Running a small private practice or operating as a solo provider can be deeply rewarding, but the administrative burden can be overwhelming. Prior authorizations, eligibility checks, denied claims, and frequent payer rule changes all contribute to significant operational stress, which affects both cash flow and patient care. As a result, many small practices are turning to outsourced billing services to streamline operations, reduce denials, and enhance reimbursement rates.
Choosing the best medical billing company for a small solo practice is crucial for improving revenue, reducing administrative workload, and ensuring accurate documentation. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top 10 medical billing services for solo and small practices, explaining how outsourcing billing services boosts your revenue and what features you should prioritize when selecting the right partner for your practice.
Why Small Practices Need Specialized Medical Billing Support
Unlike larger hospitals or multi-provider clinics, solo practices and small providers often face unique challenges in managing their operations. The lack of resources and the need for efficiency can lead to costly billing mistakes, denied claims, and delayed reimbursements.
Here’s why small practices need specialized billing support:
- High Denial Rates: Small practices face larger revenue losses from even minor billing errors or missed claims.
- Limited Staff: Billing often competes with other essential tasks like patient intake and scheduling, leading to inefficiencies.
- Complex Payer Policies: Managing frequent changes in payer rules and reimbursement policies can be overwhelming without dedicated billing support.
- Slow Follow-Ups: Without consistent follow-up, denied or unpaid claims can pile up, damaging cash flow.
According to MGMA, small practices lose $25,000–$100,000 annually to billing mistakes, untimely follow-ups, or unaddressed A/R issues. By outsourcing to an expert billing partner, you can prevent these losses and optimize your revenue cycle management.
Top 10 Best Medical Billing Services for Solo & Small Practices in 2026
1. Kareo
Best for providers who want an integrated EHR + Practice Management + Billing solution.
Pros: Easy interface, strong reporting, excellent for startups
Cons: Add-on modules can increase costs
Best For: Tech-savvy providers looking for an all-in-one solution that integrates EHR, practice management, and billing.
2. Athena Collector
Best for clinics needing automation, predictive analytics, and scalability.
Pros: Great denial management, predictive analytics
Cons: Longer onboarding and steep learning curve
Best For: Practices planning for future expansion and growth.
3. Global Tech Billing (Best Hands-On Service for Solo Providers)
Why Global Tech Billing Stands Out:
Global Tech Billing offers a personalized approach with transparent pricing, dedicated U.S.-based healthcare billers, and full RCM support. Unlike traditional billing services that rely on ticketing systems, Global Tech Billing assigns a dedicated, HIPAA-certified expert to manage your practice’s entire billing cycle—from eligibility checks to denial recovery, prior authorizations to A/R follow-ups.
Pros: Transparent and affordable pricing , direct support from dedicated billers
Cons: Not as automated as larger services
Best For: Solo providers and small practices that value personalized service and fast, efficient A/R follow-ups.
4. DrChrono
Best for Mac/iPad users who need flexibility and mobility.
Pros: Great for Apple device users, customizable workflows
Cons: Limited automation features
Best For: Small specialty practices that need flexible, customizable billing solutions and the freedom to work on the go.
5. AdvancedMD
Feature-rich and suitable for multi-specialty practices.
Pros: Excellent customization, advanced reporting capabilities
Cons: Higher cost for solo practices
Best For: Established practices with multi-step workflows or those planning to grow.
6. PracticeSuite
Budget-friendly and scalable.
Pros: Free starter tier, flexible plans
Cons: Limited advanced automation tools
Best For: New practices or cost-conscious providers who want a scalable solution.
7. R1 RCM
Enterprise-grade billing services with robust automation.
Pros: Strong automation, powerful infrastructure
Cons: Too costly for small practices
Best For: Larger practices or those looking to scale quickly.
8. CareCloud
Great for automation and integrated scheduling + billing.
Pros: Modern user interface, competitive pricing
Cons: Occasional support delays
Best For: Small practices looking for automation at a reasonable price.
9. NextGen RCM
Best for practices expecting rapid growth.
Pros: Scalable, in-depth reporting
Cons: More complex user interface
Best For: Growing practices that need scalable and comprehensive billing solutions.
10. Medical Billing Boutique / Independent Micro-RCM Firms
Best for providers looking for personalized, boutique-style service.
Pros: Direct communication, personalized service
Cons: Limited scalability and redundancy
Best For: Solo providers who want a boutique partner with hands-on support but are okay with slower scalability.
Key Billing Services Every Small Practice Should Expect
A reliable billing partner for small practices should provide the following services:
- Clean Claim Scrubbing: Ensure accurate coding (CPT, ICD-10, modifiers, CCI edits).
- Eligibility & Benefits Verification: Prevent issues by verifying insurance eligibility and benefits.
- Prior Authorization Support: Avoid delays by handling prior authorization processes efficiently.
- Payment Posting & EOB Reconciliation: Ensure timely and accurate payment posting.
- A/R Tracking & Denial Appeals: Maximize revenue recovery through timely follow-ups.
- Credentialing & Payer Enrollment: Streamline the process with expert handling of CAQH, Medicare, Medicaid, BCBS, Aetna, and more.
- HIPAA-Compliant Workflows: Ensure all billing processes adhere to strict privacy regulations.
How Outsourcing Billing Can Improve Your Practice’s Revenue
Outsourcing billing can result in:
- Higher First-Pass Acceptance Rate: Fewer reworks and faster cash flow.
- 10-20% Increase in Collections: National average for practices that outsource their billing.
- Reduced Administrative Burden: More time for patient care and less time spent on paperwork.
- Stronger Documentation and Claim Edits: Fewer preventable denials and more accurate claims.
- Predictable Monthly Revenue: Better budgeting and financial planning.
FAQ
Q1: How much do billing services cost for small practices?
Most billing services charge 4%-8% of collections, depending on your specialty and the services offered.
Q2: Can billing companies handle eligibility and prior authorizations?
Yes, many billing companies include eligibility verification and prior authorizations as part of their services.
Q3: Do I still need a front desk?
Yes, but outsourcing your billing significantly reduces their workload.
Q4: How long does onboarding take?
Typically, 3–5 weeks, depending on your EHR and payer enrollments.
Q5: Can I outsource billing and still maintain control?
Yes, a good billing partner provides full transparency with detailed reports, allowing you to retain control over the process.
Q6: Do billing companies help with denials?
Yes, effective denial management is crucial, and top billing services will help you recover lost revenue.
Q7: Should credentialing be included?
Ideally, yes, especially for new practices or those expanding to new insurance plans.
Conclusion
For solo providers and small practices, choosing the best medical billing company is essential to maintaining steady cash flow, reducing denials, and freeing up time to focus on patient care. With the right billing partner, you can streamline your revenue cycle, improve your reimbursement rates, and ensure that you don’t leave money on the table.
