"What will it cost?" is the first question practices ask about outsourced billing, and the honest answer is "it depends, and the rate is only half the story." Here is how pricing works and how to compare options fairly.
The three pricing models
1. Percentage of collections (most common)
You pay an agreed percentage of what the biller actually collects for you. Its big advantage: incentives are aligned, the biller only earns when you get paid, so they are motivated to maximize collections and work denials.
2. Per-claim fee
A flat fee for each claim submitted. Predictable per unit, but it does not directly reward the biller for collecting more or fighting denials, so watch that follow-up is still thorough.
3. Flat monthly fee
A fixed monthly cost regardless of volume. Predictable, but make sure the scope matches your needs as volume changes.
What drives your rate
Specialty and claim complexity, monthly claim volume, average claim value, and the scope of services (coding, patient statements, A/R cleanup, reporting) all move the number. A complex surgical or oncology practice is priced differently than a small primary-care office.
Compare on value, not just rate
The cheapest rate is not the cheapest outcome. A biller charging slightly more but delivering a higher clean-claim rate, faster payment, and disciplined denial recovery can put more money in your pocket than a low-rate biller that lets denials slip. Always compare the net result: collections after fees, plus recovered revenue you would otherwise have written off.
Questions to ask any biller
What is included versus extra? Do you work and appeal denials? How do you report results? Who is my point of contact? What is your typical clean-claim rate and turnaround? Clear answers signal a partner worth their fee.
Our approach
Consult By Me keeps pricing transparent and aligned to your results, with clear reporting so you always see the value. Want a straight quote for your practice? Contact us or learn more about outsourced billing.