How to Get Started Doing Medical Billing at Home

By Nicki Howell

  • Overview

    Even if you don't have a medical background, you can still start a medical billing business. Once you complete an online course, you'll be ready to market your services to businesses. If you already have experience in the medical industry, you're a step ahead. But when starting this type of business, many individuals aren't sure where to start. Here's how to get started doing medical billing at home.

    • Step 1

      Seek the required skills. If you don't have a medical background, it's important to seek the skills needed to start a medical billing business. Colleges like Penn Foster Career School offer medical billing programs you can complete online. The program will take several months to complete, but you have the flexibility to complete if faster if you have more time.

    • Step 2

      Get a business license with your city's business department. Most cities have applications you can complete online and processing usually takes a couple of weeks. Application fees range between $50 to $100 depending on your area's fee schedule.

    • Step 3

      Create marketing materials. Before securing clients, set up a website and print an inexpensive flyer. If you haven't created a website before, check out Yahoo Web Hosting. Service is between $10 to $15 a month and they offer templates that make it easy to create your site. Also, print your flyer at an inexpensive print shop, and make sure to include services offered and a pricing structure.

    • Step 4

      Market your services in the online marketplace. Bidding sites like Guru offer medial billing jobs under their administrative sections. You can bid on projects in your area for free, but need to purchase a subscription to access jobs around the country and the world. Membership fees cost about $30 a month.

    • Step 5

      Market your services to medical practices and hospitals. Many businesses outsource the medical billing function to cut costs. Set up appointments with office managers to discuss your services.
    • Skill: Moderate
    • Tip: Don't get discouraged if you don't generate clients right away. It can take several months to establish a successful medical billing service. Once you establish a client base, you'll spend more time generating income and less time marketing.
    • Warning:
    • Serving as an independent contractor means you need to pay your own taxes. Keep all pay stubs and receipts for tax time.

    © Demand Media 2011