Medical Billing Forum

Starting a Medical Billing Business => Starting Your Own Medical Billing Business => : Pay_My_Claims April 09, 2010, 08:30:24 PM

: Keep the Faith-Newbies
: Pay_My_Claims April 09, 2010, 08:30:24 PM
I have only been  in business since 06/09, and the client that I spoke about today did sign up to work with my company. He is an Optometrist and has 2 practices in NC. I will start with the AR-Recovery and after wards he stated we can discuss doing the entire billing. Right now one of his tech's is doing the billing, but his practice has grown too large. He is doing the correct thing by seeing what I can do. I suspect after the first 30-60 days, He will sign the 2nd contract. Newbies, never give up. It will happen. I just wanted to share some good news with my forum family!!

Good Blessings
: Re: Keep the Faith-Newbies
: MBP April 09, 2010, 11:23:00 PM
congrats Charlene!!!!!!!!!
: Re: Keep the Faith-Newbies
: Pay_My_Claims April 09, 2010, 11:44:23 PM
Thanks Erika!!
: Re: Keep the Faith-Newbies
: melissa_2004 April 10, 2010, 03:32:37 PM
Congratulations Charlene!  Its inspiring to see and share each others successes and challenges.  Wishing you many more blessings...  :D
: Re: Keep the Faith-Newbies
: Pay_My_Claims April 10, 2010, 03:59:51 PM
Thanks Melissa, I appreciate that!
: Re: Keep the Faith-Newbies
: Michele April 11, 2010, 04:18:24 PM
Congratulations!  We do quite a bit of optometry billing and we like it.  I think you will too.

Michele
: Re: Keep the Faith-Newbies
: Pay_My_Claims April 11, 2010, 06:42:35 PM
Yes I worked for an Ophthalmologist about 3 years ago.  It was pretty good. I'm excited about getting back into it.
: Re: Keep the Faith-Newbies
: blhoffman April 11, 2010, 11:43:19 PM
Congrats!

Maybe one day I will have good news to share :)
: Re: Keep the Faith-Newbies
: Pay_My_Claims April 12, 2010, 08:47:41 AM
thanks B, and yes you will!!
: Re: Keep the Faith-Newbies
: StephD April 16, 2010, 05:57:19 PM
Congrats Charlene!!
: Re: Keep the Faith-Newbies
: PMRNC April 16, 2010, 06:00:22 PM
Awesome..this is what I've been saying now for about a year.. THIS IS THE BEST BEST TIME TO MARKET!!!!  Our industry has been in the process of making a HUGE comeback on the outsourced front.   If you are still client less it's time to take a look at HOW you are marketing, STAY on top of what is going on in Washington and in your state. Doctors are looking NOW to start cutting costs for what's ahead.  I don't mean to be harsh, but if you are well educated and especially experienced and having a hard time getting a client.. CHANGE your marketing approach!

Way to go Charlene!
: Re: Keep the Faith-Newbies
: Pay_My_Claims April 16, 2010, 06:03:19 PM
Thanks Linda!
: Re: Keep the Faith-Newbies
: pamelawt3 April 21, 2010, 08:37:27 AM
hey guys- a special thank you to everyone on the forum. especially with this post here. i was feeling discouraged. my friend "hopes that i can convince some doctors to use my service". i felt scared (unemployeed from billing position- doc found someone for $12.00 an hour). i thought maybe he is right and i'll never get this business going. i prayed. this morning i read your posts and i feel better. i am cold calling with my card and a brochure on what i do. i know it takes time and i hope to get my first client soon. thank you all. if anyone has any tips on marketing other than cold calling please let me know. small budget. i have my website up.
thanks everyone.
pam 
: Re: Keep the Faith-Newbies
: Pay_My_Claims April 21, 2010, 09:40:10 AM
Pam it can be frustrating, as it was for me. I watched others grow (even ones I helped), and I felt that it would not happen for me either. I realized that I wasn't putting the effort into it like I should. When I really put my time, blood, sweat and tears in, doors began to open. I still get interested providers who still turn the other way, but I just keep moving. I had to let go of a provider last pm. As much as I need the income, I will not "low ball" myself. NEVER cut your throat just to get a provider. You can offer a "low rate" but let that rate still compensate you for your time and efforts. Remember when you price yourself too low, others wonder "why is it so cheap". You don't go to Walmart expecting to get Gucci quality!!
: Re: Keep the Faith-Newbies
: medauthor April 21, 2010, 02:56:32 PM
Pam,

Don't ever feel like you will not get your business going!  You must maintain a positive attitude and if you are passionate about billing and your new business, there is NO WAY you will fail; passion makes you move! Medical Billing Businesses are a dime a dozen.  Yes, you will have people tell you to think "out of the box", as we all market the same way, right?  Well, I am going to tell you and I believe this with all my heart....it is not ONLY what you have to offer potential clients, but....it is also about YOU; YOU meaning how you present yourself, the 'feeling' the potential client gets when he/she speaks to you on the phone, the 'feeling' the potential client gets when you have a face-to-face meeting.  Mirror your potential clients actions, allow the provider to 'feel' your empathy towards his/her billing problems.......the outcome will be amazing.

Passion will generate a creativeness and motivation in you that will force you to succeed!
: Re: Keep the Faith-Newbies
: melissa_2004 April 21, 2010, 03:20:01 PM
Awesome advice.
: Re: Keep the Faith-Newbies
: Pay_My_Claims April 21, 2010, 04:02:19 PM
Pam,

Don't ever feel like you will not get your business going!  You must maintain a positive attitude and if you are passionate about billing and your new business, there is NO WAY you will fail; passion makes you move! Medical Billing Businesses are a dime a dozen.  Yes, you will have people tell you to think "out of the box", as we all market the same way, right?  Well, I am going to tell you and I believe this with all my heart....it is not ONLY what you have to offer potential clients, but....it is also about YOU; YOU meaning how you present yourself, the 'feeling' the potential client gets when he/she speaks to you on the phone, the 'feeling' the potential client gets when you have a face-to-face meeting.  Mirror your potential clients actions, allow the provider to 'feel' your empathy towards his/her billing problems.......the outcome will be amazing.

Passion will generate a creativeness and motivation in you that will force you to succeed!


Yeah my passion created a lot of creativity in my marriage *wink*
: Re: Keep the Faith-Newbies
: pamelawt3 April 22, 2010, 02:37:45 PM
thanks. you are very inspiring. i've had a very rough week. not boo hoo. i just needed to hear from you guys. i feel so inadequate all of a sudden. this goes under the heading of "paying my dues".
: Re: Keep the Faith-Newbies
: pamelawt3 April 22, 2010, 02:40:54 PM
you guys are just so awesome!
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: Re: Keep the Faith-Newbies
: PMRNC April 22, 2010, 03:23:02 PM
All the advice given is wonderful advice, I would just add that you have GOT to think OUTSIDE the box in this industry. Your standard brochures, faxes, letters, flyers, are NOT enough. Today's health-care provider needs someone who is completely 100% educated and on top of the latest things going on.. especially NOW. You must be able to talk and show off your knowledge of each and every issue that effects a medical practice TODAY. I get a lot of people asking me how they bypass the office manager, I stand by my advice and say it again.. DO NOT TRY TO!

2 things have been very successful for me. Instead of address labeled envelopes I use nice colored styled envelopes with handwritten address, I try to obtain the name of the office manager or practice manager so that I can even address is directly to them.
The second thing is what I am putting in those envelopes. I've had a lot .. ( A LOT) of great feedback and success offering a simple 1 hour (or 90 min) FREE (USE THE WORD FREE) consultation or troubleshooting session. I let the practice choose a topic or I invite them to bring to the table some problems within their office.  I include lunch for the whole staff which is a great way to get to at least see the doctor ;)  The ones I'm really having a success with lately are talking to offices/doctors/billers about what the healthcare reform bill will mean to them. I've done a lot of research on this topic and have watched it unfold from the beginning. Another topic are the Medicare Cuts scheduled to go into effect after the latest delay, May 1, 2010.  These are just a couple of many hot topics practices really want to know about. These lunches/meetings give you a solid chance to go in and SHOW off!  It's also a test to see if you really are READY. If you are not up-to-date on these and other issues affecting our industry it might be a good idea to get educated and get researching.

Seriously.. this is a wonderful time to market! Many medical practices are really thinking of making office cut backs, staff cuts, and looking for MORE ways to save on overhead, so many things are happening right now and whether we like them or not personally, the can seriously mean MORE business for you. If you are ready, willing and able, you should NOT have a problem obtaining clients in today's market!
: Re: Keep the Faith-Newbies
: Pay_My_Claims April 22, 2010, 04:47:52 PM
What you said is great Linda, but only works for "local" providers. All but 1 (the one I just fired) don't reside anywhere near me at all. The Optometrist I signed, both of his offices are over 3 hrs away from me. I get asked often about what I did to market my business and land my clients. People are amazed at the fact that I got them from "Craigs list". What did I do, what did I say...how how how.... some have heard about my marketing tactics via IM, while Some will hear how I did it in September. What you will hear from me know is........THERE IS NO SET METHOD!! My personality doesn't fit some marketing techniques. It comes off fake, so I take what I know and blow it up!!! Remember billers, marketing is an "action" verb :-) 


Investopedia  Commentary

Many people believe that marketing is just about advertising or sales. However, marketing is everything a company does to acquire customers and maintain a relationship with them. Even the small tasks like writing thank-you letters, playing golf with a prospective client, returning calls promptly and meeting with a past client for coffee can be thought of as marketing. The ultimate goal of marketing is to match a company's products and services to the people who need and want them, thereby ensure profitability
: Re: Keep the Faith-Newbies
: Alice Scott April 23, 2010, 11:16:28 AM
Great advice Linda!  Thanks!
: Re: Keep the Faith-Newbies
: kwardbilling June 09, 2010, 11:55:05 AM
Hi Everyone:  I just wanted to add my two cents worth....I too have recently started to pick up business.....it took a few years to really see it start to pay off.  I'm very excited, signed two new clients this week with large practices.  I haven't been on this forum because I've been up til midnight working each night...!!  A good thing!!  I will be on soon, as I'm sure I'll come up with some new scenarios and will need advice.  I'm finding with each new client that I take on there is always some thing new to me, even if I do keep up on everything and feel very comfortable that I am offering great service.  One thing that I think is really important is that no matter how educated you are and how much knowlege you have, you have to be very active about following up on new scenarios...calling insurance companies to ASK QUESTIONS....NO question is stupid.....never hurts to ask....or research on their websites....I'm sure I'll be posting questions...I wish I had more time to roam around on this site, I find it very helpful and supportive.
: Re: Keep the Faith-Newbies
: melissa_2004 June 09, 2010, 03:48:47 PM
Congratulations!!  Thanks for sharing your great news its definitely a spirit lifter.
: Re: Keep the Faith-Newbies
: medauthor June 09, 2010, 05:41:22 PM
I'm very excited, signed two new clients this week with large practices

Congratulations!!

I signed a new client today  :)
: Re: Keep the Faith-Newbies
: kwardbilling June 09, 2010, 07:47:19 PM
seems like business is picking up for some of us.....I'm wondering if it's also the time of year...people don't want to be inside taking time away from families with their billing......keep em coming :)
: Re: Keep the Faith-Newbies
: Michele June 09, 2010, 08:16:37 PM
I think it is just becoming harder and harder to do in house, and harder to find good employees that you can trust in the office as well.
: Re: Keep the Faith-Newbies
: Pay_My_Claims June 10, 2010, 12:44:16 AM
Congrats to everyone!!
: Re: Keep the Faith-Newbies
: melissa_2004 June 10, 2010, 12:08:16 PM
I think it is just becoming harder and harder to do in house, and harder to find good employees that you can trust in the office as well.

I agree.  I am signing a new customer today.  I stopped by yesterday to visit another clinic I've been wooing for months and the doctors remembered me (and my candy bowl, brochure, Christmas card and calendar magnet  ;D ) She told me she had been looking for me and went to my address.  (The address I list is my mailing address not physical location but she went there).  I'm glad I dropped in again to say hello because she didn't call or email me just went to the mail address.  She and I are planning to talk today!  Follow up, follow up and follow up. 
: Re: Keep the Faith-Newbies
: Pay_My_Claims June 10, 2010, 04:38:32 PM
u go girl!
: Re: Keep the Faith-Newbies
: blhoffman June 10, 2010, 10:34:18 PM
I am really happy for everyone. You all deserve it! It really inspires me.
: Re: Keep the Faith-Newbies
: megg6785 June 23, 2010, 01:23:45 PM
Good Job!!
I am brand new and ready to sign a client...  I am in it for the long haul!! :o
: Re: Keep the Faith-Newbies
: Pay_My_Claims June 23, 2010, 02:31:27 PM
It will happen.....when it does kaaaaaaaboom!!
: Re: Keep the Faith-Newbies
: QueenAlicia September 27, 2010, 06:00:16 PM
I am glad I read this post. I feel, well basically I am starting from scratch again at this late in the year ( had a few emergancies this year) so I am just now able to focus.  I read all of the advice and it is very encouraging to me. Thanks everyone.
: Re: Keep the Faith-Newbies
: Michele September 27, 2010, 09:58:03 PM
I am a firm believer in everything happens when it is supposed to.  If you are now able to focus, now is the right time for you!

Best wishes!