Re: A question about Medical Billing Consulting

[Steve Verno]

To add to all of the excellent advice

to be a consultant means you have to know everything, to be able to have the answers and the cure.

Last year a "consultant" somehow got my cell number and called me several times a day asking me about the client she was working with. Can you point me to a website that can teach me everything about ambulatory surgery center services. What can you teach me about health insurance contracts.  Then the calls were, can xxx be able to do this?  Can they be able to do that?  Can you come out here and look at their contracts or me.   On her last call, I asked for her home address.  She said why?  So I know where to send me bill for this consultation and training. Her response was if I fly out I will be her employee and that is how she would pay me.  Minimum wage.  No thanks.   The owner of the surgery center contacted me and said he read her report and he could tell I helped. He recognized my language and manerisms. He and I worked many times in the past. She said she couldnt provide any details on thieir contracts as I refused to fly and help and she named me by name.  Word got out on this and as far as I know she never had another job again doing this.  They asked if I could do this and I had to decline.  I did refer them to someone I know in my area.  He went out and it generated more work for him. 

It can become addicting and fun to do. but, again, you must be able to know what you're doing.  Everything you present has to have a solid foundation with a solid written reference.  You cant present urban legends.  YOu also have to be 100% professional.   

[Steve Verno]

I charge what I normally make on an hourly basis. I also require the client to pay for any travel expenses, such air fare, hotel, meals, rental car, tolls and airport parking.  I travel coach, stay in super 8s or red roof inns. I leave the light on, I rent cheap small cars.  if I drive, I charge the IRS rate of 58 cents per mile plus the price of gas. I buy a 5 dollar foot long, or C-16 (Roast Pork Egg Foo young) with egg roll and free soda. I put in an average 8 hour day. Anything more than 8 hours is paid at time and 1/2.  I dont waste my and their time with all day meetings.  Im there to find the problem and fix it.