MODULE 1: INSURANCE & DOCUMENTATION

Third-Party Testing

Lesson 1.2 - The Billing Blueprint: Mold Edition

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The Billing Blueprint

You Can't Self-Certify Mold Work

Water Mitigation

You take moisture readings

You document dry conditions

You decide when it's done

Mold Remediation

Third party writes protocol

Third party tests clearance

They decide when it's done

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Who Performs Testing?

IEP

Indoor Environmental Professional

Most residential mold jobs
Less expensive, more available
Certified in mold assessment

IH

Industrial Hygienist

Complex commercial jobs
Litigation support
Advanced degrees/certifications

Check what insurance requires. Some policies specify IH for larger jobs.

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The Billing Blueprint

Initial Assessment

What the IEP/IH does before you start

Visual assessment - Identifies visible mold, hidden indicators
Air sampling - Tests spore counts vs outdoor baseline
Surface sampling - Swabs/tape lifts to identify species
Moisture mapping - Identifies water sources

            You, the remediation contractor, should NOT perform initial testing. That's a conflict of interest.
        

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The Protocol is Your Bible

The protocol defines your scope of work.
Period.

What areas require remediation
What containment is required
What materials must be removed
What cleaning methods to use
What standards must be met

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Follow the Protocol Exactly

Bill for more than protocol?

Insurance rejects charges

"It wasn't in the protocol"

Skip protocol steps?

Fail clearance testing

Re-work at your expense

Need to deviate? Contact the IEP and get a protocol amendment IN WRITING first.

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Protocol Contents

Containment requirements - Barrier type, negative air, decon chamber
Removal specifications - What materials, to what extent
Cleaning procedures - HEPA vacuum, damp wipe, antimicrobial
Protection requirements - Worker PPE, occupant protection
Verification criteria - What must be met for clearance

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Clearance Testing

The finish line

After remediation is complete (containment still up, equipment running),
the IEP returns to verify the work was done correctly.

Visual Inspection

All materials removed?
Surfaces properly cleaned?
Protocol completed?

Air Sampling

Spore counts at or below
normal background levels
Compared to outdoor samples

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The Billing Blueprint

Pass vs. Fail

PASS

IEP issues clearance letter

Tear down containment

Job is done

You can bill

FAIL

Re-remediate the issues

Schedule another test

Pay for additional test

Often at your expense

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Why Clearances Fail

Rushing the job
Not following protocol exactly
Inadequate HEPA vacuuming
Contamination during remediation

                Take your time. Follow the protocol.

                Don't tear down containment until you have that clearance letter in hand.

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Build IEP Relationships

Scheduling is easier - They prioritize your jobs
Communication is better - They call you with issues
Clearance goes smoother - Mutual respect, efficiency
Referrals come your way - They recommend quality contractors

                Don't pressure them to cut corners. Do good work. Pass clearances. That builds the relationship.
            

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Key Takeaways

Third-party testing is mandatory - you can't self-certify
IEPs handle most residential; IHs handle complex/commercial
The protocol IS your scope - follow it exactly
Get amendments in writing before deviating
No clearance letter = job not done = no payment

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Coming Up Next

Lesson 1.3: Mold Documentation

Protocol compliance documentation
Containment photos
Air quality logs
Everything you need to prove your work and get paid

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MODULE 1: INSURANCE & DOCUMENTATION

End of Lesson 1.2

Third-Party Testing

Action Item: Identify 2-3 IEPs in your area and introduce yourself.

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