Re: Does it make any sense................

[bk2skool]

Thanks everyone!  I'll be watching for this subject to come up when I start "fishing" for that first client.  I plan on focusing on the smaller general practice to begin with.  I would eventually like to specialiaze in Chiro and PT/ST/OT practices.  When I was working in customer service for a very large insurance company, these were the worst calls.  It was really common to find these type of bills not billed correctly or timely.  So, what do you think?  Good plan?   

[Pay_My_Claims]

I don't have as many as some, but I have never been asked what do I use. I have been asked how the services work. I can use my software to process your claims, or I can log in remotely. When they want me to use a software program different than what I have, my answer is I use what is cost-efficient to help decrease cost for my providers. I can however use the system you would like, but I have several providers and each has his or her own system that they like. Provider A may like this, but provider B will like something else. If they need something more than the reports my system can generate, I have the ability to offer them solutions that I can do to make sure they obtain any reports they need. I have only had providers ask me about AR reports, and denial tracking. Any other reports they don't ask for. You would be amazed at the functionality that software providers implement that they use to jack up the cost of the software that providers NEVER use at all. We can generate our AR in over 100 ways, but to this day, it has only been done 2 ways. By the patient, and the insurance. Go figure.

[AndrewC]

i will ask this one question...

I can truly say that my answer is YES.

Have you been asked what software you use in EVERY client interview process?

To take it one further they ask about software and clearinghouse!

[AndrewC]

Please do not mistake what i am saying...

CONTENT IS EVERYTHING!! If you don't know what you are doing no report in the world can help you. Dog Poop covered in sprinkles is still Dog Poop!... so i am in agreement with both of you! but if you are starting up, you have no references, no word of mouth. you are in need of your first client (we have all been there) it is a great tool to have by your side. A nice clean report that makes sense to the provider so he/she does not have to call you every month with the same question. It makes our clients happier and gives us more bandwidth to excel at our profession!!

I clearly am NOT a FLY BY NIGHT!! I have worked on Long Island in this business for 10years (not the 20yr mark yet   ).  I have worked for institutions and labs and now my own business. I get it! I know what it takes to get business and Sustain it.

Again, I agree with you but the bottom line is THE BOTTOM LINE. $'s talk everyone. Especially, here where comp is steep!

Regards
AndrewC

[Pay_My_Claims]

Andrew,

I hear what you're saying.....

To me, the bells and whistles are not that important; This year marks 20 years for me in this industry, and still to this day, it never ceases to amaze me how many 'inadequate' (could really use a MUCH STRONGER WORD)   billers there are out there!!  In the past month alone, I have dealt with 3 providers whose billers have cost them a great deal of $$$ due to their lack of billing knowledge.  So, showing a provider fancy reports, graphs, colored charts, etc....in order to try and get them as clients is just not my style....but by all means, if it works for you and others, Go for it!!  To me, the most important aspect is your billing experience and knowledge and being able to bill/code correctly for max reimbursement, as well as ,maintaining the A/R in a timely fashion!!!

Michelle,
you have no idea how much I AGREE with this. I get emails daily from people in ESTABLISHED company's asking me to help them out. I am like WTF??? I am so tired of the fly by night billers who give providers a bad taste in their mouth when it comes to the services we provide. I have to not only sell my abilities, but my credentials, trust and integrity as well. You can have the best software system in the world........won't do crap for an inadequate biller!!

[AndrewC]

meauthor....

I respect your opinion but how do you push reporting and metrics when you can show them sample output?

It goes with out saying that you want to push the billing experience but I also feel my reporting tools help sell my business. Maybe its a regional thing but my experience has shown me this. While we are in the trenches we may not appreciate it as much but for others, they are going to want reporting that works for them and easily read! 

I also feel/agree if your content is garbage then it dont matter!

Regards
AndrewC

[AndrewC]

Hi,
Does it make any sence to get clients first before purchasing a program?  At least your money hopefully wont be going to waist. 

Hapinys,

How would you effectively sell your business without that one major missing piece? IMO, invest in the software, put out great content to your potential clients and let the rest take care of itself!

Regards
AndrewC

[Pay_My_Claims]

right now I still use it, and no it doesn't have features like other programs, you can use it as long as you like. It works for me for the type of billing that I do, and the services I provide. I know in time I will more than likely change it however. It is just for now financially beneficial to me.

[Pay_My_Claims]

I understand your concern, but unless you are using a software program that you are familiar with, youc an run into problems if you wait until you have a client. I started out with a free software program to use until my billing services grows. I know I can't afford to pay monthly fees until I gain a client.