THE RIGHT TIME TO FREELANCE?
Have you ever felt that your own Surgical Assisting business might be in your future? The time might be closer than you think. How can you be confident in your chances of success? To be certain, or as close to certain as possible, you’ll need to do some research specific to our unique industry.
Too often, people dive in head first without even knowing what’s in the water – or whether they can swim. The first step to ensuring your success is to understand the market you plan to operate in. This calls for market research.
Even if you are exceptional at first assisting in surgery and your surgeons love you, the reality is most skilled Surgical Assistants lack the business acumen needed to run a successful operation. This is where I can help by sharing the business expertise that has driven ACE Surgical Assisting to success. To take your understanding to the next level, I want to introduce you to another trusted expert in the field.
Meet David Bartczak: Your Guide to Medical Billing Mastery
David Bartczak is a name that resonates in the world of medical billing for Surgical Assistants. With a career spanning many years of expertise, David has been published by the American Society of Orthopedic Physician’s Assistants (ASOPA), the Association of Surgical Assistants (ASA), and contributed to the SA Resource Guide published by the ASA. His influence extends through his lectures at ASOPA, ASA, the Texas Chapter of Orthopedic Physician’s Assistants, and the Association of Surgical Technologists.
David holds medical titles including OPA-C, LSA, CSA, and OTC, and is the founder and president of Mederi Services, LLC, the largest medical billing agency for Surgical Assistants. It is with full confidence that I recommend David and his company. He has graciously contributed the following article to this blog post, which will be in valuable whether you are on the verge of starting your business or planning for the future. Read below and enjoy what David has to say…
A Roadmap to Starting Your Surgical Assisting Business
Starting a Surgical Assistant business is a significant decision that involves careful planning and analysis. For Surgical Assistants considering this leap, it’s crucial to evaluate the market demand, understand the types of cases in the area, and thoroughly assess the insurance landscape. Here’s a basic guide with 5 key points to help you determine if it’s the right time to start your Surgical Assistant business.
Understanding Case Volume
The demand for Surgical Assistants directly ties to the volume of surgical cases in your area. High case volume means more opportunities for your business. To assess this, gather the following data:
- Hospital and Clinic Data: Gather data into the number of surgeries performed in local hospitals and outpatient surgery centers, plus the insurance types for those cases.
- Surgeon Density: Consider the number of surgeons practicing in the area – more surgeons typically means more surgeries.
- Population Demographics: Areas with aging populations may have higher surgery rates, increasing demand for your services. City data near facilities is the same population the surgeries come from. Higher average household income equates to better insurance mix.
- Market Trends: Identify trends in surgical procedures, such as increasing rates of certain types of surgeries. Knowing this will help you prepare for upcoming challenges and opportunities.
Identifying Case Types
- Understanding Case Variety: Different regions specialize in different types of surgeries—orthopedic, cardiovascular, general surgery, etc. Some cases do not pay for assistants. Others may pay exceedingly well.
- Niche Planning: By understanding the types of surgeries prevalent in your target area, you can tailor your services to meet specific needs. For instance, if there is a high volume of orthopedic surgeries, positioning yourself as an expert in this area could be beneficial.
- Data Sources: Surgical case logs from local hospitals, state health departments, and professional associations can provide insights into the types of surgeries commonly performed. Some surgeons will share this data if they are wanting you to help them in surgery.
Navigating the Insurance Mix Landscape
- Why Insurance Matters: The types of insurance accepted in your area will significantly impact your business model. Surgical Assistants are not reimbursed by primary Medicare or Medicaid. Instead, focus on private companies like UHC, Humana, BCBS (some states), Aetna, Cigna. Understanding reimbursement rates and which insurances are most prevalent in your area is key to developing a viable business strategy.
- Evaluating Insurance Landscape:
- Medicare/Medicaid vs. Private Insurance: Understanding the mix of government versus private insurance in your area can inform your business model.
- Reimbursement Rates: Different insurance types have different reimbursement rates for Surgical Assistants. Assess whether these rates are viable for your business. Many insurances only pay in-network rates now because of new federal law – No Surprise Act, so it is paramount to do cases and insurance that recognize SA services.
- Insurance Acceptance: Research which insurance companies dominate the market and whether they cover Surgical Assistant services.
- Payments for non-payable insurance and/or cases: Negotiate with the hospital and/or surgeons for reimbursement for non-payable insurance types or cases prior to agreeing to help.
Research Strategies
- Step-by-Step Guide:
- Identify Target Facilities: Start by identifying hospitals, surgery centers, and clinics where you might want to work.
- Gather Case Volume Data: Use public health records, facility websites, and networking to gather data on surgical volumes.
- Analyze Case Types: Research the types of surgeries performed in these facilities using hospital data, industry reports, and discussions with local professionals.
- Investigate Insurance Mix: Contact local billing professionals or insurance companies for insights into which plans are most prevalent and how they cover Surgical Assistant services.
- Consult with Peers: Network with established Surgical Assistants in the area to gather anecdotal data and practical insights.
Choosing the Right Medical Biller
- Importance of Specialization: Not all medical billers understand the nuances of Surgical Assistant billing or appeals, which can lead to costly delays or denials of your claims.
- Qualifications to Look For:
- Experience: Look for billers who have a proven track record in Surgical Assistant billing.
- Reporting: Ensure they have full transparency through in-depth reports for your claims and progress on the claims. No one cares about your money, more than you do. Make sure you read and understand what is going on.
- References and Reviews: Seek out references from other surgical assistants or practices.
- Understanding of Local Insurance: A good biller should be familiar with the insurance companies in your area and how they handle Surgical Assistant claims.”
Conclusion: The Path to Success in Surgical Assisting
Starting your own Surgical Assistant business is not just about leveraging your surgical skills – It’s about strategically positioning yourself in a market that demands precision, insight, and business acumen. The journey begins with understanding your local market, identifying the right opportunities, and navigating the complexities of the insurance landscape. Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently take the leap from being a skilled practitioner to a successful entrepreneur.
But remember, success doesn’t happen overnight. It requires careful planning, a deep understanding of the nuances of your industry, and the right partners by your side. Whether it’s choosing a medical biller who truly understands the intricacies of your business or tailoring your services to meet the specific needs of your market, each decision you make will pave the way to your success.
The roadmap provided here is your starting point. Use it to chart a course that not only enhances your professional life but also elevates your personal achievements. The potential is vast – it’s up to you to seize it. As you embark on this exciting journey, know that the rewards can be as significant as the challenges. With careful planning and a clear strategy, your Surgical Assisting business can become a thriving enterprise that sets the standard in the industry. The future is yours – go out and create it
– David Bartczak
Wasn’t David’s article enlightening? So, if medical billing and lack of business expertise have you wandering if you could make a success of freelance surgical assisting, Mederi Services and ACE Surgical Assisting have you covered.
One final thought. What if your research seems to show there is no way you are going to be able to build a large multimillion-dollar surgical assisting agency? Perhaps the case volume isn’t high enough, or insurance carriers in your market aren’t as favorable as elsewhere. Even in such situations, there is still potential to improve your current circumstances significantly.
In my practice, I achieved a six-figure income assisting on an average of 10 cases a week. You might find similar or even greater success, even if some insurance companies wouldn’t pay at all. Stay tuned for future blog posts where I’ll delve deeper into these strategies. Keep an eye out for more insights that could transform your career!