Medical Billing Forum

General Category => General Questions => : PTBILLER April 19, 2009, 08:47:12 PM

: consulting fees
: PTBILLER April 19, 2009, 08:47:12 PM
Hello-

Hoping to get some input on consulting fees.  I have two providers (one clinic) beginning on May 1st.  I've helped them get their Medicare B information switched around (which I charged for) and have been answering lots of questions and updating CAQH information (which I didn't charge for), etc.  Although this is a new practice, they are not new providers. They are going in business as partners.  One of the partner's wife will be the office mgr.  I received an email regarding getting the office ready to receive new patients.  This is actually what I was asked:

"We were talking yesterday, and wondered if you could be available to be a consultant for us regarding setting up our operations - i.e. creation of files, what we must keep on file, how to prep the guys for patients, the daily flow, etc.  I'm sort of flipping out because I've not done anything like this before, and I want to be organized and have a system in place when the doors open.  What would you charge us to consult on all these wonderful details?"

I answered with a very generic...."let me get back with you on Monday reply."  To add a little more info to the subject.  I have the experience in not only the billing part of this but have actually opened up a physical therapy clinic from the ground up.  So, without tooting my own horn, I feel as though I could offer some very useful and informative information on this subject.  I do live about 2 hours away-so I could visit directly for a specific time frame.  Although I do have other clinics to bill for, of course I couldn't be there very long.  Thank you in advance for any useful advise on this subject.  This is a great place to bounce ideas off experienced billers and for unexperienced billers to know what they will be getting in to.  Kudos to Michelle, Alice and the great moderators!! :D
: Re: consulting fees
: Michele April 19, 2009, 10:27:04 PM
Glad you are finding it helpful.  That is the exact reason we started it.  Alice and I had a terrible time finding any help when we first started.

Anyway, it sounds like they will be using you as a consultant for a variety of tasks.  I would recommend charging them an hourly fee, allowing time for travel. 

If you are looking for an alternative to the hourly charge, then you could try to estimate how long it will take and give them a quote for a flat fee.

Good luck

Michele
: Re: consulting fees
: PMRNC April 20, 2009, 08:56:23 AM
I charged $150 - $175 per hour, but I included staff training, policies/procedures, job-flow studies setup, compliance, credentialing, etc. I also charged extra for fee schedule negotiations and contract negotiations. Another service you could provide is hiring, interviewing, etc.

Linda Walker
PMRNC
www.billerswebsite.com