Today we’d like to introduce you to Shaneque Metellus
Hi Shaneque, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Shaneque Metellus founded and owned Royal Billing Solutions, which she established in 2022. With nearly 25 years of industry experience, she stands out as a leader in her field. Her exceptional diligence and meticulous attention to detail set her apart from her peers. Shaneque stays informed about the constantly evolving landscape of Medical Billing to ensure compliance with the latest regulations and maximize revenue collection. She possesses strong analytical skills, enabling her to efficiently identify problems and implement solutions. Shaneque engages in one-on-one interactions with clients to address any concerns they may encounter. She adapts seamlessly to change and maintains composure in high-pressure situations. Leveraging her extensive knowledge of medical billing, she tackles complex challenges and delivers effective solutions. Shaneque takes pride in selecting the right talent for Royal Billing Solutions. Her vision for the company includes creating a supportive work environment for stay-at-home parents. Having been a stay-at-home mom herself, she understands the financial pressures that can arise, especially when her husband had to work multiple jobs to support their family while she cared for their medically fragile daughter. Sixteen years ago, remote work was not as prevalent as it is today, but the pandemic highlighted for her that a traditional office setting is not a necessity for earning a living.
Shaneque is a devoted wife and mother of two children. Her husband, Mario, stands as her strongest ally, supporting her throughout their 23 years of marriage and embracing her passion for community service. He often refers to her as a professional volunteer. Their eldest child, Elijah, is an 18-year-old Eagle Scout and is currently a freshman at Georgia State University. Their younger daughter, Shamia, is a 15-year-old Girl Scout in the eighth grade. Shaneque is deeply committed to her community, actively participating in various committees within her children’s school district and non-profit organizations across the state. As a parent advocate, she is a member of the school district’s Parent Advisory Board, focusing on children with special needs. She dedicates her time to organizations that support children like her daughter, who has Autism and Epilepsy, including Autism Speaks and The Epilepsy Foundation.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Deciding to start my own business was nothing close to a smooth road. I faced significant challenges in transitioning away from my conventional nine-to-five employment. Two primary factors inspired me to embark on my entrepreneurial path. Firstly, I found myself confined in a position that appeared to offer no future growth or advancement. Secondly, I was profoundly influenced by my father’s situation after spending more than three decades with a single company. Upon retiring, he was given only a $2000 check in recognition of his long-standing commitment. My father, Jacques Corneille, dedicated himself wholeheartedly to supporting our family. I grew up in Miami with my two younger brothers, while three of my older siblings lived in Haiti. He ensured that we were well taken care of, and we never experienced a lack of anything. It wasn’t until I got married that I understood the financial struggles we faced, and I grew up poor, or what the census would classify as below the poverty line. For the first month, I was the sole breadwinner, and after payday, we were left with just $40 in our account until the next paycheck arrived. When my mother, Milouse Corneille, was alive, he treated her like the queen she was, working diligently from Monday to Friday to ensure she had everything she desired. His employer started his job at $6 an hour and when he retired, he retired at $15 an hour. Despite being the longest-serving employee and entrusted with training new hires, my dad’s company never cared enough to offer him a retirement plan. Tragically, he suffered a stroke at work, yet he completed an 8-hour shift, drove himself home, and collapsed in the shower while preparing to go to the ER after experiencing chest pain all day. He went to work that day despite feeling unwell. For over 30 years, his employer provided no retirement benefits for the employees, while the owner and their children enjoyed secure retirement plans. Witnessing my father’s relentless hard work and seeing him retire with nothing to show for his dedication to a thriving business was heartbreaking.
My time with my previous employer was deeply cherished and rewarding. The camaraderie among the staff and the connections with our patients’ families were particularly meaningful to me. I served under a group of Pediatric Psychologists who delivered essential services to children and adolescents, including those with Autism, like my daughter Shamia. The clinic was dedicated to psychological evaluations that enabled parents to make informed decisions for their children while providing crucial support and resources. I empathize with the parents’ worries and their emotional struggles. The role felt instinctive, and I excelled in my responsibilities. I aimed to create a family-like atmosphere in the practice. Although my official title was Patient Care Coordinator, I filled various positions: Office Manager, Biller, HR, Accountant, Compliance Manager, Personal Assistant, Front Desk Supervisor, Intake Coordinator, Caterer, Copy Repair Technician, Plumber, Office Interior Designer, Event Planner, Uber Eats Driver, Personal Shopper, and Pest Control Technician. “Need something done? Call Ms. Shaneque,” was the motto. I juggled these responsibilities in an environment with limited prospects for advancement or salary increase. Yet, following my breast cancer diagnosis in 2023, my perspective on life shifted profoundly. I found myself working 60 to 70 hours a week without any extra pay, feeling confined in a role where my employer seemed to appreciate me only for my output, rather than recognizing me as the glue holding the practice together. The prospect of leaving a job with a consistent, though inadequate, income was intimidating. The idea of starting my own business was fraught with apprehension. Yet, during moments of self-doubt, my father, friends, and relatives supported me, reinforcing my capabilities and encouraging me to chase my dream of creating my enterprise. I registered my business with the state in November 2022, but it wasn’t until April 2024 that I truly began dedicating myself to it. The fear of being confined and regarded as inferior compelled me to cease my justifications. Delays and doubts had bound me to a job that no longer fulfilled me or provided a sense of direction.
We’ve been impressed with Royal Palm Billing Solutions, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The inspiration behind my business name, Royal Palm Billing Solutions, is deeply connected to my Haitian roots. I came to this country as a baby, just three months old, on a challenging boat journey. My mother bravely undertook this trip to ensure a better life for me and my siblings. She instilled in us the belief that we are of royal lineage, descendants of kings and queens, which is where “Royal” comes from. The Royal Palm, Haiti’s national tree, is featured on our flag and symbolizes the ‘POTO MITAN’, the central support of our nation’s freedom, which is the source of “Palm.” “Billing” is quite clear in its meaning, and “Solutions” reflects my dedication to offering effective billing services to medical providers and practices. This is how Royal Palm Billing Solutions came to be.
Royal Palm Billing Solutions excels in revenue management, focusing on practice management, physician credentialing, medical billing, and coding. Our extensive array of tools, combined with a team of committed professionals, ensures your practice remains financially robust. We strive to overcome our clients’ obstacles by providing top-notch medical billing services and cost-effective solutions for billing, collections, and management, all delivered with the utmost professionalism. Our goal is to significantly enhance the practice’s productivity, quality, and profitability. As a Medical Biller, I serve as a health information technician tasked with overseeing patient accounts and processing insurance claims for healthcare providers. My primary duties involve generating and submitting invoices for medical services, pursuing unpaid claims, and liaising with patients about their outstanding balances. I guarantee that all billing processes are executed efficiently, enabling healthcare providers to sustain their financial well-being, in essence, I make sure providers get paid!
My billing company distinguishes itself through the exceptional concierge and personalized service I offer. I prioritize accessibility for my clients, who typically see patients throughout the day and often handle their billing in the evenings. Should they have any inquiries or issues, I am readily available via phone. In certain cases, we may need to connect through a Zoom call to address specific billing challenges. Unlike many billing companies that operate within standard business hours or require email communication with delayed responses, I ensure my clients receive immediate support.
The choice to embark on a career in Medical Billing stemmed from a strong desire to engage with the healthcare field and to play a vital role in patient care by ensuring billing processes are accurate and efficient. Growing up in a Haitian family, the expectations were clear: pursue a career as a Lawyer, Doctor, Engineer, or Nurse. I initially shifted my focus from Education to Computer Science, then to Nursing, but ultimately heeded my professors’ advice to stop wasting time and resources and switch to Business Administration. Nursing school was a struggle for me, especially since I couldn’t handle the sight of blood. The turning point came during an internship at the Miami-Dade County morgue, where I fainted during an autopsy. Our instructor had warned us to leave the room if we felt faint, but I didn’t make it. The chilling atmosphere, with a body on a metal table and drains on the floor, was overwhelming. I recall the Pathologist mentioning the body’s liver showed signs of hepatitis before everything went black. I woke up to being sprayed with a foam solution after collapsing on the germ-infested floor. That was the end of my nursing aspirations, and I embraced a career in business instead. I realized I wanted to be involved in healthcare, just not in a clinical setting. With my business degree, I found my niche as an Office Manager in medical practices and pursued additional courses in Medical Billing, leading me to where I am today.
The most rewarding part of my work as a Medical Biller is the essential role I play in the healthcare system, ensuring that billing is precise and helping to maintain the financial well-being of medical organizations. I currently manage three clients in the Applied Behavior Analysis field. ABA has been instrumental in my daughter’s growth, and I recognize how vital the services she received were for her development and skill advancement. Although I may not know every patient by name, the CPT codes and their usage give me a clear picture of the support each individual might need. The most gratifying moment in my job is when a provider informs me that a child or patient has completed their ABA program and no longer requires services.
As a Haitian immigrant, I arrived in this country and dedicated many years to enhancing the profitability of various businesses. Fueled by my determination and the immigrant spirit, I am now a proud business owner who has established my enterprise without relying on loans or debt. My journey began with Mrs. Zakira Golden at the Behavior Analysis and Intervention Center, which was my inaugural client. Today, I am pleased to report that I have expanded my clientele to four and continue to grow. Additionally, I have reached a stage where I can employ a part-time worker, a mother of two, allowing her the flexibility to work remotely while being present for her children.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Individuals interested in my services can easily reach out to me to arrange a complimentary consultation. I customize my billing solutions to meet the specific requirements of each client. Whether they need extensive or minimal billing assistance, I am here to accommodate their practice and financial budget.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.royalpalmbillingsolutions.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/royalpalmbillingsolutions?igsh=YWJocXozcXpiZDhm
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=61556750475341
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/royal-palm-billing-solutions-marietta
