Author Topic: starting a medical billing business (Read 27856 times)

PURPLELADY · « **Reply #15 on:** January 28, 2009, 08:51:38 PM »

Hi ladies and thanks for the info!!
Office Ally says if my system has print image file and/or nsf format I will be able to file claims with them. Are they saying if I can physically print claims then I can use their service? I'm not familiar with the "lingo" nsf format or print image file.
I plan to use gotomy pc to have access to my computer via blackberry phone which also will be my business tele#. Do you think its okay since both partners are working during the day? Any suggestions? Also is anyone familiar with ezclaim software? I'm looking to purchase the 395.00 software. I'd appreciate any scoop you may have. Thanks

Pay_My_Claims · « **Reply #16 on:** January 28, 2009, 09:34:16 PM »

Its the way the files are formatted..you should ask your software company about the specifics of your program.

http://www.redix.com/hipaa_to_nsf2.htm

I personally wouldn't use my blackberry, but my vision isn't as good as yours probably..LOL I'm not the biggest fan of gotomypc. I just prefer having my own software, and transferring the data from his pc to mines. I do plan to utilize the Iphone for urgent issues (he calls, i am away and he needs me to look at something). I want to have access to all my information should we terminate. I can clean up the files and send his final reports. Also what happens is you are using gotomypc and he terminates your service and you have outstanding claims that you proccessed and need to get paid for???

Michele · « **Reply #17 on:** January 29, 2009, 07:39:39 PM »

Good point Pay_My_Claims (on the gotomypc and terminating services). I actually love gotomypc, but for different purposes. It works great for me to connect to my personal computer at the office whenever I'm traveling or even just at home. That way I'm always in touch with my data. And we have one provider that we access his info thru gotomypc but I download the info into my computer then put thru my PM system so even if he terms me I'm covered.

Michele

Pay_My_Claims · « **Reply #18 on:** January 29, 2009, 08:30:46 PM »

Thanks Michele. If I wasn't planning to use a web based program, i would be using gotomypc also I am sure.

Michele · « **Reply #19 on:** January 30, 2009, 08:56:26 AM »

We are actually going to be moving to a webbased software also, but I still love the gotomypc because I can access ALL of my computer, email, word documents, etc. But the webbased softwares have some great features!

Michele

PURPLELADY · « **Reply #20 on:** February 04, 2009, 08:04:08 PM »

Hi Everyone,

Well, I'm still filling out forms and researching. Where is the simplicity? (lol) I'm still in touch with office ally clearinghouse. This seems to be a good place to do business. They require that I obtain the pre-approval from insurance companies to bill. Should this be done before purchasing software or after? Also, do I just call the insurance companies and ask for the forms? What does one do? What questions will they ask so I can be somewhat prepared for them?

Thanks

Pay_My_Claims · « **Reply #21 on:** February 04, 2009, 08:30:06 PM »

PurpleLady...just so that you can be aware, make sure you know what carriers office ally is set up to send electronic payments too. When I looked they didnt have enough providers for me to even contemplate using them.

Michele · « **Reply #22 on:** February 04, 2009, 08:41:35 PM »

I have never heard of a pre-approval form so I can't even begin to advise you.

Sorry.

Michele

PURPLELADY · « **Reply #23 on:** February 04, 2009, 09:17:50 PM »

Thanks Pay my claims, good lookin out!!! I will email them with that question. Office Ally also says I really dont have to have software. I can fill out their version of the CMS 1500 form on their site. What do you think about that? Michelle, maybe I'm saying it incorrectly. I want my company to be able to submit claims to insurance companies. There is a form they provide that lets them know we are a billing co. It asks for our tax id#, biz license, company name, address tele#, etc.

Ladies, thanks so much for all your input. I think I'm getting "burnt out" and frustrated with all this business stuff!! I may have to step away from this for a minute. Has anyone ever felt like that? What did you do about it? I'm not giving up. I think I need a break.

Michele · « **Reply #24 on:** February 05, 2009, 07:12:21 AM »

We submit claims to insurance companies for over 60 providers daily. There are a couple that require paperwork from us if we are going to submit electronically. It's called EDI paperwork to become a submitter. They usually assign a submitter number. Maybe that is what they are referring to.

We all reach a point that we feel that we need a break. Actually having a partner has helped us out tremendously. When one of us needs a break, the other is there to pick up the ball and carry it alone for a little while, or provide some encouraging words to get the other one back on track. Sometimes this field seems overwhelming. You just need to step back and take a big breath. Then look at things one at a time. It doesn't seem so overwhelming that way. If you look at the whole picture all the time you will definitely get overwhelmed.

Michele

Pay_My_Claims · « **Reply #25 on:** February 05, 2009, 08:07:22 AM »

Quote from: Michele on February 05, 2009, 07:12:21 AM

We submit claims to insurance companies for over 60 providers daily. There are a couple that require paperwork from us if we are going to submit electronically. It's called EDI paperwork to become a submitter. They usually assign a submitter number. Maybe that is what they are referring to.

We all reach a point that we feel that we need a break. Actually having a partner has helped us out tremendously. When one of us needs a break, the other is there to pick up the ball and carry it alone for a little while, or provide some encouraging words to get the other one back on track. Sometimes this field seems overwhelming. You just need to step back and take a big breath. Then look at things one at a time. It doesn't seem so overwhelming that way. If you look at the whole picture all the time you will definitely get overwhelmed.

Michele

Amen Michele!!!
I have a partner and I couldn't imagine doing this alone. This way we can have our vacations and still conduct business.

gderilus · « **Reply #26 on:** February 06, 2009, 08:28:17 PM »

hello
I have a question about patient statements. when you print out the patient statement, can you use regular paper to print it or do you have to buy papers that are made for that.

Thank You

Michele · « **Reply #27 on:** February 07, 2009, 08:03:28 AM »

It depends on how your practice management system is set up. Ours just uses plain white paper.

Michele

gderilus · « **Reply #28 on:** February 07, 2009, 11:59:37 AM »

Hi Michelle
Can you advertise your business by sending the doctors emails. I don'te know if it's legal especially some if they have this sign "NO SOLICITATION". Can you email them your advertisement materials if you don't want to drop by their office.

Two more questions
As a new medical biller with no experience, do you think it's a good idea to go for the chiropractors first. I know they deal with lot of workers comp patients, would that be difficult for someone with no experience.

Also for the CMS 1500 forms, do you need some kind of paper to print them out or can you use regular white papers.

Thank You

Michele · « **Reply #29 on:** February 07, 2009, 03:47:50 PM »

Hi,
As far as the email thing I really don't know on the legal aspect. I do know there are companies out there that sell email lists of Drs, so I don't think it is illegal. However, I don't know how effective it would be. Personally, I don't even look at my spam emails. I would think they wouldn't either. If it comes in an email they have no idea who you are, you could be anyone. I just don't personally think it could be that effective. However, I could be wrong!

Some people find that chiros are easy to start out with. We actually did end up with a couple of chiros for our first clients. I don't think the comp patients make them any more difficult, even for a newbie. There are only a couple of cpt codes, and the diagnoses are also a small range.

The CMS forms have to be on the preprinted red & white forms.

Good luck
Michele

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