The clearinghouse landscape is evolving. While options were once limited, today’s practices can choose from a growing number of modern clearinghouses designed to streamline billing, improve reimbursements, and reduce administrative burden.

For private practice professionals, whether you’re looking to simplify your operations, eliminate duplicate workflows, or better integrate with your practice management system, switching to a new clearinghouse can unlock meaningful efficiencies. And while changing systems may seem daunting, the right alternative can make the transition seamless — and even improve your cash flow in the long run.

Here’s what to consider as you evaluate your options.

What to Look for in a Modern Clearinghouse

1. Direct Integration with Your EHR or Practice Management System

A direct integration between your clearinghouse and your EHR can dramatically reduce administrative time. Look for a solution that allows you to:

• Submit and track claims without leaving your platform
• Run real-time eligibility checks
• Receive ERAs and invoice clients from the same system

The more tightly integrated your tools are, the fewer toggles, clicks, and data transfers you’ll need. This type of integration relieves administrative burden, while making your day-to-day operations simpler and faster.

2. Transparent Pricing and No Hidden Fees

It’s important to understand how your clearinghouse charges for claims and services. Some platforms charge per claim, others offer a monthly subscription — and some have hidden fees for enrollment or support. As you evaluate alternatives, look for pricing transparency and consider long-term flexibility, especially if you’re a growing practice.

3. Payer Coverage and Enrollment Support

No matter which clearinghouse you choose, verifying that they support your key payers is critical. A strong alternative should also offer:

• A comprehensive payer list
• Guided enrollment steps
• Resources to help you track enrollment progress and avoid delays

These features help ensure a seamless transition with minimal disruption to your revenue cycle.

4. Real-Time Eligibility Checks and Claim Status Tracking

Confirming client insurance eligibility before sessions can reduce denied claims and improve the client experience. A clearinghouse that offers real-time eligibility checks — and the ability to track claims in progress — can save hours of back-and-forth with insurers and help you get paid faster.

5. Responsive Customer Support and Helpful Onboarding Resources

You want a clearinghouse that feels like a partner in your practice’s success, not just a vendor. Consider:

• Do they offer demos or onboarding sessions?
• Is support available when you need it?
• Are there step-by-step guides, videos, or FAQs to help troubleshoot on your own?

Responsive support can make all the difference when submitting your first claims or navigating enrollment requirements.

Why Healthie Recommends Claim.MD

At Healthie, we recommend Claim.MD as a best-in-class clearinghouse partner. Claim.MD is fully integrated into your Healthie account, enabling a seamless billing experience from start to finish.

With the Healthie + Claim.MD integration, you can:

• Run real-time eligibility checks
• Submit and track claims without leaving Healthie
• Receive ERAs and apply payments
• Invoice clients for outstanding balances — all in one place
  

Plus, there’s no contract or long-term commitment required, making it easy to test the system and ensure it’s the right fit for your practice.

How to Transition from Office Ally to Claim.MD Without Disrupting Your Cash Flow

If you’re currently using a different clearinghouse, transitioning to Claim.MD is straightforward—and Healthie is here to support you every step of the way.

Step 1: Submit the Claim.MD Integration Request Form

Healthie will initiate your Claim.MD account setup—please do not create an account directly via Claim.MD.

Tip: Continue submitting claims through your existing clearinghouse while you complete the enrollment process with Claim.MD to avoid cash flow disruptions.

Step 2: Complete Enrollment in Claim.MD

Healthie will send enrollment instructions to the designated user from your request form. From there, follow the Claim.MD Quick Start Guide to:

• Add providers and users
• Complete payer-specific enrollment
• Track progress using the Claim.MD payer list
  

Additional tips:

• Keep your existing clearinghouse active until claims begin moving through Claim.MD (typically ~10 business days)
• Enroll based on how you’re credentialed (individual vs. group)
• Pay close attention to the instructions listed at the bottom of each payer form

Step 3: Start Billing with Healthie + Claim.MD

Once enrollment is complete, you can begin sending claims directly through Healthie. You'll gain full visibility into claim status and automate EOBs—all within your daily workflow.

Note on resubmissions: For claims initially submitted via another clearinghouse, you’ll need to manually add the original reference number when resubmitting in Claim.MD.

Final Considerations Before You Switch

Switching clearinghouses doesn’t have to disrupt your business. To set yourself up for success:

• Maintain overlap with your current clearinghouse until Claim.MD is fully live
• Consider starting with one payer to test the process
• Use a spreadsheet or tracker to follow up on enrollment statuses
• Lean on Healthie’s support team for questions along the way

Ready to Make the Switch?

Upgrading your clearinghouse can be a strategic move—one that simplifies your operations and enhances your billing experience. With Healthie and Claim.MD, you’ll gain a fully integrated system that saves time, reduces errors, and helps you get reimbursed faster.

Healthie customers can submit a ClaimMD integration request to get started. 

New to Healthie? Start your free trial today.