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Cloud-based EHR solutions eliminate the need for on-premise servers and manual updates, which frees up your team to concentrate on scaling services and reducing downtime. Maintaining secure access and performance can be challenging, but the proper support can ensure reliability and cost savings.

In this article, I compare and review the best cloud-based EHR tools to support your buying decision.

Best Cloud Based EHR Summary

Best Cloud Based EHR Reviews

Best for customized patient charting

  • 15-day trial available
  • From $99/month

OptiMantra is a cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) and practice management platform designed for integrative and wellness practitioners. It supports multiple modalities—including acupuncture, naturopathy, chiropractic, and behavioral health—while helping practitioners manage everything from patient engagement and scheduling to billing and inventory.

Why I Picked OptiMantra: I picked OptiMantra because of its powerful customization tools for patient charting and intake forms. You can tailor templates, questionnaires, and follow-up notes to match your unique practice style, helping you document patient interactions efficiently. I also like that it includes secure telehealth capabilities for HIPAA-compliant video consultations, plus integrated diagnostics for lab ordering and results retrieval—all within the same cloud-based system. This combination of flexibility and connected care makes it a strong choice for integrative practices.

Standout features & integrations:

OptiMantra includes features such as customizable charting templates, online patient payments, inventory management, and insurance billing with claims tracking. The system also offers reporting tools for financial insights and patient analytics. Integrations include Surescripts, LabCorp, Quest Diagnostics, Rupa Health, SimonMed, DigitalOne, Boston Heart Diagnostics, Fullscript, and Clinical Pathology Laboratories (CPL).

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Seamless lab and pharmacy connections
  • Integrated telehealth functionality
  • Highly customizable charting options

Cons:

  • Patient portal usability could improve
  • Learning curve for new users

Best for integrated patient portals

  • Free demo available
  • From $110/month/provider
Visit Website
Rating: 4.2/5

RXNT is a cloud-based healthcare software suite designed to enhance the efficiency and quality of care in medical practices. The software offers a comprehensive range of services, including Electronic Health Records (EHR), electronic prescribing (eRx), practice management (PM), and medical billing. RXNT's EHR system is ONC-certified and HIPAA compliant, ensuring secure and efficient patient data management.

Why I Picked RXNT: RXNT's EHR system includes an integrated patient portal, which significantly improves patient engagement by allowing individuals to access their medical documents, pay bills, and schedule appointments online. This feature not only streamlines administrative tasks but also fosters better communication between patients and healthcare providers, leading to improved patient satisfaction and adherence to treatment plans. Additionally, the system's user-friendly interface ensures that healthcare staff can quickly adapt to the software, reducing the learning curve and minimizing disruptions to daily operations.

Standout feature & integrations:

RXNT's standout feature include practice management, which enhances efficiency in managing patient records and billing processes, medical scheduling, which simplifies  the process of scheduling appointments, and an EHR system that allows healthcare providers to personalize charts and templates, facilitating faster data entry and more efficient patient documentation. Additionally, RXNT integrates well with tools such as Exym, EMSOW, OneMD, and Hospice Tools.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Software is regularly updated
  • Efficient e-prescribing
  • Responsive customer support

Cons:

  • Some users find the interface difficult to navigate
  • Some users have reported occasional glitches
  • Limited advanced features

Best for practices requiring a customizable EHR with integrated telemedicine

  • Free demo available
  • From $280/month
Visit Website
Rating: 3.5/5

PrognoCIS is a robust, cloud-based EHR provider that offers a high degree of customization to fit the unique needs of various practices with Meaningful Use (MU) and MACRA certification. It also provides integrated telemedicine capabilities, supporting remote patient care.

Why I Picked PrognoCIS: I chose PrognoCIS because of its strong customization options, which are pivotal for practices with specific workflow requirements. Its integrated telemedicine component also caught my eye, which aligns it perfectly with the growing demand for remote healthcare. Consequently, this makes PrognoCIS the ideal choice for practices looking for a customizable EHR that supports telemedicine.

Standout features & integrations:

PrognoCIS offers a wide array of features, including appointment scheduling, patient records, e-prescribing, and telemedicine. It allows practices to tailor the system to their unique needs, making it highly flexible. As for integrations, PrognoCIS ties in with other healthcare systems, labs, and pharmacies to ensure seamless information flow.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Efficient integrations with other healthcare systems
  • Integrated telemedicine capabilities
  • High level of customization to match specific workflows

Cons:

  • Setup and training might require a considerable amount of time
  • The interface may seem complex due to the breadth of customization options
  • Higher price point than some other options

Best for aesthetic practices desiring an EHR system to boost patient engagement and retention

  • From $399/user/month

PatientNow is an electronic health record (EHR) system designed for aesthetic practices. The platform emphasizes patient engagement and retention, features that are beneficial to aesthetic practices that often rely on recurring client visits.

Why I Picked PatientNow: When selecting PatientNow, I was particularly swayed by its unique emphasis on enhancing patient engagement and retention, features that many EHR systems do not focus on. This makes PatientNow stand out and explains why it's the ideal choice for aesthetic practices that depend on maintaining strong patient relationships.

Standout features & integrations:

PatientNow's features go beyond basic EHR capabilities. It includes a comprehensive patient engagement system with automated communication, online scheduling, and loyalty program management. The platform also boasts valuable integrations with payment processing and appointment scheduling systems.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Integrates with payment and scheduling systems
  • Includes loyalty program management
  • Focus on patient engagement and retention

Cons:

  • Potential learning curve due to unique feature set
  • Might be too niche for general practices
  • Pricing information is not transparent

Best for chiropractors desiring a specialized EHR for seamless practice management

  • From $149/user/month.

zHealth is an EHR platform tailored specifically for chiropractors, helping them easily manage their practices. Its suite of features addresses chiropractors' unique challenges, making it the go-to tool in this niche healthcare sector.

Why I Picked zHealth: I picked zHealth for this list because of its specialty-specific focus. It stood out due to its direct attention to the requirements of chiropractic practices, which many other EHR platforms overlook. This specialized feature set makes it the ideal EHR for chiropractors seeking to improve their practice management.

Standout features & integrations:

Key features of zHealth include appointment scheduling, insurance billing, SOAP notes, and customizable templates, all tailored for chiropractic needs. When it comes to integrations, zHealth works seamlessly with popular billing and accounting systems, as well as patient communication tools, to facilitate a holistic practice management experience.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Customizable templates for various operational needs
  • Seamless integrations with billing, accounting, and patient communication tools
  • Specialty-specific features designed for chiropractic practices

Cons:

  • Higher starting price than some other EHR platforms
  • May lack some general EHR features found in non-specialized platforms
  • Learning curve for users unfamiliar with chiropractic-specific tools

Best for practices requiring an EHR that balances clinical workflow with billing efficiency

  • From $160/user/month (billed annually)

Kareo Clinical is a comprehensive Electronic Health Records (EHR) system aimed at optimizing both clinical workflow and billing efficiency. With a mix of clinical, billing, medical billing software, health information, revenue cycle management, and patient experience solutions, it offers a well-rounded toolset for practices of all sizes.

Why I Picked Kareo Clinical: I chose Kareo Clinical due to its ability to balance clinical workflow with billing efficiency, a combination not many EHR systems offer. Its dual focus on both areas of practice management software makes it stand out and aligns well with the needs of practices seeking to optimize both clinical and real-time financial operations.

Standout features & integrations:

Notable features of Kareo Clinical include integrated charting, scheduling, and billing, telehealth capabilities, and an intuitive patient portal. It also integrates with numerous external systems and tools, such as billing services, labs, and pharmacies, creating a well-connected ecosystem within the healthcare practice.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Extensive integration options
  • Offers telehealth capabilities
  • Efficiently combines clinical and billing management

Cons:

  • Annual billing may not be ideal for all practices
  • Some users report a learning curve for full feature utilization
  • Pricing can be high for smaller practices

Best for specialists wanting an EHR with strong mobile capabilities and tailored workflows

  • From $500/user/month (billed annually)

ModMed is a comprehensive EHR system that provides cloud-based solutions for medical providers, particularly specialists. It’s robust mobile capabilities and custom workflows stand out, making it an excellent choice for specialists who need a flexible and mobile-friendly EHR solution.

Why I Picked ModMed: ModMed made my list because it offers a high degree of customizability and an impressive mobile app. This flexibility and mobile capability make it distinct in the EHR market. Furthermore, I believe that ModMed is the best for specialists because it is designed to adapt to the specific workflows of various specialties, enhancing efficiency and usability for these users.

Standout features & integrations:

ModMed boasts features like touch and voice-enabled documentation, telehealth functionality, and robust analytics tools. Importantly, it also integrates well with a variety of other healthcare systems and services, including billing and insurance platforms, making it a more seamless part of a holistic healthcare management system.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Effective integration with other systems
  • Customizable for various specialties
  • Strong mobile capabilities

Cons:

  • Interface can take time to master due to its high customizability
  • May have more features than some specialists need
  • High starting price point

Best for therapists and clinicians seeking an EHR for streamlined therapy management

  • Free demo available
  • From $80/month (for 1 user)

ClinicSource is a cloud-based EHR system designed to cater to the specific needs of therapists and clinicians. It centralizes and simplifies therapy management tasks, which is why I think it's best suited for therapists and clinicians seeking to enhance their therapy management process.

Why I Picked ClinicSource: I picked ClinicSource for this list because its specialized focus on therapy management sets it apart from many generic EHR systems. Its purpose-built features and intuitive interface make it an ideal choice for therapists and clinicians. These features make ClinicSource the best option for therapy management, providing a platform that understands and serves the unique needs of this niche.

Standout features & integrations:

ClinicSource stands out for its therapy-specific features, including goal tracking, automated report generation, and session note templates. Additionally, it integrates well with numerous billing systems, insurance databases, and other medical software, ensuring a connected and efficient workflow.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good range of integrations with other software
  • Provides efficient therapy-specific documentation
  • Specialized for therapists, offering tailored functionalities

Cons:

  • Higher starting price compared to some other EHR systems
  • Interface could be improved for better user experience
  • Might be over-specialized for practices not heavily focused on therapy

Best for medical organizations aiming for integrative patient care via a holistic EHR system

  • From $15/user/month, (billed annually).

CharmHealth is an advanced EHR system that allows medical organizations to bring all aspects of patient care under one unified platform. Focusing on creating a seamless patient experience, it supports integrative health organizations in enhancing their care quality and efficiency.

Why I Picked CharmHealth: I selected CharmHealth due to its focus on holistic and integrative patient care, making it distinct from many other EHR systems. It offers a wide range of functionalities, aligning with the needs of modern healthcare organizations that strive to provide integrative patient care. I think CharmHealth is best for these organizations because its well-rounded EHR suite is designed to support comprehensive, patient-centered care.

Standout features & integrations:

CharmHealth's notable features include telehealth services, patient portal, appointment scheduling, and integrated billing. As for integrations, CharmHealth connects with various laboratory, radiology, and pharmacy networks and billing and scheduling tools, enhancing coordination and efficiency in patient care.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Telehealth services integrated into the EHR platform
  • Connects with a wide range of networks and tools for holistic management
  • Comprehensive feature set suitable for integrative care

Cons:

  • Some users might find the user interface less intuitive compared to other systems
  • Annual billing could be a limitation for organizations preferring monthly payments
  • Might be complex for small practices due to its wide array of features

Best for ambulatory practices needing a cloud-based system with billing services

  • From $99/user/month, (billed annually).

MedPointe is a dedicated cloud-based EHR platform designed to streamline the operations of ambulatory practices. It offers robust billing services along with other critical healthcare functionalities.

Why I Picked MedPointe: In my selection process, MedPointe stood out for its focused approach to the needs of ambulatory practices, especially with its strong billing services. In my judgment, this dedicated approach makes it the best choice for ambulatory practices requiring a comprehensive cloud-based EHR with robust billing functionalities.

Standout features & integrations:

MedPointe comes with a suite of features such as appointment scheduling, patient records, and integrated billing services. Additionally, it supports e-prescribing, an important requirement for many practices. As for integrations, MedPointe works well with other healthcare systems, labs, and pharmacies, facilitating smooth information exchange.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good integration with other healthcare systems
  • Supports e-prescribing
  • Integrated billing services for comprehensive financial management

Cons:

  • Onboarding might require some time due to its wide feature range
  • Less optimal for specialty practices outside of ambulatory care
  • Interface might be complex for first-time EHR users

Other Cloud Based EHR Tools

Below is a list of additional cloud based ehr that we shortlisted but did not make it to the top 10. Definitely worth checking them out.

  1. Practice EHR

    For small to medium practices craving an intuitive, cost-effective EHR system

  2. Nexus

    For healthcare entities wanting an all-inclusive, multi-specialty EHR platform

  3. Valant EHR Suite

    For behavioral health practices seeking a tailored EHR solution

  4. Elation Health

    For independent primary care practices looking for a responsive, patient-centric EHR

  5. eClinicalWorks

    Good for medical practices looking for a unified practice management solution

  6. athenahealth

    Named 2022 Best in KLAS for Small Practice Ambulatory EMR and Practice Management

  7. DrChrono

    Good for medical practices in need of adaptable mobile EHR solutions

  8. AdvancedMD

    Good for managing clinical and patient engagement processes in one platform

  9. Sevocity

    Good for small to mid-sized practices desiring a simple, easy-to-use EHR

  10. NextGEN

    Good for small, independent medical practices

  11. Cerner Millenium

    Good for large healthcare organizations, like hospitals and multi-site health systems

  12. ChartLogic

    Good for medical practices seeking customizable EHR for tailored solutions

Cloud Based EHR Selection Criteria

When selecting the best cloud based EHR to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like data security and ease of access to patient records. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair: 

Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:

  • Manage patient records
  • Schedule appointments
  • Handle billing and invoicing
  • Facilitate e-prescriptions
  • Ensure data security

Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:

  • Telemedicine capabilities
  • Patient portal access
  • Customizable dashboards
  • Integration with wearable devices
  • Advanced reporting analytics

Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:

  • Intuitive interface design
  • Simple navigation
  • Minimal learning curve
  • Customizable user settings
  • Mobile accessibility

Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:

  • Availability of training videos
  • Interactive product tours
  • Access to webinars
  • Supportive chatbots
  • Comprehensive onboarding templates

Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:

  • 24/7 availability
  • Multiple support channels
  • Quick response times
  • Knowledgeable support staff
  • Access to a community forum

Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:

  • Competitive pricing
  • Flexible payment options
  • No hidden fees
  • Discounts for annual plans
  • Comprehensive feature set at each price level

Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:

  • Overall satisfaction ratings
  • Commonly reported issues
  • Praise for specific features
  • Feedback on customer support
  • Frequency of software updates

How to Choose Cloud Based EHR

It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:

FactorWhat to Consider
ScalabilityAssess if the EHR can grow with your practice. Will it handle more patients and users as your practice expands without additional costs or complexity?
IntegrationsCheck if it connects with your existing tools like billing software and lab systems. Avoid tools that require manual data entry across platforms.
CustomizabilityDetermine if you can tailor the EHR to fit your workflows. Look for customizable templates and fields to match your specific needs.
Ease of useEvaluate the user interface. Is it intuitive for your team? Consider tools with simple navigation to reduce training time.
Implementation and onboardingLook at the time and resources needed to get started. Are there training resources like videos or webinars available to ease the transition?
CostCompare the total cost, including hidden fees. Does the pricing fit within your budget, and are there discounts for long-term commitments?
Security safeguardsEnsure it complies with data protection regulations like HIPAA. Look for features like encryption and access controls to protect patient information.
Support availabilityConsider the level of support provided. Is there 24/7 support, and through what channels? Make sure help is available when you need it.

What are cloud-based EHR solutions?

Cloud-based EHR solutions are internet-hosted platforms for managing patient records. Used by small practices and large hospitals alike, they eliminate the need for on-site servers. These systems address high IT maintenance costs, data security challenges, and difficulties with remote access.

Features

When selecting cloud based EHR, keep an eye out for the following key features:

  • Remote access: Allows healthcare providers to access patient data from any location, improving flexibility and response times.
  • Patient portals: Enables patients to view their medical records, book appointments, and communicate with providers, enhancing patient engagement.
  • Secure data storage: Protects sensitive patient information with encryption and access controls, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.
  • Customizable templates: Lets users tailor the system to fit specific workflows, increasing efficiency and reducing administrative burden.
  • Telemedicine capabilities: Facilitates virtual consultations, expanding access to care and accommodating patients' needs.
  • Appointment scheduling: Streamlines the process of booking and managing patient appointments, reducing scheduling conflicts.
  • Billing and invoicing: Automates the billing process, ensuring accurate and timely payments while reducing administrative workload.
  • E-prescriptions: Allows providers to send prescriptions directly to pharmacies, improving medication management and reducing errors.
  • Integration with other systems: Connects with existing tools like billing software and lab systems, minimizing manual data entry.
  • Advanced reporting analytics: Provides insights into practice performance and patient outcomes, supporting data-driven decision-making.

Benefits

Implementing cloud based EHR provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:

  • Improved accessibility: Remote access to patient records means healthcare providers can work from anywhere, ensuring timely decision-making and care.
  • Enhanced patient engagement: Patient portals allow patients to interact with their healthcare data, leading to better involvement in their own care.
  • Data security: Secure data storage with encryption and access controls protects sensitive information, helping meet compliance requirements.
  • Increased efficiency: Customizable templates and automated billing reduce administrative tasks, freeing up time for patient care.
  • Better care coordination: Integration with other systems ensures all patient information is centralized, reducing errors and improving teamwork.
  • Cost savings: Cloud solutions eliminate the need for expensive hardware and maintenance, lowering overall operational costs.
  • Scalability: As your practice grows, cloud based EHR systems can easily accommodate more users and data without significant changes.

Costs & Pricing

Selecting cloud based EHR requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in cloud based EHR solutions:

Plan Comparison Table for Cloud Based EHR

Plan TypeAverage PriceCommon Features
Free Plan$0Basic patient record management, appointment scheduling, and limited data storage.
Personal Plan$10-$30/user/monthEnhanced data storage, e-prescriptions, customizable templates, and patient portals.
Business Plan$50-$100/user/monthAdvanced reporting analytics, integration with other systems, telemedicine capabilities, and secure data storage.
Enterprise Plan$150-$300/user/monthFull customization options, priority customer support, dedicated account manager, and comprehensive compliance tools.

Cloud Based EHR FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions about cloud based EHR:

How secure is cloud based EHR?

Cloud based EHR systems use encryption and access controls to protect patient data, complying with regulations like HIPAA. You should verify that the vendor provides regular security updates and has a strong track record of data protection. Consider the provider’s reputation and ask about their disaster recovery plans.

What are the ongoing costs associated with cloud EHR?

Cloud EHRs typically have a subscription model, which can include costs for support, upgrades, and additional features. Be aware of potential hidden fees, such as those for extra storage or advanced functionalities. Always clarify the full cost structure with the vendor before committing.

How does cloud EHR handle system downtime?

System downtime can affect access to patient records, so it’s crucial to ask about the vendor’s uptime guarantees. Look for providers with strong service level agreements (SLAs) that ensure minimal downtime. Also, inquire about their backup systems and how they manage outages.

Can cloud EHR integrate with existing systems?

Integration capabilities can vary, so ensure the cloud EHR can connect with your current billing, lab, and other healthcare systems. Confirm the vendor supports the necessary APIs or offers native integrations to avoid manual data entry and ensure seamless operations.

What support options are available for cloud EHR?

Vendor support varies, so assess the availability of customer service through channels like phone, email, and chat. Consider if they offer 24/7 support and whether training resources, such as videos and webinars, are available to help your team get the most out of the system.

What’s Next:

If you're in the process of researching cloud based EHR, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.

You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.

John Payne
By John Payne

John Payne is the co-founder and company director of Symphony Health. With over 20 years of management experience John is working alongside his wife, Dr. Kate Payne to build a multi-site Medical Practice where staff work collaboratively for the good of their patients. John is passionate about improving access to quality Healthcare in North Vancouver and sharing best practice with other people managing medical practices.