An efficient, secure, and user-friendly system for managing our patients' valuable and confidential medical records is critical for effective practice management. Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems do just that - they digitally and securely store, manage, and retrieve patients' medical information, rendering paper trails obsolete. They transform your practice into a more organized, efficient, and data-driven environment, leading to enhanced patient care. I’m going to guide you through the top EHR systems available, focusing on those next gen solutions that can genuinely revolutionize and streamline your healthcare organization.
10 Best EMR Systems Shortlist
I've reviewed and evaluated more than 40 different electronic medical records software as well as EHR vendors and handpicked the best 10, tailored to address your healthcare practice challenges.
- Allscripts - Best for comprehensive patient care management
- eClinicalWorks - Best for an integrated healthcare IT solution
- Valant - Best for behavioral health practices
- RXNT - Best for streamlined scheduling and billing
- Kareo Clinical - Best for independent medical practices
- TherapyNotes - Best for practice management in mental health
- Cerner - Best for large-scale health networks
- NextGen - Best for ambulatory care settings
- athenaOne - Best for coordinated care delivery
- DrChrono - Best for customizable EHR solutions
What Are EMR Systems?
An Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system is a software solution that securely stores, manages, and retrieves patient information. In contrast to traditional paper-based systems, EMRs provide a centralized, easily accessible database for clinicians of patient records, including demographics, medical history, medications, automation, immunizations, test results, and more. These systems are employed by various healthcare providers - doctors, nurses, and medical professionals across numerous specialties - in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They use them for diagnosis and treatment, decision-making, communication, patient tracking and scheduling, and reporting, contributing to better patient outcomes and more efficient healthcare practices. Many additionally integrate with medical billing software, or incorporate billing and revenue cycle management (RCM) functionality, providing a more comprehensive practice management solution.
The 10 Best EMR Systems Overviews
1. Allscripts - Best for comprehensive patient care management
Allscripts is a well-regarded player in the cloud-based EMR epic landscape, offering a range of solutions designed to improve patient care and streamline medical practice operations. With an emphasis on a comprehensive approach to patient care management, Allscripts provides a unified platform for patient records, practice management, and billing.
Why I Picked Allscripts:
When making my selection, Allscripts stood out for its ability to provide a comprehensive view of patient care. I chose Allscripts for its integrated approach to managing diverse aspects of a medical practice, from patient records to billing. This comprehensive approach is why Allscripts excels in facilitating complete patient care management.
Standout features & integrations:
Allscripts offers a suite of robust features, including electronic prescribing, decision support, and document management. The integration capabilities are equally impressive, supporting interoperability with various healthcare systems, and incorporating leading-edge technologies like AI and machine learning.
Pricing:
Pricing for Allscripts starts from $30/user/month (billed annually). Note that there may be additional charges for setup or special modules.
- Pros:
- Comprehensive patient care management
- Robust feature set
- Excellent integration capabilities
- Cons:
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Additional charges for special modules
- Can be more expensive than other EMR systems
2. eClinicalWorks - Best for an integrated healthcare IT solution
eClinicalWorks is a comprehensive cloud-based EMR system offering robust solutions that go beyond standard patient record management. This tool integrates healthcare IT solutions under one umbrella, thus being an effective solution for practitioners seeking an integrated approach.
Why I Picked eClinicalWorks:
I chose eClinicalWorks because of its dedication to providing an all-encompassing healthcare IT solution. This platform stands out due to its integrated system, which combines EHR, practice management, patient engagement, and more. It's these capabilities that make eClinicalWorks an ideal solution for those seeking a unified, integrated web-based healthcare IT system.
Standout features & integrations:
eClinicalWorks boasts features like telehealth, e-prescribing, medical billing, and patient portal. It also offers advanced integration capabilities, allowing for a seamless exchange of information with labs, pharmacies, and other healthcare providers.
Pricing:
The starting price for eClinicalWorks is from $50/user/month (billed annually). Additional charges for special modules or setup may apply.
- Pros:
- Comprehensive healthcare IT solution
- Wide range of features
- Excellent integration capabilities
- Cons:
- High starting price
- Extra cost for some modules
- Might be complex for beginners
3. Valant - Best for behavioral health practices
Valant is an EMR system cloud-based software designed specifically for behavioral health providers. It focuses on offering a suite of features that support the unique needs of this field, making it a valuable resource for these specialized practices.
Why I Picked Valant:
I selected Valant due to its specialization in behavioral health. It stands out from the pack by offering features that cater specifically to the unique needs and challenges of behavioral health providers. This targeted approach to functionality and use-case alignment is why Valant stands as the best choice for behavioral health practices.
Standout features & integrations:
Valant offers practice management, clinical documentation, e-prescription, patient portal, and billing in its comprehensive platform. It also integrates well with external platforms such as billing carecloud services, enabling practices to manage their business efficiently.
Pricing:
Valant pricing begins from $49/user/month (billed annually). Keep in mind, certain premium features or setup may incur additional fees.
- Pros:
- Specialized for behavioral health
- Comprehensive feature set
- Good integration capabilities
- Cons:
- May be over-specialized for general practices
- Additional costs for premium features
- Initial setup may be complex
4. RXNT - Best for streamlined scheduling and billing
RXNT is an EMR system practice management software with a special focus on enhancing scheduling and billing processes. By providing an efficient way to manage these critical aspects of healthcare, RXNT stands out as a vital tool for many medical practices.
Why I Picked RXNT:
I selected RXNT because of its exceptional handling of scheduling and billing. Among all the EMR systems I've evaluated, RXNT clearly stands out in this area. Its streamlined approach to these key processes, which are often bottlenecks in medical practice management, makes RXNT the best for handling scheduling and billing.
Standout features & integrations:
Key features of RXNT include appointment scheduling, electronic prescribing, medical billing, and patient engagement tools. As for integrations, RXNT provides robust interoperability with healthcare data systems, pharmacies, and labs, contributing to a well-rounded user experience.
Pricing:
Pricing for RXNT begins from $65/user/month (billed annually). Keep in mind that specific setup fees or premium services may entail additional costs.
- Pros:
- Specialized focus on scheduling and billing
- Comprehensive functionality
- Robust integrations
- Cons:
- Setup can be complex
- Premium services could increase cost
- May be less suited for non-medical health practices
5. Kareo Clinical - Best for independent medical practices
Kareo Clinical is an EMR system specifically designed to cater to the unique needs of independent medical practices. This cloud-based system provides efficient management of patient records, scheduling, billing, and more, making it an ideal choice for standalone healthcare practices.
Why I Picked Kareo Clinical:
Among the numerous EMR tools available, I singled out Kareo Clinical due to its targeted design for independent medical practices. While many systems cater to large hospitals or medical groups, Kareo Clinical offers a tailored solution that truly meets the needs of smaller, independent providers. It's this attention to the specific challenges and requirements of these practices that makes Kareo Clinical the best for independent medical practices.
Standout features & integrations:
Kareo Clinical offers a suite of useful features including integrated patient records, intuitive charting, and streamlined billing. The system also integrates seamlessly with billing and practice management systems, telehealth services, and lab ordering systems, ensuring that all essential services are within easy reach.
Pricing:
Pricing starts from $80/user/month, making it a competitive choice for small to medium-sized practices. This price includes access to all of the platform's features without any additional costs for integrations or updates.
- Pros:
- Designed for independent practices
- Integrates well with other systems
- Competitive pricing structure
- Cons:
- Less suited to large hospital networks
- May have a learning curve for some users
- Support response times could be improved
6. TherapyNotes - Best for practice management in mental health
TherapyNotes is a comprehensive online practice management system created for mental health practitioners. It combines essential functionalities such as note taking, scheduling, and billing into a single platform, making it a potent choice for mental health professionals seeking to streamline their practice operations.
Why I Picked TherapyNotes:
I picked TherapyNotes for this list because of its focus on mental health practices. In comparison to many other EMR tools, TherapyNotes provides specific features tailored to the needs of psychologists, therapists, and other mental health professionals. With a targeted approach, this tool stands out as a perfect fit for practice management in mental health.
Standout features & integrations:
TherapyNotes includes a variety of significant features. These include an integrated calendar for efficient scheduling, templates for progress notes, treatment plans, and psychological evaluations, along with robust billing capabilities. In terms of integrations, TherapyNotes pairs with various payment processors, including Stripe and BluePay, for seamless transactions, as well as electronic health record systems for comprehensive patient management.
Pricing:
Pricing for TherapyNotes starts at $59/user/month, with an additional base fee of $10 per month. This makes it a reasonable option for mental health practices looking for a comprehensive, all-in-one solution.
- Pros:
- Specific focus on mental health practices
- Integrated scheduling and billing
- Comprehensive note-taking features
- Cons:
- A slightly higher starting price than some alternatives
- Requires an additional base fee
- May not be as suitable for non-mental health practices
7. Cerner - Best for large-scale health networks
Cerner is a robust health information system, designed to streamline and manage clinical workflows and patient data across large-scale health networks. The software provides various healthcare-related applications and services, making it a comprehensive solution for health systems that manage multiple facilities.
Why I Picked Cerner:
I chose Cerner for this list due to its scalability and extensive range of applications. Its ability to connect different healthcare facilities under a single system sets it apart from many other tools. This capacity to handle large-scale health networks positions it as a top choice in its category.
Standout features & integrations:
Cerner's features span across a wide array of clinical tasks including but not limited to patient registration, appointment scheduling, electronic medical records, and billing. Furthermore, it offers integration with lab management systems, pharmacy systems, radiology information systems, and more, making it highly functional in a diverse healthcare environment.
Pricing:
Cerner's pricing information is not readily available; it's typically provided upon request. This is due to the variability of the services and the tailored solutions they provide, depending on the specific needs of the health networks.
- Pros:
- Highly scalable, ideal for large healthcare networks
- Broad range of applications covering various clinical tasks
- Offers numerous integrations with other healthcare systems
- Cons:
- Pricing is not transparent, must be requested
- May be too complex for small practices
- Can be difficult to learn due to its extensive features and functions
8. NextGen - Best for ambulatory care settings
NextGen is a healthcare software that supports medical and dental providers in managing ambulatory care settings. With a suite of solutions, including electronic health records, practice management, and patient portal applications, NextGen simplifies many aspects of healthcare management. Its particular strength in ambulatory settings gives it a unique edge.
Why I Picked NextGen:
I picked NextGen for its focus on ambulatory care settings, making it stand out among other healthcare software. The tool's design aligns with the specific workflows and data needs that characterize ambulatory care. I firmly believe it's the "best for" this use case because it offers customized solutions to address the unique challenges of outpatient care.
Standout features & integrations:
NextGen's most important features include appointment scheduling, medical billing, electronic health records, and a patient portal. These tools help to streamline processes, improve patient care, and boost productivity in an ambulatory care setting. It also offers important integrations with lab management systems and electronic prescription services to further enhance clinical workflows.
Pricing:
NextGen's pricing starts from $199/user/month. However, the final price depends on the specific modules and number of users in a particular practice.
- Pros:
- Tailored for ambulatory care settings
- Comprehensive suite of solutions
- Provides important integrations with other healthcare systems
- Cons:
- High starting price for smaller practices
- The learning curve can be steep due to its breadth of features
- Can be complex to customize without sufficient technical expertise
9. athenaOne - Best for coordinated care delivery
athenaOne is a suite of healthcare software tools designed to manage medical records, revenue cycle, patient engagement, and care coordination. athenahealth particularly stands out for its capabilities in facilitating coordinated care delivery, allowing healthcare providers to streamline workflows and improve patient outcomes.
Why I Picked athenaOne:
In selecting athenaOne, I was drawn to its comprehensive approach to care coordination. This tool stands out with its advanced features designed to enable efficient communication among healthcare providers. I identified it as "best for" coordinated care delivery because athenahealth offers an integrated platform that simplifies the sharing of health information and facilitates collaborative decision-making in patient care.
Standout features & integrations:
Key features of athenaOne include electronic health records, practice management, patient engagement tools, and a care coordination platform. Together, these features provide a unified solution to improve healthcare delivery. As for integrations, athenaOne offers connectivity with a wide array of healthcare apps, devices, and other systems, further enabling comprehensive and coordinated care.
Pricing:
athenaOne's pricing starts from $140/user/month. However, the final cost may vary based on the specific modules chosen and the number of users.
- Pros:
- Comprehensive suite of features supporting care coordination
- Broad range of integrations with other healthcare systems and devices
- Robust patient engagement tools
- Cons:
- Pricing could be high for smaller practices
- Complexity of the system may result in a steep learning curve
- Customization options could be limited compared to some other systems
10. DrChrono - Best for customizable EHR solutions
DrChrono is a robust healthcare technology platform that offers Electronic Health Records (EHR), practice management, and revenue cycle management solutions. The platform's distinguishing feature is its highly customizable EHR solution, making it particularly suitable for practices seeking a flexible, adaptable system for their unique needs.
Why I Picked DrChrono:
The choice of DrChrono for this list was influenced by its unique ability to offer a customizable EHR solution. This aspect sets it apart, as it caters to practices that want a system they can adjust according to their specific workflow and requirements. I deemed DrChrono the "Best for customizable EHR solutions" given its versatility and its commitment to accommodating unique practice needs.
Standout features & integrations:
DrChrono's standout features include its customizable medical forms, integrated billing system, and streamlined appointment scheduling. These elements allow practices to tailor the system to their exact needs. In terms of integrations, DrChrono is compatible with a variety of other systems and devices, including medical billing services, lab services, and an array of healthcare apps.
Pricing:
DrChrono's pricing starts from $199/user/month. This pricing applies to their lowest-tier plan and includes basic EHR functionality and practice management tools.
- Pros:
- Customizable EHR solution fits a variety of practice needs
- Seamless integrations with other healthcare apps and services
- All-in-one platform combines EHR, practice management, and billing
- Cons:
- Pricing may be high for smaller practices
- Potential complexity due to customizable features
- Some users may find the learning curve steep
Other EMR Systems & Tools
Below is a list of additional EMR systems that we shortlisted, but did not make it to the top 10. Definitely worth checking them out.
- PrognoCIS - Good for streamlined practice management
- AdvancedMD EHR - Good for comprehensive telehealth services
- CureMD - Good for small to mid-sized practices needing scalable solutions
- Practice Fusion - Good for practices requiring free EHR options
- Telus Health - Good for integrating healthcare data management
- Elation Health - Good for direct patient engagement and collaboration
- ChartLogic EHR - Good for intuitive user interface and efficient navigation
- Valant - Good for behavioral health and psychiatry specialties
- TherapyNotes - Good for mental health professionals requiring robust note-taking functionalities
How I Picked The Best EMR Systems
When evaluating the best electronic health record (EHR) software, I had to consider several important factors that directly influence their effectiveness and usefulness in a healthcare setting. I've tested each of these tools in a practical environment, considering their core functionality, key features, and usability to ensure they meet the specific needs of health professionals and practices.
Core Functionality:
- Patient Record Management: The software should enable healthcare providers to create, maintain, and update electronic patient records efficiently.
- Medical Billing: EHR software should provide the ability to manage billing, including insurance claims and payments. This is important for MACRA implementation with provisions for MIPS, APMs, and other value-based care activities.
- Appointment Scheduling: Efficient appointment scheduling is a key functionality that ensures smooth operations for both patients and healthcare providers.
- Reporting: The software should provide robust reporting capabilities to track and analyze various health and practice-related metrics.
Key Features:
- Interoperability: This feature ensures that the software can exchange data seamlessly with other systems, which is crucial for coordinated healthcare delivery.
- Secure Messaging: A feature that enables safe and private communication between patients and healthcare providers.
- ePrescribing: The ability to send prescriptions electronically to pharmacies, enhancing patient convenience and reducing errors.
- Patient Portal: This provides patients with easy access to their health records, appointment schedules, billing, and direct communication with their healthcare providers.
- ONC Certification: Having certification from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) who have established standards for structured data that EHR programs must meet to become certified. This is important as medical providers must use ONC-certified EHR systems to receive Medicaid and Medicare incentive payments. This standardization allows physicians, and their offices need capable and secure ways to store data.
Usability:
- Intuitive User Interface: Considering the variety of users in a healthcare setting, the software needs to have a straightforward, easy-to-navigate interface. This reduces the learning curve for staff members and encourages efficient use.
- Role-based Access: Given the need for privacy and security in healthcare, the software should offer role-based access controls. This ensures that only authorized personnel have access to specific patient data.
- Customer Support: Adequate customer support is essential to assist users in navigating the software and troubleshooting any issues that may arise.
- Mobile Access: With the rise in telehealth, having a responsive mobile interface or dedicated iOS or Android mobile app can make the software more accessible and convenient for both patients and healthcare providers using an iPad or tablet.
Common Features Of EMR Systems
Patient Charting
One of the primary features of an EMR system is patient charting. This feature allows medical practitioners to digitally record, update, and store patients' medical history, including diagnoses, medications, treatment plans, immunization dates, allergies, radiology images, and lab and test results. The benefits include quick access to patient data, improved accuracy, and a reduced risk of data redundancy compared to paper records.
Electronic Prescribing
Electronic prescribing is a key feature that enables practitioners to send prescriptions directly to pharmacies from the point of care. This can help in eliminating medication errors caused by illegible handwriting and misunderstanding oral communication. It also streamlines the prescription process, enhancing patient convenience and adherence to medication regimens.
Appointment Scheduling
Appointment scheduling tools in an EMR system can improve practice efficiency by automating appointment booking, reminders, and updates. This feature benefits both healthcare providers and patients by reducing no-show rates, minimizing administrative workload, and improving patient satisfaction.
Patient Portal
A patient portal allows patients to actively participate in their own healthcare. Through the portal, patients can access their health records, book appointments, communicate securely with healthcare providers, and manage payments. This feature enhances transparency and patient engagement, which can lead to better health outcomes.
Billing and Coding
Integrated billing and coding features in an EMR system can facilitate accurate billing processes and minimize coding errors. These features support claim tracking, insurance eligibility verification, and coding compliance, thereby reducing claim denials and increasing practice revenue.
Interoperability
Interoperability allows EMR systems to exchange and make use of information with other healthcare systems and software. This feature can promote coordinated care delivery, avoid duplication of diagnostic procedures, and enhance the overall efficiency of healthcare services.
Secure Messaging
Secure messaging within EMR systems supports HIPAA-compliant communication between healthcare providers and patients. This feature can enhance patient engagement, provide a platform for addressing patient queries, and facilitate convenient communication about care plans and follow-ups.
Reporting and Analytics
Reporting and analytics features in an EMR system can provide insightful data to improve decision-making in healthcare practices. These features can facilitate tracking of key performance indicators, monitor public health data, and support quality improvement initiatives.
Mobile Access
Mobile access to EMR systems can allow healthcare providers to access patient records and practice information remotely. This feature is crucial for healthcare providers on the go and can support telehealth services, promote real-time data access, and improve patient care delivery.
Customization
Customization capabilities in an EMR system enable healthcare practices to modify the software to suit their specific needs and workflows. This can lead to better user adoption, improved efficiency, and increased satisfaction among healthcare providers and staff.
EMR Systems FAQ’s
Question: What are the benefits of using the best EMR systems?
Answer: The benefits of using the top EMR systems include:
- Streamlined Clinical Workflow: They provide a centralized system for all patient data, enhancing the efficiency of clinical workflows.
- Enhanced Patient Care: By offering instant access to patient history, EMRs can aid in accurate diagnosis and treatment plans.
- Cost-Efficiency: These tools can significantly reduce paperwork and associated costs in a clinical setting.
- Improved Communication: EMRs facilitate seamless communication between different healthcare providers, pharmacies, and patients.
- Regulatory Compliance: EMR systems adhere to HIPAA standards, ensuring the protection and confidentiality of patient data.
Question: How much do these EMR tools cost?
Answer: The pricing for EMR tools varies greatly depending on the features, the number of users, and the specific needs of a healthcare practice.
Question: What are the pricing models for EMR systems?
Answer: Common pricing models for EMR systems include monthly or annual subscription-based pricing, pay-per-visit pricing, and tier-based pricing. Some providers may also offer customized pricing based on the size and needs of a healthcare practice.
Question: What is the typical range of pricing for EMR systems?
Answer: The typical pricing for EMR systems can range anywhere from $30/user/month to $500/user/month. The cost usually depends on the complexity and comprehensiveness of the system.
Question: Which are the cheapest and most expensive EMR software?
Answer: Among the listed options, Practice Fusion is considered one of the most affordable solutions, while solutions like athenaOne and DrChrono fall on the higher end of the pricing scale due to their comprehensive feature set.
Question: Are there any free options for EMR systems?
Answer: Yes, there are some EMR systems that offer a free version of their tool. For example, Practice Fusion offers a free basic version of its EMR software, although it is limited in terms of features compared to its paid version.
Summary
In conclusion, selecting the right EMR system for your healthcare practice depends on several important factors. These include the size of your practice, your specific clinical requirements, the need for customization, and your budget.
Here are three key takeaways to guide your decision-making process:
- Core Functionality and Key Features: Ensure the EMR system covers the essential clinical functions such as patient scheduling, charting, prescription management, and billing. In addition, advanced features such as telehealth capabilities, patient portal, and integrations with other health IT systems can enhance the overall efficiency and productivity of your practice.
- Usability and Support: The EMR system should be user-friendly, intuitive, and quick to navigate. It's also crucial that the vendor provides adequate training, technical support, and resources for a smooth onboarding process and ongoing usage.
- Cost and Value: Pricing for EMR systems varies greatly. While affordability is an important consideration, it's equally crucial to assess the value the system brings to your practice. A cheaper system might lack essential features, while a more expensive one might include features you do not need. Always consider the return on investment and how the system can streamline operations, improve patient care, and facilitate growth.
Remember, the "best" EMR system isn't necessarily the one with the most features or the highest price tag. Instead, it's the one that aligns most closely with your unique requirements and can adapt to the evolving needs of your practice.
What Do You Think?
We strive to provide the most comprehensive and up-to-date information about the best EMR systems available. However, the health IT landscape is vast and continually evolving. If you've come across an EMR system that you believe should be included in our list, we would love to hear from you. Please feel free to suggest tools that we may have missed. Your input is valuable to us and could help other healthcare professionals make a more informed decision. Thank you for your support and engagement.