The State of Medical Billing Denials
How denials really break down by specialty — and how your practice compares. Around ~85% of denials are preventable, yet roughly ~60% are never reworked.
Avg. initial denial rate
~12%
Preventable
~85%
Rework cost / claim
$25–$118
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Initial denial rate
11–15%
Cardiology, typical
Top-quartile target
≤7%
where best performers sit
Clean-claim rate
85–92%
first-pass acceptance
Days in A/R
38–48 days
typical range
Top denial reasons — Cardiology
Methodology.Figures are directional industry benchmark ranges compiled from public RCM/MGMA/AAFP/AAPC commentary and Aethera's denial-prevention knowledge base. They are typical ranges for comparison, not proprietary or guaranteed figures. Denial-reason shares are approximate and vary by payer mix, region, and contract. For your actual numbers, request a free assessment.