12 Best Cloud Based EHR Shortlist
As a medical tech expert, I've sifted through numerous EHR solutions. Here are my top 12 picks chosen to tackle your unique challenges head-on!
- Valant EHR Suite - Best for behavioral health practices seeking a tailored EHR solution
- Nexus - Best for healthcare entities wanting an all-inclusive, multi-specialty EHR platform
- MedPointe - Best for ambulatory practices needing a cloud-based system with billing services
- PrognoCIS - Best for practices requiring a customizable EHR with integrated telemedicine
- zHealth - Best for chiropractors desiring a specialized EHR for seamless practice management
- CharmHealth - Best for medical organizations aiming for integrative patient care via a holistic EHR system
- ClinicSource - Best for therapists and clinicians seeking an EHR for streamlined therapy management
- ModMed - Best for specialists wanting an EHR with strong mobile capabilities and tailored workflows
- Practice EHR - Best for small to medium practices craving an intuitive, cost-effective EHR system
- PatientNow - Best for aesthetic practices desiring an EHR system to boost patient engagement and retention
- Elation Health - Best for independent primary care practices looking for a responsive, patient-centric EHR
- Kareo Clinical - Best for practices requiring an EHR that balances clinical workflow with billing efficiency
As a physician and a tech enthusiast, I understand the importance of finding the right EHR for your practice. EHR, or Electronic Health Records, are digital versions of a patient's paper chart. They centralize critical information and streamline administrative processes, ultimately enhancing patient care.
The right EHR does more than just digitize patient data; it addresses major pain points such as minimizing manual tasks, optimizing workflows, ensuring data security, and improving patient engagement. With my shortlist of the top 12 best cloud based EHR solutions, I am confident you will find an option that aligns perfectly with your specific needs. Let's explore together!
What Is Cloud Based EHR?
Cloud-based EHR, or Electronic Health Record systems, serve as a digital hub for patient information, accessible via the Internet. Unlike traditional on-premise systems, cloud EHRs store data on external servers, allowing healthcare providers to access patient information and records anytime, anywhere.
Doctors, nurses, medical staff, and sometimes even patients use these systems for many purposes. They document medical histories, manage billing information, schedule appointments, and even facilitate telehealth services. With cloud EHR, healthcare professionals streamline workflows, improve patient care, and enhance operational efficiency.
The 12 Best Cloud Based EHR Overviews
1. Valant EHR Suite - Best for behavioral health practices seeking a tailored EHR solution
Valant EHR Suite is a cloud-based EHR software designed to cater specifically to the unique needs of behavioral health providers. It offers a range of comprehensive features that streamline workflows and enhance patient care.
Why I Picked Valant EHR Suite:
I selected Valant because of its specialization in behavioral health, an often underserved area in EHR solutions. This focus makes it a standout, as it understands the unique requirements of this field, leading me to believe it's the best for behavioral health practices. I appreciate its intuitive design and rich functionality, facilitating smooth operations and improved patient care.
Standout features & integrations:
Key features of Valant EHR Suite include patient portal, appointment scheduling, treatment planning, and billing management. It also offers mobile apps for both Apple iOS and Android, ensuring access from devices ranging from laptops and computers to iPhones and tablets. In terms of integrations, Valant EHR Suite connects seamlessly with various billing systems and laboratories, making information exchange simple and efficient.
Pricing:
From $59/user/month (min 5 seats)
- Pros:
- Offers a mobile app for both iOS and Android
- Comprehensive features tailored for behavioral health practices
- Smooth integration with various billing systems and laboratories
- Cons:
- Steeper learning curve for those new to EHR systems
- Limited customization options compared to other EHRs
- Pricing may be steep for smaller practices
2. Nexus - Best for healthcare entities wanting an all-inclusive, multi-specialty EHR platform
Nexus is a comprehensive, cloud-based EHR system designed for multi-specialty medical practices. It offers an extensive range of features to handle various healthcare tasks and functionalities.
Why I Picked Nexus:
I picked Nexus due to its impressive versatility and multi-specialty focus. In my judgment, it stands out for its ability to support different specialty requirements under one roof. This vast functionality makes it the best choice for healthcare entities that require an all-inclusive platform.
Standout features & integrations:
Nexus offers features like appointment scheduling, patient records, e-prescribing, and billing management. Moreover, it supports telehealth visits, an important requirement in today's healthcare landscape. On the integration front, Nexus ties in smoothly with lab systems, pharmacies, radiology centers, and hospital systems, making data exchange straightforward and efficient.
Pricing:
From $199/user/month (billed annually)
- Pros:
- Wide range of features covering various specialties
- Supports telehealth visits
- Efficient integrations with other healthcare systems
- Cons:
- Price can be high for smaller practices
- Interface might seem overwhelming due to its multi-specialty focus
- Onboarding and setup can take some time
3. MedPointe - Best for ambulatory practices needing a cloud-based system with billing services
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.
Pricing:
From $99/user/month (billed annually)
- Pros:
- Integrated billing services for comprehensive financial management
- Supports e-prescribing
- Good integration with other healthcare systems
- Cons:
- Interface might be complex for first-time EHR users
- Less optimal for specialty practices outside of ambulatory care
- Onboarding might require some time due to its wide feature range
4. PrognoCIS - Best for practices requiring a customizable EHR with integrated telemedicine
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.
Pricing:
From $200/user/month (billed annually)
- Pros:
- High level of customization to match specific workflows
- Integrated telemedicine capabilities
- Efficient integrations with other healthcare systems
- Cons:
- Higher price point than some other options
- The interface may seem complex due to the breadth of customization options
- Setup and training might require a considerable amount of time
5. zHealth - Best for chiropractors desiring a specialized EHR for seamless practice management
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.
Pricing:
From $149/user/month
- Pros:
- Specialty-specific features designed for chiropractic practices
- Seamless integrations with billing, accounting, and patient communication tools
- Customizable templates for various operational needs
- Cons:
- Learning curve for users unfamiliar with chiropractic-specific tools
- May lack some general EHR features found in non-specialized platforms
- Higher starting price than some other EHR platforms
6. CharmHealth - Best for medical organizations aiming for integrative patient care via a holistic EHR system
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.
Pricing:
From $15/user/month (billed annually)
- Pros:
- Comprehensive feature set suitable for integrative care
- Connects with a wide range of networks and tools for holistic management
- Telehealth services integrated into the EHR platform
- Cons:
- Might be complex for small practices due to its wide array of features
- Annual billing could be a limitation for organizations preferring monthly payments
- Some users might find the user interface less intuitive compared to other systems
7. ClinicSource - Best for therapists and clinicians seeking an EHR for streamlined therapy management
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.
Pricing:
From $59/user/month (billed annually)
- Pros:
- Specialized for therapists, offering tailored functionalities
- Provides efficient therapy-specific documentation
- Good range of integrations with other software
- Cons:
- Might be over-specialized for practices not heavily focused on therapy
- Interface could be improved for better user experience
- Higher starting price compared to some other EHR systems
8. ModMed - Best for specialists wanting an EHR with strong mobile capabilities and tailored workflows
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.
Pricing:
From $499/user/month (billed annually)
- Pros:
- Strong mobile capabilities
- Customizable for various specialties
- Effective integration with other systems
- Cons:
- High starting price point
- May have more features than some specialists need
- Interface can take time to master due to its high customizability
9. Practice EHR - Best for small to medium practices craving an intuitive, cost-effective EHR system
Practice EHR is a cloud-based, electronic health record system designed specifically for small to medium-sized practices. It focuses on providing an intuitive user experience and cost-effective solutions, which is why it's an optimal choice for smaller practices seeking value and user-friendly functionality.
Why I Picked Practice EHR:
Practice EHR caught my attention due to its emphasis on an intuitive user interface and affordability. These factors set it apart, particularly for smaller practices that need a simple, cost-effective solution. I think it's "best for" these practices because it caters specifically to their needs without compromising functionality or inflating costs.
Standout features & integrations:
Practice EHR offers a wide range of features, including patient scheduling, medical billing, and e-prescriptions. It also integrates well with labs and pharmacies, making it more convenient and efficient for healthcare providers.
Pricing:
From $59/user/month
- Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- User-friendly interface
- Good integration with labs and pharmacies
- Cons:
- Limited advanced features
- Customer support can be improved
- Less suitable for larger practices
10. PatientNow - Best for aesthetic practices desiring an EHR system to boost patient engagement and retention
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.
Pricing:
Pricing upon request
- Pros:
- Focus on patient engagement and retention
- Includes loyalty program management
- Integrates with payment and scheduling systems
- Cons:
- Pricing information is not transparent
- Might be too niche for general practices
- Potential learning curve due to unique feature set
11. Elation Health - Best for independent primary care practices looking for a responsive, patient-centric EHR
Elation Health is an Electronic Health Records (EHR) system designed specifically with the needs of independent primary care practices in mind. The EHR prioritizes a patient-centric approach and is designed to be highly responsive, enhancing patient care and engagement.
Why I Picked Elation Health:
I chose Elation Health for this list because it differentiates itself by focusing specifically on the needs of independent primary care practices. Its responsive design and patient-centric approach align perfectly with these practices' often complex and multi-faceted needs.
Standout features & integrations:
Elation Health's standout features include a Clinical First EHR that enables providers to maintain a full patient overview, a Patient Passport for secure patient communication, and an intelligent medical billing platform. It also integrates with numerous electronic medical records devices and external healthcare systems, enhancing its utility in a busy primary care practice.
Pricing:
The pricing for Elation Health starts from $300/user/month.
- Pros:
- Designed specifically for independent primary care practices
- Emphasizes a patient-centric approach
- Provides extensive integration options
- Cons:
- Higher price point than some competitors
- May have features that are not required by specialists or large practices
- Some users report the need for regular training to utilize all features fully
12. Kareo Clinical - Best for practices requiring an EHR that balances clinical workflow with billing efficiency
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.
Pricing:
The pricing for Kareo Clinical begins at $160/user/month (billed annually).
- Pros:
- Efficiently combines clinical and billing management
- Offers telehealth capabilities
- Extensive integration options
- Cons:
- Pricing can be high for smaller practices
- Some users report a learning curve for full feature utilization
- Annual billing may not be ideal for all practices
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 12. Definitely worth checking them out.
- ChartLogic - Good for medical practices seeking customizable EHR for tailored solutions
- AdvancedMD - Good for managing clinical and patient engagement processes in one platform
- DrChrono - Good for medical practices in need of adaptable mobile EHR solutions
- RXNT - Good for medical practices wanting a comprehensive, integrated EHR and practice management software system
- athenahealth - Named 2022 Best in KLAS for Small Practice Ambulatory EMR and Practice Management
- Sevocity - Good for small to mid-sized practices desiring a simple, easy-to-use EHR
- Procentive - Good for mental medical practices seeking a specialized EHR solution
- eClinicalWorks - Good for medical practices looking for a unified practice management solution
- NextGen - Good for small, independent medical practices
- Cerner Millenium - Good for large healthcare organizations, like hospitals and multi-site health systems
How I Picked The Best Cloud Based EHR
In my experience as a medical professional, I've come across numerous EHR tools, each boasting a unique set of capabilities. Over time, I've tried out more than 30 of these tools to determine the best ones. Here, I've prioritized the software that delivers the highest level of user satisfaction and ensures efficient clinical workflow.
Core Functionality:
An exceptional EHR tool should deliver the following functions:
- Patient registration and management: This function includes initial patient registration and subsequent tracking.
- Clinical documentation: The tool should provide comprehensive, web-based user-friendly clinical documentation.
- Lab and imaging order integration: Integration with labs and imaging centers for easy orders and results is crucial.
- Prescription management: Allows practitioners to manage medication orders seamlessly.
- Reporting and analytics: Provides useful insights to improve clinical outcomes and practice performance.
- Security: The tool should guarantee data security should be HIPAA compliant in providing privacy.
Key Features:
For an EHR tool to stand out, it needs to offer these features:
- Interoperability: This refers to the tool's ability to exchange information with other healthcare systems, like pharmacies, labs, and other hospitals.
- Mobile Access: Allows practitioners to access patient information, records, and other essential functions from mobile devices such as phones or iPads
- Compliance Support: Helps practices adhere to regulations such as HIPAA, MIPS, and MACRA.
- Patient Portal: An interface for patients to schedule appointments, view records, and communicate with healthcare providers.
- Telemedicine Capabilities: Supports virtual care delivery, allowing providers to connect with patients remotely.
Usability:
For the usability of EHR software, here are some specific factors to consider:
- Intuitive Interface: The software should be easy to navigate without extensive training. This is critical in a healthcare setting where time is often limited.
- Fast Onboarding: Quick implementation and set-up should be a priority, with helpful tutorials and guides for new users.
- Configurable Workflow: Every practice has unique needs. The software should allow users to tailor workflows to their needs.
- Reliable Support: Robust customer service is crucial, including technical support and regular updates.
- Scalability: The software should be able to grow with the practice, supporting more users or patients as needed.
Cloud Based EHR FAQs
What are the benefits of using cloud based EHR tools?
Cloud-based EHR tools offer several advantages. They facilitate easy access to patient data from anywhere, anytime, leading to enhanced productivity. Second, they provide excellent scalability, enabling practices to expand their capacity as required without investing in new hardware. Third, these tools often include robust security measures that protect sensitive patient data. Fourth, cloud-based EHRs often feature seamless integration capabilities, allowing them to communicate with other healthcare software, such as pharmacy systems and labs. Lastly, they provide automated updates, ensuring the latest features and security measures are always in place.
How much do cloud based EHR tools typically cost?
Pricing for cloud-based EHR tools varies significantly depending on the functionalities offered, the size of the healthcare practice, and the specific vendor. In general, prices can range from around $30 to $500 per user per month.
What are the typical pricing models for cloud based EHR tools?
Most cloud-based EHR vendors offer subscription-based pricing models. This means practices pay a recurring fee, usually monthly or annually, for access to the software. These fees often include technical support, updates, and sometimes even training.
Which are the cheapest and most expensive cloud based EHR tools?
Among the tools we've mentioned, Sevocity tends to be on the lower end of the price spectrum, starting from around $359 per provider per month. On the other end, athenahealth is one of the more expensive options, with prices usually discussed upon request due to the range of features and services it offers.
Are there any free cloud based EHR tools?
Yes, there are free options available such as Open EMR software, though these often have limitations in terms of features and require technical know-how for implementation and maintenance. Most healthcare practices opt for paid solutions due to their enhanced capabilities, comprehensive support, and greater ease of use.
Summary
Navigating the world of cloud-based EHR can be complex, but understanding the key aspects to consider can greatly simplify the decision-making process. The main points covered in this article revolve around understanding the unique selling propositions of each tool, determining the key criteria to evaluate while selecting the EHR, and addressing common queries related to the benefits and cost of cloud-based EHR.
Key takeaways:
- Define Your Needs: The best cloud-based EHR for your practice largely depends on your specific needs. Consider the size of your practice, the complexity of your workflows, and the unique needs of your specialty.
- Consider Usability and Functionality: While advanced features are important, they add little value if they are not user-friendly. A system that balances robust functionality with an intuitive, easy-to-navigate interface can greatly improve productivity and patient care.
- Don't Overlook Cost: While pricing shouldn’t be the sole factor in your decision, choosing a tool that fits your budget is essential. Make sure to account for the total cost, including the base price, additional fees, and costs associated with implementing and maintaining the system. It’s also prudent to consider the software's return on investment in terms of improved efficiency and patient outcomes.
What Do You Think?
If you've had a positive experience with a tool not included in this guide, we invite you to share it with us. Your recommendations and insights can greatly benefit other readers in their quest for the perfect EHR.