Quick Overview
- 1#1: Epic Systems - Delivers comprehensive EHR, practice management, and patient portal solutions optimized for large-scale outpatient and ambulatory care.
- 2#2: Oracle Health - Provides integrated EHR and revenue cycle management tools tailored for outpatient clinics and health systems.
- 3#3: athenahealth - Offers cloud-based EHR and practice management with strong interoperability for independent outpatient practices.
- 4#4: Veradigm - Supplies ambulatory EHR solutions with advanced analytics and population health management for outpatient settings.
- 5#5: NextGen Healthcare - Features specialty-specific EHR and practice management software designed for outpatient ambulatory workflows.
- 6#6: eClinicalWorks - Provides scalable EHR, telehealth, and patient engagement tools for small to mid-sized outpatient practices.
- 7#7: AdvancedMD - Delivers all-in-one practice management, EHR, and billing software for efficient outpatient operations.
- 8#8: Practice Fusion - Offers a free, cloud-based EHR with charting and e-prescribing features ideal for cost-conscious outpatient providers.
- 9#9: Kareo - Focuses on intelligent billing, EHR, and practice management to streamline revenue for independent outpatient practices.
- 10#10: DrChrono - Combines iPad-native EHR, telehealth, and scheduling for modern, mobile outpatient clinic management.
These tools were ranked based on key factors including feature depth, user experience, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they deliver optimal performance for outpatient clinics and providers.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines leading outpatient software solutions, such as Epic Systems, Oracle Health, athenahealth, Veradigm, NextGen Healthcare, and more, to guide users in selecting tools that fit their practice requirements. Readers will gain insights into key features, integration flexibility, and patient care focus, empowering them to make informed choices for optimizing operations and improving service delivery.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Epic Systems Delivers comprehensive EHR, practice management, and patient portal solutions optimized for large-scale outpatient and ambulatory care. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 2 | Oracle Health Provides integrated EHR and revenue cycle management tools tailored for outpatient clinics and health systems. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 3 | athenahealth Offers cloud-based EHR and practice management with strong interoperability for independent outpatient practices. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Veradigm Supplies ambulatory EHR solutions with advanced analytics and population health management for outpatient settings. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.7/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 5 | NextGen Healthcare Features specialty-specific EHR and practice management software designed for outpatient ambulatory workflows. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | eClinicalWorks Provides scalable EHR, telehealth, and patient engagement tools for small to mid-sized outpatient practices. | specialized | 7.3/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.4/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 7 | AdvancedMD Delivers all-in-one practice management, EHR, and billing software for efficient outpatient operations. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Practice Fusion Offers a free, cloud-based EHR with charting and e-prescribing features ideal for cost-conscious outpatient providers. | specialized | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 9 | Kareo Focuses on intelligent billing, EHR, and practice management to streamline revenue for independent outpatient practices. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | DrChrono Combines iPad-native EHR, telehealth, and scheduling for modern, mobile outpatient clinic management. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
Delivers comprehensive EHR, practice management, and patient portal solutions optimized for large-scale outpatient and ambulatory care.
Provides integrated EHR and revenue cycle management tools tailored for outpatient clinics and health systems.
Offers cloud-based EHR and practice management with strong interoperability for independent outpatient practices.
Supplies ambulatory EHR solutions with advanced analytics and population health management for outpatient settings.
Features specialty-specific EHR and practice management software designed for outpatient ambulatory workflows.
Provides scalable EHR, telehealth, and patient engagement tools for small to mid-sized outpatient practices.
Delivers all-in-one practice management, EHR, and billing software for efficient outpatient operations.
Offers a free, cloud-based EHR with charting and e-prescribing features ideal for cost-conscious outpatient providers.
Focuses on intelligent billing, EHR, and practice management to streamline revenue for independent outpatient practices.
Combines iPad-native EHR, telehealth, and scheduling for modern, mobile outpatient clinic management.
Epic Systems
enterpriseDelivers comprehensive EHR, practice management, and patient portal solutions optimized for large-scale outpatient and ambulatory care.
MyChart patient portal for secure, real-time patient access to records, appointments, and communication
Epic Systems' EpicCare Ambulatory is a comprehensive electronic health record (EHR) platform tailored for outpatient clinics, offering robust tools for clinical documentation, order management, e-prescribing, and billing. It integrates seamlessly with inpatient systems, analytics, and population health tools to support coordinated care delivery. Renowned for its scalability, Epic serves thousands of outpatient sites worldwide, powering efficient workflows in multi-specialty practices.
Pros
- Unmatched interoperability and integration across enterprise health systems
- Highly customizable with extensive clinical decision support and analytics
- Proven scalability for large outpatient networks with top-tier security
Cons
- Prohibitively expensive with high implementation costs and timelines
- Steep learning curve requiring extensive training
- Vendor lock-in limits flexibility post-implementation
Best For
Large outpatient clinics and health systems needing a scalable, enterprise-grade EHR with deep integration capabilities.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically $1M+ upfront implementation plus $500K-$5M+ annual subscriptions based on size and modules.
Oracle Health
enterpriseProvides integrated EHR and revenue cycle management tools tailored for outpatient clinics and health systems.
Oracle Clinical Digital Assistant with explainable AI for real-time, context-aware clinical guidance and automation
Oracle Health is a comprehensive, cloud-native electronic health record (EHR) platform designed for healthcare organizations, including outpatient clinics, offering integrated practice management, clinical workflows, billing, and patient engagement tools. It leverages Oracle's robust database technology and AI capabilities to enable seamless interoperability, real-time analytics, and population health management. Tailored for outpatient settings, it supports scheduling, telehealth, e-prescribing, and regulatory compliance to streamline operations and enhance care delivery.
Pros
- Exceptional interoperability with FHIR and HL7 standards for seamless data exchange
- Scalable cloud architecture handles high-volume outpatient workflows efficiently
- Advanced AI-driven analytics and predictive insights for clinical decision-making
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation requiring significant training
- High upfront and ongoing costs unsuitable for small practices
- Customization can be time-intensive and resource-heavy
Best For
Large outpatient clinics, health systems, or multi-site networks seeking enterprise-grade scalability, AI integration, and robust compliance features.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing with implementation fees; typically starts at $500K+ annually for mid-sized deployments, scaling to millions for large organizations.
athenahealth
enterpriseOffers cloud-based EHR and practice management with strong interoperability for independent outpatient practices.
AI-powered Revenue Cycle Management via athenaOne, achieving industry-leading clean claim rates over 98%
athenahealth is a comprehensive cloud-based EHR and practice management platform tailored for outpatient practices, offering integrated tools for clinical documentation, scheduling, billing, and patient engagement. It emphasizes revenue cycle management (RCM) with AI-driven claims processing and interoperability through the athenahealth Network for seamless data exchange. The solution supports ambulatory care settings by streamlining workflows, ensuring compliance with regulations like HIPAA and MIPS, and providing actionable analytics for practice optimization.
Pros
- Robust revenue cycle management with high clean claims rates
- Strong interoperability and population health analytics
- Cloud-based with reliable uptime and mobile access
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- High implementation and ongoing costs
- Limited customization options for smaller practices
Best For
Mid-sized to large outpatient practices seeking integrated EHR, billing, and patient engagement with strong RCM capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $300-$500 per provider/month plus one-time implementation fees starting at $10,000+.
Veradigm
enterpriseSupplies ambulatory EHR solutions with advanced analytics and population health management for outpatient settings.
Veradigm Network for real-time, bi-directional data exchange with payers and health systems
Veradigm offers a robust suite of outpatient software solutions, including EHR, practice management, revenue cycle management, and patient engagement tools designed for ambulatory practices and clinics. The platform emphasizes interoperability through the Veradigm Network, enabling seamless data exchange with payers, labs, and other providers. It supports clinical workflows, population health analytics, and compliance with standards like FHIR to enhance efficiency in outpatient settings.
Pros
- Strong interoperability via Veradigm Network for payer-provider connectivity
- Comprehensive revenue cycle management tools that improve billing accuracy
- Advanced population health analytics for data-driven decision making
Cons
- Steep learning curve and outdated user interface in some modules
- Implementation can be lengthy and resource-intensive
- Customer support response times often criticized as slow
Best For
Mid-sized outpatient practices and specialty clinics seeking integrated EHR with strong payer connectivity and analytics.
Pricing
Subscription-based pricing starting at $200-$500 per provider/month, plus implementation fees; scales with practice size and modules selected.
NextGen Healthcare
enterpriseFeatures specialty-specific EHR and practice management software designed for outpatient ambulatory workflows.
Enterprise-wide revenue cycle management with AI-driven predictive analytics for optimized claims and collections
NextGen Healthcare offers a robust cloud-based EHR platform tailored for outpatient and ambulatory practices, streamlining clinical workflows, patient engagement, and revenue management. Key functionalities include customizable charting, appointment scheduling, e-prescribing, billing, and interoperability with standards like FHIR for seamless data exchange. It supports specialty-specific templates and population health analytics, making it suitable for diverse outpatient settings from primary care to complex specialties.
Pros
- Comprehensive EHR with strong revenue cycle management and billing automation
- High customizability for specialty practices and excellent interoperability
- Advanced population health tools and patient portal for engagement
Cons
- Steep learning curve and dated user interface
- Prolonged implementation timelines often exceeding 6-12 months
- Premium pricing that may strain smaller practices
Best For
Mid-sized outpatient and specialty practices needing scalable EHR with integrated revenue cycle and analytics capabilities.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at $300-$700 per provider/month, plus implementation fees and add-ons for advanced modules.
eClinicalWorks
specializedProvides scalable EHR, telehealth, and patient engagement tools for small to mid-sized outpatient practices.
Healow patient engagement suite with apps for self-scheduling, payments, and secure messaging
eClinicalWorks is a comprehensive electronic health record (EHR) and practice management platform tailored for outpatient and ambulatory care settings. It provides tools for clinical documentation, electronic prescribing, scheduling, billing, telehealth, and patient engagement via the Healow portal and apps. The system supports over 180 specialties and emphasizes interoperability with labs, pharmacies, and other healthcare systems.
Pros
- Extensive feature set including EHR, PM, telehealth, and revenue cycle management
- Strong interoperability and support for multiple specialties
- Scalable for practices of various sizes with cloud and on-premise options
Cons
- Clunky, outdated user interface with steep learning curve
- Frequent complaints about customer support and implementation delays
- Customization can be limited and expensive
Best For
Medium to large outpatient practices needing an all-in-one, scalable EHR with robust billing and patient engagement tools.
Pricing
Custom quoted pricing, typically $400-$700 per provider/month based on modules and practice size; includes setup fees.
AdvancedMD
specializedDelivers all-in-one practice management, EHR, and billing software for efficient outpatient operations.
AI-powered revenue cycle management with automated claims scrubbing and denial prevention
AdvancedMD is a cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) and practice management platform tailored for outpatient and ambulatory care practices. It provides integrated tools for appointment scheduling, billing, patient engagement, telehealth, and revenue cycle management to streamline daily operations. The solution supports customization for various specialties and scales with growing practices, helping providers focus on patient care while optimizing financial performance.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one platform with robust EHR, PM, and RCM capabilities
- Strong customization options and scalability for multi-location practices
- Advanced analytics and reporting for revenue optimization
Cons
- Steep learning curve and dated interface for some users
- High implementation costs and lengthy onboarding process
- Customer support can be inconsistent with response times
Best For
Mid-sized outpatient practices seeking an integrated, scalable solution for EHR, billing, and patient management.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starting at $400-$700 per provider per month, plus setup fees and add-ons for advanced modules.
Practice Fusion
specializedOffers a free, cloud-based EHR with charting and e-prescribing features ideal for cost-conscious outpatient providers.
100% free, fully certified cloud-based EHR with no subscription fees
Practice Fusion is a cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) system tailored for outpatient practices, offering charting, e-prescribing, appointment scheduling, and billing tools. It supports clinical decision support, patient portals, and lab integrations to streamline workflows. As a certified EHR, it helps practices meet meaningful use requirements without upfront licensing costs.
Pros
- Completely free core EHR functionality
- Intuitive interface with quick setup
- Robust e-prescribing and patient portal
Cons
- Limited customer support response times
- Fewer advanced customization options
- Occasional performance lags with large patient volumes
Best For
Small to medium outpatient practices seeking a cost-free EHR with essential features for daily operations.
Pricing
Free for core features; optional paid implementation, training, and premium add-ons.
Kareo
specializedFocuses on intelligent billing, EHR, and practice management to streamline revenue for independent outpatient practices.
Intelligent revenue cycle management with AI-driven claims scrubbing and denial prevention
Kareo is a cloud-based platform providing integrated EHR, practice management, medical billing, and patient engagement tools designed for independent outpatient practices. It automates administrative workflows, streamlines revenue cycle management, and supports telehealth to enhance efficiency in smaller clinics. With a focus on usability, it helps practices improve cash flow through accurate claims processing and denial prevention.
Pros
- Highly intuitive interface with quick onboarding
- Strong revenue cycle management and 98%+ clean claims rate
- Comprehensive patient portal and telehealth integration
Cons
- Pricing scales up significantly for full features
- Limited customization for specialized workflows
- Mixed customer support experiences with occasional delays
Best For
Small to mid-sized outpatient practices prioritizing efficient billing and practice management without complex IT needs.
Pricing
Starts at ~$150/provider/month for billing; full EHR suite $300+/provider/month, plus setup fees.
DrChrono
specializedCombines iPad-native EHR, telehealth, and scheduling for modern, mobile outpatient clinic management.
Native iPad app for real-time charting and workflow directly at the point of care
DrChrono is a cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) and practice management platform tailored for outpatient medical practices, offering tools for scheduling, billing, e-prescribing, charting, and telehealth. It supports a wide range of specialties with mobile-first design, including native iOS apps for iPhone and iPad to enable flexible workflows. The software emphasizes interoperability, patient engagement via portals, and compliance with HIPAA and MACRA standards.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one EHR and practice management suite
- Excellent mobile app support, especially for iPad charting
- Strong integrations with labs, pharmacies, and payment processors
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Customer support can be inconsistent and slow
- Pricing escalates quickly with add-ons and multiple providers
Best For
Small to medium-sized outpatient practices seeking mobile-friendly EHR with robust specialty templates and telehealth.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $199/provider/month for core features; enterprise plans higher with implementation fees.
Conclusion
Evaluating the top 10 outpatient software reveals Epic Systems as the clear leader, offering a comprehensive suite of EHR, practice management, and patient portal solutions optimized for large-scale care. Close contenders Oracle Health and athenahealth stand out with integrated, interoperable tools, catering to diverse operational needs—making each a strong pick depending on specific practice workflows. Together, these tools highlight the evolving landscape of efficient outpatient management, ensuring practices of all sizes can thrive.
Take the next step in streamlining your outpatient operations by exploring Epic Systems, the top-ranked choice for seamless, end-to-end care management. For clinics with unique needs, don’t miss Oracle Health or athenahealth as exceptional alternatives.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison