Quick Overview
- 1#1: Elation Health - Cloud-based EHR designed specifically for independent primary care physicians with intuitive workflows and patient engagement tools.
- 2#2: Practice Fusion - Free cloud-based EHR for small practices offering charting, e-prescribing, scheduling, and billing integration.
- 3#3: athenahealth - Comprehensive cloud-based EHR and practice management suite with revenue cycle management for ambulatory care.
- 4#4: CharmHealth - Affordable EHR and practice management software with telehealth, patient portal, and customizable templates for GPs.
- 5#5: Kareo - Integrated platform for billing, EHR, and patient engagement tailored for independent medical practices.
- 6#6: DrChrono - Mobile-first EHR with iPad optimization, scheduling, billing, and telehealth for efficient primary care workflows.
- 7#7: AdvancedMD - All-in-one EHR, practice management, and billing solution for specialty and primary care practices.
- 8#8: eClinicalWorks - Robust EHR system with population health management, telehealth, and interoperability for primary care providers.
- 9#9: NextGen Healthcare - Enterprise-grade EHR and practice management software supporting ambulatory and primary care with analytics.
- 10#10: Amazing Charts - EHR built by physicians for physicians, focusing on customizable charting and efficiency in primary care.
Tools were evaluated based on key metrics including feature utility, user-friendliness, performance, and value, ensuring alignment with the demands of general practice environments.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores the features, usability, and practical benefits of leading general practitioner software tools, including Elation Health, Practice Fusion, athenahealth, CharmHealth, Kareo, and more. Readers will gain insight to identify software that matches their practice's unique needs, from patient management to administrative efficiency, facilitating data-driven decisions for improved workflow.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elation Health Cloud-based EHR designed specifically for independent primary care physicians with intuitive workflows and patient engagement tools. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Practice Fusion Free cloud-based EHR for small practices offering charting, e-prescribing, scheduling, and billing integration. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 3 | athenahealth Comprehensive cloud-based EHR and practice management suite with revenue cycle management for ambulatory care. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | CharmHealth Affordable EHR and practice management software with telehealth, patient portal, and customizable templates for GPs. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 5 | Kareo Integrated platform for billing, EHR, and patient engagement tailored for independent medical practices. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | DrChrono Mobile-first EHR with iPad optimization, scheduling, billing, and telehealth for efficient primary care workflows. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | AdvancedMD All-in-one EHR, practice management, and billing solution for specialty and primary care practices. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | eClinicalWorks Robust EHR system with population health management, telehealth, and interoperability for primary care providers. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.2/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 9 | NextGen Healthcare Enterprise-grade EHR and practice management software supporting ambulatory and primary care with analytics. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | Amazing Charts EHR built by physicians for physicians, focusing on customizable charting and efficiency in primary care. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
Cloud-based EHR designed specifically for independent primary care physicians with intuitive workflows and patient engagement tools.
Free cloud-based EHR for small practices offering charting, e-prescribing, scheduling, and billing integration.
Comprehensive cloud-based EHR and practice management suite with revenue cycle management for ambulatory care.
Affordable EHR and practice management software with telehealth, patient portal, and customizable templates for GPs.
Integrated platform for billing, EHR, and patient engagement tailored for independent medical practices.
Mobile-first EHR with iPad optimization, scheduling, billing, and telehealth for efficient primary care workflows.
All-in-one EHR, practice management, and billing solution for specialty and primary care practices.
Robust EHR system with population health management, telehealth, and interoperability for primary care providers.
Enterprise-grade EHR and practice management software supporting ambulatory and primary care with analytics.
EHR built by physicians for physicians, focusing on customizable charting and efficiency in primary care.
Elation Health
specializedCloud-based EHR designed specifically for independent primary care physicians with intuitive workflows and patient engagement tools.
Clinician-first 'Smart Charting' with conversational AI and dot-phrase automation for fastest note completion in primary care
Elation Health is a cloud-based EHR platform designed specifically for primary care physicians, streamlining clinical documentation, e-prescribing, scheduling, and billing in an intuitive interface. It prioritizes clinician efficiency with minimal clicks, smart tools for charting, and integrated telehealth to enhance patient relationships. Built for solo and small practices, it complies with HIPAA and supports value-based care models without the bloat of enterprise systems.
Pros
- Intuitive, clinician-designed interface with minimal clicks
- Tailored workflows for primary care and patient-centered care
- Seamless integration of telehealth, eRx, and patient portal
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to basic EHRs
- Limited customization for non-primary care specialties
- Initial setup and training curve for some users
Best For
Solo general practitioners and small primary care practices seeking an efficient, user-friendly EHR that maximizes time with patients.
Pricing
Starts at $299 per provider/month for core features, up to $449/month with advanced billing and telehealth; includes implementation fees.
Practice Fusion
specializedFree cloud-based EHR for small practices offering charting, e-prescribing, scheduling, and billing integration.
Fully free EHR platform with no licensing fees, making it uniquely accessible for budget-conscious providers
Practice Fusion is a cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) platform tailored for ambulatory practices, providing essential tools for charting, e-prescribing, appointment scheduling, and patient communication. It offers customizable templates, lab integrations, and a patient portal to streamline general practitioner workflows. As one of the few free EHR solutions, it emphasizes accessibility and ease of adoption without upfront costs.
Pros
- Completely free core EHR functionality with no subscription fees
- Intuitive web-based interface accessible on any device
- Robust e-prescribing and lab integration capabilities
Cons
- Intrusive ads displayed within the interface
- Limited advanced reporting and customization options
- Customer support can be slow and less responsive
Best For
Solo general practitioners or small practices needing a cost-free, quick-to-deploy EHR solution.
Pricing
Free for basic EHR use; optional paid add-ons for premium support, advanced features, and ad removal.
athenahealth
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based EHR and practice management suite with revenue cycle management for ambulatory care.
AI-powered revenue cycle management that automates claims and denial prevention
athenahealth is a comprehensive cloud-based EHR and practice management platform tailored for medical practices, including general practitioners, offering integrated tools for clinical documentation, scheduling, billing, and patient engagement. It emphasizes revenue cycle management with AI-driven insights to optimize reimbursements and reduce denials. The system supports interoperability through standards like FHIR and provides population health analytics for better care coordination.
Pros
- Robust revenue cycle management with high claim acceptance rates
- Strong interoperability and population health tools
- Reliable uptime and mobile accessibility
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- High implementation and ongoing costs
- Limited customization options compared to competitors
Best For
Established general practices seeking an integrated EHR with superior billing and analytics capabilities.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at $140-$450 per provider/month plus one-time implementation fees of $5,000+; scales with practice size.
CharmHealth
specializedAffordable EHR and practice management software with telehealth, patient portal, and customizable templates for GPs.
Seamless all-in-one telehealth integration directly within the EHR workflow
CharmHealth is a cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) and practice management software tailored for medical practices, including general practitioners. It provides essential tools like patient scheduling, e-prescribing, billing, telehealth, and a patient portal for streamlined workflows. The platform emphasizes affordability and ease of use, with ONC certification ensuring HIPAA compliance and MIPS reporting capabilities.
Pros
- Intuitive, customizable dashboard that minimizes training time
- Integrated telehealth and e-prescribing for efficient patient care
- Affordable pricing with scalable plans for small practices
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise solutions
- Occasional performance lags during peak usage
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Small to mid-sized general practices seeking a cost-effective, user-friendly EHR without complex setup.
Pricing
Starts at $25/user/month for basic access; full EHR/PM suite from $299/provider/month, with no setup fees.
Kareo
specializedIntegrated platform for billing, EHR, and patient engagement tailored for independent medical practices.
AI-driven revenue cycle management with automated claim scrubbing and denial prevention
Kareo is a cloud-based platform offering integrated electronic health records (EHR), practice management, and revenue cycle management solutions designed for independent medical practices, including general practitioners. It streamlines patient scheduling, clinical documentation, billing, and claims processing to reduce administrative burdens. Additional features like telehealth, patient portals, and performance analytics help GPs deliver efficient, high-quality care while maximizing revenue.
Pros
- Integrated EHR and billing with strong revenue cycle management
- Intuitive, cloud-based interface accessible from anywhere
- Robust patient engagement tools including telehealth and portals
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for solo or very small practices
- Limited customization options for advanced workflows
- Customer support response times vary
Best For
Small to mid-sized general practices needing an all-in-one EHR, scheduling, and billing solution.
Pricing
Starts at ~$160/provider/month for billing; full EHR/practice management bundles range $300-$550/provider/month; custom quotes based on practice size.
DrChrono
specializedMobile-first EHR with iPad optimization, scheduling, billing, and telehealth for efficient primary care workflows.
Native iPad and iPhone apps for full charting and workflow on mobile devices
DrChrono is a cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) and practice management software tailored for medical practices, including general practitioners. It provides integrated tools for appointment scheduling, billing, e-prescribing, telehealth, charting, and patient engagement via a secure portal. The platform emphasizes mobility with native iOS apps, enabling seamless documentation and workflow on iPads and iPhones.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile apps optimized for iOS devices
- Robust revenue cycle management with high clean claims rates
- Integrated telehealth and patient portal for better engagement
Cons
- Pricing can become expensive with add-ons and per-provider fees
- Limited customization options for complex workflows
- Occasional performance issues reported in high-volume practices
Best For
Small to medium-sized general practices seeking mobile-first EHR solutions with strong billing capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $199 per provider/month for core EHR/PM, with additional fees for telehealth ($40+/month) and advanced features; custom enterprise pricing available.
AdvancedMD
enterpriseAll-in-one EHR, practice management, and billing solution for specialty and primary care practices.
Advanced Revenue Cycle Management with AI-powered claims scrubbing and denial prevention
AdvancedMD is a comprehensive cloud-based EHR and practice management software tailored for medical practices, including general practitioners. It streamlines patient scheduling, billing, electronic prescribing, clinical documentation, and telehealth services. The platform emphasizes revenue cycle management and interoperability with labs and pharmacies to enhance workflow efficiency.
Pros
- Integrated EHR, practice management, and billing in one platform
- Strong revenue cycle tools with automated claims processing
- Cloud-based with mobile access and telehealth capabilities
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for solo or small practices
- User interface feels somewhat dated and has a learning curve
- Customer support can be inconsistent during peak times
Best For
Mid-sized general practices seeking robust revenue management and all-in-one EHR functionality.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically $400-$700 per provider/month depending on selected modules and practice size.
eClinicalWorks
enterpriseRobust EHR system with population health management, telehealth, and interoperability for primary care providers.
Healow patient engagement suite with app-based portal, telehealth, and automated messaging
eClinicalWorks is a comprehensive EHR and practice management platform tailored for medical practices, including general practitioners, offering tools for charting, scheduling, billing, e-prescribing, and telehealth. It supports interoperability with labs, pharmacies, and other systems, enabling seamless data exchange and population health management. The cloud-based solution scales from solo practices to large enterprises, with patient engagement features like the Healow portal and app.
Pros
- Robust all-in-one features including EHR, billing, and telehealth
- Strong interoperability and customization options
- Scalable for practices of varying sizes with mobile access
Cons
- Steep learning curve and outdated interface in some areas
- Reported customer support delays and implementation challenges
- High cost with potential add-on fees
Best For
Mid-sized general practices seeking a feature-rich, scalable EHR with integrated telehealth and patient engagement tools.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $400-$700 per provider/month including EHR, PM, and telehealth; additional fees for advanced modules.
NextGen Healthcare
enterpriseEnterprise-grade EHR and practice management software supporting ambulatory and primary care with analytics.
NextGen Enterprise Analytics for deep population health insights and predictive modeling
NextGen Healthcare offers a robust electronic health records (EHR) and practice management platform designed for ambulatory practices, including general practitioners, with tools for charting, e-prescribing, billing, and patient engagement. It excels in interoperability, population health management, and analytics, enabling seamless data exchange across healthcare systems. The solution supports both cloud-based and on-premise deployments, catering to practices seeking scalability and compliance with regulations like MIPS and MACRA.
Pros
- Comprehensive integration of EHR, practice management, and revenue cycle tools
- Strong interoperability and population health analytics for data-driven care
- Customizable templates and mobile access for flexible workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for new users
- High implementation costs and ongoing subscription fees
- Occasional performance lags and customer support delays
Best For
Mid-sized to large general practices needing advanced analytics and enterprise-level scalability.
Pricing
Custom pricing via quote; typically $300-$600 per provider/month plus implementation fees starting at $50,000+.
Amazing Charts
specializedEHR built by physicians for physicians, focusing on customizable charting and efficiency in primary care.
Dynamic, paper-like charting engine that auto-populates fields based on context for ultra-fast note completion
Amazing Charts is an EHR and practice management software designed specifically for primary care physicians and general practitioners, featuring an intuitive interface that emulates paper-based charting for efficient documentation. It includes tools for scheduling, billing, e-prescribing, patient portals, and customizable templates to streamline workflows. The system emphasizes speed and simplicity, making it suitable for solo or small practices focused on high-volume patient encounters.
Pros
- Exceptionally intuitive charting that feels like paper records, enabling fast documentation
- Customizable templates and strong e-prescribing integration
- Responsive customer support tailored to primary care needs
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and reporting compared to enterprise solutions
- Occasional performance lags with large patient volumes
- Weaker mobile app functionality for on-the-go access
Best For
Solo general practitioners or small primary care practices seeking a straightforward, efficient EHR without complex enterprise features.
Pricing
Subscription-based at approximately $419-$1,295 per provider per month, plus one-time implementation fees around $2,000-$5,000.
Conclusion
When evaluating general practitioner software, Elation Health rises as the top choice, boasting intuitive workflows and strong patient engagement tools. Practice Fusion impresses with its accessible, free offering for small practices, while athenahealth stands out for its comprehensive EHR and practice management suite. Together, these tools prove valuable for differing needs, setting the bar for efficient primary care.
Start with Elation Health to experience the seamless care management and engagement that make it the best in its class for general practice.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison