You've seen the ads-- "Start a medical billing business part time...work a few hours a day in your pj's and you'll make fifty, sixty, even seventy thousand dollars a year." Really?? That sounds too good to be true--and it probably is for most people. It may be possible in certain situations, however; for example, someone who already has experience in the medical billing industry and is able to see clients at least a few hours per day may be able to take on a few doctors and have a part time medical billing business. Or someone new to the industry who can convince a few doctors to go use them for their medical billing and who plans to use their earnings as a supplement to the total household income may find this a viable option. But starting a medical billing business has its challenges, as explained below.
A person who is currently employed in a full time job working 9 to 5 will have a difficult time making the transition to their own medical billing business for the following reasons:
Most doctors also work 9 to 5. When will you be able to meet with these prospective clients?
If you are lucky enough to get your first doctor, how will you do the most important part of your job--following up on unpaid or underpaid insurance claims-- since most insurance companies are only available form 8 to 5 EST?
When will you handle problems with your billing software or clearinghouse?
What will happen when your doctors or their patients need to reach you?
When will your tackle issues with your medical claims clearinghouse?
If someone is fortunate enough to work flexible hours or nights/weekends and can dedicate time during regular business hours, obstacles still exist. One of the biggest: how will you convince a doctor to hand over all their billing to you? If you are able to get an appointment, you will have just a few minutes to convince the doctor that even though you have no experience, you can still get the job done. You will need to be persistent, and get your best marketing strategies together to be as persuasive as possible.
So is it possible to run a medical billing business part time? Yes, it's certainly possible, and if you can secure a few doctors as clients, it can be a good choice. But unlike the hyped up claims you may have heard, working part time will not yield you loads of money--it will bring you a nice supplemental income which you will probably not be able to live on alone. You need to do your homework, get your marketing plan together, and be persistent. Take your time to really study this medical billing business opportunity or any other home business opportunity.
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Amy Says
