The 29 Best EHR Systems To Streamline Your Practice Of 2024
10 Best EHR for Family Practice Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 29 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
As a family medicine practitioner, I understand the daily challenges you face: managing patient health records, handling referrals, and coordinating with other healthcare organizations. An effective EHR can automate many of these tasks, freeing up time to focus on primary care delivery. And that's where an ONC-certified EMR system comes in. These software vendors provide tools that are specifically designed to streamline physician practices and enhance patient care.
The EHR for family practice is a comprehensive system that consolidates patient health information in one accessible location. This tool not only simplifies data management but also fosters efficient communication and coordination across your practice.
In my experience, the pain points for many practitioners lie in inefficient record keeping, lack of seamless communication, and cumbersome referral processes. With the right EHR, these challenges become much less daunting, allowing you to focus on what matters most: providing excellent patient care.
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What Is EHR For Family Practice?
An EHR (Electronic Health Record) for family practice is a digital system that centralizes patient data and streamlines healthcare processes for general practitioners and family physicians. It is utilized by these medical professionals to efficiently record, retrieve, and manage patient information including medical history, medications, allergies, immunization, and lab results.
Furthermore, EHRs support clinical decision-making, facilitate coordinated care among various healthcare providers, and enhance communication between physicians and patients. With features such as appointment scheduling, e-prescribing, and billing, these systems enable practices to deliver comprehensive, continuous, and personalized healthcare services.
Best EHR for Family Practice Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Athenahealth | Pricing upon request | Website |
| DrChrono EHR | From $199/user/month | Website |
| Kareo Clinical EHR | From $160/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Practice Fusion EHR | From $149/user/month | Website |
| NextGen EHR | From $58/user/month | Website |
| prognoCIS EHR | From $200/user/month | Website |
| Office Ally EHR | From $30/user/month | Website |
| AdvancedMD EHR | From $429/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Amazing Charts | From $39/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| NueMD | From $100/user/month | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareBest EHR for Family Practice Reviews
Athenahealth's athenaOne is a cloud-based healthcare platform designed to enhance clinical effectiveness, patient experience, and financial performance. The platform integrates various solutions, including a customizable Electronic Health Record (EHR) system, Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) services, and patient engagement tools.
Why I Picked Athenahealth:
I picked Athenahealth for its simplified documentation process, which reduces the time and effort required for record-keeping. This allows family practitioners to focus more on patient care rather than administrative tasks. The platform also offers customizable workflows tailored to the specific needs of family practice, including best-practice templates, macros, and accelerators.
Standout features and integrations:
Standout features include revenue cycle management, communication and care tools for patient engagement, an easy-to-read summary of patient records, a patient portal, automated reminders, telehealth capabilities, and mobile accessibility. Integrations include NextPatient, DocResponse, Yosi Health, Secondwave, Recovery Plus, TSI, VaxCare, Fullscript, QueueDr, and CallMyDoc.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive patient engagement features
- Cloud-based system for remote access
- Broad range of integrations with other healthcare systems and devices
Cons:
- The platform might be complex for less tech-savvy users
- Data migration can be time-consuming
DrChrono EHR is a health records management solution that has significantly streamlined the way healthcare providers interact with patient data. Its powerful mobile compatibility makes it uniquely capable of bringing health record access to your fingertips, making it particularly valuable for practitioners who rely heavily on their mobile devices.
Why I Picked DrChrono EHR:
I chose DrChrono EHR for its exceptional mobile optimization. Unlike many EHR platforms that struggle to provide seamless access on mobile devices, DrChrono excels in this aspect. Its ability to provide full functionality across both iOS (iPhone/ iPad) and Android devices is what sets it apart, making it 'best for' those who require reliable mobile access to their EHR system.
Standout features and integrations:
DrChrono EHR offers several essential features like customizable medical templates, real-time patient insurance checks (Medicaid/Medicare), and e-prescribing. In terms of integrations, it can connect with numerous third-party apps including billing software, e-fax systems, and health research databases, further enhancing its functionality and usability.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports numerous third-party integrations
- Offers a range of customizable medical templates
- Exceptional mobile compatibility with iOS and Android devices
Cons:
- Pricing may be prohibitive for smaller practices.
- It may require a steep learning curve to utilize all features effectively
- The user interface might be challenging for non-tech savvy users
Kareo Clinical EHR is a versatile Electronic Health Records (EHR) system that provides a strong combination of medical billing and practice management tools. This well-rounded platform is suitable for practices looking for an all-in-one solution to streamline their billing and practice management procedures.
Why I Picked Kareo Clinical EHR:
The integrated approach of Kareo, combining practice management solutions and billing, is why I chose this EHR system. Unlike other tools that focus on individual aspects, Kareo's comprehensive platform stands out. Therefore, it is my judgment that this EHR system is the 'best for' practices seeking an integrated solution for both billing and practice management.
Standout features and integrations:
Among the myriad of features offered by Kareo, its billing services and coding assistance, appointment scheduling, patient eligibility, and patient engagement tools are particularly noteworthy. Furthermore, it integrates with numerous other healthcare systems, allowing practices to streamline workflows and centralize their operations.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Efficient patient engagement tools
- Broad array of integrations
- Comprehensive billing and practice management features
Cons:
- The pricing can be high for smaller practices
- The interface may seem complex for new users
- Some users have reported occasional system downtime
Practice Fusion EHR is a robust Electronic Health Records (EHR) system that excels in providing cloud-based services. It is designed with ease of use in mind, making it simple for healthcare providers to access and manage patient data from anywhere.
Why I Picked Practice Fusion EHR:
I picked Practice Fusion EHR because of its commendable accessibility and user-friendly design. It is known to be the largest cloud-based Electronic Medical Records (EMR) Software. Its cloud-based nature lets professionals access patient records from various locations, a distinct quality that justifies its positioning as the 'best for' cloud-based accessibility and ease of use.
Standout features and integrations:
Practice Fusion EHR offers an intuitive dashboard, integrated billing, scheduling features, and customizable templates. As for integrations, it synchronizes effectively with numerous billing software, labs, and pharmacies, thereby improving practice efficiency.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Efficient synchronization with various systems
- Easy to use interface
- High accessibility due to cloud-based nature
Cons:
- Customer support might not be up to the mark as per some users
- Limited customization options compared to some competitors
- Pricing might be high for smaller practices
NextGen EHR is a well-designed healthcare solution that seamlessly integrates Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Practice Management (PM) into a unified system. What sets NextGen apart is its highly customizable interface, making it an ideal pick for medical practices that seek to tailor their software to their specific needs and workflows.
Why I Picked NextGen EHR:
I selected NextGen EHR for its impressive adaptability. Many EHRs have fixed layouts, but NextGen EHR offers an interface that can be customized extensively to meet the unique requirements of practice. It's this flexibility that makes it the 'best for' medical facilities that need to adapt their EHR to their specific workflows and processes.
Standout features and integrations:
NextGen EHR comes with a range of features, such as integrated EHR and PM, SOAP notes, robust clinical content, and revenue cycle management. This platform integrates with many different systems, including laboratories, pharmacies, and hospitals, which enables a smooth exchange of patient data across these platforms.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Wide range of integrations facilitating seamless data exchange
- Comprehensive features including integrated EHR and PM
- Highly customizable interface
Cons:
- Some users have reported the system being slow at times.
- Smaller practices might find the pricing high
- The customization process can be complex and time-consuming
prognoCIS EHR stands as a comprehensive EHR system well-known for its interoperability. It can seamlessly integrate with various practice systems, thus offering a cohesive experience for healthcare providers.
Why I Picked prognoCIS EHR:
I included prognoCIS EHR on this list for its reputation for effective system integration. It enables various practice systems to function harmoniously, which is crucial for a smooth operation in any healthcare setting. It is an ICD-10 compliant, Meaningful Use (MU) and MACRA-certified EMR software that offers an incredible platform for technology solutions that help medical practices. Hence, I determined it as the 'best for' interoperability with various practice systems.
Standout features and integrations:
This EHR tool provides key features such as customizable EHR workflows, practice management, reimbursements, and telemedicine capabilities. In terms of integrations, prognoCIS EHR connects effectively with a wide array of medical billing systems, labs, pharmacies, and medical equipment, enhancing its interoperability.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrated telemedicine capabilities
- Customizable EHR workflows
- Superior interoperability with various systems
Cons:
- Limited specialty-specific features compared to some other tools
- Interface might seem less intuitive to some users
- Might be cost-prohibitive for smaller practices
Office Ally EHR is an electronic health records system designed with cost-effectiveness in mind. It is targeted towards practices that are seeking basic functionality without the burden of additional costs.
Why I Picked Office Ally EHR:
While going through the selection process, Office Ally EHR emerged as a unique contender because of its cost-effective offering. I chose this tool due to its accessibility, especially for practices that are perhaps just starting or looking to transition to EHR without substantial financial investments. It fits the bill as 'best for' practices wanting free functionality for basic needs, providing the core EHR features without the usual price tag.
Standout features and integrations:
Key features of Office Ally EHR include basic charting, patient scheduling, and e-prescribing. Despite being free, it offers a decent range of capabilities to handle day-to-day medical practice tasks. For integrations, Office Ally EHR can connect with Office Ally’s practice management system and clearinghouse for a more cohesive healthcare management ecosystem.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrates with other Office Ally systems
- Easy to use interface for basic needs
- Offers free basic plan for cost-conscious practices
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Less robust compared to pricier alternatives
- More advanced features require paid plan
AdvancedMD EHR is a comprehensive healthcare management solution offering both Electronic Health Records (EHR), Practice Management (PM) systems. It is ideally suited for medical practices that prefer a fully integrated suite to manage and streamline their various administrative and patient care tasks.
Why I Picked AdvancedMD EHR:
I selected AdvancedMD EHR because of its complete, all-in-one functionality. It outperforms other EHR systems by providing an integrated EHR and PM system, which simplifies management and record-keeping for practices. It is fully HIPAA-compliant, Meaningful Use, MIPA, MACRA, MIPS, and other regulatory requirements. Therefore, in my judgment, it's 'best for' medical institutions seeking a complete integrated suite to streamline their operations.
Standout features and integrations:
Some of the crucial features of AdvancedMD EHR include telemedicine capabilities, appointment reminders (via email or text messaging), and robust reporting tools. Notably, it offers numerous integrations with other healthcare and management systems, assisting practices in centralizing their processes and providing more efficient and effective care.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Features extensive integrations with other healthcare systems
- Has robust telemedicine capabilities
- Provides a complete integrated suite
Cons:
- Pricing may be steep for smaller practices
- Customization options can be limited
- The user interface may be complex for first-time users
Good for small practices with its intuitive and easy-to-learn interface
Amazing Charts, as an EHR, is known for its intuitive and user-friendly interface, emphasizing easy-to-use charting and note-taking functions. This EHR is designed for healthcare providers who prioritize simplicity in documenting patient interactions.
Why I Picked Amazing Charts:
When I was comparing various EHR tools, Amazing Charts caught my attention with its user-centric design. I selected this tool because it truly simplifies note-taking and charting for physicians, which is vital in a busy healthcare setting. It stands out for its clear, intuitive user interface that can help reduce the learning curve for new users. The tool is indeed 'best for' user-friendly charting and note-taking as it allows doctors to focus more on patient care and less on data entry.
Standout features and integrations:
Some of the important features include the easy-to-use patient chart system, integrated patient portal, and efficient e-prescribing. The charting function stands out with its simplicity and quick data entry. As for integrations, Amazing Charts can sync with a variety of billing systems and labs to streamline workflows, in addition to being compatible with numerous practice management tools.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Affordability for smaller practices
- Compatibility with a variety of systems
- Simple, intuitive interface for efficient note-taking
Cons:
- Annual billing cycle may not appeal to all practices
- Fewer features compared to some competitors
- Limited customization options
NueMD
Best for small to mid-sized practices requiring comprehensive billing features
NueMD is a comprehensive Electronic Health Records (EHR) system with a specific focus on robust billing functionalities. As such, it is particularly well suited to the needs of small to mid-sized practices that require an efficient and versatile solution for managing their billing operations.
Why I Picked NueMD:
I selected NueMD for its impressive range of billing features, which can greatly assist smaller to mid-sized practices in optimizing their revenue cycle management (RCM). I judged this EHR to stand out due to its emphasis on billing, which not all competitors prioritize to the same degree. This focus on comprehensive billing features thus makes it the 'best for' practices requiring such functionalities.
Standout features and integrations:
Some of NueMD's most significant features include its integrated scheduling, electronic billing capabilities, and detailed reporting. Additionally, it integrates well with a wide variety of practice management systems, enabling users to have all their necessary tools in one place.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Wide range of integrations
- Efficient scheduling system
- Extensive billing features
Cons:
- Does not offer as many specialty-specific features as some competitors
- Some users report customer service could be improved
- Learning curve might be steep for some users
Other EHR For Family Practice
Below is a list of additional EHR for family practice that I shortlisted, but did not make it to the top 10. Definitely worth checking them out.
- Modernizing Medicine
For practices needing specialty-specific features
- Intergy
For large practices needing robust analytics
- EHR Your Way
Good for its dictation feature that allows note creation in under a minute
- eClinicalWorks
Good for the incorporation of telehealth and virtual assistance
- Sevocity
Good for practices seeking personalized customization at no extra charge
- CareCloud EHR
Good for its cloud-based nature offering mobility and flexibility
- Welligent EHR
Good for behavioral health and human services organizations due to its tailored features
- RXNT EHR
Good for its affordability and straightforward pricing
- Cerner Millenium
Good for its wide integration capabilities across different healthcare services
- Epic EHR
Good for comprehensive healthcare systems due to its extensive set of modules
- BestNotes EHR
Good for mental health and addiction treatment facilities with tailored features
- Charm EHR
Good for family practices needing a comprehensive EHR solution
- ChartLogic EHR Suite
Good for its speech recognition feature that aids quick documentation
- ICANotes
Good for behavioral health professionals needing specialized templates
- Office Practicum
Good for pediatric practices with pediatric-specific workflows
- ChartPerfect
Good for practices that want EHR and PM in a single solution
- Azalea Health EHR
Good for rural hospitals and community healthcare providers with its specific functionalities
- eMDs
Good for its robust patient portal enhancing patient engagement
- Medent EHR
Good for its all-in-one integrated system of EHR, PM, and billing
Selection Criteria For EHR For Family Practice
In my pursuit of finding the most effective electronic health records (EHR) software, I've trialed and researched numerous tools. I evaluated over 30 EHR tools, focusing on specific elements that matter most regarding these types of applications. Here's a breakdown of the criteria I used to make my selections:
Core Functionality
- Clinical Documentation: The tool should allow for efficient documentation of patient encounters, including history, physical examination, assessment, and plans.
- Prescription Management: It should provide functionality for e-prescribing and medication management, including drug interaction checking.
- Patient Scheduling: The ability to handle patient appointment scheduling and reminders is vital for smooth practice operations.
- Billing and Coding: Integration with medical billing software or embedded billing and coding functionality can streamline revenue cycle management.
- Reporting and Analytics: The software should offer robust reporting and analytics to aid in performance monitoring and decision-making.
Key Features
- Interoperability: The ability to seamlessly exchange data with other healthcare systems, including labs, pharmacies, and other EHR systems.
- Patient Portal: This secure online website gives patients 24-hour access to their health information, encouraging active participation in their care.
- Customizable Templates: Having customizable templates helps to tailor the software according to the specific needs of different medical specialties.
- Telehealth Integration: In today's digital age, it's beneficial for an EHR to have telehealth capabilities to facilitate virtual patient visits.
- Compliance: Compliance with HIPAA and other healthcare regulations to ensure patient data privacy and security.
Usability
- Intuitive Interface: The software should have a clean, easy-to-navigate interface that does not require extensive training to use effectively.
- Training and Support: A good EHR should offer robust customer support and comprehensive training resources to ease the learning curve for users.
- Mobile Access: Given the increasing reliance on mobile devices in healthcare, having a responsive design or a dedicated mobile application is a plus.
- Quick Loading Time: Slow loading times can interrupt workflows, so the software should have quick response times to different actions.
- Role-based Access: The software should have a robust user management system that allows different levels of access based on user roles to maintain data security.
Most Asked Questions Regarding EHR for Family Practice (FAQs)
What are the benefits of using an EHR for family practice?
Implementing an EHR system in family practice can have numerous benefits. These include improved efficiency due to streamlined administrative tasks like scheduling and billing, enhanced patient care due to easier access to patient histories and lab results, and better coordination of care through seamless communication with other healthcare providers. EHR systems can also provide telehealth functionalities which can expand the services of the practice, and robust reporting and analytics tools can help monitor performance and make informed decisions.
How much do these EHR tools cost?
The cost of EHR tools can vary greatly based on the features offered, the size of the practice, and the vendor. Some vendors charge a one-time license fee, while others use a subscription-based pricing model charging per provider per month.
What are the pricing models for EHR software?
The most common pricing models for EHR software are subscription-based (monthly or annually) and one-time license fees. Subscription-based pricing is usually dependent on the number of providers using the software, while a one-time license fee allows unlimited use of the software after the initial purchase. Some vendors also charge additional fees for setup, training, and ongoing support.
What is the typical range of pricing for EHR software?
The price of EHR software can range anywhere from $100 per provider per month to over $1000 per provider per month. Factors influencing this include the size of the practice, the specific needs of the practice, and the vendor.
What is the cheapest and most expensive EHR software for family practices?
The least expensive EHR software in the market can start from as low as $100 per provider per month, such as Sevocity and Athenahealth. On the other end of the spectrum, premium EHR systems like Epic EHR can cost well over $1000 per provider per month.
Are there any free EHR software options for family practices?
While there are free EHR options available, they may not provide the full range of features necessary for a family practice. Also, free options often come with limitations, like a capped number of patient records or limited support services. Nonetheless, options like Practice Fusion offer a free EHR platform, but they monetize through advertising and offer paid plans for an ad-free experience.
More EHR For Family Practices Reviews
Summary
To wrap up, selecting the right EHR software for your family practice is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your practice's efficiency, quality of patient care, and profitability. With many different EHR systems available, each with its unique strengths and weaknesses, finding the one that best aligns with your practice's specific needs may require careful consideration.
Here are three key takeaways from this guide:
- Identify Your Needs: Recognize the unique needs and workflows of your family practice. This understanding will guide you toward an EHR system that supports your specific clinical and administrative tasks and can adapt to your practice's growth.
- Evaluate Key Features: Look for essential features like ease of use, interoperability, robust reporting tools, telehealth functionalities, and secure patient portals. A good EHR should streamline your practice's operations and improve patient care and engagement.
- Consider Cost and Support: Pricing structures can vary significantly across EHR vendors. Ensure to consider not just the upfront costs, but also ongoing costs like training and support fees. Also, the vendor should provide reliable, ongoing technical support to ensure minimal disruptions to your practice.
In the end, the best EHR for your family practice will depend on your specific needs, budget, and how well the software can integrate with your existing workflows.
What Do You Think?
I hope this guide has been a valuable resource in your search for the ideal EHR for your family practice. That being said, I understand that technology and options are always evolving. If you're using or are aware of an EHR tool that you think should be on this list, I'd love to hear from you.
Feel free to share your suggestions or experiences in the comments below. Together, we can build a more comprehensive and helpful resource for everyone in the field.