Billing Gap

Question: I'm a new physician in my own small practice. I think the biller we hired is probably doing a poor job, and she has a bad attitude to boot. I'd like to fire her, but what do I do with my claims then? It'll take me time to find a good replacement. In fact, I have a very smart friend who would like to step in, but she doesn't know anything yet about medical billing. She'll need some serious training.

Answer: One good option would be to outsource your billing for now. Most companies won't agree to less than a year-long agreement, but it will take your friend at least that long - likely closer to two years - to become really good.