32 Best EMR Software Reviewed for 2024
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.
EMR software plays an instrumental role in aligning with meaningful use, MACRA, and MIPS regulations, and these days it also offers medical professionals the ability to do all this from your mobile devices, such as an iPad or iPhone. The next generation of EMS software are also evolving beyond record management and ensuring the tool is not just a repository of data, but an integral part of patient care.
I've spent time researching, using, and evaluating these tools to break down what each is best for, and the use cases best suited to each tool.
What Is EMR Software?
EMR (Electronic Medical Records) software is a digital solution used by healthcare providers to manage, store, and analyze patient information. It's a crucial tool for doctors, nurses, medical administrative staff, and anyone involved in patient care, helping them easily track a patient's medical history, diagnoses, treatments, and progress over time.
Need expert help selecting the right tool?
With one-on-one help, we guide you to your top software options. Narrow down your software search & make a confident choice.
From documenting clinical notes to managing prescriptions and scheduling appointments, EMR software supports the entire spectrum of patient care. It simplifies communication among healthcare teams and enhances the overall quality of care, while also easing administrative burdens.
With an EMR software, you can automate numerous tasks in your healthcare facility or ambulatory service, from accessing patient charts to sending e-prescriptions and refills. The software is designed to aid in decision-making through its artificial intelligence capabilities and caters to your specific practice needs whether you're using a web-based platform or an on-premise system.
Best EMR Software Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Pabau | From $75/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| RXNT | From $110/month/provider | Website |
| Kareo | From $110/user/month | Website |
| athenahealth | Pricing upon request | Website |
| CareCloud | Pricing upon request | Website |
| DrChrono | From $199/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Azalea Health | From $210/user/month, (billed annually). | Website |
| Experity | From $499/user/month. | Website |
| ChartLogic | Pricing upon request | Website |
| NextGEN | From $299/user/month, (billed annually). | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareBest EMR Software Reviews
Pabau is a healthcare management software that combines an EMR system with a CRM tool. It helps to keep track of patient records while also managing interactions and relationships with those patients.
Why I Picked Pabau: I chose Pabau for its unique blend of CRM and EMR capabilities. Compared to other tools on the list, Pabau stands out due to its seamless integration of patient record management and customer relationship management. I determined Pabau to be 'Best for integrated CRM and practice management' because it offers a holistic approach to managing a healthcare practice.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Pabau offers a feature-rich environment with useful functionalities such as appointment scheduling, client management, and marketing campaigns. It integrates well with major payment gateways, facilitating smooth billing operations.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust integrations with payment gateways
- User-friendly interface
- Comprehensive EMR and CRM capabilities
Cons:
- The annual billing may not suit all practices
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech savvy users
- Initial setup might require time
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:
Among RXNT's key features are its comprehensive electronic health records (EHR), robust appointment scheduling, and billing solutions. These are instrumental in streamlining various aspects of healthcare management. When it comes to integrations, RXNT shines with its 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
Kareo is a cloud-based EMR solution designed to streamline patient care in medical practices. Its robust features cater to practices of varying sizes and locations, ensuring coordinated patient management.
Why I Picked Kareo: When it comes to facilitating multi-location patient care, I found Kareo to be the standout option. Among the tools I evaluated, Kareo impressed me with its ability to maintain consistent and coordinated patient care across disparate geographical locations. That's why I determined Kareo is the 'Best for seamless patient care across multiple locations'.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Kareo provides comprehensive features such as telehealth capabilities, patient engagement tools, and medical billing functions. The software integrates smoothly with lab systems, pharmacies, and major health records systems, enhancing its functionality.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Seamless integration with lab systems and pharmacies
- Supports multiple practice locations
- Comprehensive set of features
Cons:
- Potential learning curve for staff unfamiliar with EMR software
- Might be overwhelming for smaller practices
- Relatively high starting price
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:
athenahealth offers a range of beneficial features including 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.
Additionally, it integrates with 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
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:
CareCloud offers 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.
Additionally, it integrates well with 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
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:
DrChrono's standout 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.
When it comes to integrations, DrChrono works seamlessly with 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
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:
Azalea Health's most impressive feature is its integrated EHR and practice management system, which enhances collaboration, ensures seamless data sharing, and improves overall patient care. Additionally, the platform includes an intuitive patient portal, helping patients be more engaged in their own healthcare.
As for integrations, Azalea Health has an effective integration with 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
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:
Experity includes essential features such as electronic prescribing, patient portal, and integrated billing. It also supports e-registration and provides real-time data analytics to improve operational efficiency. As for integrations, Experity works seamlessly with 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:
ChartLogic's most useful features are its electronic charting capabilities. Its intuitive interface and smart data input mechanisms help to reduce manual data entry and expedite charting processes. As for integrations, ChartLogic can effectively connect with 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
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 many 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:
NextGen comes packed with a suite of features, including predictive analytics, customizable templates, and an advanced patient portal. It integrates with 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.
- Human API
Best for secure and efficient health data sharing
- TherapyNotes
Best for mental health professionals and therapists
- CharmHealth
Good for cloud-based healthcare management
- Embark EMR
Good for veterinary practices
- MedPointe
Good for streamlined medical billing
- Remedly
Good for plastic surgery practices
- Enabledoc
Good for multi-specialty medical practices
- Alleva
Good for mental health and addiction treatment providers
- PatientNow
Good for aesthetic medical practices
- CentralReach
Good for integrated behavioral health EHR
- Notable
Good for automating administrative tasks
- Therapia
Good for physiotherapy practices
- ClinicMaster
Good for integrated clinic management
- Qualifacts
Good for behavioral health and human service organizations
- NetHealth
Good for physical therapy practices
- ModMed
Good for specialty-specific EHR
- TriMedTech
Good for improved practice management
- Cliniko
Good for allied health professionals
- WellCheck
Good for preventative care management
- Synchromedics
Good for opioid treatment programs
- Novomedici
Good for managing chronic conditions
- talkEHR
Good for voice-activated charting
More EMR Software Reviews
By specialty:
- Anesthesia EMR
- Dental EMR
- Dermatology EMR
- Cardiology EMR
- Gastroenterology EMR
- Obgyn EMR
- Neurology EMR
- Oncology EMR
- Orthopedic EMR
- Otolaryngology EMR
- Pain management EMR
- Pediatric EMR
- Physical therapy EMR
- Psychiatry EMR
- Rheumatology EMR
- Substance abuse EMR
- Urgent care EMR
- Urology EMR
Other types:
Selection Criteria For EMR Software
After trying and evaluating more than 30 healthcare software, I distilled the essential criteria that matter most when choosing this type of software. I was particularly focused on ease of use, comprehensive features, and robust functionality, all of which are critical for effective patient management and healthcare delivery.
Core Functionality
When considering a healthcare software, here are some core functionalities it should enable:
- Patient Management: The tool should be able to record and track patient demographics, medical history, and appointments.
- Electronic Health Records (EHR): It should maintain electronic records of patient'’ health information.
- Billing: A comprehensive software should have a system for managing billing and insurance claims.
- Reporting: The software needs to have robust reporting capabilities to provide insights into the patient population, staff performance, and financial aspects.
Key Features
Below are key features to look out for:
- Interoperability: It refers to the software's ability to exchange and make use of information with other healthcare systems.
- Patient Portal: A patient portal allows patients to view their health records, book appointments, and communicate with healthcare providers.
- Telemedicine: Given the rise in remote healthcare, the ability of the software to support virtual consultations is crucial.
- Prescriptions Management: The software should enable healthcare providers to write, renew, and send prescriptions electronically.
Usability:
The design and interface of healthcare software play a significant role in its efficiency. Here's what you should be looking for:
- Intuitive Design: The software needs to be easy to navigate and use, reducing the learning curve for medical staff. For example, patient data should be readily accessible, and features like appointment booking should be simple to operate.
- Customizability: The ability to customize the software to fit your specific healthcare practice is important. For example, being able to create custom forms or reports can significantly enhance usability.
- Customer Support: Timely and effective customer support is essential, especially for resolving technical issues or answering questions about the software.
- Training Programs: Comprehensive training programs, either through live sessions, videos, or written guides, can significantly ease the onboarding process, especially for complex software solutions.
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.
Summary
In conclusion, choosing the right Electronic Medical Records (EMR) software hinges on understanding your specific needs and how different solutions can meet them. Here are three key takeaways to guide your selection process:
- Understand Your Needs: Assess the size of your practice, the complexity of your operations, and your specific requirements. A solution that fits well for a large hospital may not be suitable for a small clinic. Your practice's size, specialization, and operational complexity will dictate your EMR needs.
- Prioritize Key Features: Not all EMR solutions are created equal, and they often come with varying features. Core functionalities such as patient scheduling, charting, prescription ordering, and billing should be a given. However, features like telehealth integration, mobile access, and patient portal might also be crucial depending on your practice.
- Consider Usability and Support: A system can have all the features you need, but if it's not user-friendly or if the vendor does not provide adequate support, it can end up being more of a burden than a help. Look for software with an intuitive interface and strong customer support.
Remember, the goal of implementing an EMR system is to improve patient care and streamline your practice's operations. Your chosen solution should support these objectives and offer a clear return on investment.