Getting claims out the door is one thing. Getting cash in the bank is another.

The good news: Initial claim denial rates declined from 12.00% in the first half of 2025 to 10.63% in the first half of 2026 according to a new study, Unyielding Denials. Final denial write-offs also declined, from 3.31% to 3.07% of net revenue.

The problem: Lower denial rates have not converted into higher net revenue, or yield. Cash payment rates declined to 50.2% and 96.7% within 30 and 60 days, respectively. At the same time, health plan takebacks after payment increased from 1.36% to 1.57% of accounts receivable.

In a market where margins are tight and there is increasing scrutiny of claims, the…