How to Save Time, and Make More Money
This is a response to an online discussion group, of nurses (and others) who do exam work for insurance companies. One woman asked about how she could make more money, and how she could complete her work more quickly. This is my response.
An important thing to remember about controlling your work is that while time is not money, time is a tool, and we should all use it wisely. Focus on what you are doing, and you will make more money, and you will be better at what you do.
1. The fastest way to get a higher percentage is to sign on with several companies. Make certain that each one knows you are doing this. And keep insisting on a higher percentage. When "favors" are asked of you (doing exams at odd times, etc.) make certain that you don't do the "favor" without linking it to a percentage raise. Be ruthless about this. If it troubles someone, too bad for them.
2. I can usually get an exam done in 15-20 minutes. The fastest way to shorten time is to avoid chit-chat with the client. You don't want to appear unfriendly, but you are there for business, and not to be their friend. I remember one competitor who laughingly recounted that she had spent 3 hours at one appointment. (She and the client -- another woman -- had actually done some folk dancing while she was there). This examiner didn't last long.
3. You will also find that there is a percentage of the population who are hypochondriacs, and love to talk -- at length -- about illnesses and meds. You must gently inform them that you cannot talk about this, that you must get their exam done, and be on to your next appointment. If they ask you for medical advice (hypos love medical advice) remind them that it is unethical for you to advise them medically. Which it is.
4. If I have any doubt at all, I collect the urine specimen first. This helps if they forgot, and can't get the specimen right away (they have time to drink some water while we're getting the rest done).
5. While they are getting the specimen, do every bit of paperwork you can. Don't just sit there.
6. To save time on blood draws, always examine both arms first. This helps you find the best vein, and saves the time and frustration of more than one stick. When people volunteer that "they always stick my ___ arm at my doctors," I just tell them that each day is different as to how the veins stand out, etc., and I have to make the call that day. (If you say it with a smile, people don't get mad). The ONLY time they get to dictate which arm are the obvious cases, such as a woman who has had one breast removed, and has been told to avoid sticks on that arm.
7. If someone is just being impossibly slow, one way to speed things up is to get the blood draw done, and then plead that you must hurry "because I have to get the blood processed quickly." Which is true.
An important thing to remember about controlling your work is that while time is not money, time is a tool, and we should all use it wisely. Focus on what you are doing, and you will make more money, and you will be better at what you do.
1. The fastest way to get a higher percentage is to sign on with several companies. Make certain that each one knows you are doing this. And keep insisting on a higher percentage. When "favors" are asked of you (doing exams at odd times, etc.) make certain that you don't do the "favor" without linking it to a percentage raise. Be ruthless about this. If it troubles someone, too bad for them.
2. I can usually get an exam done in 15-20 minutes. The fastest way to shorten time is to avoid chit-chat with the client. You don't want to appear unfriendly, but you are there for business, and not to be their friend. I remember one competitor who laughingly recounted that she had spent 3 hours at one appointment. (She and the client -- another woman -- had actually done some folk dancing while she was there). This examiner didn't last long.
3. You will also find that there is a percentage of the population who are hypochondriacs, and love to talk -- at length -- about illnesses and meds. You must gently inform them that you cannot talk about this, that you must get their exam done, and be on to your next appointment. If they ask you for medical advice (hypos love medical advice) remind them that it is unethical for you to advise them medically. Which it is.
4. If I have any doubt at all, I collect the urine specimen first. This helps if they forgot, and can't get the specimen right away (they have time to drink some water while we're getting the rest done).
5. While they are getting the specimen, do every bit of paperwork you can. Don't just sit there.
6. To save time on blood draws, always examine both arms first. This helps you find the best vein, and saves the time and frustration of more than one stick. When people volunteer that "they always stick my ___ arm at my doctors," I just tell them that each day is different as to how the veins stand out, etc., and I have to make the call that day. (If you say it with a smile, people don't get mad). The ONLY time they get to dictate which arm are the obvious cases, such as a woman who has had one breast removed, and has been told to avoid sticks on that arm.
7. If someone is just being impossibly slow, one way to speed things up is to get the blood draw done, and then plead that you must hurry "because I have to get the blood processed quickly." Which is true.
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