Quick Overview
- 1#1: Epic - Delivers a comprehensive, integrated electronic health record platform for large hospitals and health systems with advanced clinical decision support.
- 2#2: Oracle Cerner - Provides cloud-based EMR solutions with interoperability, population health management, and revenue cycle tools for healthcare organizations.
- 3#3: athenahealth - Offers cloud-based EHR, practice management, and patient engagement services optimized for ambulatory care practices.
- 4#4: eClinicalWorks - Supplies integrated EHR, telehealth, patient portal, and practice management software for small to mid-sized practices.
- 5#5: NextGen Healthcare - Provides specialty-focused EHR and revenue cycle management solutions for ambulatory and enterprise healthcare providers.
- 6#6: MEDITECH - Offers scalable EHR platforms for acute care hospitals, ambulatory clinics, and long-term care facilities.
- 7#7: Veradigm - Delivers data-driven EHR, analytics, and interoperability solutions to enhance clinical and financial outcomes.
- 8#8: Greenway Health - Provides interoperable EHR and practice management software with strong focus on usability and compliance.
- 9#9: Practice Fusion - Offers a free, web-based EHR system with charting, e-prescribing, and scheduling for independent practices.
- 10#10: DrChrono - Cloud-based EHR with mobile-first design, telehealth, and billing features tailored for modern medical practices.
Tools were ranked based on key factors including clinical integration, interoperability, usability, quality, reliability, compliance, and value, ensuring a curated list of impactful solutions for diverse healthcare settings.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores key EMR medical software solutions, including Epic, Oracle Cerner, athenahealth, eClinicalWorks, and NextGen, to guide users in evaluating options for their practice. Readers will gain insights into core features, usability, integration capabilities, and scalability, helping them identify platforms that best meet their operational and clinical needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Epic Delivers a comprehensive, integrated electronic health record platform for large hospitals and health systems with advanced clinical decision support. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 2 | Oracle Cerner Provides cloud-based EMR solutions with interoperability, population health management, and revenue cycle tools for healthcare organizations. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 3 | athenahealth Offers cloud-based EHR, practice management, and patient engagement services optimized for ambulatory care practices. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | eClinicalWorks Supplies integrated EHR, telehealth, patient portal, and practice management software for small to mid-sized practices. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | NextGen Healthcare Provides specialty-focused EHR and revenue cycle management solutions for ambulatory and enterprise healthcare providers. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | MEDITECH Offers scalable EHR platforms for acute care hospitals, ambulatory clinics, and long-term care facilities. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 7 | Veradigm Delivers data-driven EHR, analytics, and interoperability solutions to enhance clinical and financial outcomes. | enterprise | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 8 | Greenway Health Provides interoperable EHR and practice management software with strong focus on usability and compliance. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Practice Fusion Offers a free, web-based EHR system with charting, e-prescribing, and scheduling for independent practices. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 10 | DrChrono Cloud-based EHR with mobile-first design, telehealth, and billing features tailored for modern medical practices. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.6/10 |
Delivers a comprehensive, integrated electronic health record platform for large hospitals and health systems with advanced clinical decision support.
Provides cloud-based EMR solutions with interoperability, population health management, and revenue cycle tools for healthcare organizations.
Offers cloud-based EHR, practice management, and patient engagement services optimized for ambulatory care practices.
Supplies integrated EHR, telehealth, patient portal, and practice management software for small to mid-sized practices.
Provides specialty-focused EHR and revenue cycle management solutions for ambulatory and enterprise healthcare providers.
Offers scalable EHR platforms for acute care hospitals, ambulatory clinics, and long-term care facilities.
Delivers data-driven EHR, analytics, and interoperability solutions to enhance clinical and financial outcomes.
Provides interoperable EHR and practice management software with strong focus on usability and compliance.
Offers a free, web-based EHR system with charting, e-prescribing, and scheduling for independent practices.
Cloud-based EHR with mobile-first design, telehealth, and billing features tailored for modern medical practices.
Epic
enterpriseDelivers a comprehensive, integrated electronic health record platform for large hospitals and health systems with advanced clinical decision support.
MyChart patient portal, enabling secure self-scheduling, virtual visits, and real-time chart access for millions of patients.
Epic is the premier electronic medical record (EMR) system trusted by over 250 major U.S. health systems, offering a comprehensive, integrated platform for managing patient records, clinical workflows, scheduling, billing, and population health. It excels in interoperability, supporting standards like FHIR for seamless data exchange across providers. With advanced AI-driven tools like predictive analytics and ambient documentation, Epic streamlines care delivery while ensuring HIPAA compliance and scalability for enterprise-level operations.
Pros
- Unmatched depth of integrated modules for clinical, financial, and operational needs
- Superior interoperability and real-time data sharing via FHIR and Care Everywhere
- Powerful analytics, AI tools, and customization for complex workflows
Cons
- Extremely high implementation costs and lengthy deployment (1-3+ years)
- Steep learning curve requiring extensive training
- Overkill and cost-prohibitive for small practices
Best For
Large hospitals, health systems, and academic medical centers needing scalable, enterprise-grade EMR with deep integrations.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing with upfront implementation costs often exceeding $100M for large systems, plus annual subscriptions based on beds/users (typically $500K+ yearly minimum).
Oracle Cerner
enterpriseProvides cloud-based EMR solutions with interoperability, population health management, and revenue cycle tools for healthcare organizations.
Millennium architecture enabling seamless integration across inpatient, outpatient, and population health domains
Oracle Cerner, accessible via cerner.com, is a leading enterprise-grade electronic medical records (EMR) system tailored for hospitals, health systems, and large provider networks. It provides comprehensive functionality including electronic health records, clinical documentation, order management, revenue cycle tools, and population health analytics. The platform excels in interoperability through standards like FHIR and supports both acute and ambulatory care environments with advanced AI-driven insights.
Pros
- Exceptional scalability and interoperability for large-scale deployments
- Robust clinical decision support and analytics capabilities
- Proven track record in high-acuity hospital environments
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation process
- High upfront and ongoing costs
- Customization requires significant resources
Best For
Large hospitals and integrated health systems requiring a comprehensive, scalable EMR for complex clinical workflows.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing with implementation costs often exceeding $1M+ and modular subscription fees scaling by beds/users, typically negotiated for large organizations.
athenahealth
enterpriseOffers cloud-based EHR, practice management, and patient engagement services optimized for ambulatory care practices.
Integrated Revenue Cycle Management with AI-powered denial prevention and automated claims processing
athenahealth is a comprehensive cloud-based EHR/EMR platform that integrates electronic health records, revenue cycle management, patient engagement, and practice management tools for ambulatory care providers. It streamlines clinical workflows, billing, and interoperability through its athenaOne suite, enabling seamless data exchange with payers and other systems. The software leverages analytics and AI-driven insights to support population health management and operational efficiency.
Pros
- Robust revenue cycle management with proven claim acceptance rates over 99%
- Strong interoperability via the athenahealth Network for payer connectivity and data sharing
- Advanced analytics and population health tools for proactive care management
Cons
- High implementation costs and subscription pricing can strain smaller practices
- Steep learning curve due to extensive customization options and interface complexity
- Mixed customer support experiences with occasional delays in issue resolution
Best For
Mid-sized to large ambulatory practices seeking an all-in-one cloud EMR with strong revenue cycle and interoperability features.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starting at ~$140-$400 per provider/month, plus implementation fees; quotes required based on practice size and modules.
eClinicalWorks
enterpriseSupplies integrated EHR, telehealth, patient portal, and practice management software for small to mid-sized practices.
Healow ecosystem for patient engagement, including mobile apps, portals, and automated communication
eClinicalWorks is a comprehensive EHR and practice management platform designed for ambulatory care providers, offering electronic health records, scheduling, billing, e-prescribing, and telehealth functionalities. It supports interoperability through standards like FHIR and is ONC-certified, enabling seamless data exchange with labs, hospitals, and other systems. The software scales from small practices to large enterprises, with tools for population health management and revenue cycle optimization.
Pros
- Robust feature set including EHR, PM, RCM, and telehealth
- Excellent interoperability and scalability for various practice sizes
- Advanced patient engagement via Healow portal and apps
Cons
- Clunky user interface with steep learning curve
- Lengthy and complex implementation process
- Mixed customer support experiences
Best For
Medium to large ambulatory practices needing an integrated, scalable EHR with strong interoperability.
Pricing
Subscription-based, typically $449-$662 per provider/month depending on tier, plus setup and add-on fees.
NextGen Healthcare
enterpriseProvides specialty-focused EHR and revenue cycle management solutions for ambulatory and enterprise healthcare providers.
Open Platform API enabling deep third-party integrations and extensibility
NextGen Healthcare provides a comprehensive EHR/EMR platform tailored for ambulatory and specialty practices, integrating electronic health records, practice management, and revenue cycle tools. It supports interoperability through standards like FHIR and Direct, enabling seamless data exchange with hospitals and health information exchanges. The system offers customizable templates, population health analytics, and patient engagement features to streamline clinical workflows and improve care coordination.
Pros
- Extensive specialty-specific templates and customization
- Strong interoperability and revenue cycle management
- Robust population health and analytics capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface
- High implementation and ongoing costs
- Requires significant IT support for optimization
Best For
Mid-sized to large specialty practices seeking a highly customizable EMR with integrated billing and interoperability.
Pricing
Enterprise subscription model starting at $400-$600 per provider/month, plus one-time implementation fees of $50K+ depending on practice size.
MEDITECH
enterpriseOffers scalable EHR platforms for acute care hospitals, ambulatory clinics, and long-term care facilities.
Expanse platform's web-based, role-based workflows that prioritize patient-centered care with real-time data visualization
MEDITECH is a leading provider of electronic health record (EHR/EMR) solutions, primarily serving hospitals, health systems, and acute care facilities worldwide. Their flagship Expanse platform delivers a web-based, patient-centered system for clinical documentation, order entry, medication management, and interoperability with standards like FHIR. It also includes integrated revenue cycle management, analytics, and population health tools to support comprehensive healthcare operations.
Pros
- Robust enterprise-level functionality for large hospitals
- Strong interoperability and regulatory compliance features
- Proven reliability with decades of experience in acute care
Cons
- Steep implementation timeline and high upfront costs
- User interface can feel dated in legacy systems despite Expanse improvements
- Customization requires significant IT resources
Best For
Large hospitals and health systems seeking a scalable, integrated EMR for complex acute care environments.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, often $5,000-$15,000 per bed plus multi-million dollar implementation fees; subscription models available post-go-live.
Veradigm
enterpriseDelivers data-driven EHR, analytics, and interoperability solutions to enhance clinical and financial outcomes.
Veradigm Network for seamless nationwide payer-provider data exchange and interoperability
Veradigm is a comprehensive EHR/EMR platform formerly known as Allscripts, designed for ambulatory practices, hospitals, and health systems to manage patient records, streamline workflows, and enable data interoperability. It offers tools for clinical documentation, e-prescribing, revenue cycle management, and population health analytics. The software integrates with numerous third-party systems and emphasizes secure data exchange across the Veradigm Network.
Pros
- Strong interoperability via Veradigm Network
- Advanced analytics and population health tools
- Scalable for enterprise-level use
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface
- High implementation and customization costs
- Mixed customer support experiences
Best For
Large multi-specialty practices or health systems requiring robust data exchange and analytics.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $400-$800 per provider/month plus implementation fees starting at $50,000+.
Greenway Health
enterpriseProvides interoperable EHR and practice management software with strong focus on usability and compliance.
Advanced revenue cycle management with built-in denial prevention and automated claims scrubbing
Greenway Health offers Prime Suite, an integrated EHR/EMR and practice management platform designed for ambulatory care practices, including primary care, specialty clinics, and behavioral health. It provides tools for clinical documentation, appointment scheduling, billing, e-prescribing, and patient engagement through a secure portal. The system emphasizes interoperability with standards like HL7 and FHIR, supporting care coordination and revenue cycle optimization.
Pros
- Comprehensive integration of EHR, practice management, and revenue cycle tools
- Strong interoperability and compliance with ONC certification
- Robust analytics and reporting for practice performance
Cons
- Dated user interface with a steep learning curve
- Customer support can be slow and inconsistent
- Higher pricing may not suit very small practices
Best For
Mid-sized ambulatory practices seeking an all-in-one solution for clinical, administrative, and financial workflows.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starting at around $400-$600 per provider per month, depending on modules and practice size; implementation fees apply.
Practice Fusion
specializedOffers a free, web-based EHR system with charting, e-prescribing, and scheduling for independent practices.
100% free EHR platform with Meaningful Use certification, eliminating upfront costs for basic clinical needs
Practice Fusion is a cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) system tailored for small to mid-sized medical practices, providing tools for charting, e-prescribing, appointment scheduling, and billing. It supports clinical workflows with features like customizable templates, lab integrations, and a patient portal for secure communication. As an ad-supported platform, it offers core functionality at no cost, making it accessible for independent providers.
Pros
- Completely free core EHR functionality with no subscription fees
- Intuitive web-based interface accessible from any device
- Seamless e-prescribing integration with Surescripts
Cons
- Intrusive advertising within the interface
- Limited customer support options compared to paid competitors
- Less advanced customization and analytics for larger practices
Best For
Ideal for solo practitioners or small independent clinics seeking a cost-free, straightforward EHR solution.
Pricing
Free for core features (ad-supported); optional paid add-ons for advanced services like clearinghouse billing.
DrChrono
specializedCloud-based EHR with mobile-first design, telehealth, and billing features tailored for modern medical practices.
Native iPad app with Apple Pencil support for handwriting recognition and flowsheet charting
DrChrono is a cloud-based EHR and practice management platform tailored for medical practices, offering comprehensive tools for patient scheduling, charting, billing, e-prescribing, and telehealth. It stands out with its mobile-first design, particularly optimized for iOS devices and tablets, enabling efficient documentation and workflow on the go. The system supports customization through templates and integrates with labs, pharmacies, and payment processors to streamline operations.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile and tablet interface, especially for iPad users
- Robust revenue cycle management with integrated billing and claims processing
- Strong telehealth and patient engagement features including portals and secure messaging
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for solo or small practices without volume discounts
- Advanced reporting and analytics require add-ons or custom setup
- Occasional glitches in mobile syncing reported by some users
Best For
Small to mid-sized ambulatory practices seeking a mobile-optimized EMR with strong billing integration.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $199/provider/month for basic plans, up to $439+ for enterprise; includes setup fees and per-user scaling.
Conclusion
Epic claims the top spot as the leading EMR solution, offering a comprehensive, integrated platform with advanced clinical decision support best suited for large organizations. Oracle Cerner and athenahealth follow, with Oracle Cerner excelling in cloud-based interoperability, population health management, and revenue cycle tools, and athenahealth optimizing ambulatory care through its cloud EHR and patient engagement services. Both provide strong alternatives catering to different needs, while Epic remains the standout choice for depth and integration.
Explore Epic to experience its seamless, end-to-end capabilities and elevate your practice's efficiency and patient care outcomes.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison