Quick Overview
- 1#1: Salesforce Health Cloud - AI-powered CRM platform tailored for healthcare to manage patient relationships, journeys, and personalized care coordination.
- 2#2: Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare - Integrated CRM and engagement tools within Microsoft ecosystem for patient outreach, service, and care management.
- 3#3: athenaOne - Cloud-based platform combining EHR, practice management, and patient communication for comprehensive CRM.
- 4#4: Epic Systems - Market-leading EHR with MyChart portal enabling deep patient engagement and relationship management.
- 5#5: Oracle Health - Enterprise health platform with patient data unification and CRM features for large-scale providers.
- 6#6: NextGen Healthcare - EHR and revenue cycle solution with patient portal and messaging for effective CRM workflows.
- 7#7: eClinicalWorks - All-in-one EHR featuring healow patient engagement suite for CRM and telehealth integration.
- 8#8: Veradigm - Healthcare analytics and patient access platform supporting relationship management and engagement.
- 9#9: Kareo - Billing and practice management software with patient CRM tools for independent practices.
- 10#10: Practice Fusion - Free EHR platform offering basic patient portal and communication for small practice CRM needs.
We ranked these tools by evaluating their core features (patient engagement, coordination, and data unification), user experience (intuitiveness and scalability), and overall value (affordability and alignment with practice size) to ensure they meet the diverse needs of healthcare providers.
Comparison Table
Choosing the right patient CRM software? This comparison table breaks down top tools like Salesforce Health Cloud, Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, athenaOne, Epic Systems, Oracle Health, and more to simplify your decision. Readers will discover key features, integration strengths, and usability to find the best fit for their practice needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Salesforce Health Cloud AI-powered CRM platform tailored for healthcare to manage patient relationships, journeys, and personalized care coordination. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 2 | Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare Integrated CRM and engagement tools within Microsoft ecosystem for patient outreach, service, and care management. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | athenaOne Cloud-based platform combining EHR, practice management, and patient communication for comprehensive CRM. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Epic Systems Market-leading EHR with MyChart portal enabling deep patient engagement and relationship management. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 5 | Oracle Health Enterprise health platform with patient data unification and CRM features for large-scale providers. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.9/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | NextGen Healthcare EHR and revenue cycle solution with patient portal and messaging for effective CRM workflows. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 7 | eClinicalWorks All-in-one EHR featuring healow patient engagement suite for CRM and telehealth integration. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.7/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | Veradigm Healthcare analytics and patient access platform supporting relationship management and engagement. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 9 | Kareo Billing and practice management software with patient CRM tools for independent practices. | specialized | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | Practice Fusion Free EHR platform offering basic patient portal and communication for small practice CRM needs. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.3/10 | 9.2/10 |
AI-powered CRM platform tailored for healthcare to manage patient relationships, journeys, and personalized care coordination.
Integrated CRM and engagement tools within Microsoft ecosystem for patient outreach, service, and care management.
Cloud-based platform combining EHR, practice management, and patient communication for comprehensive CRM.
Market-leading EHR with MyChart portal enabling deep patient engagement and relationship management.
Enterprise health platform with patient data unification and CRM features for large-scale providers.
EHR and revenue cycle solution with patient portal and messaging for effective CRM workflows.
All-in-one EHR featuring healow patient engagement suite for CRM and telehealth integration.
Healthcare analytics and patient access platform supporting relationship management and engagement.
Billing and practice management software with patient CRM tools for independent practices.
Free EHR platform offering basic patient portal and communication for small practice CRM needs.
Salesforce Health Cloud
enterpriseAI-powered CRM platform tailored for healthcare to manage patient relationships, journeys, and personalized care coordination.
Patient 360° view with longitudinal timelines for holistic, real-time patient insights
Salesforce Health Cloud is a comprehensive CRM platform tailored for healthcare, enabling providers to manage patient relationships, care coordination, and engagement with a unified 360-degree patient view. It integrates seamlessly with EHR systems, wearables, and other data sources to support personalized care plans, longitudinal records, and compliance with HIPAA and other regulations. Advanced AI features like Einstein for Health provide predictive analytics and automation to enhance patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
Pros
- Unified Patient 360 view consolidating data from multiple sources
- Powerful AI and analytics for predictive care and insights
- Robust integrations with EHRs, telehealth, and third-party apps
Cons
- High implementation and licensing costs
- Steep learning curve and customization complexity
- Requires significant training for full utilization
Best For
Large healthcare organizations and providers needing enterprise-grade patient CRM with deep integrations and scalability.
Pricing
Starts at ~$325/user/month (Enterprise edition), plus platform fees, implementation, and add-ons; custom enterprise pricing.
Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare
enterpriseIntegrated CRM and engagement tools within Microsoft ecosystem for patient outreach, service, and care management.
Copilot for Healthcare, providing real-time AI insights and conversational automation for patient interactions and care planning
Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, powered by Dynamics 365, is a robust CRM platform tailored for healthcare providers, payers, and life sciences organizations to manage patient relationships, streamline care coordination, and enhance engagement. It integrates patient service management, appointment scheduling, care team collaboration, and AI-driven insights via Copilot for Healthcare. The solution leverages the Microsoft ecosystem, including Teams, Power Platform, and Azure Health Data Services, to deliver personalized patient experiences while ensuring HIPAA compliance and data security.
Pros
- Deep integration with Microsoft tools like Teams, Outlook, and Power BI for seamless workflows
- AI-powered Copilot features for predictive patient insights and care recommendations
- Highly customizable with low-code Power Apps and scalable for enterprise healthcare needs
Cons
- Steep initial setup and customization complexity for non-technical users
- Higher pricing may deter small practices or independent providers
- Heavy reliance on Microsoft ecosystem limits flexibility for non-Microsoft users
Best For
Large healthcare organizations and enterprises seeking an integrated, AI-enhanced CRM within the Microsoft ecosystem.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at ~$110/user/month for Dynamics 365 Customer Service Enterprise plus healthcare add-ons; custom enterprise pricing available.
athenaOne
enterpriseCloud-based platform combining EHR, practice management, and patient communication for comprehensive CRM.
AI-driven patient engagement tools that automate personalized reminders, surveys, and targeted communications to boost adherence and satisfaction
athenaOne by athenahealth is a comprehensive cloud-based EHR and practice management platform with strong patient CRM capabilities, including a patient portal for self-scheduling, secure messaging, bill pay, and health record access. It integrates patient engagement tools with clinical workflows to enhance communication, retention, and satisfaction. Designed for healthcare providers, it leverages data analytics to personalize patient interactions and streamline front-office operations.
Pros
- Robust patient portal with real-time appointment booking and messaging
- Seamless integration between EHR, billing, and patient engagement
- Advanced analytics for patient retention and population health insights
Cons
- High subscription costs that scale with practice size
- Steep learning curve for non-technical staff
- Limited customization options without add-ons
Best For
Mid-sized to large medical practices needing integrated EHR and patient CRM for efficient engagement and revenue cycle management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at $300-$500 per provider per month, plus setup fees and per-patient engagement costs.
Epic Systems
enterpriseMarket-leading EHR with MyChart portal enabling deep patient engagement and relationship management.
MyChart patient portal, offering a highly engaging, mobile-optimized platform for patient-provider communication and self-management
Epic Systems is a leading enterprise electronic health record (EHR) platform with robust patient CRM capabilities through its MyChart patient portal and integrated tools for engagement, scheduling, and communication. It enables healthcare providers to manage patient relationships at scale, offering features like secure messaging, appointment reminders, billing portals, and personalized care coordination. Designed primarily for large-scale implementations, it excels in integrating patient data with clinical workflows for comprehensive relationship management.
Pros
- Comprehensive integration with EHR for seamless patient data access and workflow automation
- MyChart portal provides superior patient self-service with high engagement rates
- Scalable analytics and reporting for patient population health management
Cons
- Prohibitively expensive implementation and customization costs
- Steep learning curve and complex user interface
- Not suitable for small practices due to overkill features and setup time
Best For
Large hospitals and health systems requiring enterprise-grade patient CRM deeply integrated with clinical operations.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing with multi-million-dollar implementation fees and ongoing annual subscriptions based on users and modules.
Oracle Health
enterpriseEnterprise health platform with patient data unification and CRM features for large-scale providers.
Deep native integration with Oracle EHR for real-time clinical data in patient CRM workflows
Oracle Health, formerly Cerner, offers a comprehensive cloud-based platform for healthcare providers, with patient CRM capabilities embedded in its electronic health records (EHR) and patient engagement suite. It facilitates patient relationship management through secure portals, automated communications, personalized outreach, and analytics-driven insights to improve retention and satisfaction. The solution leverages Oracle's robust database technology for handling vast patient data securely while integrating clinical, operational, and marketing workflows.
Pros
- Seamless integration with full EHR and clinical systems for unified patient views
- Advanced AI-powered analytics for patient segmentation and predictive engagement
- Enterprise scalability and HIPAA-compliant security for large organizations
Cons
- High implementation costs and lengthy setup timelines
- Complex interface requiring extensive training for non-technical users
- Less flexible for small practices compared to dedicated CRM tools
Best For
Large hospitals and health systems needing integrated patient CRM within a broader EHR ecosystem.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically subscription-based starting at $50,000+ annually per facility, scaling with users and modules.
NextGen Healthcare
enterpriseEHR and revenue cycle solution with patient portal and messaging for effective CRM workflows.
NextGen Patient Experience portal with AI-driven self-service scheduling and predictive engagement analytics
NextGen Healthcare is a comprehensive EHR and practice management platform with robust patient CRM features, including a patient portal for self-scheduling, secure messaging, and access to health records. It integrates patient data across clinical, financial, and engagement workflows to improve relationship management and outcomes. Tailored for ambulatory care, it supports population health management and telehealth to enhance patient retention and satisfaction.
Pros
- Deep integration with EHR for unified patient views
- Advanced patient engagement tools like secure messaging and portals
- Strong compliance with HIPAA and healthcare regulations
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- High implementation and customization costs
- Interface can feel dated compared to modern SaaS tools
Best For
Mid-sized to large ambulatory practices and specialty groups seeking integrated EHR-CRM solutions for patient lifecycle management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at $400-$800 per provider/month, plus implementation fees; contact sales for quotes.
eClinicalWorks
enterpriseAll-in-one EHR featuring healow patient engagement suite for CRM and telehealth integration.
Healow Open Access scheduling, allowing patients to book appointments 24/7 without staff intervention
eClinicalWorks is a comprehensive cloud-based EHR and practice management platform with integrated patient CRM features, including patient portals, automated messaging, appointment scheduling, and relationship tracking via its Healow patient engagement suite. It enables healthcare providers to manage patient interactions, demographics, communications, and follow-ups in a unified system. While robust for clinical workflows, its CRM tools emphasize retention and engagement within medical practices.
Pros
- Seamless integration of CRM with EHR for holistic patient management
- Healow patient app for self-scheduling, messaging, and telehealth
- Scalable analytics and reporting for patient retention insights
Cons
- Steep learning curve and outdated interface in some modules
- Mixed customer support experiences with slow resolution times
- High implementation costs and potential for system glitches
Best For
Mid-to-large medical practices seeking an integrated EHR-CRM solution for patient engagement and workflow efficiency.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $449+ per provider/month plus one-time setup fees of $5,000-$20,000 and per-patient charges.
Veradigm
enterpriseHealthcare analytics and patient access platform supporting relationship management and engagement.
Unified patient identity resolution across the Veradigm Network for accurate data matching and engagement
Veradigm provides a comprehensive patient CRM solution within its healthcare IT ecosystem, focusing on patient engagement, outreach, and relationship management for providers. It enables automated communications via SMS, email, and portals, appointment reminders, and personalized care plans integrated with EHR data. The platform leverages the Veradigm Network for secure data exchange and analytics to improve patient retention and outcomes.
Pros
- Seamless integration with EHR and practice management systems
- Advanced patient segmentation and analytics for targeted outreach
- Multi-channel engagement tools including portals and automated messaging
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup process
- High costs with custom enterprise pricing
- Reported occasional system outages and support delays
Best For
Mid-to-large healthcare practices and hospitals needing deeply integrated patient CRM with EHR for scalable engagement.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscription pricing, often $5,000+ per month based on provider count and features, with implementation fees.
Kareo
specializedBilling and practice management software with patient CRM tools for independent practices.
Kareo Patient Portal with embedded online payments and telehealth scheduling
Kareo is a cloud-based platform primarily designed for independent medical practices, offering patient CRM capabilities integrated with EHR, practice management, and billing tools. It provides a secure patient portal for appointment scheduling, online payments, record access, and automated reminders to enhance patient engagement and retention. While strong in operational efficiency, its CRM features support patient acquisition through targeted marketing and communication workflows.
Pros
- Integrated patient portal with self-scheduling and secure messaging
- Automated appointment reminders and billing collections streamline workflows
- Seamless connection to EHR and revenue cycle management for holistic practice operations
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with additional modules and providers
- CRM marketing tools are less advanced than dedicated healthcare CRMs
- Customization options for patient workflows are somewhat limited
Best For
Small to mid-sized independent medical practices needing integrated patient engagement alongside billing and EHR.
Pricing
Starts at $110/provider/month for core billing, with EHR add-ons from $160/provider/month; custom quotes for full suite including setup fees.
Practice Fusion
specializedFree EHR platform offering basic patient portal and communication for small practice CRM needs.
100% free, ad-supported EHR platform with built-in patient portal and secure messaging
Practice Fusion is a cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) platform that doubles as a patient CRM solution, enabling practices to manage patient demographics, appointments, secure messaging, and care coordination. It offers tools for scheduling, automated reminders, patient portals, and basic reporting to streamline patient relationships and engagement. While primarily an EHR, its patient management features make it suitable for CRM needs in smaller practices.
Pros
- Completely free core EHR and CRM features with no subscription fees
- Intuitive web-based interface that's quick to learn and mobile-accessible
- Strong integrations for e-prescribing, labs, and scheduling
Cons
- Intrusive ads in the free version can disrupt workflow
- Limited advanced CRM tools like marketing automation or segmentation
- Customer support is email-based and often slow to respond
Best For
Small independent practices or solo providers seeking a no-cost, straightforward patient management system without complex setup.
Pricing
Free for all core features including patient CRM tools; optional paid add-ons for premium support, training, or advanced integrations starting at $149/month.
Conclusion
Salesforce Health Cloud emerges as the top choice, leveraging AI to personalize patient relationships and care coordination. Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare and athenaOne follow closely, offering integrated, ecosystem-aligned solutions that cater to different practice needs. Together, these tools set the standard for efficient patient engagement in healthcare.
Begin enhancing patient interactions today with Salesforce Health Cloud—its advanced CRM features can transform how you manage care and connect with patients.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
