Actually, I have been an Medical Billing Advocate since 2011 and it is very rewarding to me in that I get to help people. I find that more than often we are simply educating patients more than anything, a lot of consumers just think they are being overcharged simply because they have to pay out of pocket; the consumers that are more educated simply don't want to use their time going back and forth with providers and hospitals.
Yes, the patient is responsible for paying you and there are tons of forms they have to complete in order for you to act on their behalf.
I can say that I have saved consumers money by finding instances where providers posted EOB's incorrectly, billed them for services that they should not have, un bundled charges or simply negotiating.
I was kind of thrown into this when my dad had a hospital stay and I was reviewing his bills; after researching my area, the need was far greater than I thought. I actually do seminars in some of the area facilities educating patients.
Again, the reward of helping people is why I continue to be an Advocate!