ClaimTek Medical Billing Success Stories

Toledo, Ohio biller takes a risk, finds success

Duren: training plus good service is key

Brenda Duren is the first voice and final word for new electronic medical billers learning ClaimTek System's MedOffice software.

A former manager at a healthcare facility who yearned to become her own boss, Duren founded Today’s Billing Solution in Toledo, Ohio in March 2005. She soon gained four clients by simply advertising in a medical magazine.

Duren spent 11 years as a hospital and medical practice administrator before wanting more free time. ClaimTek's MedOffice was more modern than outdated software she once used. Duren quickly learned how much more effective it is in day-to-day operations.

"I am overall not computer-savvy. It took me a little while to figure out the computer's logic. The software is very easy and user friendly," she said. "I like it better than other software."

Duren soon learned clients don't have to be nearby. One is in Michigan, another in Massachusetts that were attracted by her advertisements. Distance isn't a hindrance so those living in smaller communities can attract clients from big cities.

"One doctor doesn't even have computer in his office," she said. "Everything is on the internet so if I need to research anything I can do it on the internet and 800 numbers.

"The bottom line is cash flow. When you're a billing service it becomes a lot more efficient than an in-house biller. Inside [the office], they have you doing everything else but concentrating on billing. Here, I just concentrate on the billing."

There are merely five steps to successful billing, Duren Said. Handling primary, secondary, tertiary insurers of claims, reworking those denied or appealed and creating status report.

"You have to find the money. You have to be consistent in tracking," she said.

Meanwhile, Duren, 37, is more concerned over quality of life than quantity of clients.

"I'm not looking for every client in Toledo and be at the computer 60-80 hours. I want a life," she said. "I just wanted to be my own boss and enjoy having the free time and flexibility of calling my own shots and not depend on somebody else to stay in business. The first year I wanted free time and I got it and was still making income."