Quick Overview
- 1#1: athenahealth - Provides end-to-end revenue cycle management including claims processing, denial management, and patient payments for ambulatory practices.
- 2#2: Kareo - Delivers intelligent billing, practice management, and revenue cycle optimization tailored for independent ambulatory providers.
- 3#3: AdvancedMD - Offers comprehensive RCM with EHR integration, automated billing, and analytics to maximize revenue for ambulatory care.
- 4#4: Waystar - Streamlines revenue cycle with claims management, patient estimates, and payment processing for ambulatory healthcare.
- 5#5: NextGen Healthcare - Enterprise-grade revenue management suite with coding, billing, and interoperability for ambulatory practices.
- 6#6: eClinicalWorks - Integrates revenue cycle management with EHR for efficient claims submission and reimbursement in ambulatory settings.
- 7#7: DrChrono - Cloud-based platform for billing, scheduling, and revenue tracking optimized for mobile ambulatory workflows.
- 8#8: Greenway Health - Provides Prime Suite RCM for claims scrubbing, eligibility verification, and financial reporting in ambulatory environments.
- 9#9: CureMD - Offers affordable RCM with automated coding, billing, and denial management for small to mid-sized ambulatory practices.
- 10#10: Practice Fusion - Free EHR with integrated revenue cycle tools for basic billing and claims management in ambulatory care.
Tools were rigorously evaluated based on core features, user-friendliness, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they deliver meaningful ROI across practice sizes and specialties.
Comparison Table
Ambulatory revenue management software optimizes outpatient clinic operations, from billing to reimbursement. This comparison table evaluates top tools like athenahealth, Kareo, AdvancedMD, Waystar, and NextGen Healthcare, highlighting features, pricing, and integration strengths to guide informed decision-making.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | athenahealth Provides end-to-end revenue cycle management including claims processing, denial management, and patient payments for ambulatory practices. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | Kareo Delivers intelligent billing, practice management, and revenue cycle optimization tailored for independent ambulatory providers. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 3 | AdvancedMD Offers comprehensive RCM with EHR integration, automated billing, and analytics to maximize revenue for ambulatory care. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Waystar Streamlines revenue cycle with claims management, patient estimates, and payment processing for ambulatory healthcare. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | NextGen Healthcare Enterprise-grade revenue management suite with coding, billing, and interoperability for ambulatory practices. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | eClinicalWorks Integrates revenue cycle management with EHR for efficient claims submission and reimbursement in ambulatory settings. | enterprise | 7.9/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | DrChrono Cloud-based platform for billing, scheduling, and revenue tracking optimized for mobile ambulatory workflows. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | Greenway Health Provides Prime Suite RCM for claims scrubbing, eligibility verification, and financial reporting in ambulatory environments. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.9/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 9 | CureMD Offers affordable RCM with automated coding, billing, and denial management for small to mid-sized ambulatory practices. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Practice Fusion Free EHR with integrated revenue cycle tools for basic billing and claims management in ambulatory care. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 |
Provides end-to-end revenue cycle management including claims processing, denial management, and patient payments for ambulatory practices.
Delivers intelligent billing, practice management, and revenue cycle optimization tailored for independent ambulatory providers.
Offers comprehensive RCM with EHR integration, automated billing, and analytics to maximize revenue for ambulatory care.
Streamlines revenue cycle with claims management, patient estimates, and payment processing for ambulatory healthcare.
Enterprise-grade revenue management suite with coding, billing, and interoperability for ambulatory practices.
Integrates revenue cycle management with EHR for efficient claims submission and reimbursement in ambulatory settings.
Cloud-based platform for billing, scheduling, and revenue tracking optimized for mobile ambulatory workflows.
Provides Prime Suite RCM for claims scrubbing, eligibility verification, and financial reporting in ambulatory environments.
Offers affordable RCM with automated coding, billing, and denial management for small to mid-sized ambulatory practices.
Free EHR with integrated revenue cycle tools for basic billing and claims management in ambulatory care.
athenahealth
enterpriseProvides end-to-end revenue cycle management including claims processing, denial management, and patient payments for ambulatory practices.
The athenahealth network, aggregating data from over 150,000 providers for real-time payer intelligence and revenue benchmarking.
athenahealth's athenaOne platform is a cloud-based, all-in-one solution for ambulatory revenue cycle management (RCM), integrating EHR, practice management, and advanced billing functionalities. It automates claims submission, denial management, patient eligibility verification, and payment posting, leveraging a vast proprietary network for real-time payer data and benchmarking. The software optimizes revenue capture through AI-driven insights, analytics, and workflow automation tailored for outpatient practices.
Pros
- Comprehensive end-to-end RCM automation with high claims acceptance rates
- Powerful analytics and peer benchmarking via the athenahealth network
- Seamless interoperability with EHR and telehealth for streamlined workflows
Cons
- High initial implementation costs and setup time
- Pricing can be premium for small practices
- Limited flexibility in deep customizations without vendor support
Best For
Mid-sized to large ambulatory practices and multi-specialty groups seeking scalable, data-driven revenue optimization.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $300-$500 per provider per month including core RCM and EHR features, with add-ons for advanced services.
Kareo
enterpriseDelivers intelligent billing, practice management, and revenue cycle optimization tailored for independent ambulatory providers.
AI-powered claims intelligence that predicts and prevents denials before submission
Kareo is a cloud-based revenue cycle management platform tailored for independent ambulatory practices, offering end-to-end tools for billing, claims processing, patient payments, and denial management. It integrates seamlessly with EHR and practice management systems to automate revenue workflows, reduce errors, and accelerate reimbursements. With advanced analytics and reporting, Kareo helps practices optimize financial performance and improve cash flow in ambulatory settings.
Pros
- Comprehensive RCM automation including claims scrubbing and denial prevention
- Strong integration with popular EHRs and practice management tools
- Robust analytics for revenue insights and performance tracking
Cons
- Pricing can escalate quickly with add-ons for larger practices
- Steep initial learning curve for advanced revenue features
- Customer support response times vary during peak periods
Best For
Small to mid-sized ambulatory practices needing an integrated, scalable solution for revenue cycle optimization without heavy IT overhead.
Pricing
Starts at $140/provider/month for core billing; full RCM suite around $300+/provider/month; custom enterprise pricing available.
AdvancedMD
enterpriseOffers comprehensive RCM with EHR integration, automated billing, and analytics to maximize revenue for ambulatory care.
Intelligent Revenue Cycle Intelligence dashboard with predictive analytics for denial prevention and cash flow optimization
AdvancedMD is a cloud-based comprehensive practice management and EHR platform with robust ambulatory revenue management capabilities, including automated billing, claims submission, denial management, and AR tracking. It optimizes revenue cycles for medical practices by integrating eligibility verification, payment posting, and advanced analytics to minimize errors and accelerate reimbursements. Designed for ambulatory settings, it supports multi-location practices with scalable tools for financial performance improvement.
Pros
- Comprehensive RCM tools with claims scrubbing and denial prevention
- Seamless EHR integration for streamlined workflows
- Powerful reporting and analytics for revenue insights
Cons
- Higher pricing may strain small practices
- Implementation can take several weeks
- Customer support response times vary
Best For
Mid-sized ambulatory practices seeking an integrated EHR and revenue management solution with strong automation.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at around $429 per provider/month for core RCM features, with add-ons for full suite.
Waystar
enterpriseStreamlines revenue cycle with claims management, patient estimates, and payment processing for ambulatory healthcare.
RevCycle Innovation Platform with AI-driven revenue intelligence that predicts and prevents denials before submission
Waystar is a leading revenue cycle management (RCM) platform designed for healthcare providers, including ambulatory practices, offering end-to-end solutions for claims processing, patient payments, denial management, and analytics. It leverages AI and automation to optimize revenue capture, reduce denials, and improve financial performance in outpatient settings. The software integrates seamlessly with EHR systems and provides real-time insights to streamline ambulatory billing workflows.
Pros
- Comprehensive RCM suite with high first-pass claim acceptance rates exceeding 98%
- AI-powered denial prevention and predictive analytics for revenue optimization
- Robust integrations with major EHRs like Epic and Cerner
Cons
- Steep implementation timeline for complex setups
- Higher pricing suitable mainly for mid-to-large practices
- User interface can feel overwhelming for smaller teams initially
Best For
Mid-sized to large ambulatory practices and health systems needing scalable, enterprise-grade revenue cycle automation.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on claim volume or revenue percentage; typically requires sales quote, with costs starting around $50K+ annually for mid-sized users.
NextGen Healthcare
enterpriseEnterprise-grade revenue management suite with coding, billing, and interoperability for ambulatory practices.
AI-driven Predictive Revenue Analytics for proactive denial prevention and cash flow forecasting
NextGen Healthcare's Ambulatory Revenue Management Software is a robust revenue cycle management (RCM) platform tailored for outpatient and ambulatory care settings, integrating seamlessly with their flagship EHR system. It automates key processes like claims submission, scrubbing, eligibility verification, denial management, and payment posting to optimize cash flow and reimbursements. The solution provides advanced analytics and reporting tools to identify revenue leakage and support compliance with evolving payer requirements.
Pros
- Seamless integration with NextGen EHR for unified workflows
- Advanced denial prevention and predictive analytics for revenue optimization
- Scalable for multi-specialty and multi-location practices
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- High implementation costs and lengthy onboarding
- Pricing can be prohibitive for small practices
Best For
Mid-sized to large ambulatory practices needing integrated EHR-RCM with strong analytics for complex revenue cycles.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $600-$1,200 per provider/month plus implementation fees; volume discounts available.
eClinicalWorks
enterpriseIntegrates revenue cycle management with EHR for efficient claims submission and reimbursement in ambulatory settings.
AI-powered claims intelligence that proactively identifies and prevents denials before submission
eClinicalWorks is a comprehensive EHR and practice management platform with integrated Ambulatory Revenue Management (ARM) tools designed for outpatient practices. It handles end-to-end revenue cycle processes including automated claims submission, scrubbing, denial management, eligibility verification, and payment posting. The solution leverages AI-driven analytics to optimize reimbursements and reduce administrative burdens for ambulatory providers.
Pros
- Seamless integration with EHR for unified workflows
- Advanced denial prevention and analytics for revenue optimization
- Real-time eligibility checks and automated claims processing
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface
- Implementation can be time-consuming and costly
- Customer support response times vary
Best For
Small to mid-sized ambulatory practices needing an all-in-one EHR and revenue management system.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $400-$700 per provider per month for full suite including ARM modules.
DrChrono
enterpriseCloud-based platform for billing, scheduling, and revenue tracking optimized for mobile ambulatory workflows.
iPad-native charge capture that links real-time EHR documentation directly to accurate billing codes
DrChrono is a cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) and practice management platform tailored for ambulatory care providers, with robust revenue cycle management capabilities. It handles key revenue functions including patient eligibility verification, automated coding and charge capture, claims scrubbing and submission, denial management, and payment posting. The software integrates seamlessly with EHR workflows to minimize errors and accelerate reimbursements for outpatient practices.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile-first interface optimized for iPad, enabling on-the-go revenue tasks
- Integrated claims scrubbing and auto-posting reduce denials and AR days
- Strong automation for eligibility checks and superbill generation
Cons
- Custom pricing can be expensive for very small practices
- Customer support response times vary, with some delays reported
- Advanced reporting and analytics lag behind dedicated RCM specialists
Best For
Small to medium-sized ambulatory practices needing an all-in-one EHR with streamlined revenue cycle management.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starts at around $200 per provider per month, scaling with features, users, and practice size; additional fees for telehealth or advanced modules.
Greenway Health
enterpriseProvides Prime Suite RCM for claims scrubbing, eligibility verification, and financial reporting in ambulatory environments.
Integrated Revenue Integrity Suite with AI-powered claims optimization and real-time eligibility checks
Greenway Health's Intergy platform is a comprehensive EHR and practice management solution with robust ambulatory revenue management capabilities, automating claims submission, scrubbing, eligibility verification, and denial management. It streamlines revenue cycles for outpatient and specialty practices through integrated billing, patient collections, and financial analytics. Designed for ambulatory settings, it ensures compliance with regulations like HIPAA and supports meaningful use requirements.
Pros
- Seamless integration of EHR, PM, and RCM workflows
- Advanced claims scrubbing and denial prevention tools
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for revenue optimization
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Customer support response times can be inconsistent
- Limited flexibility for heavy customization
Best For
Mid-sized specialty ambulatory practices seeking an integrated EHR and revenue cycle management platform.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $400-$700 per provider/month including core RCM modules; additional fees for implementation and services.
CureMD
specializedOffers affordable RCM with automated coding, billing, and denial management for small to mid-sized ambulatory practices.
Real-time eligibility verification and AI-assisted claims optimization for faster reimbursements
CureMD is a cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) and practice management platform with robust revenue cycle management (RCM) tools designed for ambulatory care practices. It handles key RCM functions including patient registration, insurance verification, charge capture, automated coding, electronic claims submission, denial management, and AR tracking to maximize revenue efficiency. The software also integrates telehealth, patient portals, and analytics for comprehensive practice management.
Pros
- Comprehensive RCM automation including claims scrubbing and denial workflows
- Seamless EHR integration for accurate charge capture
- Strong reporting and analytics for revenue insights
Cons
- Interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
- Steep initial learning curve for full customization
- Pricing requires custom quotes, lacking upfront transparency
Best For
Small to mid-sized ambulatory practices needing an all-in-one EHR and RCM solution with solid automation.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starting around $300-$500 per provider/month, depending on modules and practice size.
Practice Fusion
specializedFree EHR with integrated revenue cycle tools for basic billing and claims management in ambulatory care.
Free, ad-free cloud EHR with embedded revenue tools that auto-populate superbills from clinical notes
Practice Fusion is a cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) system with integrated practice management tools tailored for ambulatory care, including revenue cycle management features like eligibility verification, superbills, coding assistance, and electronic claims submission. It streamlines billing workflows by embedding revenue tasks within clinical documentation, supporting small practices in managing denials and payments efficiently. While not a standalone RCM powerhouse, its free core offering makes it accessible for basic ambulatory revenue needs.
Pros
- Free core EHR and basic RCM functionality reduces upfront costs
- Intuitive interface with seamless EHR-billing integration
- Quick eligibility checks and claims scrubbing to minimize denials
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and reporting for complex revenue cycles
- Transaction-based fees for claims processing add hidden costs
- Customer support can be inconsistent for billing-specific issues
Best For
Small ambulatory practices seeking a cost-effective, all-in-one EHR with essential revenue management without heavy customization needs.
Pricing
Free EHR platform; revenue management via integrated clearinghouse with per-claim fees (~$0.09-$0.25/claim) and optional PM add-ons starting at $149/provider/month.
Conclusion
The top 10 tools highlight diverse strengths in ambulatory revenue management, with Athenahealth emerging as the clear winner, offering end-to-end cycle management that simplifies claims processing, denial handling, and patient payments. Kareo stands out as a robust alternative, excelling in tailored billing and practice optimization for independent providers, while AdvancedMD impresses with EHR integration and analytics to maximize revenue. Each solution caters to unique needs, but Athenahealth's holistic approach sets it apart.
Elevate your practice's revenue efficiency today—start with Athenahealth, the top-ranked tool, to streamline operations and boost financial health. Don't miss out on its proven ability to transform revenue cycle management for ambulatory settings.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
