Quick Overview
- 1#1: athenahealth - Cloud-based EHR and revenue cycle management platform with automated claims submission, denial management, and payer connectivity.
- 2#2: Kareo - Medical billing software that automates claims processing, tracks reimbursements, and handles denials for independent practices.
- 3#3: AdvancedMD - Integrated practice management and billing solution offering scrubbers, electronic claims filing, and ERA posting.
- 4#4: Waystar - Revenue cycle management platform focused on claims editing, submission acceleration, and analytics for optimal reimbursements.
- 5#5: DrChrono - EHR-integrated billing tool with real-time claims tracking, superbill generation, and direct payer submissions.
- 6#6: NextGen Healthcare - Enterprise RCM software providing advanced claims management, workflow automation, and compliance tools for healthcare providers.
- 7#7: eClinicalWorks - EHR and practice management system with built-in medical billing, claims scrubbing, and patient payment processing.
- 8#8: CollaborateMD - Cloud-based billing platform for efficient claims creation, electronic submission, and denial resolution.
- 9#9: Office Ally - Free web portal for medical claims processing, eligibility verification, and ERA reconciliation.
- 10#10: Availity - Provider portal offering claims management, status tracking, and payer connectivity for streamlined reimbursements.
We selected and ranked these tools based on key factors: robust claims processing capabilities, user-friendly design, comprehensive features (including denial management and payer connectivity), and overall value, ensuring they deliver actionable results for healthcare providers.
Comparison Table
Navigating medical claim software can be complex, but this comparison table simplifies the process by highlighting tools like athenahealth, Kareo, AdvancedMD, Waystar, DrChrono, and more. Readers will gain insights into key features, pricing structures, and user experiences, helping them identify the best fit for their practice's unique needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | athenahealth Cloud-based EHR and revenue cycle management platform with automated claims submission, denial management, and payer connectivity. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Kareo Medical billing software that automates claims processing, tracks reimbursements, and handles denials for independent practices. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 3 | AdvancedMD Integrated practice management and billing solution offering scrubbers, electronic claims filing, and ERA posting. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Waystar Revenue cycle management platform focused on claims editing, submission acceleration, and analytics for optimal reimbursements. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | DrChrono EHR-integrated billing tool with real-time claims tracking, superbill generation, and direct payer submissions. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | NextGen Healthcare Enterprise RCM software providing advanced claims management, workflow automation, and compliance tools for healthcare providers. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | eClinicalWorks EHR and practice management system with built-in medical billing, claims scrubbing, and patient payment processing. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.7/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 8 | CollaborateMD Cloud-based billing platform for efficient claims creation, electronic submission, and denial resolution. | specialized | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 9 | Office Ally Free web portal for medical claims processing, eligibility verification, and ERA reconciliation. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 10 | Availity Provider portal offering claims management, status tracking, and payer connectivity for streamlined reimbursements. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
Cloud-based EHR and revenue cycle management platform with automated claims submission, denial management, and payer connectivity.
Medical billing software that automates claims processing, tracks reimbursements, and handles denials for independent practices.
Integrated practice management and billing solution offering scrubbers, electronic claims filing, and ERA posting.
Revenue cycle management platform focused on claims editing, submission acceleration, and analytics for optimal reimbursements.
EHR-integrated billing tool with real-time claims tracking, superbill generation, and direct payer submissions.
Enterprise RCM software providing advanced claims management, workflow automation, and compliance tools for healthcare providers.
EHR and practice management system with built-in medical billing, claims scrubbing, and patient payment processing.
Cloud-based billing platform for efficient claims creation, electronic submission, and denial resolution.
Free web portal for medical claims processing, eligibility verification, and ERA reconciliation.
Provider portal offering claims management, status tracking, and payer connectivity for streamlined reimbursements.
athenahealth
enterpriseCloud-based EHR and revenue cycle management platform with automated claims submission, denial management, and payer connectivity.
AI-powered Revenue Intelligence that predicts denials and optimizes reimbursements proactively
athenahealth is a leading cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) and revenue cycle management platform that specializes in medical claims processing, automating submission, scrubbing, and denial management for healthcare providers. It integrates seamlessly with EHR and practice management tools to streamline the entire revenue cycle, reducing errors and accelerating reimbursements. With advanced analytics and payer connectivity, athenahealth helps practices optimize cash flow and compliance in medical billing.
Pros
- Highly automated claims scrubbing and submission with 99%+ clean claims rate
- Robust denial management and appeals automation
- Advanced analytics for revenue cycle optimization and payer performance insights
Cons
- Steep initial implementation and training curve
- Custom pricing can be expensive for smaller practices
- Limited flexibility in some custom reporting needs
Best For
Mid-to-large medical practices and health systems seeking an integrated, scalable solution for high-volume medical claims processing.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starting at around $140 per provider per month, plus implementation fees; scales with practice size and modules.
Kareo
specializedMedical billing software that automates claims processing, tracks reimbursements, and handles denials for independent practices.
Kareo Intelligence AI-powered analytics for predictive denial prevention and AR optimization
Kareo is a cloud-based revenue cycle management platform tailored for independent medical practices, excelling in medical claims processing, billing, and payment optimization. It automates claims submission via EDI, performs eligibility verification, scrubs claims for errors, and handles denial management to accelerate reimbursements. Integrated with EHR and practice management tools, it provides end-to-end visibility into financial workflows for healthcare providers.
Pros
- Comprehensive claims scrubbing and denial management to minimize rejections
- Seamless EDI integration with major payers for fast submissions
- Robust analytics and reporting for revenue cycle insights
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small practices
- Steeper learning curve for advanced revenue cycle features
- Customer support response times can vary during peak periods
Best For
Small to mid-sized independent medical practices needing an all-in-one solution for efficient claims processing and revenue recovery.
Pricing
Starts at $110/provider/month for core billing, up to $460/provider/month for full revenue cycle management; custom enterprise pricing available.
AdvancedMD
enterpriseIntegrated practice management and billing solution offering scrubbers, electronic claims filing, and ERA posting.
AI-powered claims scrubber that proactively identifies and corrects errors before submission
AdvancedMD is a comprehensive cloud-based practice management and EHR platform with robust medical claims processing capabilities, enabling electronic claims submission, scrubbing, and denial management. It automates revenue cycle tasks like eligibility verification, payment posting, and AR tracking to minimize errors and accelerate reimbursements. Designed for healthcare providers, it integrates seamlessly with major payers and clearinghouses for efficient billing workflows.
Pros
- Advanced claims scrubbing reduces denials by up to 50%
- Seamless integration with EHR and scheduling
- Real-time eligibility checks and AR analytics
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Pricing can be high for small practices
- Occasional customer support delays
Best For
Mid-sized to large medical practices seeking an integrated revenue cycle management solution.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $400-$600 per provider/month plus setup fees.
Waystar
specializedRevenue cycle management platform focused on claims editing, submission acceleration, and analytics for optimal reimbursements.
AI-powered Compass platform for predictive denial analytics and automated resolution recommendations
Waystar is a comprehensive revenue cycle management (RCM) platform designed for healthcare providers, focusing on automating medical claims processing, submission, and payment optimization. It leverages AI and analytics to scrub claims, prevent denials, manage eligibility verification, and streamline patient payments. The solution integrates with major EHR systems and offers real-time insights to improve financial performance across hospitals and physician practices.
Pros
- Advanced AI-driven denial prevention and claims scrubbing reduces errors significantly
- Seamless integrations with EHRs like Epic and Cerner for efficient workflows
- Robust analytics dashboard provides actionable insights for revenue optimization
Cons
- High implementation costs and lengthy onboarding process
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Pricing lacks transparency and can be expensive for smaller practices
Best For
Large hospitals, health systems, and multi-location practices seeking enterprise-grade RCM automation.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on claims volume or revenue share; typically starts at $50K+ annually with quotes required.
DrChrono
specializedEHR-integrated billing tool with real-time claims tracking, superbill generation, and direct payer submissions.
Native iOS apps for on-the-go charting, claims submission, and patient check-in
DrChrono is a comprehensive cloud-based EHR and practice management platform with robust medical claims processing capabilities, enabling automated submission of electronic claims (837P/837I) to over 3,000 payers. It features built-in claims scrubbing, denial management, real-time eligibility checks, and ERA posting to streamline revenue cycle management. Designed for small to mid-sized practices, it integrates billing seamlessly with clinical workflows, reducing errors and accelerating reimbursements.
Pros
- Integrated EHR and billing for seamless claims workflow
- Automated scrubbing and denial management tools
- Real-time eligibility verification and mobile accessibility
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Pricing can add up with per-user fees and add-ons
- Customer support response times vary
Best For
Small to mid-sized medical practices seeking an all-in-one EHR solution with strong claims processing.
Pricing
Starts at $199/provider/month for core EHR/PM; additional per-user fees ($100+/month) and setup costs apply; custom enterprise pricing available.
NextGen Healthcare
enterpriseEnterprise RCM software providing advanced claims management, workflow automation, and compliance tools for healthcare providers.
AI-powered claims scrubber with real-time edit checks and auto-resubmission
NextGen Healthcare provides a comprehensive EHR and revenue cycle management platform with advanced medical claims software that automates claims creation, scrubbing, submission, and denial management. It integrates billing directly with clinical workflows to ensure accurate coding and faster reimbursements. Designed for ambulatory practices, it supports eligibility verification, AR management, and compliance reporting to optimize financial performance.
Pros
- Robust claims scrubbing reduces denials by up to 40%
- Seamless EHR-billing integration minimizes errors
- Advanced analytics for revenue cycle insights
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- High implementation costs and time
- Custom pricing lacks transparency
Best For
Mid-sized to large medical practices needing integrated EHR and claims management for high-volume billing.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically $300-$700 per provider/month plus setup fees.
eClinicalWorks
enterpriseEHR and practice management system with built-in medical billing, claims scrubbing, and patient payment processing.
AI-powered claims intelligence that predicts denials and suggests corrections before submission
eClinicalWorks is a comprehensive EHR and practice management platform with robust medical claims software capabilities, enabling automated electronic claims submission, eligibility verification, and denial management. It integrates billing directly with patient records to minimize errors and accelerate reimbursements across multiple payers. The system also offers revenue cycle management tools, including AR tracking and remittance processing, making it suitable for diverse medical practices.
Pros
- Seamless EHR-billing integration reduces claim errors
- Extensive payer connectivity and automated scrubbing
- Advanced analytics for revenue cycle optimization
Cons
- Outdated user interface with steep learning curve
- Reported performance issues and occasional downtime
- High implementation costs and custom pricing
Best For
Mid-sized to large medical practices needing integrated EHR and claims processing for high-volume billing.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $400-$700 per provider/month plus implementation fees and add-ons.
CollaborateMD
specializedCloud-based billing platform for efficient claims creation, electronic submission, and denial resolution.
Intelligent Claim Scrubber that pre-validates claims against 3,000+ payer-specific rules to prevent rejections
CollaborateMD is a cloud-based medical billing and practice management software tailored for healthcare providers, specializing in electronic claims submission, scrubbing, and revenue cycle management. It automates patient eligibility verification, payment posting, and denial management to minimize errors and accelerate reimbursements. The platform integrates with major clearinghouses and supports multi-specialty practices with tools for AR tracking and reporting.
Pros
- Robust claim scrubbing reduces denials by checking against payer rules
- Integrated practice management handles scheduling and billing in one platform
- Scalable pricing suitable for small to mid-sized practices
Cons
- User interface appears dated and less intuitive than modern competitors
- Steep learning curve for advanced features and custom setups
- Limited native mobile app functionality for on-the-go access
Best For
Small to medium-sized independent medical practices needing reliable, affordable claims processing and billing automation.
Pricing
Starts at $109 per provider per month with scalable tiers; additional users and features like advanced reporting available for extra fees.
Office Ally
specializedFree web portal for medical claims processing, eligibility verification, and ERA reconciliation.
Completely free medical claims clearinghouse with automated scrubbing and direct payer submission
Office Ally is a web-based medical billing and clearinghouse platform that enables healthcare providers to submit electronic claims (CMS-1500 and UB-04), perform eligibility verification, and process electronic remittance advice (ERA) for free in its basic version. It also offers integrated practice management tools like scheduling, reporting, and basic patient records to streamline revenue cycle management. While not a full-featured EHR, it focuses on cost-effective claims processing for small practices.
Pros
- Free clearinghouse for claims submission and scrubbing with no setup fees
- Quick eligibility checks and ERA posting
- Reliable support for multiple payers and claim formats
Cons
- Dated user interface lacking modern design
- Limited advanced analytics and customization in free tier
- Occasional processing delays during peak times
Best For
Small medical practices and solo providers needing affordable, straightforward claims submission without enterprise-level features.
Pricing
Free for basic clearinghouse services; premium Practice Mate EHR/PM starts at $19.95/month per provider, with per-claim fees for high volume.
Availity
enterpriseProvider portal offering claims management, status tracking, and payer connectivity for streamlined reimbursements.
Industry-leading payer network connecting to over 1,000 payers for unmatched real-time eligibility and claims adjudication.
Availity is a leading healthcare platform that connects providers with over 1,000 payers for efficient revenue cycle management, including claims submission, eligibility verification, and payment processing. It supports full EDI capabilities, real-time claim status tracking, and electronic remittance advice (ERA) to reduce administrative burdens. The platform integrates with EHRs and practice management systems, offering analytics for denial management and workflow optimization.
Pros
- Extensive network covering 90%+ of U.S. payers for reliable connectivity
- Comprehensive EDI tools including claims editing and scrubbing
- Advanced analytics for denial prevention and revenue recovery
Cons
- Complex interface with a steep learning curve for new users
- Custom pricing can be expensive for small practices
- Occasional delays in support response times
Best For
Mid-to-large healthcare providers and billing services needing robust payer connectivity and enterprise-level claims processing.
Pricing
Custom subscription tiers based on transaction volume; typically $0.20-$0.50 per claim plus setup fees, with enterprise discounts.
Conclusion
Evaluating the top tools reveals athenahealth as the standout choice, combining robust cloud-based EHR and comprehensive revenue cycle management to streamline claims processes, denial management, and payer connections. Kareo and AdvancedMD, though trailing, excel as strong alternatives—Kareo for its tailored automation in independent practices and AdvancedMD for its seamless integration of practice management and billing tools—each suited to different operational needs.
Ready to elevate claims management? Start with athenahealth to experience its leading features, or explore Kareo or AdvancedMD if they better align with your practice's unique requirements.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
