Start with the metrics that matter
Before anything else, ask every prospective biller for their typical clean-claim rate, days in A/R, and net collection rate, and how they measure them. Strong partners quote numbers like a 98% clean-claim rate and A/R over 120 days held under 10%. Vague answers are a red flag.
Confirm what is actually included
Percentages only mean something relative to scope. Confirm whether eligibility verification, coding and coding review, denial management and appeals, patient statements and collections, and provider credentialing are included — or billed as extras. A low rate that excludes half the work often costs more.
Ask the hard questions
Who works your denials, and how fast? Who owns your data, and can you export it? Do they work inside your existing PM/EHR, or force a switch? Is there a long-term contract or cancellation penalty? What reporting will you get, and how often? The answers separate real partners from claim-pushers.
Watch for pricing red flags
Setup fees, statement and clearinghouse surcharges, minimum monthly commitments, and multi-year contracts with penalties quietly inflate cost. So does a biller that only submits claims and never appeals denials — you pay the same while collecting less.
Look for specialty fit and transparency
Billing rules vary by specialty, so ask about experience with practices like yours. And insist on transparency: on-demand reporting and monthly performance reviews mean you always know your numbers.
How Synergy measures up
Synergy works inside your existing system, includes verification, coding, denials, statements and free credentialing, targets a 98% clean-claim rate with claims out in 24 hours, and offers a 30-day free trial, a 90-day money-back guarantee, and no long-term contract. Get a free practice audit and we will benchmark your current billing for you.
Frequently asked questions
What should I ask a medical billing company before hiring them?
Ask for their clean-claim rate, days in A/R and net collection rate; what services are included versus extra; who works denials and how fast; whether you own and can export your data; whether they use your existing PM/EHR; and whether there is a long-term contract or cancellation penalty.
How much should medical billing cost?
Most billing companies charge a percentage of collections, commonly in the 4-9% range depending on volume, specialty and scope. Focus on what is included — a slightly higher rate that covers verification, coding, denials, statements and credentialing is often cheaper overall than a low rate with add-ons.