Starting a new business

[voquendo6167]

Thanks Michele for responding. This is very important for me to know

[voquendo6167]

As the medical billing owner, is it required to take the osha and hipaa training?

[Michele]

It is not a requirement.  It is good to fully understand both of those topics.  I would be careful if planning on taking such a training.  Make sure the person or company providing the training is reputable and that the training is actually current and applicable.  Anyone can put out a "training program" for those topics.

[voquendo6167]

Ok, thank you

[Kinlaw30]

Hello Everyone,

I'm looking to start my own home based billing service. I wanted to what will be the 1st steps to getting started...??I have taken a Medical Billing course a one year program 2011-2012. I'm currently enrolled in the Certified Billing Program where I will soon sit for the exam to become CBCS. I also work for the hospital system where I deal with the insurance, billing copays etc... so, I have plenty of experience. I just want to know where do I start what are some helpful resources or tools could I use during the process? Alice or Michelle I would like to purchase some of your products to get started which one(s) would be more helpful? I would be starting off as Sole Proprietorship.

Thanks.

[Michele]

Sounds like you have a great foundation.  Marketing is your next step and will be the hardest.  Getting that first client is tough.  But once you get one, others will follow.  There are many different marketing ideas.  Many are on the forum if you do a search.  You also will have to decide on a software if you haven't already.  You don't want to wait until you get the client to pick out the software.  Sounds like you have the billing background.  You mostly need marketing help.  Start by searching this forum.  There are a lot of great tips.  We do have two books on marketing.  You can read more about them at:

http://www.medicalbillinglive.com/medical-billing-marketing/

http://www.medicalbillinglive.com/medical-billing-marketing-strategies/

Good luck!

[voquendo6167]

Is it best to open a business bank account rather than use my personal account since I'll be registering as a sole proprietor and no employees?

Do I need a tax id as a sole proprietor or should I use my ssn?  I was told never to use my social security number, but I want to make sure.

Oh and once I register my name, will it have an expiration date?

[voquendo6167]

Is it best to open a business bank account rather than use my personal account since I'll be registering as a sole proprietor and no employees?

Do I need a tax id as a sole proprietor or should I use my ssn?  I was told never to use my social security number, but I want to make sure.

Oh and once I register my name, will it have an expiration date?

[Michele]

Is it best to open a business bank account rather than use my personal account since I'll be registering as a sole proprietor and no employees?

If you get a tax ID it is a good idea to have a separate bank account.  In general it is good idea to have a separate bank account.

Do I need a tax id as a sole proprietor or should I use my ssn?  I was told never to use my social security number, but I want to make sure.

This is your preference.  It is a good idea to have a tax id, especially since they don't cost anything.  You will use your tax ID for different things so if you don't want to use your SSN then you should bet a tax ID.

Oh and once I register my name, will it have an expiration date?

Do you mean register with your county or state?  If so, you would have to check with them on if there is an expiration date.

[voquendo6167]

Ok, thank you

[voquendo6167]

Where would you recommend to get business cards and marketing things, as far as pens, brochures, pamphlets etc......

[Michele]

Business cards are definitely a good idea.  That is the most accepted method of handing out your contact information.  You can also leave them places, or have others hand them out for you.  Make sure to utilize all of the space available.  We list information on the back of the card as well as the front.  It gives you a bit more advertising space.  You can list the advantages of outsourcing, or services you provide, etc. 

The other things are optional depending on what you want to do.  I would not print up a ton of brochures ahead of time.  Many times you will decide to change information in the brochure and if you've printed up several ahead it can be a waste.

[voquendo6167]

Where can I get them designed?

[kristin]

Google "printers" and your "town/city name". You should get a list of all printing companies in your area. You could also order them via a printing/marketing company on the internet, but if I were you, I would want to be able to see and touch examples of the business cards in person. Word of advice...avoid white/cream colored cards that are matte, with no texture to the print. Go for something with some color, and raised print that will stand out.

[voquendo6167]

Great, thank you!