Author Topic: Terminating  (Read 11081 times)

QDbilling

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Re: Terminating
« Reply #15 on: February 14, 2012, 08:49:29 PM »
As for the data:  give them a printable file with all open balances?  or a back up for which they have no software to open it with?  I guess it's not really a question at this point.  I can give them both. 

billingandscanning

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Re: Terminating
« Reply #16 on: February 15, 2012, 10:17:40 AM »
How did you file your taxes with the IRS if you did not have a W2 or a 1099? I agree with Linda, this company sounds very suspicious to me.

PMRNC

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Re: Terminating
« Reply #17 on: February 15, 2012, 12:23:44 PM »
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What does this make me?

Very very vulnerable.  At this point I think you need to either completely revamp your relationship with them ..meaning if you want to stay, get everything properly setup, contracts, tax info, etc. At this point in time you basically don't "exist" to them and that COULD be a blessing for you in this situation as you can walk away w/out stating any reasons and be done.  If they give you a problem, I cannot stress enough how important it would be for you to speak with a lawyer and/or your sate Labor board.   IF I were in your shoes, I'd probably tell them "see ya".  Your way too vulnerable here with NO legal protection at all.
Linda Walker
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QDbilling

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Re: Terminating
« Reply #18 on: February 15, 2012, 09:22:12 PM »
I keep good accounting records and filed as self-employed. 

I'm not staying.  They told me last month they were bringing the billing in house.  They chose to go with a different software company than what I use and I was told that someone in the office was taking classes on billing.  Anyway, I do feel very vulnerable.  I'm a sitting duck. 

The owner called again and wants me to file 7 more claims for them because they did not set up the doctor who quit in October on their new billing software.  There are also 100+ claims missing from Medicare's system (a problem between the clearinghouse and Medicare after 5010 went into effect) that he wants me to track down.  And they want me to enter all payments coming in so that my database, when I give it to them, is up to date.  Oh, and send another batch of patient statements. 

I'm losing sleep. 

PMRNC

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Re: Terminating
« Reply #19 on: February 16, 2012, 12:43:55 PM »
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I keep good accounting records and filed as self-employed.

How you are setup is sort of a problem because they look at you like a sub-contractor where as you are setup within your own structure as a business (self employed).. there's a big difference between the two. Sub contractors have certain IRS rules for both the company hiring them and the sub-contractor. A small example is that they supplied the computer/software, that hurts you with IRS deductions naturally.  It's good you have accounting records as that will help you in regards to being paid what is owed but it's not going to help much in terms of leaving them since they consider you one thing and you are setup as another.

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I'm not staying.  They told me last month they were bringing the billing in house.  They chose to go with a different software company than what I use and I was told that someone in the office was taking classes on billing.  Anyway, I do feel very vulnerable.  I'm a sitting duck.

I agree that's probably the BEST option for YOU.  Since you have no contract with them, I would try to leave on a good note, maybe cite personal family emergency , etc.. and give them what they need.   If they have a different software, they cannot expect you to provide a data conversion, but it would be in your best interest to give them a copy of the data, how they access that data is ON them. I would also give them a full set of reports.  Do the best you can to maintain the relationship at least for a reference if needed in the future.

<<The owner called again and wants me to file 7 more claims for them because they did not set up the doctor who quit in October on their new billing software.  There are also 100+ claims missing from Medicare's system (a problem between the clearinghouse and Medicare after 5010 went into effect) that he wants me to track down.  And they want me to enter all payments coming in so that my database, when I give it to them, is up to date.  Oh, and send another batch of patient statements. >>

So long as you are being compensated AND you want to do this, I don't see a problem with this unless any of the previous coding/billing issues are encountered.  BUT.. I understand you want to get out and if you don't want to do the remaining work your best option, IMO, is to cite some sort of family emergency and wash your hands. They are looking at a long conversion process anyway since they have gone in house. 7 claims and follow up on 100 claims is certainly not going to make or break them in this process. Side note observation:  WHAT kind of practice decides to go in-house during a HUGE transition like 5010?? seems a little NUTTY to me!!

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I'm losing sleep. 

I'll bet. But look at this as a learning experience and just try to keep the relationship good because the reference WILL be a great thing to have.  Hopefully you have learned that the better way to do this is as your own business, and most importantly.. NEVER EVER EVER work without a contract!  Get an attorney and make sure you come up with a good contract that will cover you.  Sorry you have to go through this, but if it makes you feel better, I don't know any billing company who has not had at least one problem client that they have learned from, it's a hard lesson, but it can serve a great value for your business!
Linda Walker
Practice Managers Resource & Networking Community
One Stop Resources, Education and Networking for Medical Billers
www.billerswebsite.com

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Re: Terminating
« Reply #19 on: February 16, 2012, 12:43:55 PM »

QDbilling

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Re: Terminating
« Reply #20 on: February 23, 2012, 10:07:46 PM »
Guess who sent me a 1099 for 2011?  Very odd. 

Since I received partial payment for the 100 claims that are hung up somewhere between the clearinghouse and Medicare I should track them down.  Should I charge a fee for an open balance report and back up?  I couple of people suggested I should do that. 

I don't plan on continuing in this line of work.  I've been at it for over 20 years and the only time I loved my job was when I worked for a wonderful surgeon who truly cared about his patients, his family, and even me.  I'm ready for the next chapter.  Or should I say, the next book.  :) 

Michele

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Re: Terminating
« Reply #21 on: February 27, 2012, 01:08:50 PM »
This is a tough one.  I'm one to always do what I should do, what is my responsibility.  However, since this is a strange situation, it isn't that clear.  Also, there is no contract to outline what is and isn't your responsibility.  So with that being said, in this instance, I think I would not do any work that I didn't need to do.  Even if I had originally submitted the claims, they can be resubmitted by the person now doing the billing.  Curious if others feel the same.
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PMRNC

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Re: Terminating
« Reply #22 on: February 27, 2012, 07:21:31 PM »
From going back to all your posts, I'd have to say I would have washed my hands a while ago with this one.  That being said, my opinion is to lose them, just make sure you terminate professionally and do whatever you can to keep the relationship in tact.. not advocating "lying" but sometimes in cases like this it's best to cite a personal or family emergency .. if you had a contract and there were not those other issues than I would be more specific on a termination plan, but there's so much grey here with you not having a contract I don't want to see you rock the boat and get in deeper.
Linda Walker
Practice Managers Resource & Networking Community
One Stop Resources, Education and Networking for Medical Billers
www.billerswebsite.com

QDbilling

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Re: Terminating
« Reply #23 on: March 01, 2012, 03:32:12 PM »
Okay then.  It's settled.  I am going to send a back up of their data with a letter of termination for personal reasons.  And believe me, that's not a lie.  Is there a "sample" termination letter out there to help me write mine?  And, if they do call wanting help or have questions about specific accounts, I can politely decline, yes? 

Michele

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Re: Terminating
« Reply #24 on: March 06, 2012, 09:31:51 AM »
I am not aware of any sample termination letters but I would just keep it short and simple.  Get right to the point and just state that it is your notice of termination.  I would answer any questions regarding any work done by me.
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Re: Terminating
« Reply #24 on: March 06, 2012, 09:31:51 AM »