Image Quality Tips for Better Results
Why Image Quality Matters
reKUPR uses optical character recognition (OCR) to extract text, codes, and amounts from your documents. The accuracy of your analysis depends directly on how clearly the AI can read your documents. A blurry or poorly lit photo can lead to missed charges, incorrect amounts, or incomplete results.
Tips for Photographing Bills
If you're taking a photo of a paper bill, follow these guidelines for the best results:
- Use good lighting - Natural daylight or a well-lit room works best. Avoid dim environments.
- Place the document flat - Lay the bill on a flat, non-reflective surface. A table or desk works well.
- Ensure all text is visible - Make sure no edges are cut off and all text is within the frame.
- Avoid shadows - Position yourself so your hand or phone doesn't cast a shadow on the document.
- Hold steady - Keep your phone still while taking the photo to avoid blur. Use both hands if needed.
- Shoot straight on - Photograph from directly above rather than at an angle to avoid distortion.
- Capture one page at a time - If your bill has multiple pages, photograph each page separately.
Supported File Formats
reKUPR accepts several document formats:
- PDF (preferred) - The most reliable format. If your provider offers a PDF download from their patient portal, use it.
- JPG / JPEG - Standard photo format from most cameras and phones.
- PNG - High-quality image format that preserves detail well.
- HEIC - Native iPhone photo format, uploaded directly without conversion.
Pro tip: Whenever possible, download a PDF version of your bill from your provider's online portal. PDFs contain embedded text that is far more accurate than OCR from a photo.
How reKUPR Checks Quality
When you upload a document, reKUPR automatically evaluates the image quality before processing. If the quality is too low for reliable text extraction, you'll see a quality warning letting you know that results may be incomplete or less accurate.
What to Do If You Get a Quality Warning
If reKUPR warns you about image quality, try these steps:
- Re-photograph the document using the tips above, paying close attention to lighting and steadiness
- Use a scanner app - Apps like Apple Notes, Adobe Scan, or Microsoft Lens can capture cleaner images than a standard camera
- Request a PDF from your provider - Call the billing office or check the patient portal for a digital copy
- Check for glare or obstruction - Glossy paper can cause reflections that obscure text
Quick Checklist Before Uploading
Before you hit upload, verify:
- All text is sharp and readable - Zoom in to check small print
- No shadows or glare on the document
- All pages are included - Don't miss the back of a page
- The entire document is in frame - No cut-off edges or corners
- The image is right-side up - Although reKUPR can handle rotation, upright images process more reliably
Taking an extra minute to capture a clear image can make the difference between a thorough analysis and one that misses important details. When in doubt, go with a PDF.