Quick Overview
- 1#1: Kareo - Cloud-based medical billing and practice management platform with integrated patient payment portal for easy online collections.
- 2#2: AdvancedMD - Comprehensive practice management software featuring robust patient billing and secure online payment processing.
- 3#3: Athenahealth - Integrated EHR and revenue cycle management solution with patient payment estimation and self-service portals.
- 4#4: PatientPay - Dedicated patient payment platform that simplifies bill delivery and collections through text and online payments.
- 5#5: Phreesia - Patient intake and engagement platform with seamless payment collection at check-in and online.
- 6#6: SimplePractice - Practice management tool for behavioral health with built-in client payment processing and invoicing.
- 7#7: DrChrono - Mobile-first EHR and practice management system supporting patient payments via integrated gateway.
- 8#8: Waystar - Revenue cycle management platform with advanced patient payment optimization and collections tools.
- 9#9: NextGen Healthcare - Enterprise EHR solution with patient payment portals and claims management for large practices.
- 10#10: Change Healthcare - Healthcare payment and RCM platform offering patient statement delivery and digital payment options.
Tools were selected based on functionality, user experience, security, and overall value, prioritizing platforms that streamline collections, enhance patient engagement, and align with diverse practice needs.
Comparison Table
Patient payment software is critical for healthcare providers to manage billing, collections, and patient interactions efficiently. This comparison table explores tools like Kareo, AdvancedMD, Athenahealth, PatientPay, Phreesia, and more, examining key features, integration options, and user experience to help practices find the right fit. Readers will gain insights into how each solution aligns with their operational needs, from automated invoicing to patient engagement tools.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kareo Cloud-based medical billing and practice management platform with integrated patient payment portal for easy online collections. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | AdvancedMD Comprehensive practice management software featuring robust patient billing and secure online payment processing. | enterprise | 8.9/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 3 | Athenahealth Integrated EHR and revenue cycle management solution with patient payment estimation and self-service portals. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 4 | PatientPay Dedicated patient payment platform that simplifies bill delivery and collections through text and online payments. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Phreesia Patient intake and engagement platform with seamless payment collection at check-in and online. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | SimplePractice Practice management tool for behavioral health with built-in client payment processing and invoicing. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 7 | DrChrono Mobile-first EHR and practice management system supporting patient payments via integrated gateway. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 8 | Waystar Revenue cycle management platform with advanced patient payment optimization and collections tools. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | NextGen Healthcare Enterprise EHR solution with patient payment portals and claims management for large practices. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | Change Healthcare Healthcare payment and RCM platform offering patient statement delivery and digital payment options. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
Cloud-based medical billing and practice management platform with integrated patient payment portal for easy online collections.
Comprehensive practice management software featuring robust patient billing and secure online payment processing.
Integrated EHR and revenue cycle management solution with patient payment estimation and self-service portals.
Dedicated patient payment platform that simplifies bill delivery and collections through text and online payments.
Patient intake and engagement platform with seamless payment collection at check-in and online.
Practice management tool for behavioral health with built-in client payment processing and invoicing.
Mobile-first EHR and practice management system supporting patient payments via integrated gateway.
Revenue cycle management platform with advanced patient payment optimization and collections tools.
Enterprise EHR solution with patient payment portals and claims management for large practices.
Healthcare payment and RCM platform offering patient statement delivery and digital payment options.
Kareo
specializedCloud-based medical billing and practice management platform with integrated patient payment portal for easy online collections.
Text-to-Pay functionality that allows patients to pay bills instantly via SMS without logging into a portal
Kareo is a cloud-based platform specializing in revenue cycle management for independent medical practices, with robust patient payment solutions that enable secure online bill pay, flexible payment plans, and automated collections. Patients can access statements via a branded portal, pay with one-click options using credit cards or ACH, and receive text or email reminders. Integrated with Kareo's EHR and practice management tools, it streamlines the entire billing-to-payment process, reducing AR days and improving cash flow.
Pros
- Seamless integration with EHR and practice management for end-to-end workflows
- Flexible patient payment plans and automated reminders via text/email
- Low-cost processing fees (2.49% + $0.25 for credit cards) with high security compliance
Cons
- Subscription pricing can be steep for very small solo practices
- Advanced reporting requires higher-tier plans
- Limited international payment support
Best For
Independent medical practices seeking an integrated, user-friendly solution for efficient patient collections and revenue management.
Pricing
Starts at $110/provider/month for core billing (billed annually), plus transaction fees; enterprise options available with custom quotes.
AdvancedMD
enterpriseComprehensive practice management software featuring robust patient billing and secure online payment processing.
Integrated revenue cycle management with real-time AR dashboards and automated payment workflows
AdvancedMD is a cloud-based practice management and EHR platform with integrated patient payment software that streamlines billing and collections. It features a secure patient portal for online payments via credit card, ACH, FSA/HSA, and offers automated payment posting and reconciliation. The solution supports multiple practices with robust reporting on revenue cycles and AR management.
Pros
- Seamless integration with EHR and billing for automated posting
- Secure patient portal with mobile payments and reminders
- Comprehensive analytics for payment trends and collections
Cons
- High subscription costs for full access
- Steep learning curve for non-tech users
- Transaction fees add to overall expenses
Best For
Mid-sized medical practices needing integrated payment processing within a full practice management suite.
Pricing
Starts at $729/month per provider for core suite (billed annually); payment processing at 2.8% + $0.35 per transaction.
Athenahealth
enterpriseIntegrated EHR and revenue cycle management solution with patient payment estimation and self-service portals.
Integrated patient cost estimators that generate accurate upfront payment quotes directly from EHR data
Athenahealth's patient payment software, integrated within the athenaOne platform, enables healthcare providers to manage patient billing, online payments, payment plans, and upfront cost estimates seamlessly alongside EHR and practice management tools. It supports multiple payment methods including credit cards, ACH, and kiosks, with automated reminders and robust reporting to optimize revenue cycle management. This solution is designed for practices seeking end-to-end revenue cycle efficiency, reducing accounts receivable through intelligent workflows and patient engagement features.
Pros
- Deep integration with EHR for accurate upfront estimates and payments
- Advanced analytics and reporting for revenue cycle optimization
- Flexible payment options including plans, reminders, and multi-channel collections
Cons
- High implementation costs and long setup times
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Pricing lacks transparency and can be expensive for smaller practices
Best For
Mid-sized to large medical practices needing integrated EHR and comprehensive revenue cycle management with patient payments.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $200-$500 per provider/month bundled with EHR services, plus setup fees; quotes required.
PatientPay
specializedDedicated patient payment platform that simplifies bill delivery and collections through text and online payments.
Text-to-Pay functionality that allows patients to pay instantly via SMS links, driving higher engagement and collections.
PatientPay is a patient-centric payment platform tailored for healthcare providers, enabling secure online, text, phone, and in-person payments. It offers flexible payment plans, automated reminders, and seamless integrations with major EHR and practice management systems like Epic, Cerner, and Athenahealth. The solution focuses on improving collection rates while ensuring HIPAA and PCI compliance for protected health information.
Pros
- Exceptional collection rates with automated reminders and text-to-pay
- Robust integrations with leading healthcare systems
- Patient-friendly interface that simplifies payments and plans
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small practices due to transaction fees
- Reporting and analytics could be more customizable
- Initial setup and integration may require IT support
Best For
Mid-sized to large medical practices seeking to boost revenue cycle efficiency through patient-friendly payment options.
Pricing
Custom pricing with transaction fees (around 2.9% + $0.30 per payment) and monthly subscriptions starting at $99; volume discounts available.
Phreesia
specializedPatient intake and engagement platform with seamless payment collection at check-in and online.
Integrated patient-facing payment collection during digital check-in, minimizing front-desk intervention and boosting upfront collections.
Phreesia is a patient intake and engagement platform with integrated payment solutions designed for healthcare providers. It enables secure collection of copays, deductibles, and outstanding balances via online portals, mobile apps, kiosks, and text reminders. The software automates payment plans, supports multiple payment methods including FSA/HSA cards, and integrates with EHR systems to streamline revenue cycle management.
Pros
- Seamless integration of payments with patient intake and check-in
- HIPAA-compliant with robust security for sensitive payment data
- Automated reminders and payment plans reduce AR days
Cons
- Per-patient or transaction-based pricing can become costly for high-volume practices
- Setup and EHR integrations may require IT support
- Limited flexibility for non-US healthcare providers
Best For
Mid-sized to large healthcare practices needing an all-in-one patient engagement platform with strong payment collection tied to intake workflows.
Pricing
Custom pricing model based on patient volume, typically $2-5 per check-in plus payment processing fees; no upfront costs but scales with usage.
SimplePractice
specializedPractice management tool for behavioral health with built-in client payment processing and invoicing.
The secure client portal enabling self-service payments, statement views, and payment plans without provider intervention
SimplePractice is a comprehensive practice management platform designed for health and wellness professionals, with robust patient payment capabilities including secure online invoicing, credit card processing, and insurance billing. It features a client portal where patients can pay bills, set up payment plans, and access statements effortlessly. The software integrates payments seamlessly with scheduling and telehealth, reducing administrative burdens for providers.
Pros
- Seamless integration of payments with scheduling and client portal for streamlined workflows
- Supports multiple payment methods including credit cards, PayPal, FSA/HSA, and insurance claims
- Automated payment reminders and superbills enhance collection efficiency
Cons
- Subscription model plus per-transaction fees can increase costs for high-volume practices
- Payment features are bundled with full practice management, not ideal as a standalone solution
- Limited customization for non-mental health specialties
Best For
Solo therapists or small mental health practices seeking an all-in-one platform with reliable patient payment tools.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month (Essentials) up to $99/month (Professional), plus ~2.9% + $0.30 per credit card transaction and $0.15-$1.25 per insurance claim.
DrChrono
specializedMobile-first EHR and practice management system supporting patient payments via integrated gateway.
Native iOS patient payments app enabling on-the-spot collections via iPad during appointments
DrChrono is a comprehensive EHR platform with robust patient payment capabilities, allowing practices to collect copays, deductibles, and balances directly through its secure patient portal and mobile app. It supports credit/debit cards, ACH payments, and flexible payment plans, with automated billing reminders to streamline revenue cycle management. Ideal for healthcare providers seeking an all-in-one solution where payments integrate seamlessly with scheduling, charting, and telehealth.
Pros
- Seamless integration with EHR for one-click payment collection during visits
- Supports multiple payment methods including cards, ACH, and installment plans
- Automated statements and reminders reduce AR days effectively
Cons
- Pricing is bundled with full EHR subscription, making it costly for payments-only use
- Interface can feel cluttered for users focused solely on billing
- Setup requires training due to platform's breadth
Best For
Small to mid-sized medical practices already using DrChrono's EHR who want integrated patient payments without third-party tools.
Pricing
Starts at $199/provider/month (billed annually) for core platform including payments; plus 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction processing fees.
Waystar
enterpriseRevenue cycle management platform with advanced patient payment optimization and collections tools.
Revenue Performance Guarantee, which ensures upfront commitments on collection rates or provides credits
Waystar offers a robust patient payment software solution as part of its broader revenue cycle management platform, enabling healthcare providers to streamline collections through digital patient portals, accurate cost estimates, and flexible payment options. It supports self-service bill viewing, one-click payments, payment plans, and mobile accessibility to enhance patient engagement and reduce A/R days. The platform integrates with major EHRs and PMS systems, providing analytics to optimize financial performance.
Pros
- Seamless integration with EHRs and billing systems
- Advanced patient engagement tools like text-to-pay and guarantees
- Strong analytics for collection optimization
Cons
- High cost suitable mainly for mid-to-large organizations
- Initial setup and training can be time-intensive
- Limited transparency on pricing without sales contact
Best For
Mid-to-large healthcare providers and hospitals seeking integrated, scalable patient payment solutions within full RCM suites.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on volume and modules; typically subscription model starting at several thousand dollars monthly—contact sales for quotes.
NextGen Healthcare
enterpriseEnterprise EHR solution with patient payment portals and claims management for large practices.
Automatic ERA posting and payment application directly into the practice management ledger, eliminating manual entry errors.
NextGen Healthcare's patient payment software is embedded within its robust EHR and practice management platform, enabling secure online payments via a patient portal. It supports credit/debit cards, ACH transfers, and flexible payment plans, with automated posting to reduce administrative burden. This solution enhances revenue cycle management by streamlining collections and providing real-time payment visibility for providers.
Pros
- Seamless integration with NextGen EHR and PM for automatic payment reconciliation
- PCI-compliant security and multiple payment methods including installment plans
- Patient portal with easy self-service billing and reminders
Cons
- Best suited for existing NextGen users; limited standalone flexibility
- Interface can feel dated compared to modern fintech payment apps
- Transaction fees add up for high-volume practices without negotiation
Best For
Mid-sized to large healthcare practices already invested in the NextGen ecosystem looking for integrated payment processing.
Pricing
Custom subscription as part of NextGen Enterprise (starts ~$300/user/month); plus transaction fees (~2.6-3.5% + $0.25-$0.30 per payment).
Change Healthcare
enterpriseHealthcare payment and RCM platform offering patient statement delivery and digital payment options.
Intelligent Payment Optimization with AI-driven plans and predictive collections to maximize recovery rates
Change Healthcare's Patient Payment Software is an enterprise-grade solution designed for healthcare providers to manage patient billing, collections, and payments efficiently. It features secure online portals, flexible payment plans, automated reminders via text/email, and seamless integration with EHR and revenue cycle systems. This platform helps reduce accounts receivable days while ensuring HIPAA compliance and supporting high-volume transactions for hospitals and large practices.
Pros
- Robust integrations with major EHR and PM systems like Epic and Cerner
- Advanced payment options including installment plans and text-to-pay
- Strong security features and HIPAA compliance for enterprise-scale use
Cons
- Complex implementation and setup process for non-technical users
- High pricing that may not suit small practices or solo providers
- Limited self-service customization without vendor support
Best For
Large hospitals, health systems, and multi-location practices seeking integrated, scalable patient payment solutions.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically subscription-based starting at $10,000+ annually depending on volume, users, and integrations.
Conclusion
Across the reviewed tools, the top three—Kareo, AdvancedMD, and Athenahealth—shine in streamlining patient payments, each offering unique strengths. Kareo stands out as the top choice for its seamless integrated payment portal, simplifying collections for practices. AdvancedMD and Athenahealth follow closely, with AdvancedMD excelling in comprehensive management and Athenahealth integrating EHR and revenue cycle tools to meet diverse practice needs.
Ready to enhance your practice's financial efficiency? Start with Kareo to unlock its intuitive platform and simplify patient payments today.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison