How To Start And Grow The Business Of Medical Billing In Fort Wayne

By Jordan Schmidt


A good billing agency is the right-hand partner for a medical practice. Every physician has to make the decision to go for medical billing in Fort Wayne or have it outsourced. It is a vital financial decision that affects the revenues of the company as well as the overhead. The health care industry is growing, making this area an exciting new business prospect.

Doctors want to treat patients and provide quality care. Secondarily they manage the staff. The last thing on their minds is billing, yet this is a vital source of revenue that keeps the doors open. You can provide a valuable service that gives everyone in the office more free time. In effect, you can be the liaison between the office and the patients who are the source of income for the practice. You bill the government for Medicare or private insurance companies; you follow up and obtain payment and you set up collection procedures when things go wrong.

An experienced service is the missing link between doctors, office staff, and patients. Without one there would be no revenue. It may come from Medicare, another government program, or private insurance. Someone has to address filing of claims and payment follow up. Hence billing is becoming a big business that has low overhead or general costs. It can be part or full time and much can be done digitally to save postage and handling.

Most ordinary medical practices can use a small billing agency that is a sole proprietorship but there are exceptions. You must ensure that your company has the requisite expertise and a regular program of training. You will want to promote to get clients among physicians of all types, mental health practitioners, nursing homes, ambulance, services, social workings, and more. You can acquire staff and resources as you grow.

Given the low overhead and modest initial costs, billing is a great self-run enterprise. You can work when and how you want, but you must be accessible, reliable, communicative, and meet all claim filing deadlines. Never let anything slide under the rug. Getting good software may take a bit of research, but in the long run it will help everything flow smoothly and efficiently.

With startup costs behind you for supplies, software, and equipment, you are ready to begin. You will devise a system of billing, follow up, and collection and communicate the results in reports to your clients. It should operate like a well-oiled machine. Providing a revenue stream to an enterprise is a valuable service for which they will pay in kind.

Operating a business can be a breeze if you have planned ahead. Attention to detail, reliability, and thoroughness are key traits to acquire. You must have your eyes open to relevant changes in the medical industry regarding CPT and ICD-9 coding. You will depend on office superbills but you must maintain your own level of accuracy. Also in the mix is the acquiring of a proper license (such as a Home Occupation Permit) and a payment model for your clients.

Professional billing services are licensed so don't neglect this important point. It doesn't matter where you are located unless you are liable for city or country tax. A decision can be made about incorporating for income tax purposes. Many areas demand a Home Occupation Permit for even a one-person enterprise. Learn the ropes before you get started and create a master checklist for your periodic review.




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