Quick Overview
- 1#1: Availity - Leading clearinghouse platform for electronic claims submission, real-time eligibility verification, and ERA processing with extensive payer connectivity.
- 2#2: Waystar - Comprehensive revenue cycle management solution with advanced clearinghouse services for claims scrubbing, submission, and denial management.
- 3#3: Change Healthcare - Massive-scale clearinghouse handling billions of transactions for claims processing, payment posting, and payer reconciliations.
- 4#4: athenahealth - Integrated clearinghouse within EHR platform for seamless claims management, eligibility checks, and automated remittance advice.
- 5#5: Office Ally - Cost-effective clearinghouse providing free claims submission, scrubbing, and tracking for small to mid-sized practices.
- 6#6: Kareo - Cloud-based billing platform with built-in clearinghouse for claims processing, patient payments, and revenue cycle optimization.
- 7#7: AdvancedMD - Practice management software featuring robust clearinghouse tools for EDI claims, eligibility, and denial workflows.
- 8#8: Payerpath - Efficient clearinghouse focused on claims editing, submission, and real-time eligibility verification with strong payer relationships.
- 9#9: CollaborateMD - Web-based medical billing system with integrated clearinghouse for claims management and practice revenue enhancement.
- 10#10: DrChrono - EHR-integrated clearinghouse offering claims submission, superbilling, and payment processing for modern practices.
These tools were selected and ranked based on features like real-time eligibility checks, robust claims scrubbing, and extensive payer connectivity, alongside quality, user-friendliness, and value, ensuring they deliver reliable performance for diverse practice needs.
Comparison Table
This comparison table highlights key medical billing clearinghouse software solutions, including Availity, Waystar, Change Healthcare, athenahealth, Office Ally, and more, to guide readers in evaluating features and capabilities tailored to their practice's requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Availity Leading clearinghouse platform for electronic claims submission, real-time eligibility verification, and ERA processing with extensive payer connectivity. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Waystar Comprehensive revenue cycle management solution with advanced clearinghouse services for claims scrubbing, submission, and denial management. | enterprise | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | Change Healthcare Massive-scale clearinghouse handling billions of transactions for claims processing, payment posting, and payer reconciliations. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | athenahealth Integrated clearinghouse within EHR platform for seamless claims management, eligibility checks, and automated remittance advice. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 5 | Office Ally Cost-effective clearinghouse providing free claims submission, scrubbing, and tracking for small to mid-sized practices. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 6 | Kareo Cloud-based billing platform with built-in clearinghouse for claims processing, patient payments, and revenue cycle optimization. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | AdvancedMD Practice management software featuring robust clearinghouse tools for EDI claims, eligibility, and denial workflows. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 8 | Payerpath Efficient clearinghouse focused on claims editing, submission, and real-time eligibility verification with strong payer relationships. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | CollaborateMD Web-based medical billing system with integrated clearinghouse for claims management and practice revenue enhancement. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | DrChrono EHR-integrated clearinghouse offering claims submission, superbilling, and payment processing for modern practices. | specialized | 7.9/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.3/10 |
Leading clearinghouse platform for electronic claims submission, real-time eligibility verification, and ERA processing with extensive payer connectivity.
Comprehensive revenue cycle management solution with advanced clearinghouse services for claims scrubbing, submission, and denial management.
Massive-scale clearinghouse handling billions of transactions for claims processing, payment posting, and payer reconciliations.
Integrated clearinghouse within EHR platform for seamless claims management, eligibility checks, and automated remittance advice.
Cost-effective clearinghouse providing free claims submission, scrubbing, and tracking for small to mid-sized practices.
Cloud-based billing platform with built-in clearinghouse for claims processing, patient payments, and revenue cycle optimization.
Practice management software featuring robust clearinghouse tools for EDI claims, eligibility, and denial workflows.
Efficient clearinghouse focused on claims editing, submission, and real-time eligibility verification with strong payer relationships.
Web-based medical billing system with integrated clearinghouse for claims management and practice revenue enhancement.
EHR-integrated clearinghouse offering claims submission, superbilling, and payment processing for modern practices.
Availity
enterpriseLeading clearinghouse platform for electronic claims submission, real-time eligibility verification, and ERA processing with extensive payer connectivity.
The Availity Network, the largest U.S. health information exchange handling billions of transactions annually with unmatched payer reach.
Availity is a leading medical billing clearinghouse and revenue cycle management platform that connects healthcare providers with over 3,000 payers through its massive Health Information Network. It streamlines critical tasks like real-time eligibility verification, electronic claims submission, status tracking, ERA processing, and patient payments. With robust EDI capabilities and compliance tools, Availity minimizes denials and accelerates reimbursements for practices of all sizes.
Pros
- Extensive payer connectivity to over 90% of U.S. payers for seamless transactions
- Real-time data access for eligibility, claims status, and analytics to reduce denials
- Scalable integrations with EHR/PM systems and strong HIPAA compliance
Cons
- Transaction-based pricing can add up for low-volume small practices
- Portal interface has a learning curve despite intuitive design
- Customer support response times vary during peak periods
Best For
Large hospitals, multi-location practices, and high-volume providers needing reliable, nationwide payer connectivity.
Pricing
Transaction-based (e.g., $0.15-$0.50 per eligibility/claim); no setup fees, volume discounts, custom enterprise pricing available.
Waystar
enterpriseComprehensive revenue cycle management solution with advanced clearinghouse services for claims scrubbing, submission, and denial management.
RevView AI analytics for real-time denial prediction and automated resolution workflows
Waystar is a comprehensive revenue cycle management platform functioning as a top-tier medical billing clearinghouse, enabling healthcare providers to submit claims, verify eligibility, and manage payments efficiently across thousands of payers. It leverages AI and automation for claims scrubbing, denial prevention, and analytics to maximize reimbursements and reduce administrative burdens. With seamless integrations to major EHRs like Epic and Cerner, Waystar streamlines the entire billing workflow for hospitals and practices.
Pros
- Exceptional claims scrubbing with 98%+ first-pass acceptance rates
- Broad payer connectivity (over 5,000 payers) and robust EHR integrations
- AI-powered denial management and predictive analytics for revenue optimization
Cons
- High cost structure unsuitable for small practices
- Complex initial setup requiring IT expertise
- Customer support response times can vary for non-enterprise users
Best For
Mid-to-large hospitals, health systems, and high-volume provider groups needing scalable enterprise RCM solutions.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on claim volume and modules; typically transaction-based with monthly minimums starting at $10,000+—contact sales for quotes.
Change Healthcare
enterpriseMassive-scale clearinghouse handling billions of transactions for claims processing, payment posting, and payer reconciliations.
Intelligent Claims Editing powered by AI, achieving industry-leading first-pass acceptance rates above 98%
Change Healthcare is a comprehensive medical billing clearinghouse platform that facilitates electronic claims submission, scrubbing, and adjudication for healthcare providers nationwide. It excels in real-time eligibility verification, denial management, and payment posting through its extensive EDI network connecting to thousands of payers. The software integrates with major EHR and practice management systems, providing advanced analytics to optimize revenue cycle management and reduce claim rejections.
Pros
- Vast payer network with over 5,000 connections for high claims acceptance rates
- Advanced AI-driven claim editing and denial prevention tools
- Robust analytics and reporting for revenue cycle insights
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for smaller practices
- Custom pricing can be expensive with opaque fee structures
- Lengthy onboarding and implementation process
Best For
Large hospitals, health systems, and high-volume provider practices needing scalable, enterprise-grade clearinghouse capabilities.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically transaction-based (e.g., per claim or eligibility check) starting at $0.20-$0.50 per transaction with volume discounts.
athenahealth
enterpriseIntegrated clearinghouse within EHR platform for seamless claims management, eligibility checks, and automated remittance advice.
athenahealth Network's proprietary claims scrubbing engine with 99%+ clean claim rates and real-time payer rule updates
athenahealth offers a robust cloud-based revenue cycle management platform through its athenaOne suite, functioning as an integrated medical billing clearinghouse. It excels in electronic claims submission, advanced scrubbing for error reduction, payer connectivity to over 1,100 insurers, eligibility checks, ERA auto-posting, and denial management. While not a standalone clearinghouse, its seamless integration with athenahealth's EHR and practice management tools optimizes end-to-end billing workflows for practices invested in their ecosystem.
Pros
- Industry-leading claims acceptance rates often exceeding 98%
- Extensive payer network and automated ERA processing
- AI-driven denial prevention and analytics for revenue optimization
Cons
- High pricing makes it less accessible for small practices
- Steep learning curve and lengthy onboarding process
- Limited flexibility for integration with non-athenahealth EHR systems
Best For
Mid-sized to large medical practices seeking a fully integrated EHR, practice management, and clearinghouse solution.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starting at approximately $140-$450 per provider per month, plus implementation fees; quotes required.
Office Ally
specializedCost-effective clearinghouse providing free claims submission, scrubbing, and tracking for small to mid-sized practices.
Completely free electronic claims submission and ERA to nationwide payers
Office Ally is a web-based medical billing clearinghouse that offers free electronic claims submission to over 4,000 payers, patient eligibility verification, and electronic remittance advice (ERA) processing. It supports standard formats like ANSI 837 and provides tools for claim status tracking and denial management. While core clearinghouse services are free, advanced features like integrated practice management (Practice Mate) require subscription.
Pros
- Free core clearinghouse services including claims submission and ERA
- Supports thousands of payers with high acceptance rates
- Straightforward web interface with no software installation needed
Cons
- Customer support can be slow and limited for free users
- Interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
- Advanced reporting and analytics require paid upgrades
Best For
Small to mid-sized medical practices seeking a cost-effective, no-frills clearinghouse for basic claims processing.
Pricing
Core clearinghouse free; Practice Mate starts at $24.95/month per provider; additional fees for premium support and reports.
Kareo
specializedCloud-based billing platform with built-in clearinghouse for claims processing, patient payments, and revenue cycle optimization.
AI-driven claims intelligence for predictive denial prevention and optimized reimbursements
Kareo is a cloud-based medical billing and practice management platform that functions as a robust clearinghouse solution, handling electronic claims submission, scrubbing, and tracking to major payers. It offers integrated revenue cycle management tools, including eligibility verification, automated ERA posting, denial management, and analytics to optimize reimbursements. Designed for independent practices and specialties, Kareo streamlines billing workflows while integrating with popular EHR systems for end-to-end efficiency.
Pros
- High first-pass claim acceptance rates with advanced scrubbing
- Seamless integrations with EHRs and over 2,500 payers
- Comprehensive denial management and analytics dashboard
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small practices
- Some advanced features require additional modules
- Customer support response times vary
Best For
Mid-sized independent medical practices and specialties needing an integrated clearinghouse with strong revenue cycle tools.
Pricing
Starts at $110/provider/month for billing services, plus per-claim fees; enterprise plans custom-quoted.
AdvancedMD
enterprisePractice management software featuring robust clearinghouse tools for EDI claims, eligibility, and denial workflows.
AdvancedClaim scrubbing engine that proactively identifies and corrects errors before submission for superior acceptance rates
AdvancedMD is a cloud-based medical billing clearinghouse solution integrated into its comprehensive EHR and practice management platform, enabling electronic claims submission, scrubbing, and tracking for healthcare providers. It automates revenue cycle management tasks like eligibility verification, denial management, and ERA auto-posting to improve cash flow efficiency. With robust payer connectivity and compliance tools, it supports multi-specialty practices in reducing claim rejections and accelerating reimbursements.
Pros
- High first-pass claim acceptance rates with advanced scrubbing
- Seamless integration with EHR and practice management
- Real-time eligibility checks and denial analytics
Cons
- High subscription costs for smaller practices
- Steep learning curve during onboarding
- Limited flexibility for custom reporting
Best For
Mid-sized to large medical practices seeking an integrated all-in-one billing and EHR solution.
Pricing
Subscription starts at $429 per provider/month for billing features, with tiered plans up to $729+; custom quotes for full suite.
Payerpath
specializedEfficient clearinghouse focused on claims editing, submission, and real-time eligibility verification with strong payer relationships.
Comprehensive payer network with 99%+ connectivity and real-time status tracking across thousands of insurers
Payerpath is a robust medical billing clearinghouse software that streamlines electronic claims submission, eligibility verification, and ERA processing for healthcare providers. It supports over 5,000 payers with advanced claims scrubbing to achieve high first-pass acceptance rates and reduce denials. The platform also provides payment posting, reporting dashboards, and patient payment solutions to optimize revenue cycle management.
Pros
- Extensive payer connectivity to over 5,000 insurers
- Advanced claims editing and scrubbing for high acceptance rates
- Reliable ERA auto-posting and real-time eligibility checks
Cons
- User interface feels dated compared to modern competitors
- Setup and integration can require technical support
- Transaction fees add up for high-volume small practices
Best For
Mid-sized practices and billing services needing dependable payer connectivity and core clearinghouse functions without advanced AI automation.
Pricing
Per-claim pricing starting at $0.15-$0.25 per transaction, with monthly subscriptions from $99 for basic plans and custom enterprise options.
CollaborateMD
specializedWeb-based medical billing system with integrated clearinghouse for claims management and practice revenue enhancement.
Smart Claims Scrubber that proactively identifies and corrects errors before submission for superior acceptance rates
CollaborateMD is a cloud-based medical billing and practice management platform that doubles as a robust clearinghouse solution, facilitating electronic claims submission to over 4,000 payers, eligibility verification, and automated remittance posting. It includes advanced claims scrubbing to minimize rejections, denial management tools, and real-time reporting for revenue cycle optimization. Designed for medical practices, it integrates seamlessly with popular EHR systems to streamline the entire billing workflow.
Pros
- High first-pass claims acceptance rate exceeding 98% due to intelligent scrubbing
- Seamless integration with EHRs like Kareo and eClinicalWorks
- Automated ERA posting and denial workflows save significant time
Cons
- Subscription pricing scales quickly for multi-provider practices
- Steeper learning curve for non-technical users
- Limited advanced analytics compared to enterprise competitors
Best For
Small to mid-sized medical practices seeking an integrated clearinghouse and billing solution without needing separate software.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at around $399 per provider per month, including clearinghouse services; volume discounts available for larger practices.
DrChrono
specializedEHR-integrated clearinghouse offering claims submission, superbilling, and payment processing for modern practices.
Real-time charge capture from clinical notes via voice-to-text and auto-coding
DrChrono is a cloud-based EHR and practice management platform with integrated medical billing features, enabling practices to generate, scrub, submit, and track claims electronically. It partners with major clearinghouses for transmission to payers while offering built-in tools for revenue cycle management, ERA posting, and denial management. Though not a standalone clearinghouse, its comprehensive workflow suits practices wanting billing embedded in their EHR.
Pros
- Seamless EHR-billing integration reduces errors
- Intuitive mobile app for on-the-go claims management
- Automated scrubbing and denial tracking tools
Cons
- Not a dedicated clearinghouse, relies on partners like Change Healthcare
- Pricing can be steep for solo providers
- Occasional glitches in claims export reported by users
Best For
Small to mid-sized practices seeking an all-in-one EHR with reliable integrated billing rather than standalone clearinghouse software.
Pricing
Custom subscription starting at ~$200/provider/month (billed annually), plus per-claim fees (~$0.09-$0.25) and setup costs.
Conclusion
Availity emerges as the top choice, excelling with its leading payer connectivity, real-time eligibility verification, and robust ERA processing for seamless claims management. Followed by Waystar, which offers a comprehensive revenue cycle solution with strong claims scrubbing, submission, and denial management, and Change Healthcare, a massive-scale option for high transaction volumes. Together, these tools represent the best in the field, catering to diverse operational needs.
Ready to optimize your billing workflow? Explore Availity to leverage its industry-leading features and enhance your practice's efficiency today.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
