Quick Overview
- 1#1: Epic Systems - Comprehensive EHR platform powering large-scale healthcare organizations with advanced interoperability and patient engagement features.
- 2#2: Oracle Health - Cloud-based EHR solution formerly Cerner, offering robust clinical workflows and analytics for hospitals and health systems.
- 3#3: athenahealth - Cloud-native EHR and practice management software focused on ambulatory care with strong revenue cycle management.
- 4#4: Veradigm - Integrated EHR platform previously Allscripts, providing population health and data analytics for diverse practices.
- 5#5: MEDITECH - Patient-centric EHR system with Expanse platform delivering real-time data and scalability for acute and ambulatory care.
- 6#6: eClinicalWorks - Affordable EHR and telehealth solution with AI-driven features for small to mid-sized practices and population health.
- 7#7: NextGen Healthcare - Specialty-focused EHR with enterprise ambulatory solutions emphasizing usability and compliance.
- 8#8: Greenway Health - Modular EHR platform with Intergy for practice management and patient portal integration.
- 9#9: Amazing Charts - User-friendly EHR designed by physicians for efficient charting and customization in primary care.
- 10#10: DrChrono - iPad-native EHR with mobile-first design for scheduling, billing, and telehealth in small practices.
These tools were chosen based on rigorous assessment of key factors, including interoperability, clinical workflow integration, ease of use, scalability, and value, ensuring they deliver robust performance across diverse healthcare environments.
Comparison Table
Electronic health records (EHR) software is vital for healthcare operations, with a range of tools from enterprise platforms to specialized solutions. This comparison table explores key options like Epic Systems, Oracle Health, athenahealth, Veradigm, and MEDITECH, highlighting features, integration strengths, and user focus to assist in selecting the right fit for practices or organizations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Epic Systems Comprehensive EHR platform powering large-scale healthcare organizations with advanced interoperability and patient engagement features. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 2 | Oracle Health Cloud-based EHR solution formerly Cerner, offering robust clinical workflows and analytics for hospitals and health systems. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 3 | athenahealth Cloud-native EHR and practice management software focused on ambulatory care with strong revenue cycle management. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | Veradigm Integrated EHR platform previously Allscripts, providing population health and data analytics for diverse practices. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | MEDITECH Patient-centric EHR system with Expanse platform delivering real-time data and scalability for acute and ambulatory care. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | eClinicalWorks Affordable EHR and telehealth solution with AI-driven features for small to mid-sized practices and population health. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 7 | NextGen Healthcare Specialty-focused EHR with enterprise ambulatory solutions emphasizing usability and compliance. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Greenway Health Modular EHR platform with Intergy for practice management and patient portal integration. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.1/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 9 | Amazing Charts User-friendly EHR designed by physicians for efficient charting and customization in primary care. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 10 | DrChrono iPad-native EHR with mobile-first design for scheduling, billing, and telehealth in small practices. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
Comprehensive EHR platform powering large-scale healthcare organizations with advanced interoperability and patient engagement features.
Cloud-based EHR solution formerly Cerner, offering robust clinical workflows and analytics for hospitals and health systems.
Cloud-native EHR and practice management software focused on ambulatory care with strong revenue cycle management.
Integrated EHR platform previously Allscripts, providing population health and data analytics for diverse practices.
Patient-centric EHR system with Expanse platform delivering real-time data and scalability for acute and ambulatory care.
Affordable EHR and telehealth solution with AI-driven features for small to mid-sized practices and population health.
Specialty-focused EHR with enterprise ambulatory solutions emphasizing usability and compliance.
Modular EHR platform with Intergy for practice management and patient portal integration.
User-friendly EHR designed by physicians for efficient charting and customization in primary care.
iPad-native EHR with mobile-first design for scheduling, billing, and telehealth in small practices.
Epic Systems
enterpriseComprehensive EHR platform powering large-scale healthcare organizations with advanced interoperability and patient engagement features.
Care Everywhere, enabling secure, real-time data sharing across over 250 million patient records in unaffiliated organizations.
Epic Systems is a leading electronic health record (EHR) platform designed for large-scale healthcare organizations, providing comprehensive management of patient records, clinical workflows, scheduling, billing, and analytics. It integrates seamlessly across departments and supports interoperability through its vast network. With modules like MyChart for patient engagement and Cosmos for population health analytics, Epic streamlines operations while ensuring regulatory compliance such as HIPAA and ONC certification.
Pros
- Unmatched scalability and customization for enterprise-level healthcare systems
- Robust interoperability via Care Everywhere network used by millions of patients
- Advanced AI-driven analytics and population health tools like Cosmos
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface requiring extensive training
- High implementation and ongoing costs prohibitive for smaller practices
- Customization often demands specialized Epic consultants
Best For
Large hospitals, health systems, and academic medical centers needing a fully integrated, scalable EHR solution.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing with implementation costs often exceeding $1 million; subscription-based with per-user fees negotiated individually.
Oracle Health
enterpriseCloud-based EHR solution formerly Cerner, offering robust clinical workflows and analytics for hospitals and health systems.
AI-powered Oracle Clinical Digital Assistant for real-time clinician guidance and workflow automation
Oracle Health is a comprehensive EHR platform, formerly Cerner, designed for large healthcare organizations to manage clinical, financial, and operational workflows. It leverages Oracle's cloud infrastructure for scalability, interoperability via FHIR standards, and advanced AI-driven analytics for population health and clinical decision support. The system integrates electronic health records with revenue cycle management, telemedicine, and precision medicine tools to enhance patient care and efficiency.
Pros
- Enterprise-grade scalability and reliability for high-volume environments
- Advanced AI and analytics for predictive insights and automation
- Strong interoperability and integration with Oracle ecosystem
Cons
- Complex implementation process with long timelines
- Steep learning curve for end-users
- High costs for customization and maintenance
Best For
Large hospitals, health systems, and IDNs needing a robust, scalable EHR with deep analytics and cloud-native architecture.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing with significant upfront implementation fees (often millions) and ongoing subscription based on users/beds, starting at $500K+ annually for mid-sized orgs.
athenahealth
enterpriseCloud-native EHR and practice management software focused on ambulatory care with strong revenue cycle management.
athenahealth's provider network for real-time benchmarking, payer connectivity, and automated insights
athenahealth is a comprehensive cloud-based EHR and practice management platform tailored for ambulatory medical practices, offering integrated tools for clinical documentation, scheduling, billing, and patient engagement. It leverages a vast provider network for superior interoperability, claims processing, and performance analytics. The athenaOne suite emphasizes revenue cycle optimization and population health management, making it a robust solution for efficient practice operations.
Pros
- Exceptional revenue cycle management with high clean claims rates and denial prevention tools
- Strong interoperability via the athenahealth network, enabling seamless data exchange and benchmarking
- Integrated patient portal and telehealth features for enhanced engagement
Cons
- High pricing that can strain smaller practices' budgets
- Steep learning curve for advanced customization and reporting
- Occasional user interface glitches and slower load times during peak usage
Best For
Medium to large ambulatory practices seeking an all-in-one cloud EHR with superior billing and analytics capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $400-$600 per provider per month including EHR, practice management, and support.
Veradigm
enterpriseIntegrated EHR platform previously Allscripts, providing population health and data analytics for diverse practices.
Veradigm Network: The largest U.S. health data network for real-time payer-provider data exchange and advanced population health analytics.
Veradigm is a comprehensive EHR platform tailored for ambulatory practices and health systems, offering electronic health records, practice management, revenue cycle management, and population health analytics. It emphasizes interoperability through FHIR standards and integrates with numerous third-party apps via its open platform. The system supports specialties like primary care, cardiology, and behavioral health, with tools for e-prescribing, patient portals, and telehealth.
Pros
- Extensive interoperability and integration with EHRs, labs, and payers
- Powerful population health and analytics via the Veradigm Network
- Scalable for small practices to large enterprises with specialty-specific templates
Cons
- Steep learning curve and dated user interface in some modules
- Custom pricing can be expensive for smaller practices
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Mid-sized to large ambulatory practices and health systems seeking robust interoperability and data-driven insights.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $400-$700 per provider per month including implementation fees.
MEDITECH
enterprisePatient-centric EHR system with Expanse platform delivering real-time data and scalability for acute and ambulatory care.
Expanse web-based platform enabling anytime, anywhere access without client software installations
MEDITECH is a leading provider of electronic health record (EHR) systems, offering the Expanse platform that delivers integrated clinical, financial, and operational tools for hospitals and health systems. It supports acute care, ambulatory, post-acute, and behavioral health settings with features like patient portals, interoperability via FHIR standards, and advanced analytics. The system emphasizes workflow efficiency and regulatory compliance, serving over 1,700 organizations worldwide.
Pros
- Comprehensive integration across care continuum including acute and ambulatory settings
- Strong clinical decision support and patient safety tools
- Reliable interoperability with national networks like Carequality
Cons
- User interface can feel dated and less intuitive compared to modern competitors
- Lengthy implementation timelines and customization challenges
- Higher costs may strain smaller organizations
Best For
Mid-sized hospitals and integrated health systems needing a scalable, enterprise-grade EHR with broad care setting support.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at $200+ per user/month, often with modular add-ons; requires quote based on facility size and needs.
eClinicalWorks
enterpriseAffordable EHR and telehealth solution with AI-driven features for small to mid-sized practices and population health.
Healow patient engagement suite with seamless telehealth, messaging, and appointment self-scheduling
eClinicalWorks is a comprehensive EHR platform tailored for ambulatory care, offering integrated electronic health records, practice management, billing, and patient engagement tools. It supports specialties through customizable workflows, interoperability with labs and imaging, and features like telehealth via Healow. The cloud-based system scales for small to large practices, emphasizing revenue cycle management and regulatory compliance such as MIPS reporting.
Pros
- All-in-one integration of EHR, practice management, and billing
- Strong interoperability and customization for various specialties
- Robust patient portal (Healow) with telehealth capabilities
Cons
- Clunky user interface with steep learning curve
- Inconsistent customer support and implementation delays
- Performance issues in high-volume environments
Best For
Small to mid-sized ambulatory practices needing a scalable, feature-rich EHR with strong revenue cycle tools.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at $399-$699 per provider/month; custom quotes based on users, modules, and practice size.
NextGen Healthcare
enterpriseSpecialty-focused EHR with enterprise ambulatory solutions emphasizing usability and compliance.
NextGen Open Platform for extensive third-party integrations and app marketplace
NextGen Healthcare offers a comprehensive EHR platform designed for ambulatory care providers, integrating clinical documentation, practice management, revenue cycle management, and patient engagement tools. It supports specialty-specific workflows, interoperability standards like FHIR, and population health analytics to enhance care coordination. Scalable for small practices to enterprise-level health systems, it emphasizes customization and data-driven decision-making.
Pros
- Robust interoperability and FHIR support for seamless data exchange
- Specialty-specific templates and customization options
- Advanced population health and analytics tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface
- Higher cost structure with add-on fees
- Inconsistent customer support response times
Best For
Mid-sized to large ambulatory and specialty practices needing scalable, customizable EHR with strong analytics.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription; core EHR starts at ~$399/provider/month, scales with users/modules (enterprise pricing customized).
Greenway Health
enterpriseModular EHR platform with Intergy for practice management and patient portal integration.
Health DataHub for seamless data exchange and interoperability across disparate systems
Greenway Health provides EHR solutions like Prime Suite and Intergy, tailored for ambulatory practices and medical specialties such as primary care, orthopedics, and cardiology. The platform integrates electronic health records, practice management, revenue cycle management, and patient engagement tools to streamline workflows and improve care delivery. It supports interoperability standards like FHIR and offers both cloud-based and on-premise deployment options for flexibility.
Pros
- Comprehensive specialty-specific templates and workflows
- Strong revenue cycle management with claims scrubbing
- Robust interoperability and patient portal features
Cons
- Dated user interface with steep learning curve
- Mixed customer support experiences
- Pricing can be opaque and higher for smaller practices
Best For
Mid-sized ambulatory practices and specialty clinics needing integrated EHR, billing, and interoperability.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically $300-$600 per provider per month, including implementation fees and add-ons for advanced modules.
Amazing Charts
specializedUser-friendly EHR designed by physicians for efficient charting and customization in primary care.
Tabbed charting interface that replicates traditional paper charts for seamless, intuitive data entry and review
Amazing Charts is an electronic health record (EHR) system designed primarily for primary care physicians and small practices, featuring a tabbed, paper-like charting interface that prioritizes speed and simplicity in documentation. It supports core functions like e-prescribing, patient scheduling, billing integration, and Meaningful Use compliance. The software emphasizes efficient workflows to reduce administrative burden, making it suitable for ambulatory care settings.
Pros
- Intuitive tabbed interface mimicking paper charts for quick navigation
- Fast charting and documentation capabilities
- Strong customer support and reliable uptime
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and reporting tools
- Fewer integrations with third-party apps compared to competitors
- Less suitable for large practices or complex specialties
Best For
Solo practitioners and small primary care offices looking for an easy-to-learn EHR with minimal training required.
Pricing
Subscription-based at approximately $400-$700 per provider per month, plus one-time implementation fees.
DrChrono
specializediPad-native EHR with mobile-first design for scheduling, billing, and telehealth in small practices.
Native iPad app for full charting and exam room workflow, providing a tablet-optimized experience unmatched by many desktop-heavy EHRs
DrChrono is a cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) and practice management platform tailored for medical practices, offering tools for charting, scheduling, billing, e-prescribing, and telehealth. It supports ambulatory care with a strong emphasis on mobility through native iOS apps for iPad and iPhone, enabling providers to access patient records and complete encounters on the go. The system includes patient engagement features like a portal for self-scheduling and secure messaging, along with integrations for labs, pharmacies, and revenue cycle management.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile apps, especially for iPad charting
- Seamless integration of telehealth and patient portal
- Customizable templates and strong e-prescribing capabilities
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for solo or small practices
- Customer support response times vary
- Some reporting and analytics features feel limited compared to enterprise solutions
Best For
Small to mid-sized ambulatory practices prioritizing mobile accessibility and telehealth in their workflow.
Pricing
Starts at $199 per provider per month for core EHR features, with add-ons for telehealth and advanced billing; custom quotes for implementation and enterprise needs.
Conclusion
After careful review, Epic Systems stands out as the top choice, offering a comprehensive EHR platform with advanced interoperability and patient engagement, ideal for large healthcare organizations. Oracle Health and athenahealth follow as strong alternatives—Oracle for robust clinical workflows and analytics, and athenahealth for its cloud-native focus on ambulatory care and revenue cycle management. Each tool caters to specific needs, ensuring there’s a solution for diverse practice sizes and care settings.
To elevate your healthcare operations, start with Epic Systems, the top-ranked solution that combines functionality and patient-centric design for optimal performance.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
