Author Topic: Best clients for newbies  (Read 18732 times)

Alice Scott

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Re: Best clients for newbies
« Reply #30 on: February 14, 2011, 07:31:28 AM »
Actually Michele (one L Michele) had five years of experience as a senior claims analyst at a major insurance carrier in our area before we started our business.  She did know medical billing.  I had 30 years experinece running my own business.
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Pay_My_Claims

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Re: Best clients for newbies
« Reply #31 on: February 14, 2011, 11:04:24 AM »
claims analyst isn't a medical biller, and running a business doesn't make one a biller either, no disrespect. most of my comments come from the introductions you mention in your books. My point is to encourage "newbies" to go for their dreams, but to not give them false hope in thinking its an easy field to jump into or doing it with no experience is easy. What happens is when we speak about oh yeah you have financing experience you are ahead of the game, we downplay our careers to nothing but the stereotypical "data entry" jobs that people think we do. If it was so easy..why are so many people like me with over 15 years experience fighting daily to keep my business up and running and gain clients. I understand the poster doesn't want to hear negativity, and its not what I'm giving. but honesty and straight forward advice about how it really is. Its up to the receiver how they take it.

DMK

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Re: Best clients for newbies
« Reply #32 on: February 14, 2011, 01:24:23 PM »
And you're miles ahead with your banking, accounting, and customer service background because you realize the importance of CORRECT data entry!  The insurance companies take forever to let you know that there's an error in data!

DMK as I agree that a background in finances is EXCELLENT for one facet of billing (payment posting, accounting etc) it is not the basics or the heart of it. Coding is the core of billing. Either in the form of raw coding, or knowing how to correctly code (level of care, modifiers, bundled charges, etc) should be entered to process a claim. I know Alice N Michelle started out YEARS ago with no experience and did eventually become experts in the industry, but billing & coding isn't the way it was back then. Everybody is doing electronic, so using that as a marketing ploy hardly works. More providers are knowing more about billing than ever, so the requirements are stricter. A provider would be a poor business man to allow his finances to be handled by someone who has never billed before. What happens is people get into this industry because they read and ad and they think all we do is "data entry". The pediatrician I interviewed with on Wednesday was REQUIRING that her new biller (hopefully me) would be able to train her on knowing more about the billing. I will take 3 years of hands on experience over certification or education every time.

I agree with you as well, coding knowledge is imperative!  How else will the biller know if the information input is going to result in a paid claim?!  My point was that the skills she already has will serve her well.  She's already detail oriented (since banking requires it) so she can only build on it. 

I can't tell you how many times I see sloppy input though!  Billers are doomed to fail if they don't tackle details right out of the chute.  If they are not detail oriented, they will NEVER be good at this!

BTW, I'm so glad you're back!!!!

marie8480

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Re: Best clients for newbies
« Reply #33 on: February 14, 2011, 02:30:54 PM »
Us newbies, we know that is gonna be hard to start in this business but i found alot of negativity towards us, some people are trying to put us down because of lack of experience, how much experience did you have when somebody had given you a chance? why can't it be the same for us
We are not stupid, im pretty sure that all of us are dedicated to this business, i heard medical billing wasn't for everyone it could be true but you don't know my strenght or weakness, i love to be challenge, how many times in my life i've  been told you can't do this or that and proved them people wrong.
know that the harder you put me down ,the harder im gonna fight to stay up and that's me.
If someone has years and years of experience why do you still have to prove yourself like a newbie, your experience, references and your reputation should be  enought to show people your knowledge of the business. we ask questions because we want to be good at it when we will start our own, they may seem stupid to some but helpful to others. Do we really want to hear all of this negativity personally i don't , my mother-in- law is doing a great job at it so instead of trying to discourage us ,help us to succeed if you have so much experience than share your knowledge, don't try to crush our dreams.

Pay_My_Claims

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Re: Best clients for newbies
« Reply #34 on: February 14, 2011, 03:28:49 PM »
@ Marie,
I totally understand. I started out as a switchboard operator, moved to ER-Registrar, to Unit Clerk, To Patient Rep, To Team Lead etc etc etc. I WON'T sugar coat anything for anyone. Its never a knockdown of your dreams, but the first question would be why did you choose medical billing? It it a job you are interested in, or a job that you feel "suits" your current situation?? I have had many "newbies" come to me for advice and help, and I have lead them along that path, always being honest and forthcoming with them. Some fell off the trail, others stuck with it. I have seen people start out WITH EXPERIENCE, that quit after 6 months because they can't land their first client. This industry is saturated with medical billers wanting to work from home. Look at the # of members in this forum. I officially got my license 06/01/2009 landed my first client at a flat fee of $500 a month in September of 09. I landed another one in Janurary of 2010 and fired her in april of 2010. I did this while working FULL TIME, and having a son play sports, and my daughter was in college. It has been a LONG HARD struggle for me. Nobody can discourage your dreams, nor can they light that fire. I have been around a long time, and learned a lot in the first 6 months of reading and joining a variety of forums. I learned quickly to trust in myself and go for what I know. I can only tell you what I see, what I know, and what my perspective is, how you interpret or take that information would be your take on it. I can only say if you ask me a question I will answer you in an honest way.

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Re: Best clients for newbies
« Reply #34 on: February 14, 2011, 03:28:49 PM »

DMK

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Re: Best clients for newbies
« Reply #35 on: February 14, 2011, 04:26:36 PM »
@marie,  Sorry if it seems like anyone's picking on you.  We ALL started with no experience.  I had to do the billing because we couldn't afford to hire someone to do it.  I had to learn it in a trial by fire!  The ladies and gentlemen on this forum are awesome because no question is a stupid question! 

We all get thrown curve balls and reach out to each other for input.  Sometimes the information is not what we want to hear, but it's all valid!


PMRNC

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Re: Best clients for newbies
« Reply #36 on: February 14, 2011, 04:33:39 PM »
Quote
A provider would be a poor business man to allow his finances to be handled by someone who has never billed before. What happens is people get into this industry because they read and ad and they think all we do is "data entry".

Well that can't necessarily be true or there would be NO medical billers, now would there?  ;) Everyone starts somewhere, I'm sure none of us were pushed out of the birth canal as a medical biller. 

I know a LOT of accountants who have gotten into medical billing and are quite successful, of course they have to have the training/education like everyone else.
Linda Walker
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Michele

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Re: Best clients for newbies
« Reply #37 on: February 14, 2011, 08:12:35 PM »
Everyone has a different opinion, and that includes what constitutes experience.  I'm not sure why some feel that the only right way is the way that they chose.  Personally and I will only speak for myself, my five years at a major insurance carrier included extensive training in coding both ICD9 and CPT in multiple specialties.  For me it was exactly what I needed.  Of course there was still a lot to learn, but I did whatever research was necessary and I persevered.  I, like Marie, had drive and commitment.  I chose this field because it is what I wanted to do, at this time, anyway.  Who knows what the future will bring.  I have always been honest with people who ask about entering this field.  Experience is extremely helpful but the right personality can start from scratch and succeed.  I am always saying that it is not 'get rich quick' or simply data entry.  In fact, recently we wanted to put an add in the paper for hiring someone but they wouldn't let us put "data entry with a brain".  They said it was discriminatory to people without brains.

I spent an hour on the phone today with an "experienced medical biller" who owns their own business and I hung up scratching my head wondering how they have gotten this far. 

The reason that we started and maintain this forum is because there was not a lot of help out there when we started and we have always been committed to trying to help others in any way we can.  Sometimes it's by being honest and telling the truth, it's not easy without experience.  But I will never say "you can't do it" because I've never met you.

Best Wishes to All in This Field
Michele
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PMRNC

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Re: Best clients for newbies
« Reply #38 on: February 14, 2011, 09:00:23 PM »
Quote
claims analyst isn't a medical biller, and running a business doesn't make one a biller either, no disrespect. most of my comments come from the introductions you mention in your books. My point is to encourage "newbies" to go for their dreams, but to not give them false hope in thinking its an easy field to jump into or doing it with no experience is easy. What happens is when we speak about oh yeah you have financing experience you are ahead of the game, we downplay our careers to nothing but the stereotypical "data entry" jobs that people think we do. If it was so easy..why are so many people like me with over 15 years experience fighting daily to keep my business up and running and gain clients. I understand the poster doesn't want to hear negativity, and its not what I'm giving. but honesty and straight forward advice about how it really is. Its up to the receiver how they take it.

Oh, so you are one of those that came out a biller right out of the birth canal? 

And maybe Michele is too polite to say so ..but you did MEAN dis-respect.  I'm not as polite.

Quote
Us newbies, we know that is gonna be hard to start in this business but i found alot of negativity towards us, some people are trying to put us down because of lack of experience, how much experience did you have when somebody had given you a chance? why can't it be the same for us
We are not stupid, im pretty sure that all of us are dedicated to this business, i heard medical billing wasn't for everyone it could be true but you don't know my strenght or weakness, i love to be challenge, how many times in my life i've  been told you can't do this or that and proved them people wrong.
know that the harder you put me down ,the harder im gonna fight to stay up and that's me.
If someone has years and years of experience why do you still have to prove yourself like a newbie, your experience, references and your reputation should be  enought to show people your knowledge of the business. we ask questions because we want to be good at it when we will start our own, they may seem stupid to some but helpful to others. Do we really want to hear all of this negativity personally i don't , my mother-in- law is doing a great job at it so instead of trying to discourage us ,help us to succeed if you have so much experience than share your knowledge, don't try to crush our dreams.

THAT is a winning attitude.  I can SHOW you many that started out with NO experience. It is much easier to start your own business than look for a job. YOU can overshadow no experience with EDUCATION. I am proof of that.

Quote
why did you choose medical billing? It it a job you are interested in, or a job that you feel "suits" your current situation??

Why does a proctologist become a proctologist?  Why does a sanitation worker become a sanitation worker?  Do they like looking at people's asses all day? do they like picking up garbage?  I think not. This is 2011..  I'm sorry but most people are thinking LOGICALLY in terms of money, sure people get into this not understanding all that is entailed..but the ones that will NOT succeed are the ones that find that out as they go. The ones that make it.. make it despite the odd's.  Sure some of just LOVE what we do..but not everyone KNOWS that before they get into it.. (especially not the proctologist!! ) I am spelling that right but spell check just don't like it LOL

if you want it and you work at it YOU can make it. If you have NO experience and WANT to learn and you LEARN.. You will make it. Its like any other career.I certainly couldn't just decide to open a restaurant tomorrow w/out becoming educated..And If I really wanted it, to hell with experience, I will make it .. If I don't.. then I won't.  It's that simple.
Linda Walker
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PMRNC

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Re: Best clients for newbies
« Reply #39 on: February 14, 2011, 09:06:21 PM »
Quote
claims analyst isn't a medical biller,

Your very right.. it's 5 steps ahead!  I PROMISE you that a claims examiner / analyst is MORE educated than any medical billing class out there.. 10 fold. hands down.  If you can do that job.. you can certainly bill.. you are only putting things in reverse PLUS you have the inside line.   I processed my first batch of claims for a pediatrician not having even looked at the software (we went from old pegboard to Medisoft) in 20 min start to finish. I remember it like it was yesterday. 2 denied claims of about 100 in the batch and appeals.. i can't even tell you I could do them in my sleep!

 
Linda Walker
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Re: Best clients for newbies
« Reply #39 on: February 14, 2011, 09:06:21 PM »

Pay_My_Claims

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Re: Best clients for newbies
« Reply #40 on: February 14, 2011, 11:36:52 PM »
@ Linda---OMG here we go AGAIN!!! First off NO I did not come into this world as a biller, but YES I did start off entry level.

@ Michele I have NOTHING against anyone who wants to jump into this industry with NO experience, to each his own, so if you and anyone else wants to twist my words up to be what you constitute them to be its ok. I REFUSE to sugar coat or make things seem easier than what they are. I have both education and experience, and it has been hard for me. As I stated I have had the opportunity to see several of your books and in each of them you mention what you went through in the business. I have no idea why you or anyone else constantly feel that if others give a different opinion on something we are trying to make our way the correct way. Every EXPERT on this forum has complained about getting a billing job from a provider and his accounts were in terrible shape. Why because of either a lazy biller, inexperienced biller, or a biller who was not familiar with that specialty.

At NO point did I ever say to the poster SHE CAN NOT DO IT!! I PERSONALLY would NEVER hire anyone without a minimum of 3 years experience, and i'm not sure if she or another poster was the one I sent one of my "flyers" to, but it clearly states on the flyer that all our billers have 3 years experience!!  Just because my opinion is different doesn't make it right or wrong, just different. And what you do in your reply is to basically say it is incorrect. You are constantly speaking about everyone having a different opinion and if that is the case, just post what you believe and dont criticize other people for what they state.

What the newbies need to do is do a search on different topics in this forum and see how different peoples opinions change depending on who posts the questions and who replies to them. When I first joined this forum even with my 15 years, I was scared shitless with all the talk about OIG, E&O insurance, being sued, fraud & abuse, fee splitting, not knowing how to get my license, how to register your business etc etc. All the experts in here now are just seemingly trying to caudle people for their own benefit.

The claims analyst might be more educated than any billing class that YOU KNOW, but I will stand my experience and education up against any claims analyst. Good God


QueenAlicia

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Re: Best clients for newbies
« Reply #41 on: February 15, 2011, 03:50:17 AM »
@ Linda---OMG here we go AGAIN!!! First off NO I did not come into this world as a biller, but YES I did start off entry level.

@ Michele I have NOTHING against anyone who wants to jump into this industry with NO experience, to each his own, so if you and anyone else wants to twist my words up to be what you constitute them to be its ok. I REFUSE to sugar coat or make things seem easier than what they are. I have both education and experience, and it has been hard for me. As I stated I have had the opportunity to see several of your books and in each of them you mention what you went through in the business. I have no idea why you or anyone else constantly feel that if others give a different opinion on something we are trying to make our way the correct way. Every EXPERT on this forum has complained about getting a billing job from a provider and his accounts were in terrible shape. Why because of either a lazy biller, inexperienced biller, or a biller who was not familiar with that specialty.

At NO point did I ever say to the poster SHE CAN NOT DO IT!! I PERSONALLY would NEVER hire anyone without a minimum of 3 years experience, and i'm not sure if she or another poster was the one I sent one of my "flyers" to, but it clearly states on the flyer that all our billers have 3 years experience!!  Just because my opinion is different doesn't make it right or wrong, just different. And what you do in your reply is to basically say it is incorrect. You are constantly speaking about everyone having a different opinion and if that is the case, just post what you believe and dont criticize other people for what they state.

What the newbies need to do is do a search on different topics in this forum and see how different peoples opinions change depending on who posts the questions and who replies to them. When I first joined this forum even with my 15 years, I was scared shitless with all the talk about OIG, E&O insurance, being sued, fraud & abuse, fee splitting, not knowing how to get my license, how to register your business etc etc. All the experts in here now are just seemingly trying to caudle people for their own benefit.

The claims analyst might be more educated than any billing class that YOU KNOW, but I will stand my experience and education up against any claims analyst. Good God



LMAO!! Hahahahahahaha sorry if this is immature but I had to laugh at this. I just took final for 1 of my business classes for my bachelors and it was stressful and this made me laugh.  ;D

Charlene at now way am I laughing at you, your feelings or opinions. I was just amused. 

QueenAlicia

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Re: Best clients for newbies
« Reply #42 on: February 15, 2011, 03:51:07 AM »
In fact, recently we wanted to put an add in the paper for hiring someone but they wouldn't let us put "data entry with a brain".  They said it was discriminatory to people without brains.

HAHAHAHA this is funny too LOL!!

PMRNC

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Re: Best clients for newbies
« Reply #43 on: February 15, 2011, 09:27:01 AM »
Quote
The claims analyst might be more educated than any billing class that YOU KNOW, but I will stand my experience and education up against any claims analyst. Good
God

Oh I'm sorry, I missed the part where you worked as an examiner or analyst.  Sorry.
Linda Walker
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www.billerswebsite.com

Michele

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Re: Best clients for newbies
« Reply #44 on: February 15, 2011, 10:52:16 AM »
QueenAlicia,

    True story on the ad! 
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Re: Best clients for newbies
« Reply #44 on: February 15, 2011, 10:52:16 AM »