you can pay for that supposedly allows you to boost your search potential by others. What we have to realize is this..........how many providers are truly seeking a billing service versus a medical biller??? Even with the clients that I have landed via Craigs list, they (all but 2) were seeking an in-house medical biller. I had to market myself to them. Vista Print has a way to view who comes to your site, ironically most on my website, come from this forum. Every now and then I get providers who have "searched" for a billing company and will send me an email requesting more information. The one provider I did get that way, thank God I am an investigator, she was a scam artist.
: Re: Email Marketing
: QueenAlicia February 09, 2011, 11:13:42 PM
Queen,

Do you mind me asking who you use at 3.99 a month and how are you doing it yourselves?

Vistaprint
: Re: Email Marketing
: QueenAlicia February 09, 2011, 11:15:49 PM
Vista Print has a "optimizer" feature that you can pay for that supposedly allows you to boost your search potential by others. What we have to realize is this..........how many providers are truly seeking a billing service versus a medical biller??? Even with the clients that I have landed via Craigs list, they (all but 2) were seeking an in-house medical biller. I had to market myself to them. Vista Print has a way to view who comes to your site, ironically most on my website, come from this forum. Every now and then I get providers who have "searched" for a billing company and will send me an email requesting more information. The one provider I did get that way, thank God I am an investigator, she was a scam artist.

That is the program that I am using Charlene.  Like you said I am mostly spreading the word on my own besides the search optimizer.  I like that vistaprint shows you who has visited your site. I get a lot of visitors from here but I have also got some from other areas here in california.
: Re: Email Marketing
: KLA February 09, 2011, 11:18:14 PM
Thanks Ladies,

I created my own website becausr I have a degree in Graphic Arts as well as marketing so it works and they have a SEO optimizer for $55.00 a year so thats not to bad.  Thanks again.  I will give it a try.
: Re: Email Marketing
: Pay_My_Claims February 09, 2011, 11:27:22 PM
Vista Print has a "optimizer" feature that you can pay for that supposedly allows you to boost your search potential by others. What we have to realize is this..........how many providers are truly seeking a billing service versus a medical biller??? Even with the clients that I have landed via Craigs list, they (all but 2) were seeking an in-house medical biller. I had to market myself to them. Vista Print has a way to view who comes to your site, ironically most on my website, come from this forum. Every now and then I get providers who have "searched" for a billing company and will send me an email requesting more information. The one provider I did get that way, thank God I am an investigator, she was a scam artist.

That is the program that I am using Charlene.  Like you said I am mostly spreading the word on my own besides the search optimizer.  I like that vistaprint shows you who has visited your site. I get a lot of visitors from here but I have also got some from other areas here in california.

Oh you are in California, I have an internist I bill for from there!! Yes a lot of hits from the forums I belong to. They look at the site, and some send me emails. I prefer them to email me directly because when you see the new contact form notification, you get excited about a possible new client LOL
: Re: Email Marketing
: PMRNC February 09, 2011, 11:31:12 PM
A lot of our members get hits from their sites, I am constantly getting requests from doctors for referrals and recommendations from our listings, so they are out there!!
Be careful of the "template" websites, I see so many of them where I say.."I've seen this one before" If you must use a template service go for one that will allow you to buy the unique design if offered. I like Vistaprint for my biz cards and they have gotten better over the years.

I am paying like $3.99 a month to optmize the word search and other marketing tips through my sites server.

$3.99 is not bad at all, but you can save that 3.99 just by learning the basics with HTML and the meta tags, it only takes about 5 min once a month.

they have a SEO optimizer for $55.00 a year so that's not to bad.

Is that just for one URL? Does it spider? I ask because you can do better than $55 a ear and have multiple URL's which is better than depending on the search engines to spider the one site. I have a high end one because I have a website design/hosting company in addition to medical billing and it allows for unlimited URL's, all updates are free and no annual fee.  


: Re: Email Marketing
: QueenAlicia February 10, 2011, 12:27:10 AM
A lot of our members get hits from their sites, I am constantly getting requests from doctors for referrals and recommendations from our listings, so they are out there!!
Be careful of the "template" websites, I see so many of them where I say.."I've seen this one before" If you must use a template service go for one that will allow you to buy the unique design if offered. I like Vistaprint for my biz cards and they have gotten better over the years.

I am paying like $3.99 a month to optmize the word search and other marketing tips through my sites server.

$3.99 is not bad at all, but you can save that 3.99 just by learning the basics with HTML and the meta tags, it only takes about 5 min once a month.

they have a SEO optimizer for $55.00 a year so that's not to bad.

Is that just for one URL? Does it spider? I ask because you can do better than $55 a ear and have multiple URL's which is better than depending on the search engines to spider the one site. I have a high end one because I have a website design/hosting company in addition to medical billing and it allows for unlimited URL's, all updates are free and no annual fee.  




I definetely need to get better with html. I have a friend who can do it. I am going to have them design a new template for me so my website doesn't look like others and stands apart.  I also designed my business cards off of vistaprint but I had my logo created by a design person. 

I will google SEO's tonight.
: Re: Email Marketing
: PMRNC February 10, 2011, 09:16:59 AM
I definetely need to get better with html. I have a friend who can do it. I am going to have them design a new template for me so my website doesn't look like others and stands apart.  I also designed my business cards off of vistaprint but I had my logo created by a design person. 

You can have him create you just one page which will have it's own unique look and design and then all you would have to do was put content into each page and then FTP it to your host. FTP programs are very reasonable too, some are free even. When he/she designs your template, have them insert the meta tags to where you just have to plug in the Title, Description, Robots index, keywords, etc. they are found in the <Head> of the HTML and before the <Body> tag.
: Re: Email Marketing
: midwifebiller February 11, 2011, 12:14:50 AM
Wow--stay away for a few weeks and I miss all the drama!  Anyway, regarding the original question, here's my two cents about email marketing and what worked (and is still working) for me.

I chose a specialty and joined every Yahoo group I could find. National organizations, state associations, consumer groups, advocate groups, etc. While I mostly just read the posts, it keeps me abreast of the policital climate in different geographical areas, lets me know what the concerns are, and when there is a question about billing/insurance/codes, I jump in and answer.  It has gotten my name out there and brought several clients.

My husband and I created a "master list" of sorts of as many of these specialists as we could find across the nation (you may or may not want to stay local). Since we had already found many associations, it wasn't hard to track down 2,000+ names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses.  I did NOT do any cold contacting. We write a short monthly newsletter and send it to certain states. A newsletter gives the provider something of value and shows them that you are genuinely interested in their specialty as well as knowledgeable.  As an example, after receiving three of our newsletters, one provider emailed back with the opening line, "OK, I'll bite. Who are you guys?"  They became clients.

Does your specialty have any kind of e-zine?  Write a short article or two. That takes guts, but it is another very good way to get your name out there.

And none of this cost me anything but time. 
: Re: Email Marketing
: KLA February 11, 2011, 12:30:04 AM
kelli,
nice to see a billing co specializing in midwifery.  I had both of my children with midwife and no pain med.  I loved it but it cost me a fortune.  My insure didn't cover it!  Good Job - Kelly
: Re: Email Marketing
: Pay_My_Claims February 11, 2011, 12:33:39 AM
my uterus is hurting...........natural child birth..U go Girl!!
: Re: Email Marketing
: KLA February 11, 2011, 12:36:30 AM
notice I stopped at two!!  LOL - they were both worth the pain though!
: Re: Email Marketing
: Pay_My_Claims February 11, 2011, 12:38:04 AM
I have 2 also, daughter is 22 attending Grad School, son is 14 in high school Not natural birth, but well worth the pain I went through to get them both!!
: Re: Email Marketing
: medauthor February 11, 2011, 12:42:49 AM
A newsletter gives the provider something of value and shows them that you are genuinely interested in their specialty as well as knowledgeable.  As an example, after receiving three of our newsletters, one provider emailed back with the opening line, "OK, I'll bite. Who are you guys?"  They became clients.

Does your specialty have any kind of e-zine?  Write a short article or two. That takes guts, but it is another very good way to get your name out there.

And none of this cost me anything but time.   

Kelli........ I LOVE this marketing idea!!   ;)
: Re: Email Marketing
: QueenAlicia February 11, 2011, 05:05:11 AM
Wow--stay away for a few weeks and I miss all the drama!  Anyway, regarding the original question, here's my two cents about email marketing and what worked (and is still working) for me.

I chose a specialty and joined every Yahoo group I could find. National organizations, state associations, consumer groups, advocate groups, etc. While I mostly just read the posts, it keeps me abreast of the policital climate in different geographical areas, lets me know what the concerns are, and when there is a question about billing/insurance/codes, I jump in and answer.  It has gotten my name out there and brought several clients.

My husband and I created a "master list" of sorts of as many of these specialists as we could find across the nation (you may or may not want to stay local). Since we had already found many associations, it wasn't hard to track down 2,000+ names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses.  I did NOT do any cold contacting. We write a short monthly newsletter and send it to certain states. A newsletter gives the provider something of value and shows them that you are genuinely interested in their specialty as well as knowledgeable.  As an example, after receiving three of our newsletters, one provider emailed back with the opening line, "OK, I'll bite. Who are you guys?"  They became clients.

Does your specialty have any kind of e-zine?  Write a short article or two. That takes guts, but it is another very good way to get your name out there.

And none of this cost me anything but time. 

I have a newsletter in the works that I will be sending out at the end of March.  I am doing research on articles, new laws and anything else I can get my hands on that pertains to my specialty's.
: Re: Email Marketing
: PMRNC February 11, 2011, 09:28:42 AM
I have a newsletter in the works that I will be sending out at the end of March.  I am doing research on articles, new laws and anything else I can get my hands on that pertains to my specialty's.

Put up your newsletters on your website, try to do them in HTML format if possible, if not put up a PDF and be sure to title it using keywords for the search engines!
Also link to the newsletter from your blogs, social networks etc. :)
: Re: Email Marketing
: aksharhealth February 11, 2011, 10:30:20 AM
Wow--stay away for a few weeks and I miss all the drama!  Anyway, regarding the original question, here's my two cents about email marketing and what worked (and is still working) for me.

I chose a specialty and joined every Yahoo group I could find. National organizations, state associations, consumer groups, advocate groups, etc. While I mostly just read the posts, it keeps me abreast of the policital climate in different geographical areas, lets me know what the concerns are, and when there is a question about billing/insurance/codes, I jump in and answer.  It has gotten my name out there and brought several clients.

My husband and I created a "master list" of sorts of as many of these specialists as we could find across the nation (you may or may not want to stay local). Since we had already found many associations, it wasn't hard to track down 2,000+ names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses.  I did NOT do any cold contacting. We write a short monthly newsletter and send it to certain states. A newsletter gives the provider something of value and shows them that you are genuinely interested in their specialty as well as knowledgeable.  As an example, after receiving three of our newsletters, one provider emailed back with the opening line, "OK, I'll bite. Who are you guys?"  They became clients.

Does your specialty have any kind of e-zine?  Write a short article or two. That takes guts, but it is another very good way to get your name out there.

And none of this cost me anything but time. 
Kelli,
Very good idea. I have newsletter drawn. How do you get email addresses to send News letters?
: Re: Email Marketing
: QueenAlicia February 11, 2011, 03:49:39 PM
I have a newsletter in the works that I will be sending out at the end of March.  I am doing research on articles, new laws and anything else I can get my hands on that pertains to my specialty's.

Put up your newsletters on your website, try to do them in HTML format if possible, if not put up a PDF and be sure to title it using keywords for the search engines!
Also link to the newsletter from your blogs, social networks etc. :)

I was thinking of doing specialty specific newsletters.  Should I just start off with a general  newsletter and then branch out?
: Re: Email Marketing
: PMRNC February 11, 2011, 04:35:34 PM
I would do something that would appeal to all and maybe some small articles on a certain specialty. :)
: Re: Email Marketing
: midwifebiller February 12, 2011, 01:55:41 AM
I chose midwifery because I am passionate about midwives, birth choices and anything natural. My mother is a midwife and my bedroom was the birth room when I was in high school.  When the phone rang at 2:00 in the morning, I knew I had to get up and change the sheets.  My sisters and I were Mom's assistants and we learned to set up the birth room, warm towels, encourage the moms (and dads) during labor and delivery, wipe sweaty brows, and be a second pair of hands for anything Mom needed us to do.  This was back in the bad old days, when midwifery wasn't quite legal in our state. We entertained the police a couple of times on the front porch, but my attorney Dad always managed to keep Mom out of jail.

If a woman wants to have her baby outside the hospital, she is entitled to that right. She is also entitled to have a trained professional to attend her during labor and delivery. And I am here to see that the insurance companies pay just as much as I can legally squeeze out of them to help these families.

What is your passion? Mental health? Chiropractic? Pediatrics?  DME? When you communicate to your potential clients, they can feel your passion (or lack thereof) be it on the phone, in a newsletter or on your FaceBook page.  What makes you different from the thousands of other billing services out there? Why should they choose you?  Midwives choose us because we can speak their language, we understand the midwifery model of care and can communicate that to the insurance companies, and we are not afraid to go the extra mile (or ten) to get those claims paid. This speaks volumes and they learn that they can trust us.

I encourage you to find your passion and then share that with the specialty or specialties you choose.  Providers need good billers, not just to do their billing, but to be their advocates in an ever-changing and more difficult insurance environment. 
PS: My Hubby-san is a twin born at home with a midwife.  We have three children--all born with midwives--and two cats (also born at home). I wouldn't have birthed any other way!  :-)
: Re: Email Marketing
: midwifebiller February 12, 2011, 02:00:35 AM
KMA--I'm sorry your insurance wouldn't pay for your midwife!  Who was she, if you don't mind me asking?

~Kelli
: Re: Email Marketing
: midwifebiller February 12, 2011, 02:03:23 AM
aksharhealth--we got all of our email addys off of the internet. Search the provider-types you are wanting to serve, go to their websites and check out the Contact Us page.  Some will have a generic email form with no address, but many others will have an email address, fax, phone and other good information.

Before email was so prevalent, I used to fax flyers and newsletters to potential clients.  That also got their attention.

~Kelli
: Re: Email Marketing
: Alice Scott February 12, 2011, 06:55:06 AM
Great story!  Thanks. 

Many new billers don't understand that they won't just be submitting claims.  Thanks for showing them the need for the passion!