12 Best EMR Software Shortlist
After in-depth evaluation, I've handpicked the 12 best EMR software solutions tailored to ease your healthcare management challenges. Let's explore!
- Pabau - Best for integrated CRM and practice management
- Human API - Best for secure and efficient health data sharing
- Kareo - Best for seamless patient care across multiple locations
- NextGen - Best for interoperability and care team collaboration
- Experity - Best for urgent care and on-demand clinics
- Azalea Health - Best for rural health clinics and community hospitals
- RXNT - Best for full-spectrum health record management
- DrChrono - Best for customized medical forms and clinical workflows
- ChartLogic - Best for intuitive electronic charting
- TherapyNotes - Best for mental health professionals, clinicians, and therapists
- CareCloud - Best for streamlined billing and administrative tasks
- athenahealth - Best for comprehensive patient engagement and population health management
Through my experience as a medical professional, I've seen how crucial EMR software is in our field. It plays an instrumental role in aligning with meaningful use, MACRA, and MIPS regulations, and the ability to do all this from your mobile devices, such as an iPad or iPhone, is truly a game-changer. EHR vendors like Cerner, Epic, eClinicalWorks, and NextGen Healthcare have created EMR software that supports these needs, ensuring the tool is not just a repository of data, but an integral part of patient care.
I understand the challenges you face and the requirements you have for an EHR software. I've spent time researching, using, and evaluating these tools to provide you with a list that I believe will meet your needs. I encourage you to explore these options and find the one that best suits your practice.
What Is an 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.
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.
Overviews of the 12 Best EMR Software
1. Pabau - Best for integrated CRM and practice management
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.
Pricing:
Pricing starts from $75/user/month (billed annually), with a minimum of 3 seats.
Pros:
- Comprehensive EMR and CRM capabilities
- User-friendly interface
- Robust integrations with payment gateways
Cons:
- Initial setup might require time
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech savvy users
- The annual billing may not suit all practices
2. Human API - Best for secure and efficient health data sharing
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:
Human API's features include a comprehensive health data platform, real-time data access, and consumer-controlled data sharing. Its integrations mainly focus on data providers including pharmacies, laboratories, and health systems.
Pricing:
Pricing is upon request.
Pros:
- Specializes in secure health data sharing
- Comprehensive health data platform
- Consumer-controlled data sharing
Cons:
- Might not be suitable for smaller practices
- Requires technical expertise for integration
- Pricing information is not readily available
3. Kareo - Best for seamless patient care across multiple locations
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.
Pricing:
Pricing starts from $160/user/month.
Pros:
- Comprehensive set of features
- Supports multiple practice locations
- Seamless integration with lab systems and pharmacies
Cons:
- Relatively high starting price
- Might be overwhelming for smaller practices
- Potential learning curve for staff unfamiliar with EMR software
4. NextGen - Best for interoperability and care team collaboration
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.
Pricing:
NextGen's pricing begins from $429/user/month (billed annually).
Pros:
- Excellent interoperability features
- Enhances team collaboration
- Customizable templates
Cons:
- Higher starting price than some competitors
- Billed annually, no monthly payment option
- Might be too complex for smaller practices
5. Experity - Best for urgent care and on-demand 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.
Pricing:
Experity's pricing starts from $500/user/month.
Pros:
- Designed specifically for urgent care and on-demand clinics
- Supports e-registration and integrated billing
- Excellent integration with lab and imaging systems
Cons:
- May not suit primary care or specialty clinics
- The price is on the higher side
- Lacks some advanced features that larger institutions might require
6. Azalea Health - Best for rural health clinics and community hospitals
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.
Pricing:
Azalea Health's pricing begins from $200/user/month, which includes the base EHR and Practice Management System. This is the lowest monthly price based on an annual subscription (billed annually).
Pros:
- Comprehensive EHR and practice management system
- Efficient billing solutions integration
- Focus on rural healthcare needs
Cons:
- Might be costly for smaller clinics
- The interface may require a learning curve
- Limited support hours
7. RXNT - Best for full-spectrum health record management
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.
Pricing:
The pricing for RXNT begins at $250/user/month. This is the starting price and is based on a yearly subscription model (billed annually).
Pros:
- Comprehensive EHR system
- Streamlined appointment scheduling
- Efficient billing solutions
Cons:
- Could be expensive for small practices
- Requires training to fully utilize
- Potential long response time for customer service
8. DrChrono - Best for customized medical forms and clinical workflows
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.
Pricing:
Pricing for DrChrono starts at $199/user/month. This is the beginning price, which is based on an annual subscription model (billed annually).
Pros:
- High level of customization for forms and workflows
- Extensive integrations with third-party applications
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Could be pricey for smaller practices
- Customer support may sometimes be slow
- Some features require additional training to maximize use
9. ChartLogic - Best for intuitive electronic charting
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.
Pricing:
Pricing for ChartLogic starts at $279/user/month. This is the starting price for its EHR suite and is based on an annual subscription model (billed annually).
Pros:
- Intuitive electronic charting
- Smart data input mechanisms
- Seamless integrations with other software
Cons:
- High starting price could deter smaller practices
- Some features may require training to utilize fully
- Customer service may be slow during peak times
10. TherapyNotes - Best for mental health professionals and therapists
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:
TherapyNotes features specialized note 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.
Additionally, TherapyNotes integrates with a number of billing and insurance platforms, allowing for efficient claims management and patient billing.
Pricing:
Pricing for TherapyNotes starts from $49/user/month. This is the lowest cost for the Practice Basic plan which includes a full set of features.
Pros:
- Specialized for mental health professionals and therapists
- Comprehensive feature set tailored to the needs of the sector
- Integration with numerous billing and insurance platforms
Cons:
- Pricing might be high for individual therapists
- Lack of integration with broader healthcare systems
- Learning curve may be steep for those new to EHR systems
11. CareCloud - Best for streamlined billing and administrative tasks
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.
Pricing:
Pricing for CareCloud starts from $279/user/month. This is the starting price for their "Momentum" package, which includes core EHR features and services.
Pros:
- Robust billing and administrative features
- User-friendly interface
- Effective integration with numerous third-party services
Cons:
- Starting price might be high for smaller practices
- May lack specialized features for certain medical fields
- Initial setup and customization can be time-consuming
12. athenahealth - 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.
Pricing:
The pricing for athenahealth is provided upon request, as the cost can vary depending on the specific needs of the medical practice.
Pros:
- Comprehensive patient engagement tools
- Robust population health management functionalities
- Wide range of integrations
Cons:
- Pricing is not transparent
- May be too complex for small practices
- Some users report a steep learning curve
Other EMR Software Reviews
Below is a list of additional EMR software that we shortlisted, but did not make it to the top 12. Definitely worth checking them out.
- Medpointe - Good for streamlined medical billing
- TriMedTech - Good for improved practice management
- CentralReach - Good for integrated behavioral health EHR
16. PatientNow - Good for aesthetic medical practices
17. Notable - Good for automating administrative tasks
18. Charmhealth - Good for cloud-based healthcare management
19. ModMed - Good for specialty-specific EHR
20. remedly - Good for plastic surgery practices
21. WellCheck - Good for preventative care management
22. Novomedici - Good for managing chronic conditions
23. Alleva - Good for mental health and addiction treatment providers
24. talkEHR - Good for voice-activated charting
25. Cliniko - Good for allied health professionals
26. clinicmaster - Good for integrated clinic management
27. Therapia - Good for physiotherapy practices
- Qualifacts - Good for behavioral health and human service organizations
29. Synchromedics - Good for opioid treatment programs
30. Enabledoc - Good for multi-specialty medical practices
31. NetHealth - Good for physical therapy practices
32. Embark EMR - Good for veterinary practices
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.
More EMR Software Reviews
- Pain Management EMR Software
- Urgent Care EMR
- EMR Systems
- Health EHR Systems
- Cloud-based EHR Solutions
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.
What Do You Think?
I strive to provide the most comprehensive and useful information, and your input matters to me. If there's an EMR tool that you think deserves to be on this list, please let me know. I am always open to exploring new tools and sharing valuable insights with my readers. Your recommendations can help make this resource even better for everyone. Thank you for joining me in this journey to find the best EMR solutions.