Becoming an independent phlebotomist is not as difficult as you might think, but there are some distinct steps you will need to take and some challenges that you will need to overcome. The reason behind these challenges is found in the key word of the title—independent. As an independent phlebotomist you will be your own boss and will be forced to make decisions about the course of your career, rather than have a hospital or lab guide you. If you are ready to take the leap into your independent phlebotomy career, keep reading.
Business Structure
To start your independent phlebotomy business, you will need to decide on a business structure. You can choose from options such as forming an LLC, a sole proprietorship, or an S-Corp. To help you decide what is best for your business, you should always consider talking to a business lawyer or your accountant, as he or she will be able to guide you through the whole business set-up process.
Equipment
The next step that you will need to take to set yourself up to be an independent phlebotomist is to acquire all the necessary equipment. This includes a vehicle if you want to operate as a mobile phlebotomist, needles and collection tubes, and sanitization items like gloves and alcohol wipes. You will also need a way to store the specimens you collect as you transport them to the lab. Because you will not be working for a hospital or clinic, these are items that you will have to purchase for yourself before you start seeing patients.
Target Audience
After you have acquired all the equipment that you will need to run your independent phlebotomy business, you will need to determine who you want to be servicing. If you are looking to provide your services to an elder care facility, then you should register your business as a Medicare provider so that you can accept this type of insurance. Alternatively, you can service individuals as fee for service patients. Knowing who you will be advertising your business to and knowing who you will be performing your services for is an important step in starting your independent phlebotomy business.
Advertising
As with any business, you will need to get the word out about yourself. If you do not show people who you are or give them a way to contact you, your business will not succeed. To remedy this issue, you need to advertise. This can be done by making a website, creating promotional materials like brochures and business cards, and by verbally spreading the word about your services. Once people are aware that you can meet their phlebotomy needs, then they will have the resources they need to contact you at any time.
Wrapping Up
Becoming an independent phlebotomist could be a defining step in your career, so it is important that you know what you will have to do before you jump into operation. As another resource, this comprehensive e-book about starting a mobile phlebotomy business could greatly help you get your bearings, and will serve as a guide in a field that is new to you.
