What about Medical Billing as a Home Business? 
by Liz Folger

Dear Liz:

I see a lot of ads on how you can work at home as a medical biller. The company I'm thinking of going with offers the software for $300 and a list of clients is provided. I don't have small children at home, but I am the owner of 6 exotic birds which is the same as having 6 four-year-olds. I thought this would be a way to give them the care they need without being away 40-plus hours a week for little pay. Would the initial investment be worth the money? They provide online training, and I do have experience filing paper claims. Have you heard much negativity about this field? Thanks for your time and interest.
Thanks, Medical Biller Wannabe

Hi Medical Biller Wannabe,
Unless you have a medical billing background, this business can be hard to start. Now I'm not saying it's impossible. I'm just saying that if you don't already have these billing skills, this business is likely to take time to grow. The only medical billers that I know who work from home, and I know three, work for their husbands or relatives. Usually an ad will state that there are doctors out there eager to outsource their billing. This is usually not true, something you'll find out once you have purchased your billing software and try to find doctors who are interested in hiring you. [These companies may provide a list of doctors, which can be found in most yellow pages, but those doctors may not be interested in hiring medical billers. It may be best to contact doctors in your area first to see if you can find any who may have an interest in using your services.]

Here's a bit of information I found at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/invest/medbill.htm, a site you should check out if you're thinking of getting into this type of business. "The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has brought charges against several companies for misrepresenting the earnings potential of medical billing centers, and failing to provide certain key pre-investment information the law requires."

The way the scam works is that you are promised by this company that you'll receive software, training, technical support and a list of doctors. You can spend hundreds to thousands of dollars for this and are told that you don't need experience to make around $50,000 a year.

What happens? "The FTC has found that few consumers purchasing a medical billing business opportunity are able to find clients, start a business and generate revenues -- let alone earn a substantial income and recover their investment. Competition in the medical billing market is very strong among a number of large and well-established firms."

You mentioned something in your e-mail that caught my eye. You sound like you have a real interest in exotic birds. Have you ever thought of turning this into a home business? Sounds like you already have a lot of skills in this area and a real passion for this interest.

Usually the home business you should start is staring you right in the face, but you just don't see it. Don't get caught by the ads that scream you'll bemaking EASY money FAST. This is usually a lie. Even if you start a business in the area you really enjoy -- it too will take time. BUT the key factor here is that you'll enjoy it and will stick it out when times are slow because you love what your doing.

Just like the book title says, "Do What You Love, and the Money Will Follow."

Liz Folger is Work-at-Home Mom Expert and author of, "The Stay-at-Home Mom's Guide To Making Money". Her book is available at your favorite bookstore like, Amazon.com, or by calling 800-632-8676. Liz has also created a resource site for work-at-home moms at: http://www.bizymoms.com. When you visit, don't forget to sign-up for the free e-newsletter.