Compare outsourcing and in-house revenue cycle management (RCM). Discover the pros, cons, and cost analysis to choose the best model for your healthcare practice.
Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) is the backbone of financial success for healthcare providers. The big question many practices face is whether to manage RCM in-house or outsource to a specialized vendor. Each model offers unique advantages and challenges, and the right choice often depends on the size, budget, and goals of your practice.
In-house RCM means your staff handles billing, coding, claim submissions, and AR recovery internally. This gives practices full control but comes with higher costs for staff, training, and technology.
Pros of In-House RCM:
Direct control over processes
Immediate access to patient data
Familiarity with internal workflows
Cons of In-House RCM:
Higher staffing and training expenses
Limited expertise in specialized billing
Risk of delays during staff shortages
Outsourced RCM involves partnering with a company like Flock Bills, which provides end-to-end billing and revenue management services.
Pros of Outsourcing RCM:
Access to billing and coding experts
Lower operational costs
Faster claim submissions and fewer denials
Scalable as your practice grows
Cons of Outsourcing RCM:
Less direct oversight
Reliance on external vendor communication
Factor | In-House RCM | Outsourced RCM |
---|---|---|
Staffing Costs | High (salary, benefits, training) | None (vendor handles staffing) |
Technology | Must purchase and maintain | Included in service |
Claim Denials | Often higher without expertise | Lower with expert coders |
ROI | Lower if inefficiencies exist | Higher due to faster collections |
Small Practices: Outsourcing often provides the best ROI.
Large Hospitals/Networks: A hybrid or in-house model may make sense if resources allow.
Specialty Clinics: Outsourcing ensures coding accuracy for niche specialties.
At Flock Bills, we deliver expert Outsourced RCM Services that improve collections and reduce denials.
Check our Outsourcing Services
Read our Revenue Optimization Blog
The decision between outsourcing vs. in-house RCM comes down to cost, efficiency, and long-term strategy. Most small to mid-sized practices gain better ROI through outsourcing, while larger systems may balance both.
Partnering with Flock Bills ensures you get cost-effective, scalable, and expert-driven RCM solutions.