Patient-Paid specialist matching service

Patients and their families, such as people with a new diagnosis, adult children arranging care for a parent, or people new to an area. Some may pay for a quick answer when waits for specialists are long.

A flat fee per case or a package, for example a set price for a shortlist of providers plus booking help. The patient pays you directly. Some people charge an hourly rate for extra research or follow-up.

• Careful research and organizing
• Clear, kind communication with worried people
• Comfort with insurance and health system basics

• Anti-kickback and fee-splitting laws: do not accept any payment from doctors or clinics for referrals until an attorney confirms what is allowed in your state, as it may be illegal
• Some states regulate or require registration or licensing for referral services or patient advocates, so confirm your state and local rules before trading
• Privacy rules: check with your attorney whether HIPAA applies to you and get written patient consent before handling health details
• Never give medical advice or promise outcomes, and say clearly that you are not a medical provider
• Professional liability (errors and omissions) and general liability insurance are worth checking

Startup costs are typically around $800 to $3,500, depending on insurance, legal advice, a website and your tools. These are estimates, so get quotes for the things you need, including an attorney's review, before you start.

Monthly revenue is typically around $600 to $3,000, depending on how many patients you help and the flat fee you charge. Treat this as an estimate, not a promise.

Check anti-kickback and fee-splitting laws with an attorney before accepting any payment from doctors or clinics, as it may be illegal. Also confirm your state and local rules on referral services or patient advocates, and whether HIPAA applies to you.