Medical Billing Homebased Business Opportunities

Writen by Michael Russell

In some cases, opportunities for a home-based business in the medical billing field can be a scam. There are many ads appearing on the internet, in addition to ads in the classified sections of newspapers that lure people into the idea they will make good money working at home, filing claims for doctors.

Beware of these ads until you have thoroughly checked them out. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has warned against these advertised business opportunities and has also brought charges against these scammers for misrepresenting not only the possible earnings, but also, not informing the person of the investment required to start this home business.

Claims of $20,000 to $45,000 a year earnings potential is normally what is promised in these ads. In many cases, people assume they are applying for a job, as their ads will be listed in the 'help wanted' classified section. Some ads will claim you need no previous experience - just simply purchase their software and this will set you up in business!

The cost of this software varies from $300 to $500 and it's claimed there are instructions in the software on how to process claims; plus, this software will contain a list of clients (doctors) who are looking for someone to do this type of work for them. Usually, this list of clients is bogus and completely useless.

The general rule in paying up-front money to anyone is to be sure you know who you are paying it to and this rule would apply in this case.

They will tell anyone who calls their toll-free number, in answer to their ad, that processing medical claims is a very thriving business allowing for them to earn good money. They also inform people that there are many doctors who are in search of medical billing processors.

Be aware, most doctors either contract their medical billing services out to established firms or they have an in-house staff who does this work for them. Thus, it takes time and a lot of work to acquire doctors as clients who will put their trust in someone working from home.

To verify a medical billing business opportunity, ask for references of other people who have bought and used their system. Several names are required to allow you to talk with a few people to get a true sense of the validity of the business opportunity. If only a couple of names are offered, beware, as these people could be 'plants' working for the scammer.

Definitely, do some research on medical billing to determine how lucrative it is and how much need there is for this type of work. Check to see what kind of training is required and how much training it takes to do this. There are medical billing businesses in various communities that could answer some of your questions. Sometimes, doctors will be available to advise on this, also.

Checking with your state's Attorney General's office is always a good idea, when dealing with a company not familiar to you. They will be able to tell you if there have been any complaints filed against this company, but, keep in mind, just because there haven't been complaints, doesn't mean the company is on the up-and-up. These scamming companies are constantly moving and changing their names to hide the unsettled complaints against them.

Bottom line - it's always best to consult an attorney to look over the contract and advise whether it is best for you to proceed.

Don't let the possibility of being scammed prevent you from starting a home-based business in the medical billing field, as there are legitimate opportunities out there.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Medical Billing