Medical Billing Forum

Starting a Medical Billing Business => Starting Your Own Medical Billing Business => : laceyx08 August 16, 2011, 07:58:11 PM

: potential first client? need advice.
: laceyx08 August 16, 2011, 07:58:11 PM
Hi,
A couple weeks ago I sent out a "hello" card to a psychologist telling her about our services and inserted my business card. I got a call from her last week asking me about the prices and stuff and telling me she is opening a new practice and is trying to decide what to do with her billing. She said it sounded good and would think about it and get back with me. It was five days ago and I have tried to call her back and never get an answer and I have left her a message and still never heard back. Not sure what to do now. I really want this client but I don't want to be too persistent and chase her off. Any thoughts on how to seal the deal?

Thanks.
: Re: potential first client? need advice.
: PMRNC August 16, 2011, 11:37:12 PM
What was your reply when she asked about pricing?   
: Re: potential first client? need advice.
: Michele August 17, 2011, 10:57:01 AM
It's hard to say without knowing all that was said during your initial conversation.  I know Linda already asked, but knowing your answer on pricing would help.
: Re: potential first client? need advice.
: laceyx08 August 17, 2011, 01:05:51 PM
well we are going to do percentage billing and i told her that it would depend on what services she would like and gave her the percentage
: Re: potential first client? need advice.
: Michele August 17, 2011, 02:59:07 PM
Well it's kinda hard.  If you quoted her a price and didn't have a chance to go over everything she may just not like the price.  It is nice to be able to sit down and explain what you will be doing for her.  In this case I might send her a letter stating that you appreciate her taking the time to speak to you and you would like to be able to come in to explain in more detail how your system works and how it can benefit her.  You don't want to keep calling if she's not returning your calls but she may just be bogged down with the other aspects of starting up.  Worth trying to send her something she can look it.

Good luck!
: Re: potential first client? need advice.
: PMRNC August 21, 2011, 01:13:21 PM
I agree with Michele which is why I asked about your response. Usually that is 90% of the reason why we don't hear from them again if we have quoted a price. I always invite providers to sit down so we can get more specific information about their practice to give them a fair quote, sometimes, they do insist and even still I will ask them if I can fax them something for them to complete and again tell them it is beneficial that we see what specifics are there to give them a closer ball-park figure.  My rule is NEVER to quote a price w/out taking a much closer look. When I did percentage billing I could give them a range/ballpark but even then I did not like to do it and tried to avoid it if possible until I have met with them to establish the state of their practice, specialty, volume, etc.  I also know billers who have based their flat fee on an hourly range and that too might scare off potential clients. Though my fees (flat fees) are based on an hourly average, i don't reveal that, it's more only for my internal knowledge.