You know you need help — but where do you go for it?

For overworked small practices, physicians and care providers who look to outsource part or all of the medical billing and revenue cycle management processes, answering that question can determine their success or failure.

So what’s the difference between a collections partner that’ll truly help you, and one that falls short of what you’re looking for? These are the questions we recommend that you ask before making any decisions on where to turn for help on hitting your revenue goals.

What qualifications and expertise do you have in collecting?

A partner just learning the ropes could be a real liability for a practice that needs both short-term and sustained success. If you’re choosing a partner, make sure that partner has plenty of industry experience and qualifications to handle assisting in your collections. As a follow-up, ask about the training people on staff may have in collections, as well as any technologies they may use to improve their outreaches and efforts.

Need expertise in collecting from patients? We have some tips.

What will it cost?

It’s not the most important question to seed a great partnership, but it’s the one everyone wants to know. A percentage rate is usually better than a fixed price — this incentivizes your partner to collect more. Make sure there are no hidden fees and you’re aware of any start-up costs or termination fees. A partner may have a pricing page, which will help you evaluate options ahead of time and understand if the structure helps you.

Will we have a dedicated contact to work with on our specific needs and challenges, or will we just be working with a partner in general?

Here’s an area that separates effective partners, who have a main point of contact working on the account or leading the efforts of a dedicated collections teams, from medical billing outsourcing companies, who have nebulous employees dipping their toes into your collections but lack that accountability and consistency. Check if you’ll have a contact, and find out how you’ll be able to meet with that contact to discuss collections and address concerns.

What key performance indicators do you use to evaluate your performance?

This question ensures both that the partner is held accountable for delivering results, and that you know exactly what to look for down the road if you choose them to assist with your medical collections. See if they use advanced analytics, which are increasingly important today.

Will we have to convert everything we do to a new technology platform, or do you have the ability to work with our system?

Changing systems when there’s already stress on your organization ranges from difficult to catastrophic. Don’t compromise your results with a partner who insists on a second-rate technology system. As opposed to outsourcing and insisting that a third-party company runs the show, a perfect partner is willing to work in your system, on your terms.

Are you HIPAA compliant and secure?

This one is pretty self-explanatory, but it has to be mentioned. Any experienced partner with a proven track record has security protocol to protect patient information and is compliant with HIPAA. If these aren’t true for your potential partner, move on.

Are there parts of the billing process that you do not handle?

In all likelihood you want a collections partner that’s willing to assist on every part of the process — but if that isn’t the case, it’s essential to know exactly what you may be missing out on so there are no surprises later on. Make sure your partner covers any and all weaknesses, and if you have some strengths you’d prefer to keep in-house, ask if they’re willing to stay out of the way. A great partner helps improve all of your areas of need.

These seven questions should give you a great basis in understanding the processes and approach of a collections company — and how a partnership might function. The best partnerships are a true team effort, so it’s crucial to choose the right teammate to help you reach your financial goals.