Tool

Billing contract clause checker

Answer a few questions about your current agreement and see how each clause stacks up against published norms. Educational only — not a substitute for a lawyer reading the document.

Compares a contract structure against published norms. It does not interpret anyone's specific agreement. Not a substitute for a lawyer reading the actual document.

Notice period — Strong

30–90 days is the published norm; longer than 90 is worth pushing back on.

Auto-renewal — Review

Auto-renewal with a short notice window is the clause that catches practices. Find the renewal date first.

Early termination fees — Weak

Liquidated damages on the remaining term — including an unnoticed renewal term — is how a switch becomes expensive.

Data return — Strong

Should specify electronic, readable format, defined period (ideally ≤30 days), no excessive exit fee. Silence is the problem.

Wind-down terms — Strong

Should require the outgoing company to keep working pre-cutover claims for a defined period, with reporting.

Assignment / change of control — Review

RCM is consolidating. Negotiate the right to terminate on change of control without penalty.

Who owns the PMS — Strong

If the vendor supplied the software, leaving usually means losing the system. Prefer working inside your own system.

Questions to ask before signing the next contract

  1. What is the exact notice period, and is it mutual?
  2. Does the contract auto-renew, and what is the notice window to stop it?
  3. Is there a termination fee, and is it calculated against a renewal term I might not have noticed?
  4. In what format and timeframe is my data returned, and is there a fee?
  5. Does it require the outgoing company to work legacy claims with reporting?
  6. Can I terminate without penalty if the vendor is acquired?
  7. Who owns the practice management system if I leave?
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Educational only. Compares a contract structure against published norms. Does not interpret your specific agreement and must not be treated as legal advice. Have a healthcare attorney read the actual document before acting.

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