What questions should I ask a medical billing company before signing?

Ask about claim accuracy rates, first-pass acceptance rates, denial management, HIPAA compliance documentation, specialty experience, contract exit terms, and reporting access. These 12 questions reveal the real picture behind any vendor’s sales pitch.

What is a good first-pass claim acceptance rate?

A good first-pass acceptance rate is 95% or higher. The industry average sits around 85–90%. If a vendor won’t share their rate or can’t back it with data, move on.

What is a fair medical billing company fee?

Most billing companies charge between 2% and 9% of collected revenue. Flat-fee models around 2–4% are more predictable. Watch for percentage models where extra per-claim or report fees are stacked on top of the base rate.

Should I check if a medical billing company is HIPAA compliant?

Yes — always. Request the Business Associate Agreement before sharing any patient data. Ask whether they conduct regular HIPAA audits and have a documented breach response plan. Your practice shares liability for their non-compliance.

How long should a medical billing contract be?

Most contracts run 12 to 36 months. Check for auto-renewal clauses and exit penalties. A reputable billing company won’t lock you into a 5-year term. Ask for the exact notice period required to cancel.

Can a medical billing company work with my current EHR?

Most established billing companies support major EHR platforms, but you should confirm integration capability for your specific system before signing. Ask about setup time and whether integration is API-based or manual.

Choosing a Billing Company? Ask These 12 Questions