Home-Based medical billing for small practices

Independent clinics and solo practitioners that do not want to hire a full-time billing person.

Usually a percentage of the money you help the practice collect, or a flat monthly fee per provider. Most people start with a handful of clients.

• Careful with detail and numbers
• Learning medical codes and insurance rules
• Following up politely but persistently
• Keeping patient information private

• HIPAA rules: you will likely need a business associate agreement with each client, so check requirements and get proper advice
• Secure software and computer practices to protect patient data
• Errors and omissions (professional liability) insurance, and possibly cyber insurance
• Check your state and city for business license rules and any home occupation permit or HOA limits
• Payments can be slow when insurers delay, so plan your cash flow

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on your software, training and insurance choices. These are estimates, so get quotes for billing software and errors and omissions coverage before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,500, depending on how many practices you serve and how many hours you put in. These are estimates, and slow insurer payments can affect your cash flow.

Check HIPAA requirements, including a business associate agreement with each client, and get proper advice. Also look into secure software, errors and omissions insurance, state and city business license rules, and any home occupation permit or HOA limits.