Quick Overview
- 1#1: Epic Systems - Leading comprehensive electronic health record platform designed for large hospitals and health systems with advanced interoperability and analytics.
- 2#2: Oracle Health - Robust EHR solution formerly Cerner, offering seamless integration, AI-driven insights, and scalability for enterprise healthcare providers.
- 3#3: athenahealth - Cloud-based EHR and practice management software that streamlines workflows, revenue cycle management, and patient engagement for ambulatory practices.
- 4#4: eClinicalWorks - Integrated EHR, telehealth, and patient engagement platform tailored for ambulatory care with strong mobile app support and population health tools.
- 5#5: Veradigm - Formerly Allscripts, providing networked EHR solutions with data analytics, interoperability, and practice management for diverse provider sizes.
- 6#6: NextGen Healthcare - Specialty-focused EHR with AI-powered ambient documentation, revenue cycle management, and population health capabilities for ambulatory and enterprise use.
- 7#7: Practice Fusion - Free cloud-based EHR certified for meaningful use, offering charting, e-prescribing, and scheduling for small to mid-sized practices.
- 8#8: DrChrono - Mobile-first EHR platform with customizable charting, telehealth, and billing features optimized for solo and small group practices.
- 9#9: Kareo - Integrated platform combining EHR, billing, and practice management with intelligent automation for independent practices.
- 10#10: AdvancedMD - Cloud-based EHR and practice management suite with scheduling, billing, and patient portal features for specialty practices.
Tools were evaluated based on interoperability, user experience, functionality, and value, ensuring relevance across practice sizes, specialties, and operational requirements.
Comparison Table
This comparison table highlights leading EMR software tools, including Epic Systems, Oracle Health, athenahealth, eClinicalWorks, and Veradigm, to help readers navigate their options. Explore key features, usability, and suitability to identify tools that align with specific practice needs and patient care workflows.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Epic Systems Leading comprehensive electronic health record platform designed for large hospitals and health systems with advanced interoperability and analytics. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 | 7.1/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 2 | Oracle Health Robust EHR solution formerly Cerner, offering seamless integration, AI-driven insights, and scalability for enterprise healthcare providers. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | athenahealth Cloud-based EHR and practice management software that streamlines workflows, revenue cycle management, and patient engagement for ambulatory practices. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 4 | eClinicalWorks Integrated EHR, telehealth, and patient engagement platform tailored for ambulatory care with strong mobile app support and population health tools. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Veradigm Formerly Allscripts, providing networked EHR solutions with data analytics, interoperability, and practice management for diverse provider sizes. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 6 | NextGen Healthcare Specialty-focused EHR with AI-powered ambient documentation, revenue cycle management, and population health capabilities for ambulatory and enterprise use. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.3/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Practice Fusion Free cloud-based EHR certified for meaningful use, offering charting, e-prescribing, and scheduling for small to mid-sized practices. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 8 | DrChrono Mobile-first EHR platform with customizable charting, telehealth, and billing features optimized for solo and small group practices. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Kareo Integrated platform combining EHR, billing, and practice management with intelligent automation for independent practices. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 10 | AdvancedMD Cloud-based EHR and practice management suite with scheduling, billing, and patient portal features for specialty practices. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
Leading comprehensive electronic health record platform designed for large hospitals and health systems with advanced interoperability and analytics.
Robust EHR solution formerly Cerner, offering seamless integration, AI-driven insights, and scalability for enterprise healthcare providers.
Cloud-based EHR and practice management software that streamlines workflows, revenue cycle management, and patient engagement for ambulatory practices.
Integrated EHR, telehealth, and patient engagement platform tailored for ambulatory care with strong mobile app support and population health tools.
Formerly Allscripts, providing networked EHR solutions with data analytics, interoperability, and practice management for diverse provider sizes.
Specialty-focused EHR with AI-powered ambient documentation, revenue cycle management, and population health capabilities for ambulatory and enterprise use.
Free cloud-based EHR certified for meaningful use, offering charting, e-prescribing, and scheduling for small to mid-sized practices.
Mobile-first EHR platform with customizable charting, telehealth, and billing features optimized for solo and small group practices.
Integrated platform combining EHR, billing, and practice management with intelligent automation for independent practices.
Cloud-based EHR and practice management suite with scheduling, billing, and patient portal features for specialty practices.
Epic Systems
enterpriseLeading comprehensive electronic health record platform designed for large hospitals and health systems with advanced interoperability and analytics.
Care Everywhere: Enables secure, real-time nationwide patient data sharing across 250+ million records without a central database.
Epic Systems offers a comprehensive electronic health record (EHR) platform designed for large healthcare organizations, managing everything from patient records and clinical documentation to billing, scheduling, and population health analytics. Its modular architecture supports inpatient, outpatient, and specialty care workflows, with seamless integration across departments. Epic powers over 250 million patient records worldwide and is favored by top U.S. hospitals for its scalability and reliability.
Pros
- Unmatched depth of features and customization for complex clinical needs
- Superior interoperability via Care Everywhere network
- Robust security, compliance (HIPAA, ONC-certified), and analytics tools
Cons
- Extremely high implementation costs and long timelines (often 2-5 years)
- Steep learning curve requiring extensive training
- Less flexible for small practices due to enterprise-scale design
Best For
Large hospitals, academic medical centers, and integrated health systems needing a scalable, enterprise-grade EHR.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; implementation often exceeds $100M for large systems, with annual subscriptions scaling by users/beds (no public tiers).
Oracle Health
enterpriseRobust EHR solution formerly Cerner, offering seamless integration, AI-driven insights, and scalability for enterprise healthcare providers.
AI-powered Oracle Clinical Digital Assistant for real-time clinical guidance and predictive analytics
Oracle Health, formerly Cerner, is a leading enterprise-grade electronic medical records (EMR) platform that provides comprehensive clinical, financial, and operational solutions for healthcare organizations. It integrates patient records, scheduling, billing, telehealth, and population health management within a secure cloud-based infrastructure powered by Oracle's technology stack. The platform emphasizes interoperability, AI-driven insights, and scalability to support large-scale health systems and improve care delivery.
Pros
- Highly scalable for large hospitals and health systems
- Advanced AI and analytics for clinical decision support
- Strong interoperability standards like FHIR for seamless data exchange
Cons
- Complex implementation requiring significant time and resources
- High upfront and ongoing costs
- Steep learning curve for end-users
Best For
Large hospitals, health systems, and academic medical centers needing robust, enterprise-level EMR with AI capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing with substantial implementation fees (often millions) and per-user or per-bed subscription models starting at $500+/user/month.
athenahealth
enterpriseCloud-based EHR and practice management software that streamlines workflows, revenue cycle management, and patient engagement for ambulatory practices.
athenahealth Network for real-time data exchange and payer connectivity
athenahealth is a comprehensive cloud-based electronic health records (EHR/EMR) platform designed for ambulatory care practices, offering integrated tools for clinical documentation, practice management, revenue cycle management, and patient engagement. It leverages the athenahealth Network for seamless interoperability, data exchange, and population health analytics to enhance practice efficiency. The solution supports specialties like primary care, cardiology, and orthopedics with customizable workflows and AI-driven insights.
Pros
- Robust revenue cycle management with high clean claims rates
- Excellent interoperability and population health tools
- Cloud-based accessibility with strong mobile support
Cons
- Premium pricing can be steep for small practices
- Initial setup and learning curve for complex features
- Limited flexibility for heavy customization
Best For
Mid-sized specialty practices needing integrated EMR, billing, and analytics in a cloud environment.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at $300-$500 per provider/month, plus implementation fees and add-ons for advanced modules.
eClinicalWorks
specializedIntegrated EHR, telehealth, and patient engagement platform tailored for ambulatory care with strong mobile app support and population health tools.
Healow Open Platform for seamless patient engagement and third-party app integrations
eClinicalWorks is a comprehensive cloud-based EHR/EMR and practice management platform tailored for ambulatory care providers, offering tools for charting, scheduling, billing, and telehealth. It integrates advanced features like AI-powered documentation, patient portals via Healow, and population health management to streamline workflows. Widely used by small to large practices, it emphasizes interoperability with national health networks and regulatory compliance such as MIPS and MACRA.
Pros
- Extensive feature set including telehealth, e-prescribing, and AI scribing tools
- Strong interoperability and patient engagement via the Healow app ecosystem
- Scalable for solo practitioners to large multi-specialty groups
Cons
- Steep learning curve and interface can feel cluttered for new users
- Customer support response times often criticized as slow
- Limited customization options without additional fees
Best For
Medium-sized ambulatory practices seeking an all-in-one EMR with robust telehealth and patient portal capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $400-$700 per provider per month, including implementation fees and add-ons for advanced modules.
Veradigm
enterpriseFormerly Allscripts, providing networked EHR solutions with data analytics, interoperability, and practice management for diverse provider sizes.
Veradigm Network for real-time payer-provider data exchange and prior authorization automation
Veradigm (formerly Allscripts) offers a comprehensive EHR/EMR platform tailored for ambulatory practices, hospitals, and health systems, including electronic health records, practice management, and revenue cycle management tools. It emphasizes interoperability via the Veradigm Network, which facilitates secure data exchange with payers, labs, and other providers. The solution supports clinical documentation, e-prescribing, patient portals, and advanced analytics for population health and quality reporting.
Pros
- Extensive interoperability through Veradigm Network for payer and provider data exchange
- Robust analytics and population health management tools
- Strong compliance features including HIPAA and MACRA support
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to complex interface
- Higher pricing compared to smaller EMR competitors
- Occasional reports of system slowdowns during peak usage
Best For
Mid-to-large practices and health systems requiring enterprise-grade interoperability and analytics.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $425-$700 per provider per month, with implementation fees and add-ons for advanced modules.
NextGen Healthcare
specializedSpecialty-focused EHR with AI-powered ambient documentation, revenue cycle management, and population health capabilities for ambulatory and enterprise use.
Enterprise Population Health platform with predictive analytics for proactive care management
NextGen Healthcare offers a robust EHR and practice management platform tailored for ambulatory practices, specialty groups, and health systems. It supports end-to-end clinical workflows, including charting, scheduling, billing, and patient engagement tools. The solution emphasizes interoperability, population health analytics, and revenue cycle management to enhance efficiency and compliance.
Pros
- Extensive customization for specialty practices
- Strong interoperability and FHIR support
- Integrated revenue cycle and analytics tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Higher implementation costs and time
- Occasional interface performance lags
Best For
Mid-sized specialty practices and health systems needing scalable, integrated EHR with advanced analytics.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $300-$600 per provider/month depending on modules and practice size.
Practice Fusion
specializedFree cloud-based EHR certified for meaningful use, offering charting, e-prescribing, and scheduling for small to mid-sized practices.
100% free core cloud-based EHR with seamless e-prescribing, eliminating installation and hardware needs
Practice Fusion is a cloud-based Electronic Health Record (EHR) and Electronic Medical Record (EMR) platform designed for medical practices, offering tools for charting, e-prescribing, scheduling, billing, and patient engagement. It supports interoperability with labs, pharmacies, and health information exchanges, while providing a patient portal for secure communication. As a fully web-based solution, it requires no software installation and was one of the first free EHRs to achieve ONC certification.
Pros
- Free core EHR functionality with no upfront costs
- Intuitive, web-based interface accessible from any device
- Robust e-prescribing and lab integration capabilities
Cons
- Limited customization options for complex workflows
- Customer support primarily community-based or ticketed
- Some advanced features locked behind premium pricing
Best For
Solo practitioners and small to medium-sized independent practices seeking a cost-effective, easy-to-deploy EHR solution.
Pricing
Free for basic EHR use; premium features like advanced billing and analytics start at $149/provider/month.
DrChrono
specializedMobile-first EHR platform with customizable charting, telehealth, and billing features optimized for solo and small group practices.
Native iPad app with handwriting recognition and gesture-based charting for seamless on-the-go documentation
DrChrono is a cloud-based EHR/EMR platform tailored for medical practices, offering integrated tools for patient scheduling, customizable charting, e-prescribing, billing, and telehealth. It emphasizes mobility with native iPad and iPhone apps, enabling providers to manage encounters efficiently on the go. The software supports interoperability via APIs and includes a patient portal for engagement.
Pros
- Superior mobile-first design with native iOS apps for tablets and phones
- Integrated revenue cycle management and billing automation
- Highly customizable templates and strong API for third-party integrations
Cons
- Pricing can escalate quickly with add-ons and user counts
- Occasional performance issues reported in high-volume practices
- Customer support response times vary by plan tier
Best For
Small to mid-sized ambulatory practices and mobile-focused providers seeking an intuitive, all-in-one EMR solution.
Pricing
Starts at $199/provider/month for core EHR; enterprise plans custom-quoted with add-ons for telehealth and advanced billing.
Kareo
specializedIntegrated platform combining EHR, billing, and practice management with intelligent automation for independent practices.
Integrated revenue cycle management that automates billing and claims to boost reimbursements directly within the EMR
Kareo is a cloud-based EMR and practice management platform designed for independent medical practices, offering integrated electronic health records, medical billing, scheduling, and revenue cycle management. It streamlines clinical workflows, automates billing processes, and provides tools for patient engagement through portals and telemedicine capabilities. Kareo emphasizes ease of use and compliance with HIPAA and other regulations, making it suitable for small to mid-sized practices seeking an all-in-one solution.
Pros
- Integrated EHR, billing, and practice management in one platform
- Cloud-based with mobile access and strong patient portal
- Revenue cycle tools that help maximize collections
Cons
- Limited advanced customization for specialized workflows
- Customer support response times can vary
- Pricing model tied to collections may add up for high-volume practices
Best For
Small to mid-sized independent medical practices needing an intuitive, all-in-one EMR with strong billing integration.
Pricing
EHR starts at $140/provider/month; billing services at 4.5-7% of collections; custom quotes for full suite based on practice size.
AdvancedMD
enterpriseCloud-based EHR and practice management suite with scheduling, billing, and patient portal features for specialty practices.
Advanced Revenue Cycle Management with AI-driven denial prevention and automated claims scrubbing
AdvancedMD is a cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) and practice management platform tailored for ambulatory practices, offering integrated tools for scheduling, billing, e-prescribing, and patient engagement. It streamlines clinical workflows with customizable templates, interoperability via HL7 and FHIR standards, and robust revenue cycle management to optimize reimbursements. The solution supports multi-specialty practices with mobile access and telehealth capabilities.
Pros
- Comprehensive integration of EHR, PM, and RCM in one platform
- Strong revenue cycle management tools for faster reimbursements
- Excellent interoperability and customization options
Cons
- Steep learning curve and dated user interface
- High implementation costs and setup time
- Customer support can be inconsistent
Best For
Mid-sized specialty practices seeking an all-in-one solution with advanced billing and revenue optimization.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at $399/user/month for core EHR + PM, with add-ons for RCM and advanced features; custom enterprise pricing available.
Conclusion
When evaluating EHR tools, Epic Systems emerges as the top choice, boasting comprehensive features and advanced capabilities for large systems. Oracle Health and athenahealth follow closely, with Oracle excelling in integration and AI-driven insights, and athenahealth streamlining workflows for ambulatory practices. This list reflects the diversity of options, ensuring there’s a solution for every provider size and need, with Epic leading the pack for overall performance.
Don’t miss out—begin your journey with Epic Systems to unlock its leading features and enhance your healthcare operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison