How can I start my own biz?

GingerSue · Sep 30, 2007

you need to consider start up funding - for advertising, business-related costs, get into the yellow pages (and the white pages too - for the convenience of your clients), business cards

you need to find out about a business license, and create a business name (doesn't happen overnight)

find out about your community zoning to make sure that you can use your address for business

start a separate bank account for your business

How are you going to handle cheques that bounce?

Insurance

nfahren05 · Sep 30, 2007

There are a lot of different "start up" tasks for any business, and many books on this topic. Check out a few at your local library or bookstore. GingerSue mentioned several; getting a tax id, and squared away with the IRS is another biggie. Make sure that you are familiar with the law in your state; in Georgia, the full code is on the internet (probably is in most states by now) and this contains the exact verbiage needed for many business documents. And then there's your Medicare/Medicaid angle, a whole new area to research, and CMS is very picky about how business with them must be conducted. Expect to spend at least 6m-1y just researching your start up plans.

RNperdiem, RN · Sep 30, 2007

Step one? Investigate the market out there for your service. Is there a demand for your service? How many other agencies are doing what you want to do, and is business thriving for them? Is there an underserved niche group of patients you can target? How much are you willing to invest, and how long are you willing to wait until business turns a profit-if you are in a partnership, you need to agree on basic terms and goals.

sharona97, BSN, RN · Sep 30, 2007

You also may be required to carry work comp insurance.

Sabby_NC · Sep 30, 2007

Do all your research first to find out if there is a certificate of need. Best do your ground work first before investing money into this idea. I wish you well in your endeavours.

underpaidrn · Oct 1, 2007

Having started three home health agencies, you first need to be licensed by the state you will be working in. This usually involves a trip to the Department of Licensure and Certification. They then have to come to your office where they will look at your policies and procedures. In Virginia, you must have a $50,000 surety bond and $1 million/$2 million aggregate insurance policy. Also, if you wish to bill Medicare, you will have to go through another inspection, following all of their rules, which includes taking on at least seven active patients which you will provide services to for free until after you receive your Medicare number. The whole process takes usually three to six months to complete. Good luck and if you need some other assistance, please let me know. If I don't know the answer, I'll find out for you.