Medical Billing Prices: Compare the Collection Base
A low medical billing percentage can still produce a higher invoice if the company charges it against more revenue. Have each provider define the receipts used to calculate its fee: new claims, payments on older accounts, patient payments and receipts generated outside its own work. Monthly minimums matter just as much for a new or part-time practice.
DrChrono’s published RCM terms illustrate why the calculation matters: its order form combines a monthly additional-feature fee with a collections-based charge. The applicable agreement determines the rate. This is a reason to compare actual proposals, rather than treating an advertised percentage as the complete price.
Revenue Cycle Management for Small Practices
Decide where outside help should begin. A practice struggling with registration errors needs a different service from one with clean claims but slow follow-up. Ask for separate prices for eligibility checks, charge entry, submission, payment posting and patient statements. Your front desk and clinicians still need clear responsibilities.
A sample work queue is more useful than a sweeping promise of “full service.” Find out who resolves a missing referral, an unposted payment or a payer request for records. Ask how staff reach their assigned billing contact when a claim needs attention.
| Option | Best fit | Price comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Recurring billing | New claims and payment follow-up | Fee base and monthly minimum |
| Credentialing project | Adding providers or payers | Price per defined project |
| Receivables cleanup | Existing unresolved balances | Account age and included pursuit |
Medical Billing Companies for New Providers
Adding a clinician can involve payer enrollment and credentialing work alongside ordinary billing. Check whether the company offers that work, whether it is priced per provider or payer, and who tracks outstanding applications. Do not assume a billing start date means every payer can already receive that provider’s claims.
Use the medical billing buying guide to compare responsibilities before choosing. For a targeted expansion budget, our article on provider credentialing costs explains what to separate from the recurring billing fee.
Medical Billing Service Comparisons That Protect Cash Flow
Ask shortlisted companies to describe their first month using your practice’s actual priorities. A useful proposal names the work they accept, the open items your team retains and the reports you receive. Review a sample reconciliation showing payments, adjustments and outstanding accounts without exposing patient information.
Request medical billing service prices when you know the scope you need. You can compare more confidently when each company receives the same specialty, approximate monthly collections and software requirements.