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How to Make Money through Medical Billing

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Welcome to Money-Making Stay at Home Moms: How to Make Money through Medical Billing.

There are 38+ interviews in this series (see links below interview).

Today’s Money-Making SAHM is Stacy Collier. She lives in Anchorage, Alaska with her husband, daughter, and is pregnant with a son (due this summer). We met while my husband and I were traveling around Alaska and she is just the sweetest and warmest person! I’m so happy she wanted to share with you how she makes money through medical billing.

She shares the following:

Q: What inspired you to begin working?
 
A: I felt bad that my husband worked hard all day and has paid for all our living expenses since our daughter was born. I’m so incredibly grateful and blessed that he has a job that can support us, and that he is very supportive of me and desires me to stay at home. However, I wanted to contribute, even a little bit, to lighten his load. I don’t make a ton, but it’s enough to pay a few bills and have some spending money without feeling guilty.
 
Q: How did you go about starting your business or arranging a work at home position? 
 
A: I’ve been a Medical Billing Specialist since 2009 at a few different clinics, and a Certified Profession Biller/Coder (CPC) since 2011. I reconnected with a doctor I used to work for when I lived in Fairbanks, AK. Her clinic was going through a bit of an upheaval with personnel turnover, and I offered to step in and help. It took a bit to get everything working smoothly, since I work remotely 300 miles away, but I’ve been there for 6 months now and everyone has been really happy.
 
It was a matter of setting up secure networks over the Internet and getting their medical software program on my computer, I had to buy a few things like a good printer and other home office supplies.
 
Q: What are some tips you would like to share with others who are interested in doing something similar to help out financially?
 
A: I get a lot of people asking about doing medical billing from home. Unfortunately I don’t think it’s something you can just jump into with no experience, but if you do have experience, talking to doctors in your area that are in your speciality is a good place to start.
 
I work on a percentage, so whatever I bring in from insurance companies I get a part of. If I don’t resolve claims, I don’t get paid. It’s a good incentive for me to work hard, and that is a selling point I think. If you have worked for a doctor or clinic before, maybe try talking to them again to see if they need some help.
 
Q: How many hours do you work a week or how much of your time does this position require? Is it flexible? Is it consistent?
 
A: I don’t keep good track of my hours, but I would estimate roughly 20 a week. Sometimes it’s more, sometimes it’s less. It really depends on the patient load at the clinic and if there are any major issues with claim denials. I do spend quite a bit of time on the phone with insurance companies.
 
Q: When/how do you find the time to work?
 
A: Whenever I can!!! I do keep Tuesdays and Thursdays as pretty firm work days. I don’t schedule appointments or play dates on those days. The mornings are usually the best time, since my 22 month old is refreshed from sleep and has a good breakfast. She’s usually content to play by herself or with the dogs while I spend a couple hours on the phone with insurance or the receptionists or doctors from the office.
 
I also use Tues and Thurs to schedule phone appointments with patients who have questions about their benefits or accounts. I also work at night after my daughter goes to bed, usually that’s when I get the majority of my paperwork done. Sometimes it’s hard to fit everything in!
 
Q: Are there certain tips/advice you’d want to share with others who want to start working like you?
 
A: You definitely need a schedule of some sort. If you say, “Oh I’ll get this done when I can,” then it’ll never get done. I am often behind on housework and laundry, etc. But like I said, I’m very firm on my Tues/Thurs schedule, and that has helped immensely. Also, find something you have experience in or are good at. I know ladies who can sew or make jewelry to sell on Etsy. I wish I was creative like that but I’m not. But I am good at my job, I have experience, and I really enjoy it!
 
Q: Was training/schooling required for the position? How/when did you complete it?
 
A: Yes. I had a lot of hands-on training at the first clinic I worked at in Fairbanks. I started as the receptionist at a chiropractic clinic, and when the billing person decided to move on, she spent several months training me in all aspects of billing and coding. Then I became certified by AAPC (American Academy for Professional Coders).
 
I had looked into several schools for coding and billing and found that a lot of doctors and clinics preferred certifications from AAPC. It took a little less than a year, all online. I did all this before I had my daughter in 2012. I actually do need to look into further training though as laws, regulations, and codes change every single year.
 
Q: If someone was very serious about getting started but had no experience what would you advise them to do?
 
A: I think if someone wanted to start in medical billing they should start working in a medical office in an area they are interested in (surgery, PT, etc). Or they could take an online class either through AAPC or another school (there are a few).
 
Unfortunately, I don’t think it’s something that you can just start work from home right out of the gate, if you don’t have hands on experience or school it can be really overwhelming, and usually doctors want someone with at least 1-2 yrs experience and/or a certification.
 
Q: What is the income percentage you bring in? or Does the income help a little, a good amount, or is the main source of your family’s income? 
 
A: Right now I make about a quarter of what my husband does. This may drop a bit as one of the doctors is leaving the practice. It helps a little, like I said I’m able to help with a few bills, some groceries, and some spending money. But it helps in non-monetary ways, too.
 
I find I am more organized than before I started working again. I feel I have “purpose.” Of course I love my daughter (and my son who will be here in July!) but it can be very difficult being a mother 24/7, being a constant caretaker. You start to lose yourself in it a bit.
 
Working does bring me satisfaction on a “job well done”. It’s something I can complete. Motherhood has different challenges everyday and the job never ends! So it’s good to use other skills again. Being able to complete tasks at work brings me satisfaction, and of course being compensated with a paycheck is great too!
 
Thank you Stacy for sharing this information with others! If you have questions for her, please leave them below.

 Money-Making Stay at Home Moms Series 1: Medical Billing

Stacy  specializes in medical billing for chiropractic, massage and physical therapists, naturopathic doctors, and acupuncturists.She has worked with PC, Mac, and online based billing software. She is always open to new clients, usually smaller practices. If interested in working with Stacy please comment below and I will email you her contact information.

Check out the rest of the series here:

Introduction to Money-Making SAHM Series

Series 1: Medical Billing

Series 2: Starting an Online Business

Series 3: Housecleaning

Series 4: Cosmetology

 Series 5: At-Home Airline Assistant

 Series 6: Become an At-Home Employee

 Series 7: Beachbody Coaching

 Series 8: Freelance Writing

 Series 9: Run an at-Home Daycare

Series 10: Write and Self-Publish an eBook Part 1 & Part 2

Series 11: Teach Music Lessons from Home

Series 12: Distribute a Product You Love

Series 13: Blogging

Series 14: Become a Virtual Assistant

Series 15: Buy and Resell Cheap Finds

Series 16: Become an Editor

Series 17: How to Make Money as a Transcriptionist

Series 18: How to Write and Publish a Paperback or Hardback Book

Series 19: Do Online Tech Support from Home

Series 20: Graphic Design

Series 21: Sell Your Own Sheet Music Part 1 and Part 2

Series 22: Start a Preschool from Home

Series 23: Start Your Own Boutique

Series 24: How to Make Money on YouTube

Series 25: Take Legitimate Online Surveys

Series 26: Open an Etsy Shop

Series 27: Become a Photographer

Series 28: Become a Property Manager

Series 29: Make Money Locally Teaching a Talent, Sport, or Hobby

Series 30: Substitute Teaching

Series 31: Make Money through SwagBucks

Series 32: Review Websites for UserTesting

Series 33: Tutoring—coming soon

Series 34: Become an Affiliate with Spark Naturals Essential Oils

Series 35: Quilting and Embroidery

Series 36: Make Money by Doing Laundry for Others through Laundry Care

Series 37: Make Money on Fiverr

Series 38: How to Make Money from Home with Contena

more coming…pin or bookmark for more.

 

 

 

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How to Make Money through Medical Billing

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How to Make Money by Starting a Preschool from Home How to Make Money as a Graphic Designer from Home 12 Must-Learn Secretes to Save Thousands on Pregnancy-Related Medical BillsHow to Save Money on Pregnancy-Related Medical Bills

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Gail Cauldwell DC says

    Hello Anita,

    I will be opening a chiropractic practice (in CT) and looking for a biller. How do I get in touch with Stacey when the time comes? Thank you.

    Gail 🙂

    Reply

  4. Sarah says

    I handle the billing in a physical therapy office and I’m in love with this article. I’m getting married in October and I know when we have kids I don’t want to work full time, but with the cost of living constantly going up it’s hard to not earn any money at all. I agree with her that it would be hard to start billing at home right out of the gate. There’s so much to learn even if you are certified it’d be overwhelming.
    Love this article!

    Reply

  5. Sarah S. says

    I would LOVE to work from home. I have no medical experience at all but I have three years of banking and financial experience. It is my dream to be a stay at home mom but just can’t do it now…

    Reply

    • Anita Fowler says

      Sarah- stay tuned there are ALOT of different ways that you can work from home. If medical billing doesn’t work out you can check out other options in this series! I hope you are able to do as you wish!!

      Reply

  7. jan says

    Hello! Do you happen to know a good resource for medical transcription jobs that will hire/work with people who are willing to be an apprentice? I’ve gone through the training for MT work, but I’m really interested in helping or shadowing a well-seasoned MT until I can be sure that I fully understand how to do a job perfectly. Plus, not many companies are willing to hire someone without experience it seems. I’d love to know of anyone who does MT from home and if I can talk to them or gain experience through them.

    Also, where does one get training for medical billing? Is that something a local school can certify someone to do? Would love to give it a shot if this MT route turns up dry for me.

    Thanks for the help!

    Reply

    • Anita Fowler says

      Jan this is from Stacy-
      For the medical transcription I think there are some online resources but that’s not my area so I’m not sure. If they went to a school do they have anyone there that can help them? I know with our local technical school they have guidance councilors that help graduates find jobs or shadow opportunities.

      For me I went through AAPC for my formal schooling in Coding and Billing. However I have seen on job websites some people do say they are willing to train! So I guess it really depends on the clinic or hospital. There should be local technical schools in the area that offer coding/billing courses (should take a year or so).

      The internet is such a great resource. There are tons of job websites (most free) that someone could do a simple search and find some jobs either in the area or over the internet.

      Reply

  8. Courtney Fadel says

    I am very interested in working from home! Is she currently looking for people to hire? would love and appreciate more information.

    Reply

    • Anita Fowler says

      Courtney- Can you please clarify? Who are you asking? Stacie? She actually works for a medical office so she is the employee. Sorry if I’m not understanding your question. If you could rephrase or expand on it I could better answer you. Thanks!

      Reply

      • Courtney Fadel says

        I apologize, I must have misread one of the final sentences, but it just said “If interested in working with Stacy please comment below and I will email you her contact information,” so I didn’t know if she was hiring or whatnot… Just trying to find a stay-at-home job and everything I’ve found so far is scamish!

        Reply

  9. Tabitha says

    I love this! I do have a medical billing and coding certificate from the Bryman School in Arizona. I would love to work from home in my field but I don’t know where to begin here!

    Reply

    • Anita Fowler says

      Tabitha- that’s great that you have the educational requirements. The article gives some guidance on how to get started. Do you have other questions that were not addressed? If so, please reply with them and I’ll see if I can get her to answer them.

      Reply

  10. Heather Cook says

    I did a medical coding and billing course but can not find work can you give me help on finding the work or where I could look?

    Reply

  11. Brianna Dunnahoe says

    I would love to know more information about Medical Billing.
    I have 7+ years in legal field, but have 2 little ones now.
    Please let me know if the position is still open, and how would I start.

    Thank you!

    Reply

  16. kristy says

    hello my name is Kristy i have been a stay at home mom for the past 3 yrs, my spouse recently lost hes job so i am trying to do my part. i am finding it so hard to get back into the medical field the jobs i have applied for have basically have been telling me i have no experience since i decided to raise my child for 3 yrs, witch sounds crazy to me and so unfair. so my comment is any advise on applying for a job after being a stay at home mom. i would love to work from home if i could and had a great opportunity to.

    Ps. how is one to have a experience if one is not giving a chance to gain experience.

    Reply

    • Anita Fowler says

      Kristy- It is tough! I’m so sorry about your husband’s job loss. What a difficult thing to go through. My recommendation would be to try to do some of these positions (there are quite a few) on this list that do not require experience. Medical billing is one of the more advanced jobs on the 35+ on the list below (with 35+ other at home job opportunities). After you have some experience with some of the others perhaps just having that experience on your resume can get you into a medical billing job. Best of luck!!

      Reply

  17. Terry says

    What online school did you get your training thru? There are so many and it’s confusing trying to figure it out!

    Reply

    • Anita Fowler says

      This is What Staci said: I received my training through AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders). I found that a lot of employers specifically wanted people trained through them. I did all classes online, which took me 9ish months (I think, hard to remember, but it was several months), then I had to go to a proctored exam, which was 5 hrs I believe. It was hard! haha.

      Reply

  18. Pam Kulczar, CPC, CPedC, CCP, PCS, CDIC says

    Anita:

    I am a multi-credentialed (CPC, CPedC, CCP, PCS, CDIC) Medical Coder with over 30+ years experience and I work remotely.

    I own/administer a FaceBook page: JOBS for American Medical Coders.

    There are MANY remote-(aka: work-at-home) jobs in the medical field…billing, coding, and transcription! However, each of these jobs require training, certification (AAPC and/or AHIMA), and usually a minimum of 3-5 years of experience.

    I will be happy to answer questions from your members.

    Reply

  20. Heather says

    I would love to get into work at home doing medical coding/billing. That has always been my interest. If you could send me more information I would greatly appreciate it!

    Reply

  21. Heather says

    I love to be an at home worker It is alot easier to do that than deal with the drive to a work place. The only commute that I would love to do is walk down the stairs to my computer and get started with my work and work as much as possible.

    Reply

      • DIGNA ACOSTA says

        HI anita,

        I’ve been working in the medical field for 17 years, I live in Orlando FL and I am planning to have my own billing business at home. I am in need of clients and I would like to know how to market myself. I am a little bit shy and do not know how to sell, but I am very good in what I do and I love it. I would like to start with Chiropractors. Physical Therapy and No Fault cases.

        thanks

        Reply

        • Anita Fowler says

          I would recommend asking others who have done something similar and succeeded in your area. I’m sorry I don’t have the expertise needed to answer this.

          Reply

  22. Jim Collins says

    Online medical billing and coding schools are very suspect when it comes to training on the latest medical/billing software since most medical centers have very customized medical software which is not normally shared with trade schools and the like. In the real world of medical billing and coding, training occurs on-the-job. We therefore do not recommend that you subscribe to any online school for medical billing and coding and concentrate on entering a medical internship program at your local medical facility/center for medical billing/coding.

    On another subject: the major bulk of medical billing/coding work in the U.S. has been greatly curtailed by state privacy laws as it pertains to medical records and patient confidentiality. The vast majority of medical records are kept in recordkeeping departments within medical centers and any billing/coding work is done “in-house,” not “outsourced.” So, beware of any offers which promote online in home medical billing/coding work–there are scammers out there.

    Reply

  23. Mark Malone says

    Despite being an employee for a long time in my company, I have still had a few roadblocks in my way in relation to medical billing. However, reading this article has reinvigorated my thinking about it. It was a magnificently created article by which I am now fully familiar with the way I can resolve my issues in this aspect.

    Reply

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