Quick Overview
- 1#1: athenahealth - Cloud-based EHR and practice management platform that automates billing, scheduling, patient engagement, and revenue cycle management for medical practices.
- 2#2: Epic Systems - Comprehensive EHR and practice management system offering advanced clinical workflows, interoperability, and analytics for large practices and health systems.
- 3#3: eClinicalWorks - Integrated EHR, practice management, and telehealth solution designed to streamline operations, billing, and patient care for ambulatory practices.
- 4#4: NextGen Healthcare - Ambulatory-focused EHR and practice management software with robust revenue cycle management and population health tools for specialty practices.
- 5#5: Kareo - Billing and practice management platform with EHR integration that simplifies claims processing, payments, and scheduling for independent practices.
- 6#6: AdvancedMD - All-in-one practice management software providing scheduling, billing, EHR, and patient portal features tailored for small to mid-sized practices.
- 7#7: Oracle Health - Enterprise-grade health IT platform formerly Cerner, offering EHR, practice management, and analytics for comprehensive healthcare delivery.
- 8#8: DrChrono - Mobile-first EHR and practice management tool with customizable charting, billing, and scheduling optimized for efficient clinician workflows.
- 9#9: Veradigm - Integrated healthcare technology suite providing EHR, practice management, and data analytics for population health and revenue optimization.
- 10#10: Practice Fusion - Free cloud-based EHR with practice management features for scheduling, e-prescribing, and charting suitable for small practices.
These tools were ranked based on robust feature sets (including EHR integration, billing automation, and patient engagement), proven performance, user-friendliness, and value, ensuring a balanced assessment for varied practice sizes and specialties.
Comparison Table
Healthcare practices rely on trusted software to manage operations, and this comparison table examines top tools like athenahealth, Epic Systems, eClinicalWorks, NextGen Healthcare, and Kareo to help identify the right fit. Readers will discover key features, usability, and capabilities to make informed decisions tailored to their practice's needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | athenahealth Cloud-based EHR and practice management platform that automates billing, scheduling, patient engagement, and revenue cycle management for medical practices. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | Epic Systems Comprehensive EHR and practice management system offering advanced clinical workflows, interoperability, and analytics for large practices and health systems. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.8/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 3 | eClinicalWorks Integrated EHR, practice management, and telehealth solution designed to streamline operations, billing, and patient care for ambulatory practices. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 4 | NextGen Healthcare Ambulatory-focused EHR and practice management software with robust revenue cycle management and population health tools for specialty practices. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | Kareo Billing and practice management platform with EHR integration that simplifies claims processing, payments, and scheduling for independent practices. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | AdvancedMD All-in-one practice management software providing scheduling, billing, EHR, and patient portal features tailored for small to mid-sized practices. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | Oracle Health Enterprise-grade health IT platform formerly Cerner, offering EHR, practice management, and analytics for comprehensive healthcare delivery. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | DrChrono Mobile-first EHR and practice management tool with customizable charting, billing, and scheduling optimized for efficient clinician workflows. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Veradigm Integrated healthcare technology suite providing EHR, practice management, and data analytics for population health and revenue optimization. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 10 | Practice Fusion Free cloud-based EHR with practice management features for scheduling, e-prescribing, and charting suitable for small practices. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
Cloud-based EHR and practice management platform that automates billing, scheduling, patient engagement, and revenue cycle management for medical practices.
Comprehensive EHR and practice management system offering advanced clinical workflows, interoperability, and analytics for large practices and health systems.
Integrated EHR, practice management, and telehealth solution designed to streamline operations, billing, and patient care for ambulatory practices.
Ambulatory-focused EHR and practice management software with robust revenue cycle management and population health tools for specialty practices.
Billing and practice management platform with EHR integration that simplifies claims processing, payments, and scheduling for independent practices.
All-in-one practice management software providing scheduling, billing, EHR, and patient portal features tailored for small to mid-sized practices.
Enterprise-grade health IT platform formerly Cerner, offering EHR, practice management, and analytics for comprehensive healthcare delivery.
Mobile-first EHR and practice management tool with customizable charting, billing, and scheduling optimized for efficient clinician workflows.
Integrated healthcare technology suite providing EHR, practice management, and data analytics for population health and revenue optimization.
Free cloud-based EHR with practice management features for scheduling, e-prescribing, and charting suitable for small practices.
athenahealth
enterpriseCloud-based EHR and practice management platform that automates billing, scheduling, patient engagement, and revenue cycle management for medical practices.
AI-powered Intelligent Revenue Cycle Management that automates claims scrubbing and denial prevention for superior financial outcomes
athenahealth offers a comprehensive cloud-based practice management software solution that integrates scheduling, billing, claims management, eligibility verification, and revenue cycle optimization for healthcare providers. It streamlines administrative workflows, enhances interoperability with EHR systems, and provides actionable analytics to improve financial performance and operational efficiency. Designed for practices of all sizes, it supports everything from appointment reminders to denial management, reducing administrative burdens and accelerating reimbursements.
Pros
- Seamless integration with EHR and population health tools for end-to-end practice management
- AI-driven revenue cycle management with high claims acceptance rates (over 98%)
- Robust analytics and reporting for data-driven decision-making
Cons
- High implementation costs and lengthy onboarding process
- Subscription pricing can be expensive for small practices
- Customization options are somewhat limited compared to competitors
Best For
Ideal for mid-sized to large specialty practices and multi-location clinics seeking a scalable, all-in-one cloud platform with strong revenue cycle capabilities.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starting at approximately $300-$500 per provider per month, including EHR integration; scales with practice size and modules selected.
Epic Systems
enterpriseComprehensive EHR and practice management system offering advanced clinical workflows, interoperability, and analytics for large practices and health systems.
Care Everywhere interoperability network for secure, real-time data exchange across unaffiliated organizations
Epic Systems is a comprehensive electronic health record (EHR) and practice management platform tailored for large-scale healthcare organizations, offering robust tools for patient scheduling, registration, billing, and revenue cycle management. It integrates clinical, financial, and operational workflows into a single database, enabling seamless data sharing across care settings. Epic's modular design supports customization for complex enterprise needs, with strong emphasis on interoperability and analytics.
Pros
- Exceptional integration of practice management with EHR and clinical systems
- Powerful revenue cycle management tools with high claim accuracy and denial prevention
- Scalable for multi-site enterprises with advanced analytics and reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve and extensive training required for users
- Prohibitively high implementation and customization costs
- Overly complex for small to mid-sized practices
Best For
Large hospitals, health systems, and academic medical centers needing enterprise-grade integration and scalability.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing with implementation costs often exceeding $100 million for large deployments; subscription-based with no public pricing.
eClinicalWorks
enterpriseIntegrated EHR, practice management, and telehealth solution designed to streamline operations, billing, and patient care for ambulatory practices.
AI-powered ambient documentation via Sunoh.ai for efficient clinical note generation
eClinicalWorks is a comprehensive electronic health records (EHR) and practice management software suite designed for healthcare providers, offering tools for patient scheduling, billing, clinical documentation, telehealth, and interoperability. It supports a wide range of specialties with features like population health management, patient portals via Healow, and AI-assisted workflows. The platform is particularly suited for scaling practices due to its modular design and extensive integrations with labs, pharmacies, and payers.
Pros
- Robust all-in-one EHR and PM capabilities with strong interoperability
- Advanced telehealth and patient engagement tools via Healow
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for population health
Cons
- Steep learning curve and outdated user interface
- Customer support often criticized for responsiveness
- High implementation costs and customization fees
Best For
Mid-sized to large medical practices seeking an integrated EHR/PM solution with telehealth and analytics.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at around $449 per provider/month, plus implementation fees and add-ons for modules like telehealth.
NextGen Healthcare
enterpriseAmbulatory-focused EHR and practice management software with robust revenue cycle management and population health tools for specialty practices.
NextGen Enterprise Revenue Cycle Management with AI-powered denial prediction and automated workflows
NextGen Healthcare provides a robust practice management (PM) software solution integrated with its flagship EHR platform, streamlining administrative tasks for healthcare providers. It excels in appointment scheduling, billing, claims processing, eligibility verification, and revenue cycle management, supporting both ambulatory practices and larger health systems. The platform emphasizes interoperability, compliance with standards like HL7 and FHIR, and advanced analytics for financial performance.
Pros
- Comprehensive revenue cycle management with high claims acceptance rates
- Seamless integration with EHR and population health tools
- Scalable for enterprise-level practices with strong analytics and reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for smaller practices
- High implementation costs and customization fees
- Occasional customer support delays reported by users
Best For
Large multi-specialty practices or health systems requiring enterprise-grade PM with deep EHR integration.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically $400–$800+ per provider/month, plus implementation fees starting at $50K+.
Kareo
specializedBilling and practice management platform with EHR integration that simplifies claims processing, payments, and scheduling for independent practices.
Intelligent Revenue Cycle Management that automates claims scrubbing and denial management to maximize reimbursements
Kareo is a cloud-based platform providing integrated practice management, electronic health records (EHR), medical billing, and revenue cycle management solutions tailored for independent healthcare practices. It streamlines scheduling, patient check-ins, claims submission, and payment processing while offering a patient portal for engagement and telehealth capabilities. Kareo focuses on optimizing financial performance and reducing administrative burdens for small to mid-sized practices.
Pros
- Robust revenue cycle management with high claim approval rates
- Integrated EHR and patient portal for seamless workflows
- Cloud-based accessibility with strong security compliance (HIPAA)
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Customer support response times can be inconsistent
- Pricing scales quickly for multi-provider practices
Best For
Ideal for small to mid-sized independent medical practices seeking an all-in-one solution for billing and practice management.
Pricing
Subscription-based plans start at ~$110/provider/month for billing only, up to $300+/provider/month for full EHR suite; custom quotes common.
AdvancedMD
specializedAll-in-one practice management software providing scheduling, billing, EHR, and patient portal features tailored for small to mid-sized practices.
AI-enhanced revenue cycle management that automates claims processing and denial management for superior reimbursement rates.
AdvancedMD is a comprehensive cloud-based practice management and EHR platform designed for medical practices of various sizes and specialties. It streamlines administrative tasks like appointment scheduling, patient check-in, billing, and claims processing while integrating electronic health records and telehealth capabilities. The software emphasizes revenue cycle management to maximize reimbursements and reduce denials, offering scalability for growing practices.
Pros
- Robust revenue cycle management with automated claims scrubbing and denial prevention
- Seamless integration of EHR, scheduling, and patient portal functionalities
- Highly customizable for multiple specialties with strong reporting tools
Cons
- High pricing that may strain small practices' budgets
- Steep learning curve during initial setup and training
- Occasional reports of system glitches and slower customer support response times
Best For
Mid-sized to large medical practices seeking an all-in-one, scalable solution for practice management, EHR, and optimized billing.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; core practice management starts around $400-$500 per provider/month, with full EHR suite often $700+ per provider/month plus implementation fees.
Oracle Health
enterpriseEnterprise-grade health IT platform formerly Cerner, offering EHR, practice management, and analytics for comprehensive healthcare delivery.
AI-powered revenue cycle intelligence for predictive claims optimization and denial prevention
Oracle Health offers a comprehensive practice management software solution tailored for healthcare providers, encompassing scheduling, billing, claims management, patient eligibility verification, and revenue cycle optimization. Integrated with Oracle's EHR and cloud infrastructure, it enables seamless data flow across clinical and administrative functions for enhanced efficiency. Leveraging AI and analytics, it supports large-scale operations with robust interoperability and compliance features.
Pros
- Enterprise-grade scalability for large health systems
- Advanced AI-driven analytics and revenue cycle management
- Strong interoperability with EHR and standards like FHIR
Cons
- High implementation costs and lengthy deployment timelines
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Pricing opaque and geared toward large organizations only
Best For
Large hospitals, health systems, and multi-location practices needing integrated, scalable practice management with EHR.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing, subscription-based; typically starts at $50,000+ annually per location/module, requires sales quote.
DrChrono
specializedMobile-first EHR and practice management tool with customizable charting, billing, and scheduling optimized for efficient clinician workflows.
Native iPad app enabling full patient encounter documentation and check-in kiosks directly from tablets
DrChrono is a cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) and practice management software that integrates clinical documentation, scheduling, billing, and patient engagement tools into a single platform. It supports features like e-prescribing, telemedicine, customizable forms, and revenue cycle management to streamline workflows for healthcare providers. Particularly strong for ambulatory practices, it emphasizes mobile accessibility with native iOS apps for iPad and iPhone.
Pros
- Robust mobile iOS apps for on-the-go practice management
- Comprehensive EHR with customizable templates and e-prescribing
- Strong billing and claims processing with built-in RCM tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced customization
- Pricing escalates quickly for additional users and features
- Customer support can be inconsistent during peak times
Best For
Small to mid-sized ambulatory practices seeking mobile-first EHR and practice management with strong patient portal capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $199/provider/month for basic EHR; scales to $439+/provider/month for full PM suite; custom enterprise pricing with setup fees.
Veradigm
enterpriseIntegrated healthcare technology suite providing EHR, practice management, and data analytics for population health and revenue optimization.
Predictive revenue cycle analytics with denial prevention powered by Veradigm Network data
Veradigm Practice Management is a comprehensive healthcare software solution that streamlines administrative workflows for medical practices, including appointment scheduling, patient registration, billing, and claims management. It integrates tightly with Veradigm's EHR systems and other modules for a unified platform that supports revenue cycle management and compliance reporting. Designed for scalability, it serves a wide range of specialties from primary care to specialty clinics.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Veradigm EHR and revenue cycle tools
- Robust analytics and reporting for financial optimization
- Strong compliance features for HIPAA and regulatory standards
Cons
- Steep learning curve and dated user interface
- Lengthy implementation and customization process
- Higher pricing without transparent public tiers
Best For
Mid-sized to large medical practices needing integrated EHR, practice management, and revenue cycle capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $300-$600 per provider per month depending on practice size and features.
Practice Fusion
specializedFree cloud-based EHR with practice management features for scheduling, e-prescribing, and charting suitable for small practices.
Fully free cloud-based EHR with no licensing fees for essential functionality
Practice Fusion is a cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) and practice management software designed for small to medium-sized medical practices. It provides tools for charting, scheduling, e-prescribing, billing, and patient engagement through a patient portal. Certified for meaningful use, it helps streamline workflows and improve care coordination without upfront software costs.
Pros
- Free core EHR and practice management features with no subscription fees
- Intuitive, web-based interface accessible from any device
- Robust e-prescribing and integration with labs and pharmacies
Cons
- Limited advanced billing and reporting capabilities compared to premium competitors
- Customer support response times can be slow for non-paying users
- Some integrations and custom services incur additional fees
Best For
Small independent practices seeking a cost-effective, user-friendly EHR solution without complex setup.
Pricing
Free for core EHR and basic practice management; paid add-ons for implementation, training, and advanced features starting at $149/month.
Conclusion
The top tools reviewed showcase a range of strengths, with athenahealth leading as the standout choice, excelling in automating billing, scheduling, and patient engagement for diverse practices. Epic Systems offers robust interoperability and advanced workflows ideal for large settings, while eClinicalWorks streamlines care and operations for ambulatory practices. Each tool caters to unique needs, ensuring practices can find the right fit to thrive.
Take the first step to optimize your practice by exploring athenahealth’s comprehensive features—its integration of key functions simplifies daily tasks and elevates patient care. For those with larger or specific needs, Epic Systems and eClinicalWorks remain exceptional alternatives, offering tailored solutions that drive efficiency. Don’t miss the opportunity to leverage these leading platforms for success.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison