Quick Overview
- 1#1: Epic - Comprehensive EHR and practice management platform for large healthcare organizations with advanced interoperability and analytics.
- 2#2: Oracle Health - Integrated electronic health records and revenue cycle management system formerly known as Cerner for hospitals and clinics.
- 3#3: athenahealth - Cloud-based EHR, practice management, and patient engagement tools designed for ambulatory practices.
- 4#4: eClinicalWorks - All-in-one EHR and practice management software with telehealth and population health features for various practice sizes.
- 5#5: NextGen Healthcare - Specialty-focused EHR and practice management solution with revenue cycle and analytics capabilities.
- 6#6: Veradigm - EHR platform with integrated practice management and data analytics for ambulatory and acute care.
- 7#7: Practice Fusion - Free cloud-based EHR with practice management features tailored for small independent practices.
- 8#8: Kareo - Practice management, billing, and EHR software focused on simplifying revenue cycle for independent providers.
- 9#9: AdvancedMD - Cloud-based EHR, practice management, and billing solution for specialty and primary care practices.
- 10#10: DrChrono - Mobile-first EHR and practice management platform with customizable workflows for physicians.
These tools were rigorously evaluated based on features, usability, reliability, and value, ensuring they deliver measurable benefits to healthcare providers across ambulatory, acute, and specialty settings.
Comparison Table
Effective EMR PM software is essential for healthcare providers, with tools spanning established platforms like Epic to specialized solutions such as athenahealth. This comparison table compares key features, usability, and practical considerations for Oracle Health, eClinicalWorks, NextGen Healthcare, and more, guiding readers to make informed choices that align with their operational needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Epic Comprehensive EHR and practice management platform for large healthcare organizations with advanced interoperability and analytics. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 2 | Oracle Health Integrated electronic health records and revenue cycle management system formerly known as Cerner for hospitals and clinics. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | athenahealth Cloud-based EHR, practice management, and patient engagement tools designed for ambulatory practices. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | eClinicalWorks All-in-one EHR and practice management software with telehealth and population health features for various practice sizes. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | NextGen Healthcare Specialty-focused EHR and practice management solution with revenue cycle and analytics capabilities. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Veradigm EHR platform with integrated practice management and data analytics for ambulatory and acute care. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 7 | Practice Fusion Free cloud-based EHR with practice management features tailored for small independent practices. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 8 | Kareo Practice management, billing, and EHR software focused on simplifying revenue cycle for independent providers. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | AdvancedMD Cloud-based EHR, practice management, and billing solution for specialty and primary care practices. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | DrChrono Mobile-first EHR and practice management platform with customizable workflows for physicians. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
Comprehensive EHR and practice management platform for large healthcare organizations with advanced interoperability and analytics.
Integrated electronic health records and revenue cycle management system formerly known as Cerner for hospitals and clinics.
Cloud-based EHR, practice management, and patient engagement tools designed for ambulatory practices.
All-in-one EHR and practice management software with telehealth and population health features for various practice sizes.
Specialty-focused EHR and practice management solution with revenue cycle and analytics capabilities.
EHR platform with integrated practice management and data analytics for ambulatory and acute care.
Free cloud-based EHR with practice management features tailored for small independent practices.
Practice management, billing, and EHR software focused on simplifying revenue cycle for independent providers.
Cloud-based EHR, practice management, and billing solution for specialty and primary care practices.
Mobile-first EHR and practice management platform with customizable workflows for physicians.
Epic
enterpriseComprehensive EHR and practice management platform for large healthcare organizations with advanced interoperability and analytics.
Epic's App Orchard ecosystem, which fosters rapid app development, sharing, and integration across its massive user network for unmatched extensibility.
Epic (epic.com) is a comprehensive enterprise-grade electronic health record (EHR) and practice management (PM) software platform designed primarily for large hospitals, health systems, and academic medical centers. It integrates EMR functionalities for clinical documentation, order entry, and decision support with PM tools for scheduling, billing, revenue cycle management, and analytics. Epic's modular architecture allows extensive customization and seamless interoperability, particularly within its vast user community, enabling efficient data exchange and population health management.
Pros
- Unparalleled scalability and customization for complex enterprise environments
- Superior interoperability and data sharing via the Epic community and App Orchard
- Comprehensive suite with advanced analytics, AI-driven insights, and patient engagement via MyChart
Cons
- Extremely high upfront implementation costs and timelines (often 2-5 years)
- Steep learning curve requiring extensive training for end-users
- Overkill and cost-prohibitive for small to mid-sized practices
Best For
Large hospitals, integrated health systems, and academic centers needing a robust, scalable EMR/PM solution for high-volume, complex operations.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; implementation often exceeds $100M+ for large systems, with ongoing per-user licensing, hardware, and support fees.
Oracle Health
enterpriseIntegrated electronic health records and revenue cycle management system formerly known as Cerner for hospitals and clinics.
AI-powered Oracle Clinical Digital Assistant for real-time, voice-activated clinical guidance and workflow automation
Oracle Health is a comprehensive, cloud-native electronic health record (EHR) and practice management (PM) platform designed for large-scale healthcare organizations. It combines EMR functionality with revenue cycle management, population health analytics, and clinical decision support, all powered by Oracle's robust cloud infrastructure and AI capabilities. The system excels in interoperability, supporting standards like FHIR and HL7, enabling seamless data exchange across disparate systems.
Pros
- Enterprise-grade scalability for hospitals and health systems
- Advanced AI-driven insights and predictive analytics
- Superior interoperability and data unification capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation process
- High upfront and ongoing costs
- Overkill for small or solo practices
Best For
Large hospitals, integrated delivery networks, and health systems needing scalable EMR PM with AI and advanced analytics.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing with implementation costs often in the millions; subscription-based SaaS model scaling with users and modules.
athenahealth
enterpriseCloud-based EHR, practice management, and patient engagement tools designed for ambulatory practices.
AI-powered Revenue Cycle Manager that uses predictive analytics to prevent claim denials and accelerate reimbursements
athenahealth is a comprehensive cloud-based EHR/EMR and practice management (PM) platform that streamlines clinical workflows, billing, scheduling, and patient engagement for healthcare providers. It integrates advanced revenue cycle management (RCM), interoperability via FHIR standards, and AI-driven analytics to optimize operations and improve financial performance. Designed for practices of all sizes, it supports specialties with customizable templates and population health tools.
Pros
- Robust integration of EMR, PM, and RCM with AI predictions for claim denials
- Excellent interoperability and data analytics for population health
- Scalable cloud platform with strong mobile access and patient portal
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- High subscription costs with additional fees for customizations
- Customer support can be inconsistent during peak times
Best For
Mid-sized to large medical practices or multi-specialty groups needing advanced revenue cycle optimization and interoperability.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at ~$140-$400 per provider/month (billed annually), plus setup fees and add-ons; custom quotes required.
eClinicalWorks
enterpriseAll-in-one EHR and practice management software with telehealth and population health features for various practice sizes.
Healow Open Platform for seamless patient engagement, telehealth, and third-party app integrations
eClinicalWorks is a comprehensive cloud-based EHR and practice management (EMR/PM) software suite designed for ambulatory practices, hospitals, and health centers. It streamlines electronic medical records, patient scheduling, billing, telehealth, and revenue cycle management in one integrated platform. The system emphasizes interoperability, population health analytics, and patient engagement tools to enhance clinical workflows and operational efficiency.
Pros
- Extensive feature set including integrated EMR, PM, telehealth, and AI-driven documentation
- Strong interoperability with labs, pharmacies, and other EHRs via standards like FHIR
- Scalable for small practices to large enterprises with robust reporting and analytics
Cons
- Steep learning curve and outdated interface leading to user frustration
- Customer support often criticized for slow response times and inconsistent quality
- High implementation costs and lengthy onboarding process
Best For
Mid-sized ambulatory practices and health centers seeking a scalable, all-in-one EMR/PM solution with advanced telehealth and interoperability.
Pricing
Subscription-based pricing starts at $449 per provider per month, plus one-time implementation fees of $5,000+ and add-ons for advanced modules.
NextGen Healthcare
enterpriseSpecialty-focused EHR and practice management solution with revenue cycle and analytics capabilities.
Open Platform architecture with extensive APIs for custom integrations and third-party app connectivity
NextGen Healthcare offers a comprehensive EHR and practice management (PM) platform designed primarily for ambulatory care providers and specialty practices. It integrates clinical documentation, patient scheduling, billing, revenue cycle management, and population health analytics into a single system. The software emphasizes interoperability through standards like FHIR and participation in networks such as Carequality, enabling seamless data exchange with other healthcare systems.
Pros
- Robust interoperability and HL7/FHIR support for data exchange
- Advanced revenue cycle management with strong denial management tools
- Specialty-specific templates and customizable workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface
- High implementation costs and ongoing fees
- Inconsistent customer support response times
Best For
Mid-sized to large specialty practices needing scalable, enterprise-grade EMR/PM with strong analytics.
Pricing
Custom quotes; typically $400-$700 per provider/month plus one-time implementation fees of $20K+.
Veradigm
enterpriseEHR platform with integrated practice management and data analytics for ambulatory and acute care.
Veradigm Network for real-world evidence and population health analytics
Veradigm (formerly Allscripts) offers a comprehensive suite of EMR and practice management (PM) software tailored for ambulatory care providers, including electronic health records, scheduling, billing, and revenue cycle management. It emphasizes interoperability, data analytics, and population health management through its Veradigm Network. The platform supports multi-specialty practices with customizable workflows and cloud-based deployment options.
Pros
- Robust integration of EMR and PM for streamlined workflows
- Advanced analytics and interoperability via Veradigm Network
- Scalable for mid-sized practices with strong revenue cycle tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface
- Customer support response times can be inconsistent
- High upfront implementation and customization costs
Best For
Mid-sized ambulatory and multi-specialty practices seeking data-driven insights and interoperability.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically $250-$500 per provider/month depending on modules, with implementation fees starting at $50K+.
Practice Fusion
enterpriseFree cloud-based EHR with practice management features tailored for small independent practices.
Fully free EHR platform with e-prescribing, defying the subscription-heavy EMR market
Practice Fusion is a cloud-based EHR and practice management software tailored for small to mid-sized medical practices, offering tools for charting, e-prescribing, scheduling, and basic billing. It supports interoperability with labs and pharmacies, and is certified for meaningful use/CMS programs. The platform emphasizes simplicity and accessibility, with mobile apps for on-the-go access.
Pros
- Free core EHR and PM functionality with no subscription fees
- Intuitive interface suitable for non-tech-savvy users
- Robust e-prescribing and patient portal features
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics capabilities
- Customer support response times can be inconsistent
- Customization options are basic compared to premium competitors
Best For
Solo practitioners or small independent practices seeking a no-cost, straightforward EMR PM solution for everyday workflows.
Pricing
Free for core features; optional paid integrations and premium support starting at $149/month per provider.
Kareo
enterprisePractice management, billing, and EHR software focused on simplifying revenue cycle for independent providers.
Kareo Intelligence analytics for proactive revenue optimization and claim denial reduction
Kareo is a cloud-based EMR and practice management (PM) software tailored for independent medical practices, offering integrated electronic health records, scheduling, billing, and revenue cycle management. It streamlines administrative tasks, enhances patient engagement through portals and telehealth, and provides analytics for financial optimization. Designed primarily for small to mid-sized practices, it focuses on maximizing reimbursements and reducing claim denials.
Pros
- Robust revenue cycle management with automated claims scrubbing and denial prevention
- Intuitive cloud-based interface accessible from any device
- Integrated patient portal and telehealth capabilities for better engagement
Cons
- Pricing can escalate quickly with add-on modules
- Limited customization for specialized workflows
- Customer support response times vary and can be slow
Best For
Small to mid-sized independent medical practices needing strong billing integration with EHR functionality.
Pricing
Subscription-based; starts at ~$140/provider/month for core EHR/PM, up to $500+ with full revenue cycle management (custom quotes required).
AdvancedMD
enterpriseCloud-based EHR, practice management, and billing solution for specialty and primary care practices.
Integrated revenue cycle management that automates claims scrubbing, denial management, and payment posting for optimized cash flow.
AdvancedMD is a comprehensive cloud-based EMR and practice management (PM) software designed for medical practices of various sizes. It integrates electronic health records, patient scheduling, billing, revenue cycle management, telehealth, and patient engagement tools into a single platform. The solution emphasizes automation for administrative tasks, compliance with healthcare regulations like HIPAA, and scalability to support growing practices.
Pros
- Robust revenue cycle management with automated billing and claims processing
- Cloud-based accessibility with mobile apps for providers and patients
- Strong customization and reporting capabilities for analytics
Cons
- Steep learning curve and somewhat dated interface
- High implementation costs and time
- Customer support can be inconsistent
Best For
Mid-sized medical practices needing an all-in-one EMR/PM solution with advanced billing and scalability.
Pricing
Custom quotes required; typically starts at $729/provider/month for core EMR/PM, with add-ons for telehealth and analytics.
DrChrono
enterpriseMobile-first EHR and practice management platform with customizable workflows for physicians.
Native iPad charting app with handwriting recognition and exam room mobility
DrChrono is a cloud-based electronic health records (EHR) and practice management (PM) software designed for medical practices, offering integrated tools for charting, scheduling, billing, and telehealth. It supports seamless documentation with customizable templates and voice-to-text features, while its patient portal enhances engagement through secure messaging and payments. Particularly optimized for iOS devices, it enables mobile charting directly in exam rooms, making it suitable for ambulatory care providers.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile-first interface, especially on iPad
- Comprehensive revenue cycle management with automated billing
- Strong integrations with labs, pharmacies, and telehealth partners
Cons
- Pricing escalates quickly for additional users or features
- Customer support response times can be inconsistent
- Limited advanced customization for specialty-specific workflows
Best For
Small to mid-sized ambulatory practices seeking mobile-friendly EMR/PM with strong iOS integration.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at ~$200/provider/month for core EHR/PM, plus add-ons for telehealth (~$100/month) and advanced analytics.
Conclusion
The review of EMR PM software highlights strong contenders, with Epic leading as the top choice, offering comprehensive capabilities for large organizations. Oracle Health and athenahealth follow as standout alternatives, each excelling in specific areas—Oracle Health for integrated workflows and athenahealth for cloud-based ambulatory solutions—catering to diverse practice needs. Regardless of the selection, the best tool balances features with operational fit to enhance healthcare delivery.
To experience streamlined practice management and care coordination, consider exploring Epic, the top-ranked platform, for your organization’s unique needs.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison