Quick Overview
- 1#1: Epic Systems - Leading enterprise EHR platform with advanced CPOE features for error reduction and seamless physician order entry in large health systems.
- 2#2: Oracle Health - Comprehensive health IT suite formerly Cerner with robust CPOE capabilities supporting complex inpatient and ambulatory ordering workflows.
- 3#3: MEDITECH - Expanse EHR platform delivering intuitive CPOE with strong clinical decision support for mid-sized hospitals.
- 4#4: Altera Digital Health - Provides Sunrise and Paragon EHRs featuring high-quality CPOE for acute care environments.
- 5#5: athenahealth - Cloud-based EHR with efficient CPOE and integrated revenue cycle management for ambulatory practices.
- 6#6: Evident - Formerly CPSI, offers EHR and CPOE solutions optimized for community hospitals with excellent value.
- 7#7: NextGen Healthcare - Enterprise EHR with advanced CPOE including specialty-specific order sets and analytics.
- 8#8: eClinicalWorks - Flexible cloud and on-premise EHR with user-friendly CPOE for diverse practice sizes.
- 9#9: Greenway Health - Prime Suite EHR providing solid CPOE functionality tailored for ambulatory and specialty care.
- 10#10: Practice Fusion - Free web-based EHR with basic CPOE features suitable for small practices seeking cost-effective solutions.
Tools were selected based on robust CPOE features (including error reduction and seamless order entry), usability, integrated clinical capabilities, and value across large health systems, ambulatory practices, and community hospitals.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines leading CPOE software, featuring industry names like Epic Systems, Oracle Health, and MEDITECH, alongside innovative tools such as Altera Digital Health and athenahealth. It compares key attributes, including usability, integration, and clinical features, to help readers identify the right solution for their healthcare workflows. By outlining strengths of each, it guides decision-making for streamlining care processes and enhancing safety.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Epic Systems Leading enterprise EHR platform with advanced CPOE features for error reduction and seamless physician order entry in large health systems. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 2 | Oracle Health Comprehensive health IT suite formerly Cerner with robust CPOE capabilities supporting complex inpatient and ambulatory ordering workflows. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | MEDITECH Expanse EHR platform delivering intuitive CPOE with strong clinical decision support for mid-sized hospitals. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 4 | Altera Digital Health Provides Sunrise and Paragon EHRs featuring high-quality CPOE for acute care environments. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | athenahealth Cloud-based EHR with efficient CPOE and integrated revenue cycle management for ambulatory practices. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Evident Formerly CPSI, offers EHR and CPOE solutions optimized for community hospitals with excellent value. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | NextGen Healthcare Enterprise EHR with advanced CPOE including specialty-specific order sets and analytics. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | eClinicalWorks Flexible cloud and on-premise EHR with user-friendly CPOE for diverse practice sizes. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 6.9/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 9 | Greenway Health Prime Suite EHR providing solid CPOE functionality tailored for ambulatory and specialty care. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 10 | Practice Fusion Free web-based EHR with basic CPOE features suitable for small practices seeking cost-effective solutions. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
Leading enterprise EHR platform with advanced CPOE features for error reduction and seamless physician order entry in large health systems.
Comprehensive health IT suite formerly Cerner with robust CPOE capabilities supporting complex inpatient and ambulatory ordering workflows.
Expanse EHR platform delivering intuitive CPOE with strong clinical decision support for mid-sized hospitals.
Provides Sunrise and Paragon EHRs featuring high-quality CPOE for acute care environments.
Cloud-based EHR with efficient CPOE and integrated revenue cycle management for ambulatory practices.
Formerly CPSI, offers EHR and CPOE solutions optimized for community hospitals with excellent value.
Enterprise EHR with advanced CPOE including specialty-specific order sets and analytics.
Flexible cloud and on-premise EHR with user-friendly CPOE for diverse practice sizes.
Prime Suite EHR providing solid CPOE functionality tailored for ambulatory and specialty care.
Free web-based EHR with basic CPOE features suitable for small practices seeking cost-effective solutions.
Epic Systems
enterpriseLeading enterprise EHR platform with advanced CPOE features for error reduction and seamless physician order entry in large health systems.
BestPractice Advisories (BPAs) that deliver context-aware, real-time clinical guidance during order entry to enhance safety and compliance.
Epic Systems' EpicCare platform is a leading electronic health record (EHR) system with robust computerized physician order entry (CPOE) functionality, enabling clinicians to electronically submit orders for medications, labs, procedures, and diagnostics directly from patient charts. It incorporates advanced clinical decision support (CDS) tools like BestPractice Advisories to flag potential errors, suggest alternatives, and ensure adherence to evidence-based protocols. Designed for scalability, Epic's CPOE integrates seamlessly across inpatient, outpatient, and ambulatory settings, supporting complex workflows in large healthcare organizations.
Pros
- Exceptional clinical decision support with real-time alerts and order checks to minimize errors
- Deep integration with full EHR for a unified patient view and streamlined workflows
- Highly customizable order sets, panels, and smart tools tailored to specialties
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface requiring extensive training
- Prohibitively high implementation and customization costs
- Lengthy deployment timelines often exceeding 2-3 years
Best For
Large hospitals, academic medical centers, and integrated health systems needing enterprise-scale CPOE with comprehensive EHR integration.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing; implementation often costs $10M+ with annual fees scaling by beds/users (e.g., $100K-$500K+/year for mid-sized systems).
Oracle Health
enterpriseComprehensive health IT suite formerly Cerner with robust CPOE capabilities supporting complex inpatient and ambulatory ordering workflows.
Dynamic documentation and AI-driven Best Practice Advisories that provide real-time, context-aware guidance during order entry
Oracle Health, formerly Cerner, offers a comprehensive electronic health record (EHR) platform with robust Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) capabilities through its Millennium system. It enables clinicians to electronically enter medication, lab, imaging, and procedure orders with real-time clinical decision support to reduce errors and improve patient safety. The solution integrates seamlessly with other Oracle Health modules for a unified workflow across large-scale healthcare enterprises.
Pros
- Advanced clinical decision support and order sets reduce medication errors
- Scalable for large hospitals with strong interoperability standards (FHIR, HL7)
- Robust security and compliance features for enterprise environments
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface
- High implementation and customization costs
- Slower updates compared to some cloud-native competitors
Best For
Large hospitals and health systems requiring enterprise-grade, highly integrable CPOE within a full EHR suite.
Pricing
Enterprise licensing model, typically $500K+ initial implementation plus ongoing subscription fees based on beds/users (custom quotes required).
MEDITECH
enterpriseExpanse EHR platform delivering intuitive CPOE with strong clinical decision support for mid-sized hospitals.
Dynamic, patient-centered order panels in Expanse that intelligently adapt to context, reducing clicks and enhancing order accuracy.
MEDITECH offers a comprehensive EHR platform with robust CPOE functionality through its Expanse system, enabling clinicians to enter medication, lab, radiology, and procedure orders electronically with real-time clinical decision support. It integrates seamlessly with pharmacy, nursing, and other modules to reduce errors and streamline workflows across hospitals. The solution supports mobile access, customizable order sets, and advanced alerts for allergies, dosing, and interactions, making it suitable for complex care environments.
Pros
- Strong clinical decision support with real-time alerts and evidence-based order sets
- Deep integration with full EHR suite for end-to-end workflow efficiency
- Scalable for large hospitals with high reliability and regulatory compliance
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface
- High implementation and customization costs
- Slower adaptation to user feedback compared to modern cloud-native competitors
Best For
Mid-to-large hospitals and health systems needing an integrated, enterprise-grade CPOE within a comprehensive EHR platform.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on facility size, modules, and users; typically involves multi-year contracts with significant upfront implementation fees starting in the low millions for mid-sized hospitals.
Altera Digital Health
enterpriseProvides Sunrise and Paragon EHRs featuring high-quality CPOE for acute care environments.
Sunrise Clinical Surveillance, providing AI-driven predictive analytics and proactive order management
Altera Digital Health, through its Sunrise EHR platform, delivers robust CPOE software designed for enterprise-level healthcare organizations. It streamlines physician order entry for medications, labs, imaging, and procedures while integrating clinical decision support to reduce errors and enhance patient safety. The system supports interoperability with standards like FHIR and HL7, enabling seamless data exchange across inpatient and ambulatory settings.
Pros
- Advanced clinical decision support with real-time alerts
- Scalable for large health systems with strong interoperability
- Comprehensive order sets and customization options
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation
- High upfront costs and ongoing fees
- Occasional performance issues in high-volume environments
Best For
Large hospitals and integrated health systems seeking enterprise-grade CPOE with deep EHR integration.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at $500+ per user/month, with implementation fees often exceeding $1M for large deployments.
athenahealth
enterpriseCloud-based EHR with efficient CPOE and integrated revenue cycle management for ambulatory practices.
Athenahealth Network-powered clinical intelligence for real-time, data-driven order suggestions and error prevention
athenahealth's athenaOne is a comprehensive cloud-based EHR platform with integrated CPOE capabilities, enabling physicians to enter medication, lab, and imaging orders electronically while minimizing errors through real-time clinical decision support. It features automated checks for drug interactions, allergies, dosing guidelines, and formulary adherence, seamlessly integrating with practice management and patient portals. The system leverages athenahealth's vast network data for predictive insights, enhancing order accuracy and workflow efficiency.
Pros
- Robust clinical decision support with drug interaction and allergy alerts
- Cloud-based access with mobile app for on-the-go ordering
- Strong interoperability via FHIR and nationwide data network
Cons
- High subscription costs that scale with practice size
- Initial setup and training can be time-intensive
- Some users report occasional interface lag during peak usage
Best For
Mid-sized to large ambulatory practices needing an all-in-one EHR with advanced CPOE and revenue cycle integration.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at $140-$300 per provider per month, plus implementation fees and add-ons for advanced modules.
Evident
enterpriseFormerly CPSI, offers EHR and CPOE solutions optimized for community hospitals with excellent value.
AI-powered order sets that adapt to provider preferences and patient history for faster, personalized ordering
Evident (evidenthc.com) is a cloud-based EHR platform with integrated CPOE capabilities designed for ambulatory care and specialty practices. It allows physicians to enter medication, lab, radiology, and referral orders electronically, featuring clinical decision support, allergy checks, and e-prescribing integration. The system emphasizes workflow efficiency, error reduction, and compliance with standards like Meaningful Use, making it suitable for mid-sized practices.
Pros
- Robust clinical decision support with drug interaction alerts
- Seamless integration with e-prescribing networks like Surescripts
- Mobile accessibility for on-the-go order entry
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small practices
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Limited advanced analytics compared to top competitors
Best For
Mid-sized primary care and specialty practices needing reliable CPOE within a full EHR suite.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing, typically $250-$500 per provider/month depending on practice size and modules.
NextGen Healthcare
enterpriseEnterprise EHR with advanced CPOE including specialty-specific order sets and analytics.
Evidence-based, specialty-specific order sets with real-time clinical decision support powered by integrated analytics.
NextGen Healthcare provides a comprehensive EHR platform with integrated CPOE functionality tailored for ambulatory practices, enabling physicians to electronically enter orders for medications, labs, diagnostics, and procedures directly from patient charts. The system streamlines workflows with features like order sets, e-prescribing, and clinical decision support to minimize errors and ensure compliance with regulations. It supports interoperability through standards like HL7 and FHIR, making it suitable for multi-provider environments.
Pros
- Robust integration with full EHR and practice management
- Advanced clinical decision support and customizable order sets
- Strong scalability for mid-sized to large practices with reliable uptime
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for new users
- High implementation costs and lengthy onboarding process
- Occasional customization needs leading to additional expenses
Best For
Mid-sized ambulatory practices and specialty groups seeking an enterprise-grade CPOE integrated with comprehensive EHR capabilities.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $400-$800 per provider per month including EHR, CPOE, and support; implementation fees extra.
eClinicalWorks
enterpriseFlexible cloud and on-premise EHR with user-friendly CPOE for diverse practice sizes.
PRISMA imaging integration for direct order entry, results viewing, and PACS connectivity within the CPOE workflow
eClinicalWorks is a comprehensive cloud-based EHR platform with robust CPOE functionality, enabling physicians to enter medication, lab, imaging, and procedure orders electronically directly from patient charts. It includes clinical decision support (CDS) with drug interaction alerts, e-prescribing via SureScripts, and seamless integration with labs, pharmacies, and imaging systems. The system supports mobile access through the Healow app, facilitating orders from anywhere, and emphasizes interoperability for ambulatory care settings.
Pros
- Strong integration with EHR, practice management, and telehealth for streamlined workflows
- Advanced e-prescribing and CDS reduce errors and improve compliance
- Mobile app enables flexible CPOE access for providers on the go
Cons
- User interface feels dated and has a steep learning curve
- Occasional performance lags and reliability issues reported
- Limited customization without vendor support
Best For
Small to mid-sized ambulatory practices needing an integrated EHR with reliable CPOE for everyday order management.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at ~$400-$700 per provider/month, including EHR, CPOE, and support; scales with practice size.
Greenway Health
enterprisePrime Suite EHR providing solid CPOE functionality tailored for ambulatory and specialty care.
Integrated revenue cycle management tied directly to CPOE orders for faster reimbursements
Greenway Health offers PrimeSUITE, an integrated EHR platform with robust CPOE functionality designed for ambulatory practices to electronically enter physician orders, including medications, labs, and imaging. It emphasizes error reduction through clinical decision support, allergy checks, and dose calculators, while integrating seamlessly with practice management and billing. The system supports customization for specialties and complies with ONC certification for meaningful use.
Pros
- Comprehensive integration with EHR, PM, and e-prescribing
- Strong clinical decision support for order safety
- Customizable order sets and templates for efficiency
Cons
- Dated user interface with steep learning curve
- Reported performance lags during peak usage
- Limited advanced analytics compared to enterprise competitors
Best For
Small to mid-sized ambulatory practices needing an all-in-one EHR with reliable CPOE for everyday workflows.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at $300-$600 per provider/month, plus implementation fees; custom quotes required.
Practice Fusion
enterpriseFree web-based EHR with basic CPOE features suitable for small practices seeking cost-effective solutions.
100% free CPOE-enabled EHR with no upfront licensing costs
Practice Fusion is a free, cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) system with integrated computerized physician order entry (CPOE) capabilities, enabling providers to electronically order medications, labs, imaging studies, and referrals directly from patient charts. It features e-prescribing via Surescripts integration, clinical decision support, and seamless workflow for ambulatory settings. As an ONC-certified EHR, it supports meaningful use requirements and includes tools for charting, scheduling, and basic billing.
Pros
- Completely free core EHR and CPOE functionality
- Intuitive web-based interface with mobile access
- Strong e-prescribing and lab order integration
Cons
- Limited advanced customization and analytics
- Occasional performance issues and ads in the interface
- Customer support can be slow and less robust
Best For
Small to medium ambulatory practices seeking a cost-free CPOE solution with basic EHR needs.
Pricing
Free for core features; optional paid add-ons for advanced billing or integrations.
Conclusion
Evaluating CPOE software reveals a range of options, but Epic Systems stands out as the top choice, excelling in enterprise environments with advanced error-reduction and streamlined order entry. Oracle Health and MEDITECH are strong alternatives—Oracle for complex inpatient and ambulatory workflows, and MEDITECH for intuitive support in mid-sized settings. Each tool caters to unique needs, but the top three consistently deliver excellence in enhancing care coordination and precision.
Take the next step in improving your workflow: explore Epic Systems to experience its leading CPOE capabilities firsthand and elevate your practice's efficiency and safety.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.