Quick Overview
- 1#1: DrFirst Rcopia - Leading standalone e-prescribing platform with EPCS support, medication history, and clinical decision support for secure prescribing.
- 2#2: Epic - Enterprise EHR with integrated advanced e-prescribing, formulary checks, and interoperability across healthcare systems.
- 3#3: Cerner - Comprehensive health IT platform offering robust e-prescribing with clinical alerts and controlled substance capabilities.
- 4#4: athenahealth - Cloud-based EHR services with intelligent e-prescribing, prior auth support, and real-time eligibility checks.
- 5#5: Veradigm - Integrated healthcare analytics and e-prescribing solutions for ambulatory and enterprise environments.
- 6#6: eClinicalWorks - All-in-one EHR and practice management system featuring e-prescribing with patient medication adherence tools.
- 7#7: NextGen Healthcare - Specialty-focused EHR with customizable e-prescribing workflows and regulatory compliance features.
- 8#8: DoseSpot - API-driven e-prescribing service for quick EHR integrations with EPCS and error-checking capabilities.
- 9#9: Practice Fusion - Free cloud EHR providing accessible e-prescribing with basic formulary and interaction checks for small practices.
- 10#10: Amazing Charts - Physician-designed EHR emphasizing efficient, intuitive e-prescribing with usability for busy providers.
These tools were chosen based on rigorous assessment of key features, including EPCS support, clinical decision tools, and interoperability, paired with usability, reliability, and value across diverse healthcare environments.
Comparison Table
Prescription software is a cornerstone of modern healthcare efficiency, and this table compares top tools like DrFirst Rcopia, Epic, Cerner, athenahealth, Veradigm, and more, helping readers understand their key features, usability, and integration strengths. It offers a concise overview to guide practices in selecting the right solution for their needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DrFirst Rcopia Leading standalone e-prescribing platform with EPCS support, medication history, and clinical decision support for secure prescribing. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Epic Enterprise EHR with integrated advanced e-prescribing, formulary checks, and interoperability across healthcare systems. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.8/10 | 6.4/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 3 | Cerner Comprehensive health IT platform offering robust e-prescribing with clinical alerts and controlled substance capabilities. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 4 | athenahealth Cloud-based EHR services with intelligent e-prescribing, prior auth support, and real-time eligibility checks. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 5 | Veradigm Integrated healthcare analytics and e-prescribing solutions for ambulatory and enterprise environments. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | eClinicalWorks All-in-one EHR and practice management system featuring e-prescribing with patient medication adherence tools. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.9/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 7 | NextGen Healthcare Specialty-focused EHR with customizable e-prescribing workflows and regulatory compliance features. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 8 | DoseSpot API-driven e-prescribing service for quick EHR integrations with EPCS and error-checking capabilities. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Practice Fusion Free cloud EHR providing accessible e-prescribing with basic formulary and interaction checks for small practices. | other | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 10 | Amazing Charts Physician-designed EHR emphasizing efficient, intuitive e-prescribing with usability for busy providers. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
Leading standalone e-prescribing platform with EPCS support, medication history, and clinical decision support for secure prescribing.
Enterprise EHR with integrated advanced e-prescribing, formulary checks, and interoperability across healthcare systems.
Comprehensive health IT platform offering robust e-prescribing with clinical alerts and controlled substance capabilities.
Cloud-based EHR services with intelligent e-prescribing, prior auth support, and real-time eligibility checks.
Integrated healthcare analytics and e-prescribing solutions for ambulatory and enterprise environments.
All-in-one EHR and practice management system featuring e-prescribing with patient medication adherence tools.
Specialty-focused EHR with customizable e-prescribing workflows and regulatory compliance features.
API-driven e-prescribing service for quick EHR integrations with EPCS and error-checking capabilities.
Free cloud EHR providing accessible e-prescribing with basic formulary and interaction checks for small practices.
Physician-designed EHR emphasizing efficient, intuitive e-prescribing with usability for busy providers.
DrFirst Rcopia
specializedLeading standalone e-prescribing platform with EPCS support, medication history, and clinical decision support for secure prescribing.
Real-time Medication Adherence Network with integrated patient app for automated refill requests and engagement
DrFirst Rcopia is a leading electronic prescribing (eRx) platform that enables healthcare providers to send secure, compliant prescriptions electronically, including controlled substances via EPCS. It integrates with over 100 EHR/EMR systems and leverages Surescripts networks for real-time access to patient medication history, formulary status, and drug interaction checks. The solution also includes advanced features like prior authorizations, medication reconciliation, and patient engagement tools via the MedsByMe app to boost adherence and reduce errors.
Pros
- Seamless integration with major EHRs and nationwide network coverage via Surescripts
- Comprehensive safety tools including allergy/drug interaction alerts and EPCS for controlled substances
- Patient-centric features like MedsByMe for adherence reminders and refill requests
Cons
- Pricing can be higher for small practices compared to basic eRx tools
- Slight learning curve for advanced reconciliation and PA workflows
- Requires reliable internet for real-time data access
Best For
Mid-to-large clinics and hospitals needing a robust, compliant e-prescribing solution with deep EHR integrations and patient management capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $150-300 per provider/month depending on volume and features; volume discounts available.
Epic
enterpriseEnterprise EHR with integrated advanced e-prescribing, formulary checks, and interoperability across healthcare systems.
Seamless real-time eligibility and benefits checking integrated with e-prescribing for instant formulary and cost transparency
Epic is a comprehensive electronic health record (EHR) system from Epic Systems Corporation, featuring advanced prescription management tools integrated into its EpicCare ambulatory module. It supports electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) via Surescripts, real-time drug interaction checks, formulary verification, and controlled substance e-prescribing with DEA integration. Designed primarily for large-scale healthcare organizations, it ensures regulatory compliance, seamless pharmacy connectivity, and customizable workflows for complex medication management.
Pros
- Unmatched interoperability with national networks like Surescripts and PDMPs for efficient e-prescribing
- Advanced clinical decision support including allergy checks, dosing calculators, and prior authorization
- Highly scalable and customizable for enterprise-level hospitals and health systems
Cons
- Extremely high implementation costs and timelines, often taking 2-5 years
- Steep learning curve with a complex interface requiring extensive training
- Poor value for small practices due to overkill features and rigid vendor ecosystem
Best For
Large hospitals, academic medical centers, and multi-site health systems requiring integrated, enterprise-grade prescription management within a full EHR suite.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing with upfront implementation costs often exceeding $1-10 million plus annual subscriptions of 3-5% of revenue; not available for small practices.
Cerner
enterpriseComprehensive health IT platform offering robust e-prescribing with clinical alerts and controlled substance capabilities.
Integrated clinical decision support engine that provides formulary checks, prior authorizations, and predictive dosing recommendations
Cerner, now part of Oracle Health, is a comprehensive electronic health record (EHR) platform with robust prescription management capabilities, enabling electronic prescribing (e-prescribing), medication reconciliation, and integration with pharmacy networks like Surescripts. It supports clinical decision support tools to check for drug interactions, allergies, and dosing errors in real-time. Primarily designed for large-scale healthcare organizations, it streamlines prescription workflows while ensuring regulatory compliance such as HIPAA and meaningful use standards.
Pros
- Advanced clinical decision support with real-time alerts for interactions and allergies
- Seamless integration with national e-prescribing networks and EHR systems
- Scalable for high-volume environments like hospitals with robust reporting and analytics
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface requiring extensive training
- High implementation costs and long setup times
- Less intuitive for small practices compared to standalone e-prescribing tools
Best For
Large hospitals, health systems, and enterprise-level providers needing integrated EHR prescription management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $100+ per user/month with multimillion-dollar implementation fees for large organizations.
athenahealth
enterpriseCloud-based EHR services with intelligent e-prescribing, prior auth support, and real-time eligibility checks.
Extensive payer integrations for automated prior authorizations and benefits verification
Athenahealth's prescription software is integrated into its cloud-based athenaOne EHR platform, enabling secure electronic prescribing (eRx), controlled substance support via EPCS, formulary checks, and real-time eligibility verification. It streamlines workflows by connecting prescriptions directly to patient records, pharmacies via Surescripts, and payers for prior authorizations. Designed for scalability, it supports both ambulatory and acute care settings with mobile access for on-the-go prescribing.
Pros
- Seamless integration with full EHR and practice management for unified workflows
- Comprehensive EPCS support for controlled substances and advanced clinical decision tools
- Strong payer and pharmacy network connectivity for real-time checks and prior auths
Cons
- High cost, especially for smaller practices
- Steep learning curve due to feature-rich interface
- Custom implementation can take several months
Best For
Mid-sized to large practices needing integrated EHR with robust, compliant e-prescribing capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quote-based subscription; typically $250-$500 per provider/month including full athenaOne suite.
Veradigm
enterpriseIntegrated healthcare analytics and e-prescribing solutions for ambulatory and enterprise environments.
Nationwide Surescripts integration with built-in PDMP connectivity for real-time drug history and monitoring alerts
Veradigm ePrescribe is a cloud-based electronic prescribing solution designed for healthcare providers, enabling secure digital transmission of prescriptions to pharmacies nationwide via the Surescripts network. It integrates seamlessly with Veradigm's EHR systems and many third-party EHRs, offering features like real-time formulary checks, patient eligibility verification, and support for electronic prescribing of controlled substances (EPCS). The platform emphasizes compliance with DEA and HIPAA standards, making it suitable for practices handling high prescription volumes.
Pros
- Robust integration with major EHRs and Surescripts network for broad pharmacy reach
- Comprehensive EPCS support with two-factor authentication for controlled substances
- Real-time prescription benefit tools including formulary and prior authorization checks
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-Veradigm users during initial setup
- Pricing lacks transparency and can be premium for smaller practices
- Occasional reports of integration glitches with non-native EHRs
Best For
Mid-sized to large practices or hospitals already using Veradigm EHRs that require scalable, compliant e-prescribing with advanced network connectivity.
Pricing
Subscription-based; typically $40-80 per provider per month depending on volume and integrations; custom quotes required.
eClinicalWorks
enterpriseAll-in-one EHR and practice management system featuring e-prescribing with patient medication adherence tools.
Voice-enabled prescribing via integrated AI scribe (Sunoh.ai) for hands-free medication orders and documentation
eClinicalWorks is a comprehensive EHR and practice management platform with robust prescription software capabilities, enabling electronic prescribing (eRx), medication history retrieval, and formulary checks through Surescripts integration. It supports EPCS for controlled substances, drug interaction alerts, and seamless medication reconciliation within patient charts. Designed for ambulatory care, it streamlines workflows for providers by combining e-prescribing with scheduling, billing, and telehealth features.
Pros
- Strong Surescripts integration for nationwide e-prescribing and PDMP checks
- EPCS compliance for controlled substances with signature capabilities
- Built-in clinical decision support for allergies, interactions, and dosing
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to cluttered interface and complex navigation
- Reported performance issues and occasional downtime affecting prescribing
- High implementation and ongoing costs for smaller practices
Best For
Mid-sized to large medical practices seeking an all-in-one EHR with integrated e-prescribing rather than standalone prescription tools.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at $449 per provider/month (billed annually), plus setup fees and add-ons for advanced features; pricing scales with practice size.
NextGen Healthcare
enterpriseSpecialty-focused EHR with customizable e-prescribing workflows and regulatory compliance features.
Advanced EPCS-enabled e-prescribing with population health analytics for proactive medication management
NextGen Healthcare is a comprehensive electronic health records (EHR) platform that includes advanced prescription management capabilities, enabling electronic prescribing (e-prescribing), drug interaction checks, and formulary integration. It supports controlled substance prescribing via EPCS compliance and integrates seamlessly with patient records for informed decision-making. As part of a full-suite ambulatory solution, it streamlines workflows for providers handling prescriptions in outpatient settings.
Pros
- Robust e-prescribing with real-time drug interaction, allergy, and formulary checks
- EPCS compliance for controlled substances and mobile prescribing access
- Seamless integration with EHR and practice management for unified workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to comprehensive EHR interface
- High implementation costs and lengthy onboarding process
- Occasional reports of customer support delays and customization challenges
Best For
Mid-sized to large ambulatory practices seeking integrated EHR with reliable prescription management.
Pricing
Enterprise subscription starting at $300-$500 per provider/month, plus implementation fees; custom quotes required.
DoseSpot
specializedAPI-driven e-prescribing service for quick EHR integrations with EPCS and error-checking capabilities.
Tokenless EPCS authentication for effortless controlled substance prescribing
DoseSpot is a cloud-based e-prescribing platform designed for integration into EHR/EMR systems, enabling providers to send electronic prescriptions securely to pharmacies via the Surescripts network. It supports full compliance with DEA EPCS for controlled substances, real-time formulary and coverage checks, and patient medication history access. Primarily API-driven, it powers prescription workflows for telehealth, behavioral health, and specialty practices without requiring a standalone interface.
Pros
- Seamless API integration with major EHRs like Epic and Cerner
- Full EPCS support for Schedule II-V controlled substances
- Real-time PDMP integration and formulary checks to reduce errors
Cons
- Requires developer integration; no native standalone app for small practices
- Custom pricing can be opaque and higher for low-volume users
- Limited built-in reporting compared to all-in-one EHR solutions
Best For
Healthcare developers and mid-to-large practices integrating e-prescribing into custom EHR or telehealth platforms.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on prescribers and transaction volume; typically $5-15 per provider/month plus per-prescription fees.
Practice Fusion
otherFree cloud EHR providing accessible e-prescribing with basic formulary and interaction checks for small practices.
100% free e-prescribing with nationwide pharmacy network access and no usage limits for basic prescriptions
Practice Fusion is a cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) platform with integrated e-prescribing capabilities, enabling providers to send electronic prescriptions to over 95% of U.S. pharmacies via Surescripts. It supports controlled substance prescribing (EPCS), formulary checks, and medication history retrieval, streamlining the prescription workflow. The software also includes charting, scheduling, and patient engagement tools, making it suitable for ambulatory care settings.
Pros
- Completely free core EHR and e-prescribing with no subscription fees
- Seamless integration with Surescripts for broad pharmacy connectivity and real-time checks
- User-friendly interface with mobile app support for on-the-go prescribing
Cons
- Pharmaceutical ads displayed within the interface, which some find intrusive
- Limited advanced customization and reporting compared to premium competitors
- Requires two-factor authentication and setup for controlled substances (EPCS)
Best For
Small to mid-sized independent practices seeking a cost-free, reliable e-prescribing solution integrated with basic EHR functionality.
Pricing
Free for core features including e-prescribing; optional paid add-ons for advanced support, training, and integrations starting at $149/month.
Amazing Charts
specializedPhysician-designed EHR emphasizing efficient, intuitive e-prescribing with usability for busy providers.
Dynamic 'chartless' documentation that auto-populates prescriptions from clinical notes
Amazing Charts is an electronic health record (EHR) system with integrated e-prescribing functionality tailored for primary care practices. It enables secure electronic prescriptions, including controlled substances through EPCS compliance, directly within patient charts. The software prioritizes simplicity and speed, allowing physicians to generate and send prescriptions efficiently without complex workflows.
Pros
- Highly intuitive interface for quick e-prescribing
- Full EPCS support for controlled substances
- Seamless integration with EHR charting
Cons
- Limited advanced prescription analytics
- Fewer third-party integrations
- Basic customization for prescribing templates
Best For
Solo primary care physicians or small practices needing simple, efficient e-prescribing without steep learning curves.
Pricing
Subscription starts at ~$449 per provider/month, plus one-time implementation fees.
Conclusion
The review highlights a strong array of prescription software, with top tools offering features like EPCS support, clinical decision support, and seamless integration. Leading the pack, DrFirst Rcopia emerges as the top choice, excelling in secure and comprehensive prescribing, while Epic and Cerner stand as standout alternatives—Epic for enterprise interoperability and Cerner for robust controlled substance management. Whatever the need, these tools deliver impactful solutions to enhance workflow efficiency.
To experience the leading solution, try DrFirst Rcopia and discover how it streamlines prescribed care and elevates practice performance
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison