Quick Overview
- 1#1: ReferralMD - Streamlines healthcare referrals with e-consults, tracking, analytics, and provider network management to reduce leakage and improve patient care coordination.
- 2#2: Kyruus Health - Optimizes provider search, scheduling, and referral routing using AI-driven matching to enhance access and network performance.
- 3#3: athenahealth - Provides integrated referral management within its EHR platform, including tracking, patient notifications, and compliance tools for ambulatory practices.
- 4#4: CarePort Health - Manages care transitions and post-acute referrals with real-time data exchange and analytics to improve discharge planning.
- 5#5: ReferralLogic - Offers simple, secure referral tracking and communication to ensure timely follow-ups and reduce no-shows.
- 6#6: Ensora Health - Orchestrates specialist referrals with AI-powered workflows, capacity matching, and outcome tracking.
- 7#7: HealthLink Dimensions - Builds and manages referral networks with performance analytics and provider directories for health plans.
- 8#8: Elation Health - Delivers cloud-based EHR referral management with seamless faxing, tracking, and patient portal integration for independent practices.
- 9#9: Luma Health - Automates patient outreach and referral coordination alongside scheduling to boost engagement and completion rates.
- 10#10: Healthie - Supports referral workflows in telehealth and practice management with secure messaging and shared care plans.
Tools were selected and ranked based on key factors including feature depth (e.g., tracking, analytics, network management), user experience, integration with existing systems, and overall value in addressing critical referral challenges like compliance, engagement, and efficiency.
Comparison Table
Healthcare referral management software is vital for optimizing care transitions, and this comparison table explores tools including ReferralMD, Kyruus Health, athenahealth, CarePort Health, ReferralLogic, and more. Readers will gain insights into key features, integration strengths, usability, and cost structures to find the best fit for their practice.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ReferralMD Streamlines healthcare referrals with e-consults, tracking, analytics, and provider network management to reduce leakage and improve patient care coordination. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | Kyruus Health Optimizes provider search, scheduling, and referral routing using AI-driven matching to enhance access and network performance. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | athenahealth Provides integrated referral management within its EHR platform, including tracking, patient notifications, and compliance tools for ambulatory practices. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | CarePort Health Manages care transitions and post-acute referrals with real-time data exchange and analytics to improve discharge planning. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | ReferralLogic Offers simple, secure referral tracking and communication to ensure timely follow-ups and reduce no-shows. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Ensora Health Orchestrates specialist referrals with AI-powered workflows, capacity matching, and outcome tracking. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 7 | HealthLink Dimensions Builds and manages referral networks with performance analytics and provider directories for health plans. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Elation Health Delivers cloud-based EHR referral management with seamless faxing, tracking, and patient portal integration for independent practices. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Luma Health Automates patient outreach and referral coordination alongside scheduling to boost engagement and completion rates. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.3/10 |
| 10 | Healthie Supports referral workflows in telehealth and practice management with secure messaging and shared care plans. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.0/10 |
Streamlines healthcare referrals with e-consults, tracking, analytics, and provider network management to reduce leakage and improve patient care coordination.
Optimizes provider search, scheduling, and referral routing using AI-driven matching to enhance access and network performance.
Provides integrated referral management within its EHR platform, including tracking, patient notifications, and compliance tools for ambulatory practices.
Manages care transitions and post-acute referrals with real-time data exchange and analytics to improve discharge planning.
Offers simple, secure referral tracking and communication to ensure timely follow-ups and reduce no-shows.
Orchestrates specialist referrals with AI-powered workflows, capacity matching, and outcome tracking.
Builds and manages referral networks with performance analytics and provider directories for health plans.
Delivers cloud-based EHR referral management with seamless faxing, tracking, and patient portal integration for independent practices.
Automates patient outreach and referral coordination alongside scheduling to boost engagement and completion rates.
Supports referral workflows in telehealth and practice management with secure messaging and shared care plans.
ReferralMD
specializedStreamlines healthcare referrals with e-consults, tracking, analytics, and provider network management to reduce leakage and improve patient care coordination.
AI-powered referral analytics that proactively detect and prevent leakage, providing actionable insights to close the referral loop
ReferralMD is a leading healthcare referral management platform that streamlines the entire referral lifecycle, from initial order to completion and follow-up. It provides robust tools for tracking referrals, automating workflows, integrating seamlessly with major EHR systems like Epic and Cerner, and delivering advanced analytics to identify referral leakage. The software enhances care coordination, improves patient retention, and boosts operational efficiency for healthcare providers.
Pros
- Seamless integrations with 50+ EHRs and PM systems
- Advanced analytics for referral leakage prevention and ROI tracking
- Automated workflows and patient engagement tools that reduce no-shows
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers may be steep for very small practices
- Initial setup and customization can require IT support
- Mobile app lacks some desktop-level reporting features
Best For
Mid-sized to large healthcare practices and networks seeking to optimize referral coordination and minimize leakage.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on practice size; starts at approximately $250/provider/month with enterprise options.
Kyruus Health
enterpriseOptimizes provider search, scheduling, and referral routing using AI-driven matching to enhance access and network performance.
AI-driven Provider Match with the industry's largest reconciled provider database for hyper-accurate referrals
Kyruus Health provides a leading platform for healthcare referral management, leveraging AI-driven provider matching to connect patients with the right providers based on clinical expertise, availability, and preferences. The solution streamlines referrals across health systems, integrates with EHRs for seamless workflows, and offers robust analytics to optimize network performance and reduce leakage. It empowers organizations to enhance patient access, improve satisfaction, and drive operational efficiency in complex care networks.
Pros
- Advanced AI-powered provider-patient matching for precise referrals
- Comprehensive analytics and reporting for network optimization
- Seamless integrations with major EHRs like Epic and Cerner
Cons
- High implementation costs and enterprise-level pricing
- Steep learning curve for full utilization
- Limited flexibility for smaller organizations
Best For
Large health systems and IDNs managing high-volume, complex referral networks across multiple providers and locations.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on organization size and modules; typically requires sales quote, with annual contracts starting in the high six figures.
athenahealth
enterpriseProvides integrated referral management within its EHR platform, including tracking, patient notifications, and compliance tools for ambulatory practices.
The athenahealth Network, a proprietary provider-payer exchange that automates referrals, e-consults, and prior auths across thousands of connected entities.
athenahealth is a cloud-based EHR and practice management platform with robust referral management capabilities, enabling healthcare providers to automate referral workflows, track patient referrals in real-time, and coordinate care across networks. It integrates referral tracking with patient engagement tools, analytics for closure rates, and secure communication portals to streamline specialist coordination and reduce leakage. Designed for ambulatory practices, it supports e-referrals, prior authorizations, and population health insights tied to referrals.
Pros
- Seamless integration with full EHR and revenue cycle management for end-to-end referral visibility
- Advanced analytics and dashboards for referral patterns, closure rates, and network performance
- Patient portal and mobile app enhance engagement and self-scheduling for referred appointments
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to comprehensive feature set requiring extensive training
- Pricing can be prohibitive for small practices without volume discounts
- Limited flexibility in customization compared to modular competitors
Best For
Mid-sized to large multi-specialty practices seeking an integrated EHR with enterprise-grade referral management and network connectivity.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $350-$550 per provider per month including core EHR, PM, and referral modules; scales with practice size and add-ons.
CarePort Health
specializedManages care transitions and post-acute referrals with real-time data exchange and analytics to improve discharge planning.
Discharge Command Center providing real-time bed availability and AI-driven patient matching across the nation's largest post-acute network
CarePort Health is a cloud-based platform specializing in care transitions and referral management, connecting hospitals with post-acute care providers to streamline patient placements. It offers real-time visibility into bed availability, automated patient-provider matching, and performance analytics to optimize discharge processes and reduce readmissions. The software integrates with major EHRs like Epic and Cerner, enabling data-driven decisions across the care continuum.
Pros
- Extensive network of over 14,000 post-acute facilities for broad referral options
- Advanced analytics for readmission prevention and network performance insights
- Seamless integrations with leading EHR systems for efficient workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-technical staff
- Custom enterprise pricing can be opaque and high for smaller organizations
- Limited flexibility in customization for unique workflows
Best For
Large hospitals and health systems handling high-volume patient transitions to post-acute care.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscription pricing based on facility size, usage, and network access; quotes available upon request.
ReferralLogic
specializedOffers simple, secure referral tracking and communication to ensure timely follow-ups and reduce no-shows.
LogicScore AI-powered predictive analytics that forecasts referral completion rates and optimizes provider matching
ReferralLogic is a cloud-based healthcare referral management platform designed to automate and streamline the referral process for providers, hospitals, and health systems. It tracks referrals from initiation to completion, provides real-time analytics on referral patterns and leakage, and integrates seamlessly with major EHR systems like Epic and Cerner. The software helps optimize care coordination, reduce administrative burdens, and improve patient outcomes through data-driven insights.
Pros
- Robust referral tracking and analytics for identifying leakage and trends
- Strong EHR integrations reducing manual data entry
- Customizable workflows that adapt to different provider needs
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller practices
- Initial setup requires IT involvement
- Limited mobile app functionality compared to competitors
Best For
Mid-sized health systems and hospitals seeking to enhance referral efficiency and network performance.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically starts at $5,000/month based on user volume and features—contact for demo and quote.
Ensora Health
specializedOrchestrates specialist referrals with AI-powered workflows, capacity matching, and outcome tracking.
Intelligent digital fax processing that auto-populates patient data and routes referrals to the right specialists
Ensora Health is a referral management platform designed to streamline the inbound referral process for healthcare providers by digitizing intake, eligibility verification, scheduling, and patient communication. It replaces outdated fax-based workflows with secure digital tools, enabling better coordination between referring and receiving providers. The software emphasizes compliance with HIPAA and offers analytics to track referral leakage and conversion rates.
Pros
- Robust digital fax replacement with OCR for quick data extraction
- Strong analytics for monitoring referral performance and outcomes
- HIPAA-compliant with seamless EHR integrations like Epic and Cerner
Cons
- Pricing requires custom quotes, lacking transparency
- Steeper learning curve for non-technical staff
- Limited advanced AI features compared to top competitors
Best For
Mid-sized healthcare networks and specialty clinics seeking to reduce referral drop-offs and administrative overhead.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at approximately $5,000/month based on referral volume; contact sales for demo and quote.
HealthLink Dimensions
enterpriseBuilds and manages referral networks with performance analytics and provider directories for health plans.
Dimensions Analytics engine with predictive insights for referral optimization and leakage prevention
HealthLink Dimensions is a cloud-based referral management platform that streamlines the entire referral lifecycle for healthcare organizations, from intake and routing to tracking and analytics. It provides tools for managing provider networks, ensuring compliance with HIPAA, and delivering data-driven insights to reduce referral leakage and improve patient outcomes. The software integrates with EHR systems and supports real-time monitoring to enhance coordination across care networks.
Pros
- Robust analytics and reporting for referral performance
- Intelligent routing and provider matching capabilities
- Strong HIPAA compliance and audit trails
Cons
- Steep initial setup and learning curve
- Pricing opaque without sales consultation
- Limited native mobile functionality
Best For
Mid-to-large health systems and ACOs managing high-volume, complex referral networks.
Pricing
Enterprise custom pricing; typically starts at $50K+ annually based on users and modules—contact sales for demo and quote.
Elation Health
enterpriseDelivers cloud-based EHR referral management with seamless faxing, tracking, and patient portal integration for independent practices.
Closed-loop referral tracking with automated specialist matching and progress updates
Elation Health is a cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) platform tailored for primary care practices, with built-in referral management tools that enable electronic referrals, status tracking, and care coordination. It facilitates closed-loop referrals by providing real-time updates, specialist directories, and automated follow-ups directly within the patient chart. The system emphasizes interoperability with external providers, labs, and imaging centers to reduce referral leakage and improve patient outcomes.
Pros
- Intuitive referral workflow integrated seamlessly into the EHR
- Real-time tracking and notifications for referral status
- Strong interoperability with specialists and external systems
Cons
- Referral features are EHR-embedded, lacking standalone depth of specialized tools
- Pricing scales per provider, which can be costly for larger practices
- Limited advanced analytics or reporting customization for referrals
Best For
Small to mid-sized primary care practices seeking an user-friendly EHR with reliable referral management.
Pricing
Starts at $349 per provider per month (billed annually), plus one-time setup fees and custom enterprise options.
Luma Health
specializedAutomates patient outreach and referral coordination alongside scheduling to boost engagement and completion rates.
AI-driven workflow automation that intelligently routes and prioritizes referrals across providers
Luma Health is a patient engagement platform that extends into healthcare referral management by automating referral intake, tracking, and coordination workflows. It integrates with EHR systems to streamline communication between referring providers, specialists, and patients, reducing administrative burdens and improving referral completion rates. While not a standalone referral tool, it embeds referral features within its broader automation suite for efficient care coordination.
Pros
- Seamless EHR integrations for quick referral setup
- Automated reminders and patient communication reduce drop-offs
- User-friendly interface with mobile app support
Cons
- Referral features are secondary to core patient engagement tools
- Limited advanced analytics and reporting for referrals
- Pricing can escalate with add-ons and practice size
Best For
Small to mid-sized practices seeking an all-in-one patient engagement solution with solid referral automation capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $99 per provider per month for core features, with add-ons for advanced automation.
Healthie
specializedSupports referral workflows in telehealth and practice management with secure messaging and shared care plans.
Automated referral pipelines that integrate directly with client portals and telehealth sessions for end-to-end tracking
Healthie is an all-in-one telehealth and practice management platform designed primarily for wellness professionals, nutritionists, therapists, and small healthcare practices, with built-in tools for managing referrals. It allows providers to send, receive, and track referrals through automated workflows, client portals, and integrated messaging, while ensuring HIPAA compliance. The software streamlines referral processes by linking them to scheduling, charting, and billing, making it suitable for practices handling moderate referral volumes.
Pros
- Intuitive referral tracking and automation within a unified platform
- Strong HIPAA-compliant communication for secure referral sharing
- Seamless integration with telehealth, scheduling, and EHR for streamlined workflows
Cons
- Lacks advanced analytics and reporting for large-scale referral networks
- Referral features are secondary to core practice management tools
- Pricing scales quickly for multi-provider practices, limiting value for referral-only use
Best For
Small to mid-sized wellness and therapy practices needing integrated referral management alongside telehealth and client management.
Pricing
Starts at $149/month for Essentials (solo provider), with Plus at $299/month and Pro at $599/month; custom enterprise pricing available.
Conclusion
Healthcare referral management software varies widely in features, but the top tools deliver meaningful improvements in efficiency and care coordination. Leading the pack is ReferralMD, which excels with e-consults, tracking, analytics, and network management, reducing leakage and boosting coordination. Kyruus Health stands out for AI-driven matching and optimized routing, while athenahealth offers seamless EHR integration for ambulatory practices—each a strong choice with distinct strengths.
Explore ReferralMD to simplify referrals, track progress, and enhance patient care—start your journey to more efficient workflows today.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
