Quick Overview
- 1#1: Epic - Comprehensive EHR platform delivering advanced patient record management, clinical decision support, and interoperability for large hospitals and health systems.
- 2#2: Oracle Health - Enterprise-grade EHR solution with robust clinical, financial, and population health management tools for healthcare organizations.
- 3#3: athenahealth - Cloud-based EHR and revenue cycle management software that optimizes workflows for ambulatory practices of all sizes.
- 4#4: eClinicalWorks - Integrated EHR, telehealth, and practice management system supporting patient engagement and care coordination.
- 5#5: Veradigm - Full-suite healthcare IT platform including EHR, analytics, and patient engagement for improved outcomes and efficiency.
- 6#6: NextGen Healthcare - Specialty-focused EHR with practice management, population health, and revenue cycle capabilities for ambulatory providers.
- 7#7: MEDITECH - Web-based EHR platform offering patient care documentation, analytics, and interoperability for acute and ambulatory care.
- 8#8: Practice Fusion - Free, cloud-based EHR with charting, e-prescribing, scheduling, and lab integrations for small independent practices.
- 9#9: DrChrono - Mobile-first EHR platform with customizable charting, billing, telehealth, and patient portal features.
- 10#10: Kareo - Intelligent EHR and billing software that streamlines revenue cycle management for independent medical practices.
We prioritized tools based on depth of clinical and administrative features, user interface intuitiveness, interoperability capabilities, and overall value, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of functionality that resonates with diverse healthcare settings.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores top medical EMR software solutions—including leaders like Epic, Oracle Health, athenahealth, eClinicalWorks, Veradigm, and more—to guide healthcare providers in selecting the right tool. Readers will discover key features, usability insights, and operational benefits to evaluate fit for their practice's unique needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Epic Comprehensive EHR platform delivering advanced patient record management, clinical decision support, and interoperability for large hospitals and health systems. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | Oracle Health Enterprise-grade EHR solution with robust clinical, financial, and population health management tools for healthcare organizations. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | athenahealth Cloud-based EHR and revenue cycle management software that optimizes workflows for ambulatory practices of all sizes. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | eClinicalWorks Integrated EHR, telehealth, and practice management system supporting patient engagement and care coordination. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | Veradigm Full-suite healthcare IT platform including EHR, analytics, and patient engagement for improved outcomes and efficiency. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | NextGen Healthcare Specialty-focused EHR with practice management, population health, and revenue cycle capabilities for ambulatory providers. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | MEDITECH Web-based EHR platform offering patient care documentation, analytics, and interoperability for acute and ambulatory care. | enterprise | 7.9/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 8 | Practice Fusion Free, cloud-based EHR with charting, e-prescribing, scheduling, and lab integrations for small independent practices. | specialized | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 9 | DrChrono Mobile-first EHR platform with customizable charting, billing, telehealth, and patient portal features. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 10 | Kareo Intelligent EHR and billing software that streamlines revenue cycle management for independent medical practices. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.7/10 |
Comprehensive EHR platform delivering advanced patient record management, clinical decision support, and interoperability for large hospitals and health systems.
Enterprise-grade EHR solution with robust clinical, financial, and population health management tools for healthcare organizations.
Cloud-based EHR and revenue cycle management software that optimizes workflows for ambulatory practices of all sizes.
Integrated EHR, telehealth, and practice management system supporting patient engagement and care coordination.
Full-suite healthcare IT platform including EHR, analytics, and patient engagement for improved outcomes and efficiency.
Specialty-focused EHR with practice management, population health, and revenue cycle capabilities for ambulatory providers.
Web-based EHR platform offering patient care documentation, analytics, and interoperability for acute and ambulatory care.
Free, cloud-based EHR with charting, e-prescribing, scheduling, and lab integrations for small independent practices.
Mobile-first EHR platform with customizable charting, billing, telehealth, and patient portal features.
Intelligent EHR and billing software that streamlines revenue cycle management for independent medical practices.
Epic
enterpriseComprehensive EHR platform delivering advanced patient record management, clinical decision support, and interoperability for large hospitals and health systems.
Care Everywhere, the largest health information exchange network enabling secure, real-time sharing of patient records across millions of patients nationwide.
Epic is a comprehensive electronic medical record (EMR) software platform designed primarily for large hospitals, health systems, and academic medical centers. It provides an integrated suite of tools for clinical documentation, patient scheduling, billing, analytics, and population health management. Epic excels in interoperability, enabling seamless data sharing across unaffiliated organizations via its Care Everywhere network.
Pros
- Unmatched scalability and customization for enterprise-level healthcare organizations
- Superior interoperability and data sharing through Care Everywhere
- Robust analytics and AI-driven insights via tools like Cosmos
Cons
- Extremely high implementation costs and timelines (often 2-5 years)
- Steep learning curve requiring extensive training
- Less suitable for small practices due to complexity and expense
Best For
Large hospitals, health systems, and integrated delivery networks seeking a fully integrated, high-performance EMR solution.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $500K+ per bed for implementation plus ongoing subscription fees based on users and volume (millions annually for large orgs).
Oracle Health
enterpriseEnterprise-grade EHR solution with robust clinical, financial, and population health management tools for healthcare organizations.
Oracle Cloud-based AI for predictive clinical decision support and revenue cycle optimization
Oracle Health, formerly Cerner, is a comprehensive enterprise-grade Electronic Medical Records (EMR) platform tailored for healthcare providers, offering end-to-end clinical, financial, and operational management. It excels in interoperability, population health management, and AI-driven insights through Oracle's cloud infrastructure. Designed for scalability, it supports large health systems with features like real-time analytics, secure data exchange via FHIR standards, and advanced workflow automation.
Pros
- Highly scalable for large hospitals and health systems
- Robust interoperability and FHIR compliance
- Advanced AI and predictive analytics integration
Cons
- Expensive custom pricing and implementation
- Steep learning curve for users
- Complex customization requires extensive IT support
Best For
Large-scale hospitals and integrated health networks seeking enterprise-level EMR with deep analytics and cloud scalability.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing; typically $1M+ annually for large implementations, based on modules, users, and scale.
athenahealth
enterpriseCloud-based EHR and revenue cycle management software that optimizes workflows for ambulatory practices of all sizes.
Revenue cycle management with athenahealth's performance guarantee, ensuring collections targets or they cover shortfalls
athenahealth is a comprehensive cloud-based EHR and practice management platform tailored for ambulatory care providers, offering integrated tools for clinical documentation, scheduling, billing, and patient engagement. It leverages AI-driven insights, interoperability standards like FHIR, and robust revenue cycle management to streamline operations and enhance financial performance. With athenaOne as its flagship suite, it supports specialties from primary care to complex practices, emphasizing scalability and data analytics for improved outcomes.
Pros
- All-in-one platform with seamless EHR, PM, and RCM integration
- Strong interoperability and population health analytics
- Proven revenue cycle performance guarantees
Cons
- High subscription costs with custom pricing
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Limited flexibility for heavy customization
Best For
Mid-sized to large specialty practices needing robust billing automation and integrated patient engagement.
Pricing
Custom subscription starting at ~$450/provider/month plus implementation fees; revenue-based models available.
eClinicalWorks
enterpriseIntegrated EHR, telehealth, and practice management system supporting patient engagement and care coordination.
Healow patient engagement ecosystem with mobile app, portal, and automated messaging for improved patient communication and adherence.
eClinicalWorks is a comprehensive cloud-based EHR and practice management platform designed for ambulatory care practices, offering electronic charting, scheduling, billing, e-prescribing, and telehealth. It supports interoperability through standards like FHIR and includes patient engagement tools via the Healow portal and app. The system also features advanced reporting and analytics for population health management.
Pros
- Extensive feature set including integrated billing and telehealth
- Strong scalability for multi-location practices
- Robust interoperability and patient engagement tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve and outdated interface
- Mixed customer support experiences
- High implementation and customization costs
Best For
Medium to large ambulatory practices needing a scalable, all-in-one EHR with strong analytics and patient portal capabilities.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at around $449 per provider/month, plus one-time implementation fees of $5,000+ and add-ons for advanced modules.
Veradigm
enterpriseFull-suite healthcare IT platform including EHR, analytics, and patient engagement for improved outcomes and efficiency.
Veradigm Network for real-time, bidirectional data exchange and actionable population health insights
Veradigm offers a comprehensive electronic medical records (EMR) platform designed for healthcare providers, featuring EHR management, revenue cycle tools, patient engagement, and interoperability capabilities. It supports ambulatory practices, hospitals, and health systems with robust data analytics via the Veradigm Network. The solution emphasizes population health management and seamless data exchange between payers and providers.
Pros
- Extensive interoperability and data integration
- Advanced analytics for population health
- Scalable for enterprise-level deployments
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface
- High implementation and customization costs
- Occasional reports of system downtime
Best For
Mid-to-large medical practices and health systems needing enterprise-grade EMR with strong analytics and payer-provider connectivity.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically $400-$700 per provider per month, plus one-time implementation fees starting at $50,000+.
NextGen Healthcare
enterpriseSpecialty-focused EHR with practice management, population health, and revenue cycle capabilities for ambulatory providers.
NextGen Population Health platform for proactive patient management and value-based care optimization
NextGen Healthcare provides a cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) and practice management platform tailored for ambulatory care providers and specialty practices. It offers comprehensive features including e-prescribing, patient engagement portals, revenue cycle management, and seamless interoperability with health information exchanges. The software supports clinical workflows, population health management, and compliance with regulations like MIPS and ONC certification.
Pros
- Strong interoperability and HIE integration for seamless data exchange
- Specialty-specific templates and customizable workflows
- Advanced population health and analytics tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for new users
- High implementation costs and longer setup time
- Pricing is premium and less affordable for small practices
Best For
Mid-sized to large ambulatory practices and specialty groups needing scalable EHR with strong analytics and interoperability.
Pricing
Subscription-based; typically $300-$700 per provider per month, with custom quotes for enterprise features.
MEDITECH
enterpriseWeb-based EHR platform offering patient care documentation, analytics, and interoperability for acute and ambulatory care.
Expanse's single-desktop, web-based platform that unifies workflows without siloed modules
MEDITECH is a leading provider of electronic health record (EHR) and electronic medical record (EMR) solutions, primarily serving hospitals, health systems, and post-acute care facilities. Their flagship Expanse platform delivers a web-based, patient-centric system that streamlines clinical workflows, documentation, and decision support across inpatient, outpatient, and ambulatory settings. It emphasizes interoperability, advanced analytics, and tools for population health management to enhance care delivery and operational efficiency.
Pros
- Comprehensive coverage for the full continuum of care including acute and post-acute settings
- Robust interoperability standards support like FHIR and strong analytics for data-driven insights
- Proven scalability and reliability in large hospital deployments with high uptime
Cons
- Complex user interface with a steep learning curve for new users
- Lengthy and expensive implementation process often taking 2+ years
- Higher ongoing costs compared to cloud-native competitors
Best For
Mid-to-large hospitals and health systems requiring a scalable, integrated EMR with strong inpatient capabilities.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on facility size and modules; upfront implementation often exceeds $1M+ with annual maintenance fees per user/bed.
Practice Fusion
specializedFree, cloud-based EHR with charting, e-prescribing, scheduling, and lab integrations for small independent practices.
Ad-supported free EHR model that eliminates licensing costs while providing Meaningful Use-certified core functionality
Practice Fusion is a cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) system tailored for small to medium-sized medical practices, offering tools for charting, e-prescribing, appointment scheduling, and patient engagement. It supports clinical workflows with features like customizable templates, lab integrations, and a patient portal for secure messaging and records access. Certified for meaningful use, it emphasizes simplicity and accessibility without upfront software costs.
Pros
- Completely free core EHR functionality with no subscription fees
- Intuitive web-based interface requiring no installation or IT setup
- Robust e-prescribing integrated with Surescripts for seamless medication management
Cons
- Intrusive advertisements throughout the interface in the free version
- Limited advanced customization and reporting compared to premium competitors
- Customer support can be slow and less responsive for non-enterprise users
Best For
Solo practitioners and small independent medical offices seeking a no-cost, straightforward EMR without complex setup.
Pricing
Free ad-supported plan; optional paid add-ons for advanced features like billing or enhanced support via partnerships.
DrChrono
specializedMobile-first EHR platform with customizable charting, billing, telehealth, and patient portal features.
Award-winning native iPad app for full EMR functionality, including handwriting recognition and real-time syncing
DrChrono is a cloud-based electronic health records (EHR) and practice management platform tailored for medical practices, offering tools for charting, scheduling, billing, e-prescribing, and patient engagement. It supports ambulatory care with features like customizable templates, telehealth, and integrations with labs, pharmacies, and devices. The platform stands out for its mobile-first design, particularly its highly rated iOS apps for iPad and iPhone, enabling on-the-go documentation and workflow efficiency.
Pros
- Superior mobile app optimized for iPad, allowing seamless charting anywhere
- Robust integrations with over 100 labs, pharmacies, and wearables
- Customizable templates and chronograms for efficient documentation
Cons
- Customer support can be slow during peak times
- Advanced features require higher-tier plans, increasing costs
- Occasional interface glitches reported in updates
Best For
Small to mid-sized ambulatory practices and mobile-focused providers seeking an intuitive, tablet-optimized EMR.
Pricing
Subscription starts at $199 per provider/month for Essentials; Professional ($339/month) and Enterprise (custom) add advanced features.
Kareo
specializedIntelligent EHR and billing software that streamlines revenue cycle management for independent medical practices.
Revenue Intelligence dashboard providing AI-driven insights into billing performance, claim denials, and cash flow optimization
Kareo is a cloud-based medical software platform offering integrated electronic health records (EHR), practice management, and revenue cycle management tailored for independent practices and small to mid-sized groups. It streamlines clinical documentation, appointment scheduling, patient engagement, and medical billing with customizable templates for various specialties. Kareo emphasizes revenue optimization through analytics and automation, helping practices maximize reimbursements while reducing administrative burdens.
Pros
- Robust revenue cycle management with denial tracking and analytics
- Intuitive cloud-based interface with strong mobile app support
- Specialty-specific templates and HIPAA-compliant patient portal
Cons
- Pricing can escalate with usage-based billing fees
- Customer support response times vary and can be inconsistent
- Limited advanced customization for complex enterprise needs
Best For
Small to mid-sized independent medical practices prioritizing efficient billing and revenue recovery alongside core EHR functionality.
Pricing
Starts at $140/provider/month for EHR and practice management, plus pay-per-claim billing (around 4-7% of collections) or flat subscription options.
Conclusion
When selecting medical EMR software, success hinges on aligning with organizational size and operational priorities. Epic tops the list, delivering exceptional comprehensiveness in patient record management, clinical decision support, and interoperability. Close contenders Oracle Health and athenahealth also shine—perfect for large systems and ambulatory practices, respectively, each excelling in their distinct strengths.
Explore Epic today to unlock its transformative potential and elevate your healthcare practice's efficiency and patient care.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison