Quick Overview
- 1#1: athenaOne - Cloud-based EHR and practice management platform designed for primary care with integrated revenue cycle management and patient engagement tools.
- 2#2: Elation Health - Physician-centric EHR tailored for independent primary care practices, emphasizing clinical workflow efficiency and patient relationships.
- 3#3: eClinicalWorks - Comprehensive EHR solution for primary care offering telehealth, population health management, and interoperability features.
- 4#4: NextGen Healthcare - Ambulatory EHR and practice management system optimized for primary care with strong analytics and billing capabilities.
- 5#5: Practice Fusion - Free cloud-based EHR for primary care practices with charting, e-prescribing, and scheduling functionalities.
- 6#6: Kareo - Billing and practice management software with integrated EHR for small to mid-sized primary care providers.
- 7#7: AdvancedMD - All-in-one practice management and EHR platform supporting primary care with patient portal and appointment scheduling.
- 8#8: CharmHealth - Affordable EHR and telemedicine solution for primary care featuring customizable templates and patient messaging.
- 9#9: DrChrono - iPad-native EHR for primary care with voice dictation, billing, and mobile accessibility.
- 10#10: Epic - Enterprise-grade EHR widely used in primary care settings with advanced interoperability and customization options.
Tools were selected and ranked based on clinical functionality, workflow efficiency, patient engagement features, interoperability, and overall value, ensuring they meet the unique demands of modern primary care settings.
Comparison Table
Navigating primary care software requires careful consideration, and this comparison table breaks down top tools like athenaOne, Elation Health, eClinicalWorks, NextGen Healthcare, Practice Fusion, and more. Readers will gain insights into each platform’s key features, usability, and functionality, enabling them to select a solution that best fits their practice’s specific needs for efficient, patient-focused care.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | athenaOne Cloud-based EHR and practice management platform designed for primary care with integrated revenue cycle management and patient engagement tools. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | Elation Health Physician-centric EHR tailored for independent primary care practices, emphasizing clinical workflow efficiency and patient relationships. | specialized | 9.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | eClinicalWorks Comprehensive EHR solution for primary care offering telehealth, population health management, and interoperability features. | enterprise | 8.0/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 4 | NextGen Healthcare Ambulatory EHR and practice management system optimized for primary care with strong analytics and billing capabilities. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Practice Fusion Free cloud-based EHR for primary care practices with charting, e-prescribing, and scheduling functionalities. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 6 | Kareo Billing and practice management software with integrated EHR for small to mid-sized primary care providers. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 7 | AdvancedMD All-in-one practice management and EHR platform supporting primary care with patient portal and appointment scheduling. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | CharmHealth Affordable EHR and telemedicine solution for primary care featuring customizable templates and patient messaging. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 9 | DrChrono iPad-native EHR for primary care with voice dictation, billing, and mobile accessibility. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | Epic Enterprise-grade EHR widely used in primary care settings with advanced interoperability and customization options. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 6.2/10 | 7.1/10 |
Cloud-based EHR and practice management platform designed for primary care with integrated revenue cycle management and patient engagement tools.
Physician-centric EHR tailored for independent primary care practices, emphasizing clinical workflow efficiency and patient relationships.
Comprehensive EHR solution for primary care offering telehealth, population health management, and interoperability features.
Ambulatory EHR and practice management system optimized for primary care with strong analytics and billing capabilities.
Free cloud-based EHR for primary care practices with charting, e-prescribing, and scheduling functionalities.
Billing and practice management software with integrated EHR for small to mid-sized primary care providers.
All-in-one practice management and EHR platform supporting primary care with patient portal and appointment scheduling.
Affordable EHR and telemedicine solution for primary care featuring customizable templates and patient messaging.
iPad-native EHR for primary care with voice dictation, billing, and mobile accessibility.
Enterprise-grade EHR widely used in primary care settings with advanced interoperability and customization options.
athenaOne
enterpriseCloud-based EHR and practice management platform designed for primary care with integrated revenue cycle management and patient engagement tools.
AI-powered Revenue Cycle Intelligence for automated claim optimization and predictive denial management
athenaOne by athenahealth is a comprehensive cloud-based EHR and practice management platform tailored for primary care and ambulatory practices. It seamlessly integrates clinical documentation, appointment scheduling, billing, patient engagement, and population health management into a single, intuitive system. Leveraging AI-powered tools, it optimizes workflows, enhances revenue cycle performance, and supports interoperability with external systems for efficient care delivery.
Pros
- Exceptional revenue cycle management with AI-driven coding and denial prevention for higher collections
- Seamless interoperability and patient portal for improved care coordination and engagement
- Cloud-based scalability with robust analytics for population health and quality reporting
Cons
- Higher upfront implementation costs and time for larger practices
- Pricing model can feel premium compared to basic EHR alternatives
- Customization options may require additional vendor support
Best For
Mid-sized to large primary care practices prioritizing integrated EHR, billing optimization, and AI insights for revenue and outcomes.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starting at ~$400-$700 per provider/month, including EHR, PM, patient engagement, and support; scales with practice size.
Elation Health
specializedPhysician-centric EHR tailored for independent primary care practices, emphasizing clinical workflow efficiency and patient relationships.
Physician-optimized charting with one-click actions and automated clinical summaries for faster, more accurate documentation
Elation Health is a cloud-based EHR and practice management platform tailored specifically for primary care physicians and independent practices. It emphasizes clinician-friendly design with intuitive workflows that prioritize patient relationships over administrative tasks, including seamless charting, automated reminders, and integrated billing. The system supports telehealth, patient portals, and population health tools to deliver comprehensive primary care.
Pros
- Highly intuitive interface with keyboard-driven navigation designed by physicians
- Primary care-specific workflows that reduce documentation time
- Strong patient engagement via secure messaging and portal
Cons
- Premium pricing may strain very small or solo practices
- Limited customization options compared to larger enterprise EHRs
- Some third-party integrations require additional configuration
Best For
Independent primary care physicians and small practices seeking a clinician-first EHR that minimizes administrative overhead.
Pricing
Starts at $299 per provider per month (billed annually), all-inclusive with EHR, practice management, telehealth, and support.
eClinicalWorks
enterpriseComprehensive EHR solution for primary care offering telehealth, population health management, and interoperability features.
Sunoh.ai ambient AI scribing for hands-free automated clinical documentation
eClinicalWorks is a comprehensive EHR and practice management platform designed for primary care providers, offering electronic health records, scheduling, billing, and telehealth integration. It includes patient engagement tools like the Healow portal and AI-driven features for documentation and analytics. Widely used in ambulatory settings, it supports scalable workflows from small practices to large networks.
Pros
- Integrated telehealth and patient portal (Healow)
- AI tools like Sunoh.ai for ambient scribing
- Strong population health and reporting capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve and dated interface
- Inconsistent customer support response times
- High upfront implementation and customization costs
Best For
Small to mid-sized primary care practices and community health centers needing an all-in-one scalable EHR with telehealth.
Pricing
Subscription-based; starts at ~$449 per provider/month for core EHR/PM, with custom quotes for full suite including telehealth.
NextGen Healthcare
enterpriseAmbulatory EHR and practice management system optimized for primary care with strong analytics and billing capabilities.
Advanced Population Health platform with predictive analytics and risk stratification
NextGen Healthcare provides a robust electronic health record (EHR) and practice management platform designed for ambulatory care, including primary care practices. It offers comprehensive tools for clinical documentation, e-prescribing, scheduling, billing, and patient engagement through a secure portal. The solution emphasizes interoperability, population health analytics, and revenue cycle management to support value-based care models.
Pros
- Extensive feature set including advanced clinical decision support and population health tools
- Strong interoperability with labs, hospitals, and other systems via FHIR standards
- Integrated revenue cycle management that streamlines billing and claims processing
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface and customization needs
- High implementation costs and longer onboarding times
- Customer support response can be inconsistent for smaller practices
Best For
Mid-to-large primary care practices requiring enterprise-level EHR with strong analytics and revenue optimization.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription; typically $400-$700 per provider/month, plus implementation fees starting at $50K+.
Practice Fusion
specializedFree cloud-based EHR for primary care practices with charting, e-prescribing, and scheduling functionalities.
Ad-supported free EHR model that eliminates subscription barriers for small practices
Practice Fusion is a cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) system tailored for primary care practices, offering tools for charting, e-prescribing, appointment scheduling, and patient communication. It supports clinical workflows with customizable templates, lab integrations, and immunization tracking to streamline daily operations. As one of the first web-based EHRs, it emphasizes accessibility and has helped thousands of providers achieve meaningful use certification.
Pros
- Free core EHR functionality with no upfront costs
- Intuitive, browser-based interface requiring minimal training
- Robust e-prescribing and lab integration for primary care workflows
Cons
- Intrusive ads on the dashboard that can distract users
- Limited advanced reporting and customization options
- Customer support primarily ticket-based with variable response times
Best For
Small primary care practices or solo providers seeking a cost-effective, easy-to-implement EHR without complex setup.
Pricing
Free for basic features (ad-supported); optional paid add-ons for advanced tools and ad removal starting at $149/month per provider.
Kareo
enterpriseBilling and practice management software with integrated EHR for small to mid-sized primary care providers.
Kareo Intelligence for proactive claims denial prevention and revenue optimization
Kareo is a cloud-based EHR and practice management platform designed for independent medical practices, including primary care, offering integrated tools for patient scheduling, charting, e-prescribing, and billing. It streamlines revenue cycle management with automated claims processing and patient eligibility verification. The system emphasizes ease of use and scalability for small to mid-sized practices handling everyday primary care workflows.
Pros
- Superior revenue cycle management with automated claims scrubbing and fast reimbursements
- Intuitive interface with minimal training required
- Strong mobile access and patient portal features
Cons
- Limited advanced customization for complex workflows
- Reporting tools lack depth compared to enterprise solutions
- Customer support can be inconsistent during peak times
Best For
Small to mid-sized primary care practices needing a straightforward, affordable EHR with strong billing capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at about $160 per provider per month for core EHR and PM, with add-ons for billing services and advanced features; custom quotes common.
AdvancedMD
enterpriseAll-in-one practice management and EHR platform supporting primary care with patient portal and appointment scheduling.
Integrated Revenue Cycle Management with AI-driven denial management
AdvancedMD is a cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) and practice management platform designed for medical practices, including primary care providers. It streamlines workflows with features like appointment scheduling, billing, patient portals, telehealth, and customizable charting. The software emphasizes revenue cycle management and interoperability to enhance efficiency and compliance in primary care settings.
Pros
- Robust revenue cycle management with denial prevention tools
- Strong interoperability and integration with labs/pharmacies
- Comprehensive patient engagement via portal and telehealth
Cons
- High cost with complex pricing structure
- Steep learning curve for customization
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Mid-sized primary care practices prioritizing billing efficiency and regulatory compliance.
Pricing
Custom subscription starting at ~$400/provider/month; full suite ~$729+/month with add-ons for advanced features.
CharmHealth
specializedAffordable EHR and telemedicine solution for primary care featuring customizable templates and patient messaging.
All-in-one integration of EHR, practice management, and patient portal with built-in MIPS reporting for easy compliance.
CharmHealth is a cloud-based EHR and practice management platform designed for primary care providers, offering tools for patient charting, scheduling, billing, e-prescribing, and telehealth. It supports solo practitioners and small to mid-sized practices with customizable templates and mobile access. The software emphasizes compliance with HIPAA and meaningful use requirements while integrating labs and pharmacies seamlessly.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with a free tier for solo providers
- Intuitive interface and mobile app for on-the-go access
- Strong patient engagement tools including portal and telehealth
Cons
- Limited advanced customization compared to enterprise solutions
- Customer support response times can vary
- Some users report occasional performance lags during peak hours
Best For
Small to mid-sized primary care practices looking for a cost-effective, user-friendly all-in-one EHR system.
Pricing
Free for basic solo use; paid plans start at $259/provider/month (billed annually) for Premium features including telehealth and advanced billing.
DrChrono
specializediPad-native EHR for primary care with voice dictation, billing, and mobile accessibility.
Native iPad app for handwriting recognition and real-time charting without a computer
DrChrono is a cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) and practice management software tailored for primary care practices, offering tools for scheduling, charting, billing, e-prescribing, and telehealth. It supports customizable templates, patient portals, and revenue cycle management to streamline workflows. The platform is particularly noted for its mobile-first design, enabling efficient use on iPads and iPhones during patient encounters.
Pros
- Robust mobile app optimized for iOS devices, ideal for on-the-go charting
- Integrated billing and MIPS reporting for efficient revenue management
- Customizable EHR templates and strong e-prescribing capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users and complex customizations
- Pricing requires custom quotes and can be expensive for small practices
- Customer support response times can be inconsistent
Best For
Small to mid-sized primary care practices seeking mobile-friendly EHR with strong billing integration.
Pricing
Starts at $199 per provider/month for core EHR, with add-ons for telehealth ($40+/month) and billing; custom enterprise pricing available.
Epic
enterpriseEnterprise-grade EHR widely used in primary care settings with advanced interoperability and customization options.
Care Everywhere network for real-time, nationwide health information exchange across millions of patients.
Epic is a comprehensive electronic health record (EHR) system widely used in large healthcare organizations, providing robust tools for primary care such as patient charting, appointment scheduling, e-prescribing, billing, and population health management. It excels in interoperability through its Care Everywhere network, enabling seamless data sharing across unaffiliated providers. Designed for enterprise-scale deployment, Epic supports advanced analytics and customization but requires significant resources for implementation.
Pros
- Unmatched feature depth and scalability for complex primary care workflows
- Superior interoperability via Care Everywhere for cross-provider data exchange
- Strong analytics and reporting for population health management
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring extensive training and customization
- Prohibitively high implementation and ongoing costs
- Overkill for small or independent primary care practices
Best For
Large primary care networks or health systems integrated with hospitals needing enterprise-level EHR capabilities.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing with multi-million-dollar implementation fees and annual subscriptions scaling by user volume and modules.
Conclusion
The reviewed primary care software provides varied solutions, with athenaOne emerging as the top choice for its comprehensive cloud-based EHR, integrated revenue cycle management, and patient engagement tools. Elation Health shines with its physician-centric design and optimized clinical workflows, while eClinicalWorks impresses with advanced telehealth and interoperability features. Regardless of practice size or specific needs, these platforms demonstrate strong capabilities to elevate care.
Take the next step in enhancing your practice—try athenaOne to unlock its integrated tools and seamless patient care management.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison