10 Best EMR Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 32 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Electronic medical records streamline patient documentation and reduce administrative tasks, which frees up your team to focus on improving care coordination. Managing medical records can be challenging, but the right system can improve data accuracy and bolster value-based care efforts.
In this article, I compare and review the best EMR tools to support your buying decision.
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Best EMR Software Summary
Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Best for full-spectrum health record management | Free demo available | From $110/month/provider | Website | |
2 | Best for streamlined billing and administrative tasks | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
3 | Best for comprehensive patient engagement and population health management | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
4 | Best for customized medical forms and clinical workflows | Free demo available | From $199/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
5 | Best for mental health professionals and therapists | Not available | From $59/user/month | Website | |
6 | Best for urgent care and on-demand clinics | Not available | From $499/user/month. | Website | |
7 | Best for intuitive electronic charting | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
8 | Best for secure and efficient health data sharing | Not available | Pricing is upon request | Website | |
9 | Best for rural health clinics and community hospitals | Not available | From $210/user/month, (billed annually). | Website | |
10 | Best for interoperability and care team collaboration | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website |
Best EMR Software Reviews
RXNT is a healthcare technology platform designed to deliver an all-encompassing approach to health record management. It covers everything from appointment scheduling to billing, offering a complete solution for medical institutions in need of comprehensive management.
Why I Picked RXNT: In curating this list, I selected RXNT because of its holistic approach to healthcare record management. It stands out due to its ability to consolidate multiple aspects of healthcare processes into one platform.
This selection is best for full-spectrum electronic medical records software as it delivers a wide range of features, covering everything from appointment booking to billing, thus making it an effective tool for healthcare providers seeking an all-in-one solution.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include its comprehensive electronic health records (EHR), robust appointment scheduling, and billing solutions. These are instrumental in streamlining various aspects of healthcare management.
Integrations include compatibility with various healthcare and administrative systems, facilitating smoother and more efficient operations.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Efficient billing solutions
- Streamlined appointment scheduling
- Comprehensive EHR system
Cons:
- Potential long response time for customer service
- Requires training to fully utilize
- Could be expensive for small practices
CareCloud is a cloud-based Electronic Health Records (EHR) system that offers solutions for medical billing and administrative tasks. Its platform is designed to facilitate smooth operations in healthcare settings, primarily focusing on alleviating administrative burdens.
Why I Picked CareCloud: In my selection process, CareCloud stood out due to its ability to streamline administrative tasks and billing operations. What differentiates it from other EHR systems is its extensive billing features, paired with its user-friendly interface.
I believe it is best for streamlined billing and administrative tasks because it provides comprehensive tools that simplify these crucial, yet time-consuming, aspects of healthcare management.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include a comprehensive suite of features including appointment scheduling, charting, and a particularly robust billing module that incorporates insurance verification, claims management, and patient payment solutions.
Integrations include numerous third-party applications and services such as laboratories, pharmacies, and radiology centers, which expands its usability across different healthcare settings.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Effective integration with numerous third-party services
- User-friendly interface
- Robust billing and administrative features
Cons:
- Initial setup and customization can be time-consuming
- May lack specialized features for certain medical fields
- Starting price might be high for smaller practices
Best for comprehensive patient engagement and population health management
athenahealth is a cloud-based healthcare software company that provides Electronic Health Records (EHR), practice management, and patient engagement services. With a focus on improving connectivity in healthcare, it offers a suite of tools that effectively support patient engagement and population health management.
Why I Picked athenahealth: I selected athenahealth for this list due to its well-rounded approach to healthcare management. It stands out due to its integration of patient engagement tools and population health management systems, making it comprehensive in its scope.
I determined that athenahealth is 'Best for comprehensive patient engagement and population health management' as it directly addresses these areas through its specialized features and functionalities.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include appointment scheduling, charting, and prescription management. Its patient portal is particularly impressive, providing patients with access to their health records, appointment booking, and communication with healthcare providers.
Integrations include many other systems, allowing for easier transfer of patient data and facilitating collaboration between healthcare providers.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Wide range of integrations
- Robust population health management functionalities
- Comprehensive patient engagement tools
Cons:
- Some users report a steep learning curve
- May be too complex for small practices
- Pricing is not transparent
DrChrono is a robust healthcare EHR platform that offers medical practices a dynamic and flexible solution for managing patient care. What sets it apart is its unique focus on enabling customized medical forms and clinical workflows, offering an unrivaled level of adaptability for clinics and hospitals.
Why I Picked DrChrono: In my selection process, I chose DrChrono because of its impressive customizability and adaptability, which sets it apart from many other EHR platforms.
I believe DrChrono is best for customized medical forms and clinical workflows, as it enables medical practices to tailor their record management and clinical processes to match their unique needs, boosting efficiency and improving patient care.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include its custom form builder and workflow design capabilities. These tools allow medical practices to create their own forms and design clinical workflows that best suit their needs.
Integrations include a variety of third-party applications including billing software, lab services, and e-prescribing systems, ensuring all necessary tools are within reach.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Extensive integrations with third-party applications
- High level of customization for forms and workflows
Cons:
- Some features require additional training to maximize use
- Customer support may sometimes be slow
- Could be pricey for smaller practices
TherapyNotes is an electronic health record (EHR) system designed specifically to meet the needs of mental health professionals and therapists. It provides a platform where users can easily manage notes, scheduling, and billing in one place, tailored to suit the distinctive needs of the mental health sector.
Why I Picked TherapyNotes: When I selected TherapyNotes for this list, I considered its specialization for mental health professionals and therapists. It stands out because it addresses specific needs in the mental health sector, such as specialized note templates and comprehensive treatment plans.
I decided it's best for mental health professionals and therapists because it provides a streamlined workflow for managing appointments, notes, and billing specific to this sector.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include templates, comprehensive treatment plans, and easy-to-use billing and scheduling capabilities. These features are particularly suited for mental health professionals and therapists, enabling them to spend more time with patients and less time on administrative tasks.
Integrations include a number of billing and insurance platforms, allowing for efficient claims management and patient billing.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integration with numerous billing and insurance platforms
- Comprehensive feature set tailored to the needs of the sector
- Specialized for mental health professionals and therapists
Cons:
- Learning curve may be steep for those new to EHR systems
- Lack of integration with broader healthcare systems
- Pricing might be high for individual therapists
Experity is a dynamic EMR software, specifically designed to cater to the unique needs of urgent care and on-demand clinics. With a deep understanding of the need for speed and efficiency in these settings, Experity provides real-time visibility into clinical operations.
Why I Picked Experity: Out of many EMR tools on the market, Experity stood out to me due to its unique specialization in urgent care and on-demand clinics.
Unlike many other EMR tools, Experity is built to manage the specific challenges that these types of clinics face. It is this focus that led me to select it as the best for urgent care and on-demand clinics.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include electronic prescribing, patient portal, and integrated billing. It also supports e-registration and provides real-time data analytics to improve operational efficiency.
Integrations include various lab and imaging systems and also connects to major pharmacies for electronic prescription fulfillment.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Excellent integration with lab and imaging systems
- Supports e-registration and integrated billing
- Designed specifically for urgent care and on-demand clinics
Cons:
- Lacks some advanced features that larger institutions might require
- The price is on the higher side
- May not suit primary care or specialty clinics
ChartLogic is a specialized electronic health record (EHR) platform that focuses on streamlining the process of charting patient data. Its dedication to intuitive and user-friendly electronic charting makes it a superior choice for healthcare providers that prioritize efficient and accurate record-keeping.
Why I Picked ChartLogic: In choosing tools for this list, I picked ChartLogic for its focus on intuitive electronic charting. What makes it distinct is its commitment to a user-friendly interface, designed specifically to simplify the process of charting.
I determined that ChartLogic is best for intuitive electronic charting as it allows healthcare providers to record patient data with minimal hassle, fostering efficiency and accuracy in patient record management.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include its electronic charting capabilities. Its intuitive interface and smart data input mechanisms help to reduce manual data entry and expedite charting processes.
Integrations include various medical billing software and healthcare systems, enabling a comprehensive and connected workflow.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Seamless integrations with other software
- Smart data input mechanisms
- Intuitive electronic charting
Cons:
- Customer service may be slow during peak times
- Some features may require training to utilize fully
- High starting price could deter smaller practices
Human API is a platform that provides an efficient way to connect, collect, and share health data from different sources. It provides a secure means of exchanging health information while maintaining data privacy and compliance.
Why I Picked Human API: I selected Human API due to its emphasis on secure health data sharing. In my comparison of various EMR tools, Human API stood out due to its unique focus on consolidating health data from multiple sources.
Its ability to securely manage health data exchanges is why I think it is the best for secure and efficient health data sharing.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include a comprehensive health data platform, real-time data access, and consumer-controlled data sharing.
Integrations include data providers for pharmacies, laboratories, and health systems.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Consumer-controlled data sharing
- Comprehensive health data platform
- Specializes in secure health data sharing
Cons:
- Pricing information is not readily available
- Requires technical expertise for integration
- Might not be suitable for smaller practices
Azalea Health is a comprehensive healthcare management platform that primarily focuses on providing cloud-based electronic health records (EHR) and practice management software. Its robust suite of tools is designed to aid rural health clinics and community hospitals in managing patient health more efficiently and effectively.
Why I Picked Azalea Health: When choosing a healthcare management tool for this list, Azalea Health emerged as a distinct selection due to its specific attention to the unique challenges of rural healthcare. The platform offers features tailored to the needs of rural clinics and community hospitals, such as integrated telehealth services and efficient billing solutions, which makes it stand out in the sea of generalist EHR solutions.
Azalea Health is best for rural health clinics and community hospitals because it addresses the complexities of rural health services with a system that supports their specific needs and makes the process more streamlined.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include its integrated EHR and practice management system, which enhances collaboration, ensures seamless data sharing, and improves overall patient care.
Integrations include billing solutions, lab services, and more, ensuring all elements of patient care and administrative tasks are interconnected.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Focus on rural healthcare needs
- Efficient billing solutions integration
- Comprehensive EHR and practice management system
Cons:
- Limited support hours
- The interface may require a learning curve
- Might be costly for smaller clinics
NextGen is a powerful Electronic Health Record (EHR) software that promotes enhanced communication and collaboration among healthcare teams. Its interoperability ensures seamless data exchange between different health systems and applications.
Why I Picked NextGen: NextGen caught my attention due to its strong focus on interoperability and team collaboration. Out of the software I surveyed, NextGen stands out with its robust set of collaboration tools that foster care team communication.
Hence, I chose it as the best for interoperability and care team collaboration.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include predictive analytics, customizable templates, and an advanced patient portal.
Integrations include various healthcare systems and applications, reinforcing its interoperability and comprehensive utility.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable templates
- Enhances team collaboration
- Excellent interoperability features
Cons:
- Might be too complex for smaller practices
- Billed annually, no monthly payment option
- Higher starting price than some competitors
Other EMR Software
Below is a list of additional EMR software that we shortlisted, but did not make it to the top 10. Definitely worth checking them out.
- Pabau
For integrated CRM and practice management
- Tebra
For seamless patient care across multiple locations
- Therapia
Good for physiotherapy practices
- Cliniko
Good for allied health professionals
- Alleva
Good for mental health and addiction treatment providers
- Qualifacts
Good for behavioral health and human service organizations
- PatientNow
Good for aesthetic medical practices
- Notable
Good for automating administrative tasks
- talkEHR
Good for voice-activated charting
- CharmHealth
Good for cloud-based healthcare management
- TriMedTech
Good for improved practice management
- ClinicMaster
Good for integrated clinic management
- Synchromedics
Good for opioid treatment programs
- Novomedici
Good for managing chronic conditions
- ModMed
Good for specialty-specific EHR
- Enabledoc
Good for multi-specialty medical practices
- Embark EMR
Good for veterinary practices
- CentralReach
Good for integrated behavioral health EHR
- NetHealth
Good for physical therapy practices
- Remedly
Good for plastic surgery practices
- MedPointe
Good for streamlined medical billing
- WellCheck
Good for preventative care management
EMR Software Selection Criteria
When selecting the best EMR software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like data security and ease of use. 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
- Provide 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:
- Telehealth capabilities
- Advanced analytics
- Customizable templates
- Patient engagement tools
- Mobile access
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive interface
- Easy navigation
- Minimal training required
- Responsive design
- Clear layout
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
- Comprehensive templates
- Supportive chatbots
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 staff
- Comprehensive help center
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing
- Flexible plans
- Cost vs. features
- Discounts for long-term use
- Transparent pricing
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 mentioned strengths
- Frequently reported issues
- Customer loyalty indicators
- Feedback on updates and improvements
How to Choose EMR Software
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:
Factor | What to Consider |
---|---|
Scalability | Will the software grow with your practice? Consider future expansion and whether the tool can handle increased data and user loads. |
Integrations | Does it work with your current systems? Check if it integrates with other tools you use, like billing software or patient management systems. |
Customizability | Can you tailor it to fit your workflows? Look for customization options to adapt the software to your specific practice needs. |
Ease of use | Is the interface user-friendly for your team? Avoid tools with a steep learning curve that could slow down daily operations. |
Implementation and onboarding | How quickly can you get started? Assess the time and resources required for setup and training. Look for providers offering strong onboarding support. |
Cost | Does it fit your budget? Compare pricing plans and watch for hidden fees. Ensure the cost aligns with the value it provides. |
Security safeguards | Are patient data and privacy protected? Verify compliance with data protection regulations and ask about encryption and access controls. |
Support availability | What support does the vendor offer? Check for 24/7 support, response times, and available support channels like chat, email, or phone. |
What is EMR Software?
Electronic medical records (EMR) software is a digital system for storing and managing patient health information. Used by healthcare providers, it replaces paper charts to streamline documentation, reduce errors, and improve care coordination.
Features of EMR Software
When selecting EMR software, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Patient record management: Organizes and maintains detailed patient information for easy access and updates.
- Appointment scheduling: Simplifies booking, rescheduling, and managing patient appointments to enhance office efficiency.
- Billing management: Streamlines billing processes and handles invoicing to ensure accurate and timely payments.
- E-prescriptions: Allows electronic prescription management to reduce errors and improve patient convenience.
- Data security: Protects sensitive patient information with encryption and access controls to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Customizable templates: Offers flexibility to tailor templates for different specialties and practice needs.
- Telehealth capabilities: Enables virtual consultations and remote patient monitoring to expand care options.
- Analytics and reporting: Provides insights into practice performance and patient outcomes to support informed decision-making.
- Mobile access: Allows healthcare providers to access information and perform tasks from anywhere using mobile devices.
- Patient engagement tools: Enhances communication and engagement with patients through portals and messaging systems.
Benefits of EMR Software
Implementing EMR software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Improved patient care: Access to comprehensive records and e-prescriptions helps providers make informed decisions and reduce errors.
- Increased efficiency: Features like appointment scheduling and billing management simplify daily tasks and save time.
- Enhanced data security: Protects sensitive patient information with advanced security measures, ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Better patient engagement: Patient portals and communication tools keep patients informed and involved in their care.
- Cost savings: Streamlined operations and reduced paperwork contribute to lower administrative costs and improved financial management.
- Scalability: Adaptable features allow the system to grow with your practice, accommodating more patients and data as needed.
- Access to analytics: Reporting tools provide valuable insights into practice performance, helping you make data-driven decisions.
Costs and Pricing of EMR Software
Selecting EMR software 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 EMR software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for EMR Software
Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
---|---|---|
Free Plan | $0 | Basic patient records, limited scheduling, and minimal support. |
Personal Plan | $10-$30/user/month | Patient records, appointment scheduling, billing management, and basic support. |
Business Plan | $50-$100/user/month | Advanced scheduling, billing features, e-prescriptions, and data security. |
Enterprise Plan | $150-$300/user/month | Custom integrations, analytics, enhanced security, and dedicated support. |
People Also Ask
What are the benefits of using EMR software?
Electronic Medical Records (EMR) software provides numerous benefits, including:
- Streamlined Workflow: EMR software organizes and digitalizes patient information, which leads to smoother and more efficient healthcare workflows.
- Improved Patient Care: It allows healthcare providers to access patient information quickly and make informed decisions, leading to improved patient experience.
- Reduced Errors: By digitalizing patient records, EMR software significantly reduces the likelihood of human errors such as misread handwriting or lost records.
- Cost Savings: While there’s an initial investment, over time, the efficiencies gained from using EMR software can lead to significant cost savings.
- Enhanced Security: EMR software has robust security measures in place to ensure patient data is secure and compliant with regulations like HIPAA.
How much do EMR tools usually cost?
The cost of EMR software varies significantly depending on the features, the number of users, and the specific needs of the healthcare practice. Prices can range from as low as $30 per user per month for basic solutions to well over $500 per user per month for more advanced systems. Some vendors also charge a one-time implementation or setup fee.
What are the typical pricing models for EMR software?
EMR software vendors typically offer one of three pricing models: subscription, perpetual license, or usage-based. Subscription pricing involves a recurring fee, usually monthly or annually. A perpetual license involves a one-time upfront fee. Usage-based pricing charges are based on the number of users or patients.
What is the cheapest and most expensive EMR software?
The cheapest EMR software is usually designed for smaller practices and may start from around $30 per user per month. The most expensive software, designed for large practices or hospitals with extensive needs, can cost over $500 per user per month. However, keep in mind that the cost also depends on additional services such as training, support, and implementation.
Are there any free EMR software options?
Yes, there are free EMR software options available, such as OpenEMR. However, these free options often offer limited features and may lack the robust security measures and support that paid solutions offer. They are usually open-source software, meaning they require technical knowledge to install and maintain.
What Next?
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