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Evaluating Your Earnings: Let's Calculate Your True Worth
- Lori Fauquier, APN-C, WHNP
- Jul 17
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 19
Telemedicine offers amazing flexibility. But are you actually getting paid what you're worth?
Managing multiple 1099 telemedicine jobs can get hectic. You might find yourself moving from shift to shift without pausing to ask, "How much am I actually making?" or, more importantly, "Am I getting paid what I'm worth?"
In this post, we're going to break that cycle. I'll share practical income strategies and mindset shifts to help you better understand your actual hourly rate, negotiate confidently, and ensure you're fairly compensated for the value you deliver.
🎥 Watch the full video here:
Understanding Your Income Potential
Telemedicine is a growing field. Many nurse practitioners are exploring this opportunity. However, understanding your income potential is crucial.
TOP 4 TIPS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR INCOME AS A TELEMEDICINE NURSE PRACTITIONER
These four tips aren't meant to overhaul your entire setup overnight. But they will get you thinking. If you've ever wondered whether you're maximizing your income as a telemedicine NP, these core areas deserve your attention. From how many licenses you hold to the number of platforms you use, and even your true hourly rate—each can impact your bottom line more than you might realize.
1. BOOST EARNINGS WITH A MULTI-STATE TELEMEDICINE LICENSE STRATEGY
If you're paid per patient, more licenses mean more opportunities. It's that simple. Platforms constantly route patients to available NPs. Those with multi-state licensure have a significant advantage. Holding multiple licenses enables you to match with more patients across different time zones. This increases your visibility for shifts and job offers.
More licenses = more patients: The wider your licensure map, the more platforms can send patients your way.
More flexibility: You'll be eligible for shifts across states and time zones, expanding your earning potential.
More opportunities: Companies prefer NPs they can place in multiple regions—especially during peak demand times.
"If you're only licensed in one or two states, you're limiting your income. Platforms prioritize NPs who can see patients in multiple time zones and states."
Want a proven strategy? Check out my eBook on building a high-earning licensing plan specifically for telemedicine NPs.
2. DON'T DEPEND ON A SINGLE TELEMEDICINE PLATFORM
Relying on just one company for your telehealth nurse practitioner income is risky. Telemedicine is still in its infancy. Many platforms operate as startups that are still refining their systems, staffing, and patient volumes. This means they might not consistently deliver enough patients to meet your income goals.
Diversifying across multiple platforms not only protects your paycheck but also puts you in control of your schedule and earnings.
Avoid platform slowdowns: Some platforms experience seasonal dips or shift reductions. Working across multiple platforms helps keep you booked.
Build a steady schedule: Mix-and-match platforms based on visit type, pace, and pay rates.
Start small: Begin with one platform, master it, then branch out to others based on your availability and licensure.
I've joined platforms promising 10–20 hours per week. However, I found I was lucky to get 10 hours for the entire month. This is exactly why working with multiple platforms creates a more stable and profitable telemedicine schedule.
3. TRACK YOUR TIME TO REVEAL YOUR TRUE TELEMEDICINE PAY PER HOUR
Many NPs focus only on visit rates. However, what matters most is your true hourly rate. Time tracking helps reveal if you're working efficiently or being underpaid.
Include all tasks: Charting, follow-ups, messages, and prescriptions all count. Logging your time clearly reveals your real workload.
Uncover hidden inefficiencies: A $25 visit might not be worth it if it consumes 45 minutes.
Use tools: A telemedicine time tracker or spreadsheet can help calculate your net hourly rate and guide smarter decisions.
I highly recommend creating a system to track your income. This will help you see if you're actually being paid what you're worth. Calculating your true hourly rate provides clarity on your real value. If the numbers seem low, remind yourself: You are worth more.
Once you've calculated your true hourly rate, you might realize you're not being fairly compensated. That's your cue to pause and ask: "Is this job truly worth my time and energy?"
If your answer is yes, it may be time to prepare for renegotiation. While I can't guarantee you'll receive a raise, the process itself is valuable. It helps you clearly assess your worth and signals you're serious about your career growth.
4. KNOW YOUR VALUE AND NEGOTIATE BETTER TELEMEDICINE NP RATES
Before you jump into renegotiating your rate, pause and consider if it's the right move. Everyone has different goals, priorities, and thresholds. Maybe you value flexibility over pay, or perhaps maximizing income is critical right now. Either way, it’s essential to ask: Does this job reflect what I bring to the table?
If you're not sure, that's okay. The goal here isn't to pressure you into asking for more. It's to empower you to clearly assess your situation and make the best choice for your goals.
If you decide it's time to have the rate conversation, be sure you're prepared:
Gather your wins: Multi-state licensure, strong patient feedback, flexible availability, and efficiency with charting are valid leverage points.
Understand timing: Onboarding, contract renewals, or performance reviews are ideal moments to bring up compensation.
Be confident, not confrontational: Try a script like, "Based on my licensure and consistent performance, I'd like to revisit my current rate."
If your employer responds with, "We can't do that right now," it's not a closed door. It could signal room for future growth. If you choose to stay without a pay increase, don't get stuck in frustration.
Instead, shift your focus to efficiency. Audit your workflow and ask: "How can I optimize my time to maximize my current earnings?" Even small changes in scheduling, charting, or communication can significantly improve your effective hourly rate.
On the other hand, if they respond with, "That will never happen," it might be time to consider whether staying at a company that doesn’t value your time, contributions, or potential is worthwhile.
Take Charge of Your Telemedicine Income Today
Maximizing your 1099 telemedicine income isn’t about adding endless hours. It’s about strategically making every hour count. When you know your true worth, diversify your opportunities, track your efficiency, and confidently negotiate, you take control of your financial and professional future.
Remember, the value you bring as a Telemedicine Nurse Practitioner deserves compensation that reflects your dedication, skills, and impact. Implement just one of these strategies today, and you'll be one step closer to the rewarding, flexible, high-earning telemedicine career you've envisioned.
Your time is valuable—make sure you're getting paid like it!
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