Medical Billing Scams

[Valerie S. Johnson]

By Valerie S. Johnson

You may have seen ads for a home-based business where you process medical claims. It sounds like an easy way to make good money working full-time or part-time, even if you don’t have any related experience. All you do is pay for the software and a list of clients, and you’re ready to operate. Doctors will eagerly outsource their billing to you.

However, you must be aware that you are not applying for a job, you are buying a business. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has found that a lot of these medical billing opportunities are scams. Their promoters charge hundreds or thousands of dollars for software that doesn’t work and client lists that are worthless. You could lose your entire investment.

The FTC advises that you do a full check-up on a medical billing business opportunity. Make sure you speak to numerous previous purchasers, the state Attorney General’s office, the Better Business Bureau, and the software company. You should have an attorney review the contract before you sign it or pay any money. Consult the FTC’s brochure Medical Billing Opportunities: Worth a Second Opinion for more details.