Are at home medical billing jobs possible without starting a medical billing business?
Medical billing jobs from home are possible – that’s how I got started – working for a small home based medical billing service.
The key is to have an employer or client that will allow you to work from home. So how do you convince a doctor or office manager or billing service to allow you to work from home? If they feel you are trustworthy and will get the work done, its a lot easier.
Being a business owner is not for everyone. In fact most people in medical billing do not own a business or have a desire to – but are paid hourly or salaried. And you don’t necessarily have to start a medical billing business for at home medical billing jobs. Owning your own business does give you the advantage of setting your own schedule as you are your own boss. But it also comes with a lot of responsibilities and headaches at times. And most people just want a good paying job that allows them to work from home.
Medical billing is an ideal work from home job because it’s more of a back office administrative function that doesn’t involve dealing with patients. All you really need is a computer with Internet access, a phone, an office, and a knowledge of medical billing.
Give me a Chance
The challenge in finding at home medical billing jobs is finding an employer or client that will allow you to work from home. This would be a doctors office or clinic or billing service. If you can find a small home based billing service that’s growing and needs help you would be more likely to allow you to work from home as they probably don’t have the space available for employees.
One suggestion is to contact billing services in your area and speak with the owner. Give them a quick summary of your qualifications and ask if they are looking for help. A billing service owner who is taking on new clients may be very receptive to giving someone a chance as they need help now and don’t have a lot of time for training or “hand-holding” an employee.
When you see an ad for a medical biller or coder it usually doesn’t say anything about working from home. So you may have to work in the office for a while before presenting the idea to your employer or client. If they are not receptive, you may suggest one day a week as a trial – just to prove it will work.
There are those who work in billing or coding who have such a good reputation that where they work is not an issue – it’s just that the work gets done.
One important issue to consider when working from home is the importance of complying with HIPAA privacy and security requirements. I won’t attempt to address that here but it is important to have a work location at home where patient information is secure – both while working and when the home office is unattended.
Always Look for Opportunities – Network
As I’ve learned over the years, the most effective way to find a job or opportunity is by networking. This doesn’t have to be an “in your face” effort but just looking for opportunities with anyone you come in contact with every day. It may be your neighbor, pastor, pharmacist, old classmate, etc. Let them know that you are an experienced medical biller who is looking for at home medical billing jobs.
Tax Advantages To Consider
Even if you don’t want to start a business, if you work from home as a consultant there are tax advantages to setting up a business – even if you are the only employee – for the business use of your home. I’m not an accountant so I encourage you to consult a tax professional. The IRS does allow you to write off a portion of your home used for business and the associated expenses. There’s also the supplies and equipment you need to work from home such as a computer, printer, Internet connection, telephone, etc.
More details on home medical billing jobs can be found here.