Outsourcing vs In-House RCM: Cost, ROI & Best Choice for Practices

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.

Introduction

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.


What is In-House RCM?

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


What is Outsourced RCM?

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


Cost & ROI Comparison

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

 


Which is Right for Your Practice?

  • 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.

How Flock Bills Can Help

At Flock Bills, we deliver expert Outsourced RCM Services that improve collections and reduce denials.

Check our Outsourcing Services
Read our Revenue Optimization Blog


Conclusion

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.

How Flock Consistently Achieves Revenue Growth for Clients
  • 1 Fast Filing
  • 2. Clean Claims
  • 3. Tracking System
  • 4. Rigorous Follow-up
  • 5. A/R Management