Understanding Healthcare Billing & Why Some Specialties Make More Money

In this episode of Digital Nomad Physician, Dr. Mo dives into why a career in medicine isn’t “just another job.” You’ll hear how your clinical training gives you a rock-solid foundation—whether it’s practicing general medicine, exploring roles in AI consulting or real estate, or even serving as a coroner. Learn how your people-skills, data chops, and ability to handle high-stress situations open doors in industries you’ve never even considered. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your specialty or worried about “what if,” hit play and discover the stash of career gold that’s been right behind you all along. ------ -Dr. Mo Mohammad Ashori LinkedIn Digital Nomad Physicians Website Dr. Ashori Private Practice: https://drashori.com Dr. Ashori Walk-In Clinic: https://drashoriwalkin.com  Physician Coaching & Consulting: https://www.digitalnomadphysician.com/consult Dr. Mo Goodreads Build Your Virtual Medical Practice Online Course: https://learn.digitalnomadphysician.com/course 

In this episode, I talk about the real process of getting a business license for my walk-in clinic in Long Beach. From HVAC installs and permit delays to dealing with city approvals and converting a retail space into a clinic, I cover it all. It hasn’t been smooth, but it’s all part of figuring out how to launch a physical practice. If you're thinking about opening your own space, especially one that's cash-based or in a nontraditional location, this episode will help you see what’s ahead. Got questions? Email me at [email protected]. Check out these links for more: Website 1-on-1 Coaching Online Courses LinkedIn YouTube Channel No sponsors. Just real-life stuff that might help you out.   #MedicalPractice #BusinessLicense #ClinicSetup #DigitalNomad #MedicalPermits #HealthcareEntrepreneur #StartupJourney #PhysicianLife #DoctorVlog #ClinicManagement

Hey everyone, it's Dr. Mo, your go-to Digital Nomad Physician. Today, I'm recording from the charming city of Redding, California. Nestled north of Sacramento and right under Oregon, Redding offers a unique perspective on the Golden State. Join me as I explore this less-talked-about part of California, where the homes are affordable, the scenery is breathtaking, and the community has a cool car culture vibe. We'll dive into the importance of fact-checking our perceptions and exploring options outside the obvious, from where we live to how we invest. I challenge you to think differently about your own blind spots and consider the unconventional paths that can lead us to happiness and fulfillment.  Let's get started on this exciting journey through the hidden treasures of California, and maybe you'll discover some new possibilities for your own life, work, and investments.  For more info, check out my consulting services and courses: Coaching Courses Connect with me on LinkedIn and dive into more content on YouTube: LinkedIn YouTube #CaliforniaLiving #DigitalNomad #PhysicianLife #AffordableLiving #ExploreCalifornia #HiddenGems #LifestyleChoices #FinancialIndependence #InvestmentOpportunities #DiversePlaces

Hey there, it's Dr. Mo. In today's podcast episode, I'm diving deep into personal financial fears—sharing my own experiences of climbing out of debt and building a stable financial future. From growing up witnessing financial ruin to racking up $150k in debt, my journey to financial independence wasn't easy, but it taught me a lot. I'll talk about building good spending habits, investing wisely, and understanding that most financial fears stem from our upbringing and the stories we tell ourselves. Plus, I'll share my current financial landscape and my plans for future investments. If you're a physician or healthcare professional struggling with financial worries, I've got some tough-earned lessons and insights to help guide you on your path. Tune in to learn how you can find balance, security, and confidence in your financial journey. For more insights, check out my resources:   Website: https://www.digitalnomadphysician.com   Coaching: https://www.digitalnomadphysician.com/coaching/  Courses: https://www.digitalnomadphysician.com/courses/  YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DigitalNomadPhysicians    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohammad-ashori-md/ #FinancialIndependence #DebtFreeJourney #InvestingWisely #PhysicianFinance #DigitalNomadPhysicians #FinancialFreedom #OvercomingDebt #PersonalFinance #SmartInvesting #DrMoInsights

A lot of us try to build a private practice or virtual clinic on the side while working per diem or picking up shifts. But the truth is, that path usually doesn't work. In this episode, I talk about why moonlighting slows you down, how to know if you're on the right track, and when to take a loan or raid your 401k to buy yourself time. I’m not telling you what to do, just sharing how I’ve done it and what I’ve seen other docs go through. If you want your practice up and running in under 5 years, this is the kind of stuff we have to talk about. More content at: https://www.digitalnomadphysician.com Course: https://www.digitalnomadphysician.com/courses/  Coaching: https://www.digitalnomadphysician.com/coaching/  Not sponsored. Just what’s worked for me.   #CashBasedPractice #DigitalNomadPhysician #PhysicianEntrepreneur #BuildYourOwnClinic #DirectCareDoctor #AlternativeMedicineCareers #PrivatePracticeTips #PhysicianPodcast #UnfilteredPodcast #DNPvoice

This is how I actually do health coaching. The real, messy version. How I draw the line between doctor and coach. What I say to people who want prescriptions or advice about their mom’s labs. And how I keep it all legal, helpful, and honest. If you're a physician thinking about coaching, this is what it looks like when you're not hiding behind branding or disclaimers. For coaching or my course on starting your own practice: https://www.digitalnomadphysician.com/coaching/  https://www.digitalnomadphysician.com/courses/  Blog: https://www.digitalnomadphysician.com Not sponsored. Just the truth. #HealthCoaching #DigitalNomadPhysician #PhysicianCoaching #AlternativeCareersInMedicine #DirectCareDoctor #OnlinePractice #CashBasedCare #CareerChangeForDoctors #UnfilteredPodcast #DNPvoice

Is a concierge medical practice the key to more freedom in medicine or is it just another version of being tied down? In this episode, I break down the real-world pros and cons of concierge models for physicians, nurse practitioners, and other clinicians considering a pivot from the traditional healthcare system. We talk about: What a concierge model actually is (and how it's different from DPC or cash-pay telemedicine) The benefits: smaller patient panels, consistent revenue, deeper patient relationships The challenges: 24/7 access expectations, higher-touch service, and Medicare restrictions Why some concierge doctors still feel burned out What I’ve learned running a virtual cash-pay clinic and why it may offer more autonomy, flexibility, and sustainability If you're thinking about building a direct care model or scaling back from insurance and volume-based medicine, this episode will help you figure out if concierge is really the right path for you. Take the course to build your own virtual medical practice: https://www.digitalnomadphysician.com/courses/  Book a one-on-one coaching session: https://www.digitalnomadphysician.com/coaching/  Get the newsletter for strategies on cash-pay care and career freedom: https://www.digitalnomadphysician.com/newsletter/  Watch my videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@digitalnomadphysicians Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohammad-ashori-md 0:00 – What is concierge medicine? 1:40 – Why doctors consider concierge 4:10 – Common misconceptions about the model 6:20 – Real challenges of offering 24/7 access 8:00 – Medicare, documentation, and legal concerns 10:30 – A better alternative: cash-based virtual care 12:00 – My experience with pricing, boundaries, and sustainability  

Can you live abroad and still practice medicine virtually with your U.S.-based patients? In this episode, I break down the rules, regulations, and risks of doing telemedicine while living or traveling outside the U.S. Whether you're billing Medicare, running a cash-based virtual clinic, or just taking occasional consults while abroad, there are a few key legal and operational considerations you need to know. I cover: Why your location doesn’t matter — the patient’s does Medicare restrictions for doctors practicing abroad What to do if your malpractice insurance won’t cover you overseas Whether you need to be licensed in the country you’re visiting How to stay HIPAA-compliant from a beach in Spain or a café in Thailand What you can and can’t do when it comes to prescribing medications remotely How tax residency or foreign income laws may apply to your U.S. income If you're building a digital nomad lifestyle as a physician, this episode will help you avoid the legal traps while serving your patients with confidence. 0:00 – Why this question matters for digital nomad doctors 1:30 – The core legal principle: the patient’s location rules 4:00 – What Medicare does and doesn’t allow abroad 6:15 – Prescribing controlled vs. non-controlled substances 8:00 – HIPAA + tech compliance tips while traveling 9:30 – Foreign tax considerations 11:00 – Building a low-risk, high-trust practice abroad   Take the course to build your own virtual medical practice: https://www.digitalnomadphysician.com/courses/  Book a one-on-one coaching session: https://www.digitalnomadphysician.com/coaching/  Join the newsletter for weekly advice on cash-based medicine and physician freedom: https://www.digitalnomadphysician.com/newsletter/  Watch the latest videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@digitalnomadphysicians Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohammad-ashori-md

Not sure what kind of telemedicine service to offer? In this episode, I share 30 unique niche practice ideas for doctors, PAs, naturopaths, NPs, and health coaches who want to build a cash-based telehealth clinic or virtual consulting business. These are low-risk, high-impact telemedicine specialties that don't require insurance billing and can be done entirely online. Whether you're coming from hospital medicine, radiology, psychiatry, or primary care, there’s a virtual clinic model here for you. I cover: Why generalist telehealth is hard to sell What makes a great cash-based niche How to launch a non-prescribing medical service or second opinion practice How to repurpose your existing training into an online medical business Examples of virtual specialties ranging from lab reviews using AI to post-op consults and chronic illness coaching This episode is perfect for anyone ready to build their own medical practice that's flexible, fulfilling, and sustainable. Take the course to build your own virtual medical practice: https://www.digitalnomadphysician.com/courses/  🎯 Book a one-on-one strategy or niche coaching session: https://www.digitalnomadphysician.com/coaching/  📬 Get my newsletter for weekly advice on cash-based medicine and career freedom: https://www.digitalnomadphysician.com/newsletter/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@digitalnomadphysicians LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohammad-ashori-md    

In this episode Dr. Mo breaks down the fundamentals of healthcare billing for cash-based and digital nomad physicians. You’ll learn how billing compares to the traditional insurance model, key steps to set up your own streamlined system, and tips to keep your practice running smoothly from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your process, this guide will help you avoid surprises and focus on patient care. Here are all the products and services I name in this podcast episode: Auphonic (audio processor) https://auphonic.com/ Kareo (now called Tebra) https://www.tebra.com/  AutonomyMD (practice management) https://www.autonomymd.com/  Athenahealth (practice management) https://www.athenahealth.com/ DrChrono (practice management) https://www.drchrono.com/ QuickBooks (accounting/invoicing) https://quickbooks.intuit.com/ Stripe Billing (online invoicing and payments) https://stripe.com/billing Square (payments and invoicing) https://squareup.com/ ------ -Dr. Mo Mohammad Ashori LinkedIn Digital Nomad Physicians Website Dr. Ashori Private Practice: https://drashori.com Dr. Ashori Walk-In Clinic: https://drashoriwalkin.com  Physician Coaching & Consulting: https://www.digitalnomadphysician.com/consult Dr. Mo Goodreads Build Your Virtual Medical Practice Online Course: https://learn.digitalnomadphysician.com/