Quick Overview
- 1#1: MyChart - Premier patient portal integrated with Epic EMR, offering secure access to records, appointment scheduling, messaging, test results, and bill payments.
- 2#2: HealtheLife - Comprehensive patient engagement platform from Oracle Health (Cerner) for viewing health data, virtual visits, and care coordination.
- 3#3: athenahealth Patient Portal - Integrated portal within athenaOne EMR enabling patients to access records, communicate securely, schedule visits, and manage payments.
- 4#4: healow - Mobile-optimized patient portal for eClinicalWorks EMR users, supporting appointments, messaging, telehealth, and health tracking.
- 5#5: FollowMyHealth - Universal patient portal compatible with multiple EMRs, providing messaging, scheduling, data sharing, and personalized health insights.
- 6#6: NextGen Patient Portal - Feature-rich portal for NextGen EMR offering secure messaging, online forms, appointment requests, and record access.
- 7#7: MEDITECH Patient Portal - Patient-facing portal integrated with MEDITECH EMR for record viewing, prescription refills, appointment management, and provider communication.
- 8#8: Kareo Patient Portal - User-friendly portal for Kareo EMR practices, allowing patients to view visits, pay bills, message providers, and complete forms.
- 9#9: DrChrono Patient Portal - Modern patient portal with DrChrono EMR integration for iPad-based practices, featuring telehealth, payments, and secure document sharing.
- 10#10: OpenEMR Patient Portal - Open-source patient portal module within OpenEMR for cost-effective access to records, scheduling, and basic provider-patient interaction.
Tools are ranked based on a blend of integration quality, user experience, feature completeness (including telehealth and payment management), and overall value, ensuring a balanced assessment of performance and practicality.
Comparison Table
This comparison table analyzes key features of widely used EMR patient portal software, including tools like MyChart, HealtheLife, athenahealth Patient Portal, healow, and FollowMyHealth. It equips readers to evaluate options based on functionality, usability, and practical benefits to find the best fit for their practice or organization.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MyChart Premier patient portal integrated with Epic EMR, offering secure access to records, appointment scheduling, messaging, test results, and bill payments. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | HealtheLife Comprehensive patient engagement platform from Oracle Health (Cerner) for viewing health data, virtual visits, and care coordination. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 3 | athenahealth Patient Portal Integrated portal within athenaOne EMR enabling patients to access records, communicate securely, schedule visits, and manage payments. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | healow Mobile-optimized patient portal for eClinicalWorks EMR users, supporting appointments, messaging, telehealth, and health tracking. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | FollowMyHealth Universal patient portal compatible with multiple EMRs, providing messaging, scheduling, data sharing, and personalized health insights. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | NextGen Patient Portal Feature-rich portal for NextGen EMR offering secure messaging, online forms, appointment requests, and record access. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 7 | MEDITECH Patient Portal Patient-facing portal integrated with MEDITECH EMR for record viewing, prescription refills, appointment management, and provider communication. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.1/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | Kareo Patient Portal User-friendly portal for Kareo EMR practices, allowing patients to view visits, pay bills, message providers, and complete forms. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 9 | DrChrono Patient Portal Modern patient portal with DrChrono EMR integration for iPad-based practices, featuring telehealth, payments, and secure document sharing. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | OpenEMR Patient Portal Open-source patient portal module within OpenEMR for cost-effective access to records, scheduling, and basic provider-patient interaction. | other | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 6.4/10 | 9.4/10 |
Premier patient portal integrated with Epic EMR, offering secure access to records, appointment scheduling, messaging, test results, and bill payments.
Comprehensive patient engagement platform from Oracle Health (Cerner) for viewing health data, virtual visits, and care coordination.
Integrated portal within athenaOne EMR enabling patients to access records, communicate securely, schedule visits, and manage payments.
Mobile-optimized patient portal for eClinicalWorks EMR users, supporting appointments, messaging, telehealth, and health tracking.
Universal patient portal compatible with multiple EMRs, providing messaging, scheduling, data sharing, and personalized health insights.
Feature-rich portal for NextGen EMR offering secure messaging, online forms, appointment requests, and record access.
Patient-facing portal integrated with MEDITECH EMR for record viewing, prescription refills, appointment management, and provider communication.
User-friendly portal for Kareo EMR practices, allowing patients to view visits, pay bills, message providers, and complete forms.
Modern patient portal with DrChrono EMR integration for iPad-based practices, featuring telehealth, payments, and secure document sharing.
Open-source patient portal module within OpenEMR for cost-effective access to records, scheduling, and basic provider-patient interaction.
MyChart
enterprisePremier patient portal integrated with Epic EMR, offering secure access to records, appointment scheduling, messaging, test results, and bill payments.
Real-time bidirectional communication via MyChart Messages, enabling secure provider-patient messaging akin to email but fully HIPAA-compliant.
MyChart, developed by Epic Systems, is a leading patient portal integrated with Epic's electronic medical record (EMR) system, allowing patients to securely access their health information, communicate with providers, and manage care online. It offers features like viewing lab results, test results, medications, scheduling appointments, and virtual visits through a web and mobile app interface. As the most widely adopted patient portal in the US, it powers patient engagement for thousands of healthcare organizations, enhancing accessibility and continuity of care.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Epic EMR for real-time data access
- Comprehensive tools including secure messaging, appointment scheduling, and telehealth
- HIPAA-compliant security and widespread mobile app availability
Cons
- Interface can feel dated or overwhelming for non-tech-savvy users
- Limited customization options for non-Epic healthcare providers
- Occasional downtime or login issues reported during peak times
Best For
Large healthcare systems and hospitals using Epic EMR that prioritize robust, scalable patient engagement.
Pricing
Enterprise licensing bundled with Epic EMR contracts; no direct patient fees, with costs varying by organization size (typically $100K+ annually for full implementation).
HealtheLife
enterpriseComprehensive patient engagement platform from Oracle Health (Cerner) for viewing health data, virtual visits, and care coordination.
Real-time, bidirectional integration with Oracle Health EHR enabling instant access to clinical data and provider updates
HealtheLife, from Oracle Health (oracle.com/health), is a robust EMR patient portal software that empowers patients with secure, real-time access to their electronic health records, including lab results, medications, visit summaries, and immunization history. It facilitates seamless patient-provider communication through secure messaging, appointment scheduling, prescription refills, and bill payment capabilities. Deeply integrated with Oracle Health's EHR platform (formerly Cerner), it supports large-scale health systems with advanced features like mobile app access and population health insights.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Oracle Health EHR for real-time data synchronization
- Comprehensive patient engagement tools including secure messaging and telehealth support
- HIPAA-compliant security with robust mobile and web accessibility
Cons
- Primarily optimized for Oracle Health ecosystem, limiting interoperability with non-Oracle EMRs
- Steep implementation curve for customization in complex environments
- Enterprise pricing may be prohibitive for small practices
Best For
Large hospitals and health systems using Oracle Health EHR that need a scalable, feature-rich patient portal for high-volume patient engagement.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically subscription-based starting at $10-$50 per user/month, with quotes required via sales contact.
athenahealth Patient Portal
enterpriseIntegrated portal within athenaOne EMR enabling patients to access records, communicate securely, schedule visits, and manage payments.
Real-time, bidirectional EMR integration enabling instant access to updated records, appointments, and provider notes without manual uploads.
athenahealth Patient Portal is a robust, cloud-based platform integrated with athenahealth's athenaOne EMR system, allowing patients to securely access health records, communicate with providers, and manage their care online. Key functionalities include viewing lab results, requesting prescription refills, scheduling appointments, paying bills, and accessing personalized health summaries. It supports both web and mobile access, promoting patient engagement while ensuring HIPAA compliance and interoperability with other systems.
Pros
- Seamless integration with athenahealth EMR for real-time data syncing
- Comprehensive features like secure messaging, telehealth, and billing management
- Strong security and compliance with HIPAA and interoperability standards
Cons
- User interface feels dated and occasionally clunky for navigation
- Customization options are limited compared to standalone portals
- Pricing tied to full EMR subscription, not ideal for non-athenahealth users
Best For
Mid-to-large healthcare practices already using athenahealth EMR seeking an integrated, feature-rich patient portal.
Pricing
Bundled with athenaOne EMR subscriptions; typically $140+ per provider/month base, with portal features included—contact sales for custom quotes.
healow
enterpriseMobile-optimized patient portal for eClinicalWorks EMR users, supporting appointments, messaging, telehealth, and health tracking.
Healow Rewards gamification system that incentivizes healthy behaviors with points redeemable for rewards
Healow is a patient portal app and web platform by eClinicalWorks that allows patients to securely access their electronic health records, schedule and manage appointments, communicate with providers via secure messaging, view lab results, refill prescriptions, and participate in telehealth visits. It features a user-friendly mobile app for iOS and Android, emphasizing patient engagement through tools like virtual waiting rooms and reward programs. The portal integrates seamlessly with the eClinicalWorks EMR system, enabling efficient data sharing between patients and healthcare providers.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile app with strong patient engagement tools like Healow Rewards
- Comprehensive features including telehealth, secure messaging, and virtual waiting room
- Seamless integration with eClinicalWorks EMR for real-time data access
Cons
- Limited customization options for providers
- Occasional app glitches and sync issues reported by users
- Requires eClinicalWorks EMR adoption, limiting standalone use
Best For
Practices using eClinicalWorks EMR that want an engaging, mobile-first patient portal to boost patient interaction and satisfaction.
Pricing
Free for patients; provider pricing bundled with eClinicalWorks EMR, typically $399+ per user/month with custom quotes.
FollowMyHealth
enterpriseUniversal patient portal compatible with multiple EMRs, providing messaging, scheduling, data sharing, and personalized health insights.
Multi-provider data aggregation in a single portal, unifying records from disparate EMR systems
FollowMyHealth is a patient portal platform that provides secure access to electronic health records, enabling patients to view lab results, manage medications, schedule appointments, and communicate with providers via secure messaging. It integrates with numerous EMR systems like Allscripts, Athenahealth, and Epic, offering a unified view of health data across multiple providers. The platform also supports telehealth visits, bill payments, and mobile app access for on-the-go management.
Pros
- Broad EMR integrations for multi-provider data aggregation
- Comprehensive features including telehealth and secure messaging
- Strong mobile app with push notifications
Cons
- Occasional login issues and platform downtime
- Interface can feel dated and less intuitive for some users
- Customer support response times vary by provider
Best For
Medium to large healthcare practices needing a scalable portal with multi-EMR integration for patient engagement.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing per patient or provider, typically $1-5 per patient/month depending on features and volume.
NextGen Patient Portal
enterpriseFeature-rich portal for NextGen EMR offering secure messaging, online forms, appointment requests, and record access.
Open Platform API for extensive customization and third-party integrations
NextGen Patient Portal is a robust, EHR-integrated platform from NextGen Healthcare that empowers patients to access their health records, schedule appointments, request prescription refills, and communicate securely with providers. It supports web and mobile access, enabling features like bill pay, lab result viewing, and telehealth integration for enhanced patient engagement. Designed primarily for practices using NextGen's EMR systems, it emphasizes interoperability and compliance with HIPAA standards.
Pros
- Seamless integration with NextGen EMR for unified workflows
- Comprehensive features including secure messaging, telehealth, and self-scheduling
- Strong scalability and HIPAA-compliant security for enterprise use
Cons
- Interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
- Limited flexibility for non-NextGen EMR users
- Setup and customization require IT support
Best For
Mid-to-large healthcare practices using NextGen EHR that need a deeply integrated, feature-rich patient portal.
Pricing
Bundled with NextGen EHR subscriptions, typically $300-$600 per provider/month; patient portal access included without separate per-patient fees.
MEDITECH Patient Portal
enterprisePatient-facing portal integrated with MEDITECH EMR for record viewing, prescription refills, appointment management, and provider communication.
Seamless real-time synchronization with Expanse EHR for up-to-date clinical data without delays
MEDITECH Patient Portal is a secure web-based platform integrated with MEDITECH's Expanse EHR system, enabling patients to access their electronic health records, view lab results, medications, visit summaries, and immunization histories. It supports secure messaging with providers, appointment scheduling, prescription refill requests, and proxy access for caregivers. Designed for enterprise healthcare organizations, it emphasizes compliance with HIPAA and seamless data synchronization from the backend EMR.
Pros
- Deep integration with MEDITECH EMR for real-time data access
- Robust security features and HIPAA compliance
- Comprehensive tools for patient-provider communication and self-service
Cons
- User interface feels dated compared to modern competitors
- Limited native mobile app capabilities
- Customization requires IT involvement and can be complex
Best For
Large hospitals and health systems already using MEDITECH EMR seeking reliable enterprise-grade patient engagement.
Pricing
Bundled with MEDITECH EMR subscriptions; enterprise custom pricing, typically $10-20 per patient/user per month.
Kareo Patient Portal
enterpriseUser-friendly portal for Kareo EMR practices, allowing patients to view visits, pay bills, message providers, and complete forms.
Integrated billing and one-click payments directly within the portal, reducing administrative burden on practices
Kareo Patient Portal is a patient-facing component of the Kareo platform, designed for independent medical practices using Kareo's EMR and billing software. It allows patients to securely access their health records, schedule and manage appointments, request prescription refills, send secure messages to providers, and handle billing and payments online. The portal enhances patient engagement while integrating seamlessly with the practice's backend systems for efficient care delivery.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Kareo EMR, billing, and practice management for streamlined workflows
- Intuitive mobile app and web interface for easy patient access
- Robust secure messaging and telehealth capabilities
Cons
- Limited standalone functionality without full Kareo suite subscription
- Customization options are somewhat restricted compared to enterprise alternatives
- Pricing scales with practice size, potentially costly for larger groups
Best For
Small to mid-sized independent practices already using Kareo EMR that need an integrated, user-friendly patient portal.
Pricing
Included in Kareo subscriptions starting at $299/provider/month for the full platform (billed annually); additional fees may apply for advanced features or high-volume usage.
DrChrono Patient Portal
specializedModern patient portal with DrChrono EMR integration for iPad-based practices, featuring telehealth, payments, and secure document sharing.
Seamless telehealth integration allowing video visits directly from the patient portal without additional apps
DrChrono Patient Portal is a secure, web-based and mobile-accessible platform integrated with the DrChrono EHR system, allowing patients to view medical records, lab results, prescriptions, and immunization history. Patients can schedule appointments, send secure messages to providers, pay bills online, and access telehealth visits directly through the portal. Designed for seamless interoperability, it supports features like document uploads and e-signatures to streamline patient-provider communication.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for on-the-go access
- Strong integration with DrChrono EHR for real-time data syncing
- Built-in telehealth and secure messaging capabilities
Cons
- Limited advanced customization for larger enterprises
- Occasional reports of technical glitches or slow loading
- Pricing tied to full EHR subscription, less flexible for standalone use
Best For
Small to mid-sized medical practices seeking an integrated, mobile-friendly patient portal within a comprehensive EHR ecosystem.
Pricing
Included in DrChrono EMR subscriptions starting at $199/month per provider (billed annually); custom pricing for enterprises.
OpenEMR Patient Portal
otherOpen-source patient portal module within OpenEMR for cost-effective access to records, scheduling, and basic provider-patient interaction.
Native, seamless integration with the OpenEMR EHR system for real-time access to full patient records without third-party dependencies.
OpenEMR Patient Portal is the patient-facing module of the open-source OpenEMR electronic health records (EHR) system, available at open-emr.org. It allows patients to securely view their medical records, lab results, medications, allergies, and visit summaries, while enabling appointment scheduling, secure messaging with providers, and basic telehealth capabilities. Designed for integration with the full OpenEMR EHR, it supports patient self-management and enhances engagement without licensing fees.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing costs
- Deep integration with the OpenEMR EHR for comprehensive patient data access
- Highly customizable and supports multilingual interfaces
Cons
- Outdated and clunky user interface that may frustrate non-technical users
- Complex setup and maintenance requiring IT expertise
- Community-driven support lacks the responsiveness of commercial options
Best For
Small to mid-sized practices or budget-conscious providers needing a customizable, no-cost patient portal tightly integrated with an open-source EMR.
Pricing
Free (fully open-source with optional paid hosting or support services).
Conclusion
The reviewed tools varied in focus, but MyChart stood as the top choice, offering robust integration with Epic EMR and a broad range of features from records access to bill payments. HealtheLife impressed with its comprehensive engagement capabilities, while athenahealth Patient Portal excelled with seamless integration into athenaOne EMR—each a strong alternative for distinct needs. Ultimately, the best fit depends on individual requirements, but MyChart’s versatile offering makes it a standout.
Dive into MyChart’s secure, user-friendly tools to enhance patient-provider communication and health management today; its versatile features set it apart as a top pick.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison