EHR software provides a digital repository of patient health information. It's a web-based tool that ensures every detail - from medical history to lab reports are just a click away. The benefits are immense, a tapestry of enhanced patient care, improved efficiency, and meticulous patient record-keeping. I invite you to explore the best EHR software with me. Together, we can revolutionize your practice and optimize patient care and patient experience.
10 Best EHR Software Shortlist
After careful evaluation, I have handpicked the ten top EHR vendors that I think best address your specific needs and challenges as a medical practice manager.
- Practice Fusion - Best for cloud-based integrated solutions for patient-centered care
- Cerner - Best for advanced analytics and population health management
- Allscripts - Best for an interoperable platform promoting connectivity in healthcare
- Kareo Clinical - Best for independent medical practices seeking streamlined workflows
- Elation - Best for clinical-first EHR emphasizing provider-patient relationship
- DocVilla - Best for telemedicine integration enhancing remote patient care
- AthenaOne - Best for end-to-end network-enabled medical services
- Meditech Expanse - Best for a comprehensive suite offering from the emergency department to home health
- EHR Your Way - Best for customization options catering to individual practice needs
- Nextgen - Best for ambulatory care settings focusing on clinical care and practice management
What Is EHR Software ?
Electronic Health Records (EHR) software stands as a transformative digital tool in healthcare, creating a comprehensive, real-time database of patient information. It's a platform that brings together medical history, diagnoses, medications, treatment plans, immunization dates, allergies, radiology images, and laboratory results into one accessible interface. Its users range from physicians and medical staff to healthcare administrators and, of course, patients. These stakeholders utilize EHR software to improve patient care, enhance communication, eliminate paperwork, ensure data accuracy, streamline workflows, and maintain regulatory compliance. This digital revolution in health record management is thus reshaping healthcare delivery, promoting efficiency, and fostering patient-centric care.
The 10 Best EHR Software Overviews
1. Practice Fusion - Best for cloud-based integrated solutions for patient-centered care
Practice Fusion operates as a robust, cloud-based EHR solution, equipped to support medical professionals in delivering patient-centered care. Its comprehensive suite offers a unified platform for managing patient data, coordinating care, and enhancing operational efficiency, aligning well with our "best for" scenario.
Why I Picked Practice Fusion: I selected Practice Fusion for this list due to its versatility, intuitive interface, and commitment to facilitating patient-centered care. Its cloud-based framework allows healthcare providers to access and manage patient data seamlessly, which is crucial in today's digital healthcare landscape. It stands out in its commitment to integrating multiple features into one platform, making it an excellent choice for practices looking for a comprehensive solution.
Standout features & integrations: Practice Fusion shines with its e-prescribing feature, patient portal, and customizable templates which significantly improve patient engagement and clinical workflow. Additionally, it supports ICD-10 codes and includes features for charting, scheduling, and referrals. Integration-wise, it syncs well with various labs, imaging centers, and pharmacies, allowing practitioners to send and receive information swiftly and efficiently.
Pricing: Starting from $99/user/month, Practice Fusion offers an accessible pricing model for its feature-packed platform. This cost includes regular updates, data backups, and continuous customer support, ensuring a smooth experience for users.
- Pros:
- Cloud-based platform offering accessibility from anywhere
- Comprehensive patient portal to enhance patient engagement
- Robust integrations with labs, pharmacies, and imaging centers
- Cons:
- Some users may find the user interface slightly complex initially
- Transitioning from paper to digital records can be time-consuming
- Some advanced features might require a learning curve
2. Cerner - Best for advanced analytics and population health management
Cerner is a global leader in healthcare technology, providing a multifaceted EHR solution designed to streamline patient care and health management. Known for its superior analytics and population health management capabilities, Cerner perfectly fits our "best for" category.
Why I Picked Cerner: Choosing Cerner was straightforward, given its reputation as a pioneer in healthcare technology and the robust analytics it offers. Its exceptional focus on population health management sets it apart from the crowd, and this was a key factor in my decision-making process. Cerner's comprehensive and advanced analytics tools make it ideal for practices that prioritize data-driven decision making and population health management.
Standout features & integrations: Cerner offers a variety of standout features, including revenue cycle management, patient engagement tools, and clinical decision support. It stands tall with its advanced analytics capabilities, which support evidence-based care and population health management. Cerner's solutions can be integrated with a wide range of medical devices, third-party applications, and interoperability platforms, offering a high degree of connectivity.
Pricing: Cerner's pricing is available upon request. It offers a customized pricing model based on the specific needs and size of the medical practice, ensuring a fair cost for each practice.
- Pros:
- Excellent advanced analytics tools for evidence-based care
- Strong focus on population health management
- Wide range of integrations for increased connectivity
- Cons:
- Pricing information is not readily available
- May be overwhelming for small practices due to its comprehensive features
- Initial setup and implementation can be time-consuming
3. Allscripts - Best for an interoperable platform promoting connectivity in healthcare
Allscripts is a renowned EHR platform that leverages interoperability to enhance connectivity in healthcare. It offers an integrated approach to care management, streamlining processes while enabling efficient collaboration among healthcare providers, making it an ideal fit for our "best for" statement.
Why I Picked Allscripts: I chose Allscripts because of its ability to seamlessly connect various healthcare services. The strength of its interoperability is quite exceptional and stood out in comparison to other platforms. In a healthcare landscape where collaboration and data sharing are crucial, Allscripts shines, making it perfect for those seeking to promote connectivity.
Standout features & integrations: Allscripts brings several notable features to the table, including e-prescribing, robust documentation capabilities, and practice management tools. It shines particularly in its interoperability, enabling seamless data sharing across various platforms. Integrations with pharmacies, labs, radiology centers, and other EHR systems make it a highly connected and versatile platform.
Pricing: The pricing of Allscripts starts from $179/user/month, offering an array of features and integrations to streamline the care delivery process.
- Pros:
- Excellent interoperability promoting seamless connectivity
- Robust documentation capabilities for comprehensive record-keeping
- Wide range of integrations with healthcare services and platforms
- Cons:
- Higher starting price might be prohibitive for smaller practices
- May require dedicated training to fully utilize all features
- Some users report occasional lags in system performance
4. Kareo Clinical - Best for independent medical practices seeking streamlined workflows
Kareo Clinical is an EHR platform specifically designed to cater to the unique needs of independent medical practices. Offering intuitive navigation and a streamlined approach to patient care, it aligns perfectly with our "best for" statement.
Why I Picked Kareo Clinical: I picked Kareo Clinical due to its specialized focus on independent medical practices. It's rare to find an EHR platform that tailors its services so precisely to the needs of these providers. Kareo Clinical offers a streamlined workflow design that makes it best for independent medical practices seeking efficient operations.
Standout features & integrations: Kareo Clinical boasts a robust set of features, including electronic prescriptions, a user-friendly patient portal, and customizable charting. Its telehealth capabilities are particularly noteworthy in today's digital age. Integrations with billing software, labs, and pharmacies augment the platform's capabilities, providing a comprehensive solution for providers.
Pricing: Kareo Clinical's pricing starts from $160/user/month. This competitive price includes access to a full suite of features designed to optimize patient care and streamline administrative processes.
- Pros:
- Tailored to the unique needs of independent medical practices
- Streamlined workflows enhance efficiency
- Telehealth capabilities support modern healthcare needs
- Cons:
- Pricing might be steep for smaller practices
- User interface could be more intuitive for new users
- Requires consistent internet connectivity for optimal operation
5. Elation - Best for clinical-first EHR emphasizing provider-patient relationship
Elation is an Electronic Health Records (EHR) platform that puts the clinical experience first in its design. It specifically focuses on reinforcing the bond between healthcare providers and their patients, which is why it shines as the best tool for fostering provider-patient relationships.
Why I Picked Elation: I chose Elation because of its unique commitment to the provider-patient relationship. In a sector that can sometimes feel impersonal, Elation stands out for its attention to the human element of healthcare. Its clinical-first approach makes it ideal for practices keen on maintaining strong patient connections.
Standout features & integrations: Elation's Clinical Cockpit offers a one-screen view of a patient's health history, providing easy access during patient visits. It also has an intuitive prescription management system. When it comes to integrations, Elation connects with laboratories and pharmacies across the country, making it easier to order tests and fill prescriptions.
Pricing: Elation's pricing begins at $299/user/month. This pricing plan includes all features without any additional fees for setup, training, or support.
- Pros:
- Prioritizes provider-patient relationships
- Clinical Cockpit offers comprehensive patient overviews
- Wide range of integrations with labs and pharmacies
- Cons:
- Price point may be high for smaller practices
- Limited billing features
- Steeper learning curve for less tech-savvy users
6. DocVilla - Best for telemedicine integration enhancing remote patient care
DocVilla is a comprehensive healthcare software solution that stands out for its emphasis on telemedicine. It is designed to bridge the distance between healthcare providers and their patients, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enhance remote patient care.
Why I Picked DocVilla: I picked DocVilla primarily because of its robust telemedicine capabilities. In a time where remote healthcare is more important than ever, DocVilla's dedication to facilitating high-quality remote patient care is quite noteworthy. It offers a unique combination of telehealth features that distinguish it from other healthcare software solutions.
Standout features & integrations: DocVilla offers a user-friendly patient portal, secure messaging, online appointment scheduling, and real-time video consultations, making it a holistic telemedicine platform. It also integrates seamlessly with various payment gateways for easy online payments and works smoothly with third-party scheduling systems.
Pricing: DocVilla’s pricing starts at $30/user/month, making it an affordable solution for healthcare practices. This starting price is for the Standard Plan and it is billed annually.
- Pros:
- Comprehensive telemedicine capabilities
- Seamless third-party integrations
- Affordable starting price
- Cons:
- Does not offer a free trial
- Could have more advanced analytics
- Limited customization options
7. AthenaOne - Best for end-to-end network-enabled medical services
AthenaOne is a comprehensive healthcare software suite that provides end-to-end solutions for medical practices. Its cloud-based system encompasses patient engagement, clinical, and billing services, making it ideal for practices seeking a network-enabled service that covers all facets of healthcare administration.
Why I Picked AthenaOne: Choosing AthenaOne for this list came down to its robust, all-encompassing functionality. It's not just a software solution; it's a full-service network that brings together patients, providers, and payers in one seamless system. This tool stands out for its integrated approach that breaks down the silos within healthcare operations, making it best for network-enabled medical services.
Standout features & integrations: Among the multitude of features AthenaOne offers, its comprehensive electronic health records (EHR), practice management, and patient engagement capabilities stand out. These features provide a streamlined workflow that enhances patient care and practice efficiency. AthenaOne also boasts noteworthy integrations with a wide array of third-party systems like labs, pharmacies, imaging centers, and health systems, adding to its interoperability.
Pricing: AthenaOne's pricing structure is quite unique, based on a percentage of practice collections rather than a flat per-user rate. Their pricing model starts at 7% of your monthly collections, but this is subject to a minimum monthly fee of $199 per provider (billed annually).
- Pros:
- Comprehensive suite of services
- Powerful integrations with third-party systems
- Innovative network-based approach
- Cons:
- Pricing structure may not suit smaller practices
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Customization options could be improved
8. Meditech Expanse - Best for a comprehensive suite offering from the emergency department to home health
Meditech Expanse is a robust, full-featured electronic health record (EHR) system that delivers comprehensive coverage across a full spectrum of care. From the emergency department to home health, Meditech Expanse brings a level of continuity and cohesion to patient care.
Why I Picked Meditech Expanse: When selecting Meditech Expanse for this list, its encompassing nature and adaptability across various healthcare settings were pivotal. It distinguishes itself with its ability to offer solutions from the emergency department to home health, covering a full care spectrum. It's this versatility and comprehensiveness that make it the top pick for a full-suite offering.
Standout features & integrations: Meditech Expanse's patient portal, mobile point of care, and acute care features offer crucial tools for healthcare providers. Its interoperability, achieved through numerous integrations with systems like LabCorp, Nuance Communications, and DrFirst, also significantly enhance its functionality.
Pricing: Pricing for Meditech Expanse is not directly provided, which is common with larger EHR systems as costs can vary based on organization size and specific needs. As such, it falls under the category of “Pricing upon request”.
- Pros:
- Covers a full spectrum of care
- High level of interoperability with other systems
- Wide range of useful features
- Cons:
- Lack of transparent pricing
- Potential complexity for first-time users
- Customization options might be limited
9. EHR Your Way - Best for customization options catering to individual practice needs
EHR Your Way is a medical software system providing an electronic health record (EHR) platform that excels in adaptability. It stands out for its customization abilities, which allow each healthcare practice to tailor the system to meet its unique needs and workflow.
Why I Picked EHR Your Way: I chose EHR Your Way for its standout ability to be customized according to individual practice needs. Many EHR systems tend to take a one-size-fits-all approach, but EHR Your Way flips that model on its head. It's for this reason I believe EHR Your Way is best suited for customization options catering to individual practice needs.
Standout features & integrations: The voice dictation and template-based note-taking are crucial features in EHR Your Way. These improve efficiency by reducing manual data entry. It integrates well with numerous other software systems, including billing software, laboratory systems, and patient scheduling tools, making it a well-rounded EHR solution.
Pricing: EHR Your Way starts at $40/user/month (billed annually). This base pricing does not include setup fees, which vary based on practice size and specific needs.
- Pros:
- High level of customization
- Voice dictation for easy data entry
- Wide range of useful integrations
- Cons:
- Setup fees are not included in base pricing
- Learning curve for customization may be steep
- Customer service may vary
10. NextGen - Best for ambulatory care settings focusing on clinical care and practice management
NextGen is a comprehensive EHR and Practice Management software designed specifically for ambulatory care settings. It integrates clinical care and practice management, facilitating optimal patient outcomes and efficient resource utilization.
Why I Picked NextGen: I selected NextGen for this list because it seamlessly unites clinical care and practice management, a feature particularly beneficial for ambulatory care settings. What makes it distinct is its specialty-specific templates, making it versatile across various medical fields. This blend of features justifies why I find it best for ambulatory care settings focusing on clinical care and practice management.
Standout features & integrations: NextGen offers fully-integrated EHR and Practice Management (PM) systems. The software comes with features such as e-prescribing, patient portal, interoperability services, and an analytics platform. Furthermore, it integrates with other systems such as medical billing and patient scheduling tools, enhancing its functionality and reach.
Pricing: NextGen pricing starts from $549/user/month. This pricing does not include any one-time setup fee that may be applicable, which would be discussed directly with NextGen.
- Pros:
- Specialty-specific templates cater to various medical fields
- Fully integrated EHR and Practice Management system
- Robust analytics platform
- Cons:
- Relatively high starting price
- Setup fee not included in the initial pricing
- Some users report a steep learning curve
Other EHR Software Tools
Below is a list of additional EHR Software that we shortlisted, but did not make it to the top 10. Definitely worth checking them out.
- Amazing Charts EHR - Good for user-friendly interface and intuitive design
- Azalea Health - Good for integrated billing and EHR solutions
- Harmony - Good for multidisciplinary care coordination
- Luminello - Good for mental health practitioners seeking tailored EHR solutions
- PracticeEHR - Good for small to medium-sized practices with diverse needs
- Epic - Good for large healthcare systems needing extensive interoperability
- AdvancedMD - Good for its cloud-based platform offering remote accessibility
- Pabau - Good for clinics seeking a CRM integrated EHR
- ModMed - Good for specialized care settings such as allergy and immunology practices
- CampDoc - Good for camp administrators managing health records and forms
- Foothold - Good for behavioral health and human service providers
- PrognoCIS - Good for integrated EHR, practice management, and billing services
- Compulink - Good for practices seeking an AI-driven EHR solution
- GreenwayHealth - Good for its comprehensive suite of healthcare IT solutions
- Valant - Good for behavioral health providers seeking a specialized EHR
- eClinicalWorks - Good for comprehensive cloud-based healthcare IT solutions
- Veradigm - Good for advanced data analytics and insights
- Netsmart - Good for behavioral health and post-acute care providers
- MEDHOST - Good for hospital EHR and emergency department solutions
- Evident Thrive EHR - Good for rural hospitals and community healthcare systems
- Alltera TouchWorks EHR - Good for adaptable, mobile-friendly EHR solutions
How I Picked The Best EHR Software
As a healthcare IT professional, I've spent significant time researching and trying out various Electronic Health Record (EHR) tools. I tested more than 50 tools and found that not all EHRs are created equal. While some excel in specific areas, others might fall short. To help you in your search for the best EHR system, I have narrowed down the criteria that matter most when choosing this particular type of software.
Core Functionality:
The core functionalities that any robust EHR system should provide include:
- Patient charting: A platform to enter, view, and edit patients' medical history, symptoms, medications, and treatment plans.
- Order entry: Ability to prescribe medications, request lab tests, and order procedures directly from the system.
- Clinical decision support: Provides health alerts and reminders to ensure quality care based on evidence-based guidelines.
- Interoperability: The system should seamlessly exchange patient information with other healthcare providers, pharmacies, and laboratories.
Key Features:
Key features for an EHR software are the extras that make the software more efficient and valuable. The following features are essential in an EHR tool:
- Customizable templates: Allows clinicians to customize note templates to their specialty and workflow.
- Integrated billing: Combines EHR and practice management software for streamlined billing processes.
- Patient portal: A secure online portal where patients can schedule appointments, request prescription refills, and view test results.
- Mobile access: Provides a mobile app or mobile-friendly website for charting on the go.
Usability:
Usability is key for effective use and adoption of EHRs. These are the aspects of usability I considered important for an EHR system:
- Intuitive interface: An easy-to-navigate layout that allows clinicians to find patient information and input data quickly.
- Training and support: A comprehensive support system including training programs, tutorials, and responsive customer service is essential for smooth onboarding and resolving potential issues.
- Fast load times: EHR software should have quick response times, as lags can disrupt workflow and patient care.
- Role-based access: A good EHR system should have configurable role-based access to ensure appropriate access and protect patient data.
Common Features Of EHR Software
1. Customizable Templates Customizable templates can improve efficiency and consistency in clinical documentation. By tailoring templates to fit specific workflows or specialties, providers can more accurately and quickly document patient encounters. This feature reduces the need for free text entry, enhances data integrity, and ultimately supports better patient care.
2. Integrated Billing EHR systems with integrated billing streamline the process of patient billing and claims management. This all in one feature eliminates the need for separate billing software, reducing errors due to manual data entry and improving cash flow. By having a unified system, healthcare providers can more effectively track patient billing and ensure financial stability.
3. Patient Portal A patient portal enhances communication between patients and healthcare providers. Patients can use the portal to view their medical records, request prescription refills, schedule appointments, and communicate with their healthcare team. This feature empowers patients to take an active role in their healthcare, improving patient satisfaction and engagement.
4. Mobile Access Mobile access allows healthcare providers to access patient information and document encounters from anywhere through an iPad on iOS or Android apps. This feature enhances the delivery of care, especially in situations where providers are on the go, such as in-home visits or emergency calls. It also helps providers maintain work-life balance, as they can complete documentation tasks from home or during off-peak hours.
5. Interoperability Interoperability refers to the EHR's ability to exchange data with other practice management solutions, as well as EHR and EMR software systems, such as pharmacies, laboratories, and other healthcare providers. This feature ensures that all members of a patient's healthcare team have access to the most current and comprehensive patient information. It improves coordination of care, reduces duplicate testing, and helps ensure patient safety.
6. Clinical Decision Support Clinical decision support tools within an EHR can provide alerts and reminders based on evidence-based guidelines. These tools help providers make informed decisions about patient care, prevent potential adverse events, and improve overall patient outcomes. This feature is especially helpful in managing chronic diseases and preventing health complications.
7. Order Entry Electronic order entry enables providers to order medications, lab tests, and procedures directly within the EHR. This feature reduces errors due to handwriting or transcription and speeds up the ordering process. It can also alert providers to potential issues, such as drug-drug interactions or allergies, improving patient safety.
8. Fast Load Times Fast load times are critical for efficient use of EHR systems. Slow response times can disrupt workflow and lead to frustration for providers. A system with fast load times ensures that providers can quickly access and input patient information, reducing wait times and improving the overall experience for both patients and providers.
9. Training and Support Training and support services are essential for successful implementation and use of an EHR. These services can help providers understand how to use the system effectively and troubleshoot any issues. A system with strong training and support ensures that providers can get the most out of their EHR, leading to more efficient workflows and better patient care.
10. Role-Based Access Role-based access is a security feature that allows administrators to control who has access to what information within the EHR. This feature protects patient data, ensures compliance with privacy regulations, and prevents unauthorized access to sensitive information. It also allows for more efficient workflows, as users can easily access the tools and information that are relevant to their role.
EHR Software FAQ’s
Question: What are the benefits of using EHR software?
Answer: EHR software offers several benefits to healthcare providers. Firstly, it centralizes all patient information, making it easy to access and update. Secondly, it streamlines administrative tasks such as appointment scheduling, billing, and insurance claims, saving time and reducing errors. Thirdly, it enhances communication between patients and providers through features like patient portals. Fourthly, it improves clinical decision-making by providing tools such as alerts and reminders based on evidence-based guidelines. Lastly, it facilitates coordination of care by allowing for data exchange with other systems like pharmacies, laboratories, and other healthcare providers.
Question: How much does EHR software cost?
Answer: The cost of EHR software can vary widely depending on factors such as the size of the practice, the level of customization required, and the specific features needed. Prices can range from as low as $10 per user per month for basic plans to several hundred dollars per user per month for advanced plans with more features.
Question: What are the common pricing models for EHR software?
Answer: The most common pricing models for EHR software are subscription-based and per-user pricing. Subscription-based pricing involves a recurring fee, usually monthly or annually, and often includes maintenance and support services. Per-user pricing charges a set fee for each user or license, with costs decreasing as more licenses are purchased.
Question: What is the typical range of pricing for EHR software?
Answer: The typical range of pricing for EHR software can be from around $10 to $500 per user per month. This wide range reflects the diversity of EHR software in terms of features, functionality, and the targeted size of healthcare practices.
Question: Which are the cheapest and most expensive EHR software?
Answer: Among the EHR software options, Practice Fusion is one of the more affordable choices, offering a cloud-based EHR starting from $99 per user per month. On the higher end, Epic Systems, a comprehensive EHR used by large hospitals and healthcare systems, can cost several hundred dollars per user per month.
Question: Are there any free EHR software options?
Answer: Yes, there are a few free EHR software options available, but they may be limited in terms of features and support. For instance, OpenEMR is an open-source EHR software that is free to use. However, costs may be incurred for customization, data migration, and other services.
Summary
In summary, choosing the right EHR software is a significant decision that can profoundly impact your healthcare practice. The right software will centralize patient data, streamline administrative tasks, improve clinical decision-making, and facilitate care coordination. It's crucial to take into account key criteria such as core functionality, key features, and usability. Each tool's cost and its alignment with your specific needs should also be a considerable factor.
Here are three key takeaways to assist in selecting the best EHR software for your use case:
- Understand Your Needs: Different EHR systems cater to various needs. Some are more suitable for large hospitals, while others are designed for small practices. Understand your specific requirements, the size of your practice, and the key functionalities you need in an EHR system.
- Evaluate Key Features: Look for essential features that will streamline your workflow and enhance patient care. These may include patient portals, appointment scheduling, e-prescribing, billing, and interoperability with other systems. However, do not be swayed by features that you do not need and will not use.
- Consider Usability and Support: The best EHR software should be user-friendly, reducing the time it takes for your staff to adapt to it. Additionally, consider the level of customer support provided. This is crucial, especially in the initial stages of implementation when the likelihood of facing technical issues is high.
What Do You Think?
As the healthcare technology landscape continuously evolves, there might be exceptional EHR solutions that we haven't included in this list. We always welcome and appreciate suggestions from our readers. So, if you're using or have come across an EHR software that you believe should be included, please feel free to let us know. Your insights can help others in their search for the best EHR solutions. Thank you!