How to Make Money through Medical Billing (2024)

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. Shelives 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!