Quick Overview
- 1#1: Athenahealth - Provides comprehensive revenue cycle management including claims processing, patient payments, and denial management for healthcare providers.
- 2#2: Waystar - Delivers end-to-end revenue cycle management with advanced claims scrubbing, payment posting, and analytics for healthcare organizations.
- 3#3: Kareo - Offers intelligent billing and payment solutions integrated with practice management for independent medical practices.
- 4#4: AdvancedMD - Streamlines healthcare billing, patient payments, and ERA posting within its cloud-based practice management platform.
- 5#5: NextGen Healthcare - Supports revenue cycle management with automated claims, eligibility verification, and payment reconciliation for ambulatory practices.
- 6#6: DrChrono - Facilitates mobile-first medical billing, superbills, and patient payments integrated with EHR functionality.
- 7#7: eClinicalWorks - Manages healthcare payments through integrated billing, claims submission, and patient collection tools in its EHR suite.
- 8#8: Greenway Health - Provides revenue management solutions including electronic claims, remittance advice, and payment processing for practices.
- 9#9: CollaborateMD - Cloud-based medical billing software that handles claims, payments, and AR management for small to mid-sized practices.
- 10#10: Office Ally - Offers free clearinghouse services for claims submission, payment posting, and eligibility checks accessible to all providers.
We evaluated tools based on key metrics: robust feature sets (including claims processing, patient payment integration, and denial management), user experience, scalability across practice sizes, data security, and overall cost-effectiveness. Rankings reflect a balanced assessment of these factors to ensure relevance and practicality for modern healthcare workflows.
Comparison Table
Healthcare payment software is critical for efficiency and accuracy, with diverse options to suit different practice needs. This comparison table examines key platforms like Athenahealth, Waystar, Kareo, AdvancedMD, NextGen Healthcare, and more, equipping readers to assess features, integration, and usability for their specific requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Athenahealth Provides comprehensive revenue cycle management including claims processing, patient payments, and denial management for healthcare providers. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | Waystar Delivers end-to-end revenue cycle management with advanced claims scrubbing, payment posting, and analytics for healthcare organizations. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | Kareo Offers intelligent billing and payment solutions integrated with practice management for independent medical practices. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 4 | AdvancedMD Streamlines healthcare billing, patient payments, and ERA posting within its cloud-based practice management platform. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 5 | NextGen Healthcare Supports revenue cycle management with automated claims, eligibility verification, and payment reconciliation for ambulatory practices. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | DrChrono Facilitates mobile-first medical billing, superbills, and patient payments integrated with EHR functionality. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 7 | eClinicalWorks Manages healthcare payments through integrated billing, claims submission, and patient collection tools in its EHR suite. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 5.8/10 | 6.5/10 |
| 8 | Greenway Health Provides revenue management solutions including electronic claims, remittance advice, and payment processing for practices. | enterprise | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 9 | CollaborateMD Cloud-based medical billing software that handles claims, payments, and AR management for small to mid-sized practices. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | Office Ally Offers free clearinghouse services for claims submission, payment posting, and eligibility checks accessible to all providers. | other | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.2/10 |
Provides comprehensive revenue cycle management including claims processing, patient payments, and denial management for healthcare providers.
Delivers end-to-end revenue cycle management with advanced claims scrubbing, payment posting, and analytics for healthcare organizations.
Offers intelligent billing and payment solutions integrated with practice management for independent medical practices.
Streamlines healthcare billing, patient payments, and ERA posting within its cloud-based practice management platform.
Supports revenue cycle management with automated claims, eligibility verification, and payment reconciliation for ambulatory practices.
Facilitates mobile-first medical billing, superbills, and patient payments integrated with EHR functionality.
Manages healthcare payments through integrated billing, claims submission, and patient collection tools in its EHR suite.
Provides revenue management solutions including electronic claims, remittance advice, and payment processing for practices.
Cloud-based medical billing software that handles claims, payments, and AR management for small to mid-sized practices.
Offers free clearinghouse services for claims submission, payment posting, and eligibility checks accessible to all providers.
Athenahealth
enterpriseProvides comprehensive revenue cycle management including claims processing, patient payments, and denial management for healthcare providers.
AI-powered Revenue Cycle Insights that predict claim denials and optimize reimbursements proactively
Athenahealth is a leading cloud-based healthcare platform with robust payment and revenue cycle management (RCM) capabilities integrated into its athenaOne EHR system. It automates billing, claims submission, patient payments via a secure portal, denial management, and financial analytics to optimize cash flow for providers. Designed for scalability, it handles everything from eligibility verification to AR follow-up, reducing administrative burdens in healthcare practices.
Pros
- Comprehensive RCM with AI-driven claims scrubbing and denial prevention
- Seamless patient payment collection through intuitive portals and mobile options
- Advanced analytics for revenue forecasting and performance insights
Cons
- High implementation costs and custom pricing
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Limited customization without additional vendor support
Best For
Mid-to-large healthcare practices and hospitals needing an integrated EHR and payment solution for efficient revenue cycle management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at ~$300-$500 per provider/month, plus one-time implementation fees of $10K+ based on practice size.
Waystar
enterpriseDelivers end-to-end revenue cycle management with advanced claims scrubbing, payment posting, and analytics for healthcare organizations.
RevView AI analytics platform for predictive denial intelligence and revenue optimization
Waystar is a leading healthcare revenue cycle management (RCM) platform that specializes in payments, claims processing, denial management, and patient collections for providers of all sizes. It leverages AI and automation to optimize cash flow, reduce denials, and enhance financial performance across the entire revenue cycle. With seamless integrations to major EHRs and PMS systems, Waystar processes billions in claims annually for hospitals, health systems, and physician groups.
Pros
- Advanced AI-driven denial prevention and analytics for up to 50% faster reimbursements
- Seamless integrations with 1,000+ EHRs and billing systems
- Scalable platform handling high-volume claims with 99%+ acceptance rates
Cons
- Complex interface requiring training for optimal use
- Enterprise pricing may be prohibitive for small practices
- Customization options can extend implementation timelines
Best For
Mid-to-large healthcare providers and hospitals needing robust, end-to-end RCM and payment solutions.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on volume (e.g., per-claim or subscription tiers); typically starts at $10K+ annually with quotes required.
Kareo
enterpriseOffers intelligent billing and payment solutions integrated with practice management for independent medical practices.
Kareo Patient Pay portal with one-click payments and automated reminders for efficient patient collections
Kareo is a cloud-based healthcare payment and revenue cycle management platform designed for independent medical practices, offering tools for electronic claims submission, payment posting, denial management, and patient collections. It integrates seamlessly with EHR and practice management to streamline billing workflows and accelerate reimbursements. Key features include automated ERA posting, patient payment portals, and analytics for financial performance tracking.
Pros
- Comprehensive revenue cycle management with strong automation for claims and payments
- Integrated patient payment portal that boosts collections
- Robust analytics and reporting for revenue insights
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small practices
- Steeper learning curve for advanced billing features
- Customer support response times vary
Best For
Ideal for small to mid-sized independent practices seeking an all-in-one billing and payment solution integrated with EHR.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at around $300 per provider per month, with custom quotes for full suite including EHR.
AdvancedMD
enterpriseStreamlines healthcare billing, patient payments, and ERA posting within its cloud-based practice management platform.
Integrated Revenue Cycle Management that automates claims processing, patient collections, and analytics in one platform
AdvancedMD is a comprehensive cloud-based practice management and EHR platform with integrated healthcare payment solutions, enabling efficient billing, claims submission, patient payments, and revenue cycle management. It supports online payment portals, automated patient statements, and insurance eligibility verification to streamline financial workflows for medical practices. HIPAA-compliant and scalable, it helps practices reduce claim denials and accelerate reimbursements.
Pros
- Seamless integration with EHR and practice management for end-to-end revenue cycle
- Robust claims scrubbing and denial management tools
- Secure online patient payment portal with multiple payment options
Cons
- Pricing can be expensive for small practices
- Steep learning curve for full customization
- Customer support response times vary
Best For
Mid-sized to large medical practices needing integrated billing, payments, and EHR functionality.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $400-$800 per provider/month depending on modules and practice size, with setup fees.
NextGen Healthcare
enterpriseSupports revenue cycle management with automated claims, eligibility verification, and payment reconciliation for ambulatory practices.
Embedded payment gateway with real-time eligibility verification and automated ERA posting
NextGen Healthcare offers an integrated EHR and practice management platform with advanced payment processing capabilities tailored for ambulatory providers. It handles patient billing, claims submission, electronic remittances, and online payments through a secure patient portal. The solution emphasizes revenue cycle management (RCM) with tools for denial prevention, automated posting, and analytics to optimize cash flow.
Pros
- Seamless EHR integration for end-to-end payment workflows
- Robust RCM tools including AI-driven denial management
- Secure patient payment portal with multiple payment options
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Custom pricing often high for small practices
- Implementation can take several months
Best For
Mid-sized ambulatory practices needing integrated EHR billing and payment processing.
Pricing
Quote-based; typically $400-$700 per provider/month including core PM and payment modules.
DrChrono
specializedFacilitates mobile-first medical billing, superbills, and patient payments integrated with EHR functionality.
Real-time insurance eligibility verification tied directly to payment collection during patient encounters
DrChrono is a cloud-based EHR and practice management platform with integrated healthcare payment capabilities, allowing providers to process patient payments, submit insurance claims, and manage billing workflows efficiently. It supports credit card processing, online payments via a patient portal, and seamless integration with clearinghouses for claims submission. Ideal for modern practices, it emphasizes mobile accessibility, particularly through its iPad app, combining payments with charting and scheduling in one interface.
Pros
- Seamless integration of payments with EHR and scheduling
- Strong mobile support for iPad-based payment collection
- Patient portal enables convenient online payments and statements
Cons
- Billing module can have occasional accuracy issues with complex claims
- Pricing is higher compared to standalone payment solutions
- Customer support response times vary
Best For
Small to mid-sized medical practices needing an all-in-one EHR platform with reliable payment processing.
Pricing
Starts at $199 per provider per month for core features, plus payment processing fees (typically 2.8% + $0.30 per transaction) and per-claim costs.
eClinicalWorks
enterpriseManages healthcare payments through integrated billing, claims submission, and patient collection tools in its EHR suite.
Integrated Revenue Cycle Management with AI-powered claims scrubbing and predictive analytics
eClinicalWorks is a comprehensive EHR and practice management platform that includes robust healthcare payment functionalities such as electronic claims processing, patient billing, and revenue cycle management (RCM). It enables seamless integration of payments within clinical workflows, supporting online patient payments, payment plans, and automated collections. While not a standalone payment solution, its billing tools help practices manage finances alongside patient care.
Pros
- Strong integration with EHR for streamlined billing and claims
- Patient portal supports convenient online payments and statements
- Advanced RCM tools including denial management and analytics
Cons
- Steep learning curve and outdated interface
- Frequent reports of bugs and slow performance
- Expensive with additional fees for full payment features
Best For
Mid-sized medical practices seeking an all-in-one EHR-integrated payment and billing system.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically $400-$700 per provider/month including billing modules, with setup fees and add-ons.
Greenway Health
enterpriseProvides revenue management solutions including electronic claims, remittance advice, and payment processing for practices.
Integrated patient payment portal embedded within the EHR for frictionless online collections and AR management
Greenway Health offers an integrated EHR and practice management platform with robust healthcare payment software capabilities through its Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) module. It streamlines electronic claims submission, patient billing, payment posting, denial management, and online patient payments via a patient portal. Designed for ambulatory practices, it ensures compliance with HIPAA and supports interoperability with major clearinghouses and payers.
Pros
- Comprehensive RCM with end-to-end claims processing and denial workflows
- Seamless EHR integration for unified patient payment data
- Strong support for specialty practices and multi-location setups
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Custom pricing can be expensive for smaller practices
- Mixed user feedback on customer support response times
Best For
Mid-sized ambulatory and specialty practices seeking an all-in-one EHR with advanced payment processing.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically $300-$600 per provider/month including RCM features, with implementation fees.
CollaborateMD
specializedCloud-based medical billing software that handles claims, payments, and AR management for small to mid-sized practices.
Built-in denial scrubber that automatically identifies and resolves common claim errors before submission
CollaborateMD is a cloud-based medical billing and practice management software tailored for healthcare providers, focusing on revenue cycle management including claims processing, payment posting, and patient billing. It integrates electronic remittance advice (ERA), denial management, and automated patient statements to optimize cash flow. The platform supports multi-provider practices with scheduling, eligibility verification, and detailed financial reporting.
Pros
- Integrated clearinghouse for seamless claims submission and ERA processing
- Robust denial management and AR aging reports for better collections
- Patient portal for online payments and statements, reducing administrative burden
Cons
- User interface feels dated compared to modern competitors
- Steep learning curve for advanced billing workflows
- Pricing scales quickly with claim volume, less ideal for very high-volume practices
Best For
Small to mid-sized medical practices seeking an all-in-one solution for billing and payment management without needing extensive customizations.
Pricing
Starts at $399/month for up to 500 claims (1 provider), plus $0.15-$0.25 per additional claim; scales with volume and providers.
Office Ally
otherOffers free clearinghouse services for claims submission, payment posting, and eligibility checks accessible to all providers.
Completely free nationwide payer eligibility verification and claims scrubbing
Office Ally is a healthcare clearinghouse platform specializing in electronic claims submission, patient eligibility verification, and payment posting for medical practices. It streamlines revenue cycle management by automating ERA processing and patient payment collections through its web-based portal. The solution also integrates with practice management tools like Practice Mate for comprehensive billing workflows.
Pros
- Free clearinghouse services for claims submission and eligibility checks
- Efficient ERA auto-posting and payment reconciliation
- Strong integration with EHRs and PM systems for small practices
Cons
- Dated user interface that can feel clunky
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics capabilities
- Some premium features incur additional costs
Best For
Small to mid-sized independent practices seeking affordable, no-frills payment and billing processing.
Pricing
Free for core clearinghouse (claims, eligibility); Practice Mate PM software starts at $149/month for unlimited users.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools present a range of options for healthcare payment management, with Athenahealth leading as the top choice due to its comprehensive revenue cycle management. Waystar and Kareo follow as strong alternatives, each offering specialized features to suit different practice needs. Whether for large organizations or independent clinics, the selection highlights the best in streamlining payments, ensuring accuracy, and supporting financial health.
Don’t miss out—begin with Athenahealth to transform your payment processes, or explore Waystar and Kareo for solutions tailored to your specific workflow and needs.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison