Medical billing companies have sprung up in North Jersey

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Medical billing is a growing industry in North Jersey, fed primarily by unemployment, the appeal of a recession-proof business and demand for a job that has become increasingly frustrating.

Despite some highs and recession-based lows, the surviving start-ups are growing enough to put tiny dents in the state's high unemployment rate by hiring staff to handle new doctor offices and hospitals.

"We've definitely seen an increase in people looking to get certified in medical billing," said Larry Weston, president of the American Medical Billing Association, in Davis, Okla. The association offers certification through medical billing schools, and has about 100 members in New Jersey, he said. The American Academy of Professional Coders in Salt Lake City has 99,014 members.

The requests for certification rose once the economy took a dive, said Weston, because health care continues to grow, he said.

Organizations and billing schools talk up seemingly simple start-up requirements of a home-based business that needs only a course, computer and software. But billers describe the work as frustrating and highly competitive, needing great attention to detail to submit patient claims accurately or risk payment to doctors and themselves.

Theresa Wilson formed Practice Synergy LLC in Butler in May after being laid off twice in three years, she said. She spent $2,000 for a four-month medical billing course to become certified, and classes in running a business.

Wilson also joined New Jersey Association of Women Business Owners and mentored with a chapter president and veteran medical biller, Debra Courtright, who helped her get her first customer — a doctor's office in West New York.

"The big misconception is that it [the business] is easy," said Wilson. "It's not easy."

Wilson said her background in collections as a compliance officer and as an underwriter gave her relevant skills in following up on unpaid bills and in tracking medical regulations.

"You have to pay attention to detail as an underwriter," said Wilson. "When you're a medical biller, you have to pay attention to detail. And being a compliance officer in the finance industry helps with the compliance end of medical billing."

Wilson said the growth of the business enabled her to move out of her home office, rent space, and hire a part-timer — and soon a second. She said medical code changes coming down the pike will also help boost sales.

Doctors say they outsource billing because the reimbursement process can be overwhelming. It requires repeatedly submitting claims, checking their status, making sure the coding is correct and tracking constant policy changes.

 

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