Re: Contracting/Consulting

[Guest guest]

Hi -

I think that I may be in a similar situation to what you are describing. The practice that I am working for is a gastroenterologist office, we are hoping to include a component of medical weight loss/bariatrics at some point. When I was approached about this possibility, I knew there would be some risk involved, but I wanted to make sure that I was getting a salary. I negotiated for a contract with a salary to protect myself.

I am finally credentialed with all of the insurance companies. We bill for my services, some covered by insurance, but a lot of self pay by the patients. The billers in my physicians office handle my billing, as long as I have diagnosis/CPT codes for each encounter. I've been here for a couple months and I'm hoping that insurance companies are reimbursing for my services, but we are waiting to hear back if the claims are rejected. If you would like to talk to me about what I've been doing (I'm still learning as I go), feel free to give me a call or email. My number is (908)581-4217.

Hope this helps.

Schaldone

Schaldone, MS, RD, CLT

GI Nutrition Specialist

From: Bach <kbach@...>Subject: Contracting/Consulting Date: Monday, May 11, 2009, 7:40 AM

Hi guys.

I’m not sure if this is the appropriate forum for this question, but I thought I would ask it. I have recently been approached by a PCP who is interested in contracting a dietitian out of his office for various nutrition needs (i.e. celiac’s disease, diabetes, etc.) and possibly working in conjunction with him and an exercise specialist for medical weight loss. Since I have never done this before, I wasn’t sure how to go about setting things up-Do I do my own billing and if so, how does that work? Does he bill for me and just pay me wages? What should I ask for as a consulting dietitian? Etc. Does anyone have any experience with this?

Thanks!

Bach, RD, LD, HFS

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

First let me say good luck with stepping out on your own. It is well worth it in many ways. As a consultant, I have worked in many situations and each brought a different need from a billing standpoint. Whichever way you choose to go I would suggests that you become well versed in billing and coding for the procedures that you will provide MNT. Find out what Medicare and commercial insurances are covering for your area and plan to add a percentage to that to help offset the time that you spend in administrative tasks (if you will be responsible for your own scheduling/follow up appointments, etc.). One of the first things I did was sought out through colleagues what they were being compensated for in my area. You don't want to low ball your colleagues, but you don't want to sell your services for less than they are actually worth. Depending on your location

you may be able to ask for a significant amount.

KaToya N. , RD, LDEAT WELL, LIVE WELLCell:(504) 250-3407kgnevil6801@...

==================================================================================

This communication is for the use of the intended recipient only. It may contain information that is privileged and confidential. If you are not the intended recipient of this communication, any disclosure, copying, further distribution or use thereof is prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please advise me by return e-mail or by telephone and delete/destroy it.==================================================================================

From: Bach <kbach@...> Sent: Monday, May 11, 2009 6:40:25 AMSubject: Contracting/Consulting

Hi guys.

I’m not sure if this is the appropriate forum for this question, but I thought I would ask it. I have recently been approached by a PCP who is interested in contracting a dietitian out of his office for various nutrition needs (i.e. celiac’s disease, diabetes, etc.) and possibly working in conjunction with him and an exercise specialist for medical weight loss. Since I have never done this before, I wasn’t sure how to go about setting things up-Do I do my own billing and if so, how does that work? Does he bill for me and just pay me wages? What should I ask for as a consulting dietitian? Etc. Does anyone have any experience with this?

Thanks!

Bach, RD, LD, HFS