Author Topic: Contracts  (Read 5069 times)

PTBILLER

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Contracts
« on: June 24, 2008, 10:28:17 AM »
Hi, I'm in the midst of getting everything organized to start marketing heavily for my first client.  Could anyone please provide me with a sample contract that they find useful in signing up clients.  I've looked at a few that are too wordy and hard to understand.  I don't want to "turn off" any prospective clients. 

Also....my office is in Central MI.  This is an area where most doc's are hired by hosptials, therefore, billing is done through the  hospital.  I almost need to go "out of state" to find good clients.  What is the best method of finding state regulations, etc. when you have an inquiry from out of state.  I have a website and have received many calls and emails regarding billing services.  I need an edge without being able to meet these prospective clients face to face. 

Thanks...any advice and contract would be greatly appreciated.  Have a great day. Pam

ps.  any good or bad advice on my website also appreciated!!
www.ptbillingservices.net   
Pam McKewen

Trisha Reyes

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Re: Contracts
« Reply #1 on: September 09, 2008, 03:10:32 AM »
hi,

fyi, every state has a state ins. commissioner, last I saw in print yours was, Linda Watters
www.michigan.gov   hope that helps.  you might also want to google michigan division of insurance.

chandcox

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Re: Contracts
« Reply #2 on: October 04, 2008, 12:11:36 AM »
Hi.
I could use a bit of advice as well on getting that first client.  I have Kareo software loaded, my business cards arrived and my website is up and running.  I am putting the finishing touches on my brochure.  Then what?  I want to specialize with psychiatrists and chiropractors.  Is a mailing best?  I am willing to pound the pavement as well.  Also, should I charge a percentage fee or per claim filed.  My goal is 5 providers.  Any and all info is appreciated!

chandcox

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Re: Contracts
« Reply #3 on: October 04, 2008, 12:14:44 AM »
One more thing.  Could I also get a copy of a sample contract.  My email is chandcox@yahoo.com

My website is handcoxconsulting@vpweb.com


Any help is appreciated.  Thanks to all. 

Michele

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Re: Contracts
« Reply #4 on: October 04, 2008, 08:25:38 PM »
Congratulations on what you've accomplished so far.  As far as the first client, I do believe that is the hardest part for most billing services. 

Mailings can be costly and usually don't give good results.  Most providers ignore the mailing.  It's too easy to just toss it.  We did find that if we did a mailing and followed up with a phone call it was more effective, but still not the best method.  There are many different marketing methods and it's best to find one that 'fits' for you. 

Pounding the pavement can work for the chiros, but it's hard to do that for psychiatrists.  Most chiros have a receptionist that you can approach if the dr is in with a pt but many psychiatrists don't.  If they are 'in session' there is no one there to talk with or leave info with.

We found that phone calls worked best for psychiatrists.

As far as percentage or per claim it will depend on the client and their needs.  Sometimes you will find you are better off charging per claim, if they only need the claims submitted and they do not want a complete service.  Some billing services don't like to mess with these clients but we have several that just want us to submit the claims electronically.  They don't give us eobs, we don't submit secondaries or do followup.  We just submit the claims and get a per claim fee.  Very profitable for us.

If we do the whole service, then we charge what amounts to a percentage.  Charging a straight percentage is illegal, or considered fee splitting in many states, including NY.  We charge a flat fee per month, but it's based on their receivables, and it's recalculated often. 

For more info on Marketing you can visit http://www.medicalbillinglive.com/medical-billing-marketing-strategies.shtml

Good luck
Michele
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Re: Contracts
« Reply #4 on: October 04, 2008, 08:25:38 PM »

LW5689

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Re: Contracts
« Reply #5 on: October 04, 2008, 09:35:52 PM »
Hi Michele,
What is the "going rate" or "average rate" for charging per claim fee?
Thank you.  Lori

Michele

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Re: Contracts
« Reply #6 on: October 05, 2008, 04:21:11 PM »
For us it depends on the type of billing/specialty.  We charge from $3 - $6 per claim.  Things we take into consideration are:

What insurances?  (Medicare only, or multiple carriers, etc)
Repeat patients?  (Mental health, chiro)
What state the provider is in?  (Are we already set up to do electronics)

Hope that helps.

Michele
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LW5689

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Re: Contracts
« Reply #7 on: October 10, 2008, 09:28:41 PM »
Is 1 year the average contract term?  Is it ok to offer a trial period (3-6 months) if that is the only way to get a provider to try out your services?

Michele

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Re: Contracts
« Reply #8 on: October 10, 2008, 10:44:16 PM »
One year contracts tend to be the norm.  We actually don't have an end date to our contract but our providers can opt out if they choose with 30 days notice.  We haven't had a problem with this type of contract as we do a terrific job so they don't want to opt out.  Many like to have a set date that the provider must use their service for.

I personally would do a 3 month period to get a client if they were a good client.  For example, I probably wouldn't do it for a small provider, but for a provider that I think would be long term, and high income, I would.  Especially if I felt they just needed to feel secure by doing a 'trial period.'

Good luck!

Michele
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Re: Contracts
« Reply #8 on: October 10, 2008, 10:44:16 PM »