What are the Best EHR/EMR Systems for your practice?
Not all Electronic Health Record software is created equal, and it’s critical to recognize that EHR solutions must align with the specific needs of healthcare providers. A well-designed EHR system can enhance your practice’s efficiency, improve patient care, and streamline charting. On the other hand, poorly designed systems can slow you down, frustrate your workflow, and detract from the quality of care you provide.
One key factor in evaluating EHR software is the use of structured charting templates. Structured templates are indispensable because they promote consistency, accuracy, and speed during documentation. Unlike unstructured templates, which can lead to disorganized records and inefficiencies, structured templates ensure that your notes are uniform, clear, and compliant with industry standards. They also enable robust reporting, easier data analysis, and better interoperability with other healthcare systems.
Providers who rely on unstructured charting templates often find themselves spending extra time entering free-text data that’s hard to retrieve later, missing opportunities to utilize clinical decision support tools, and facing challenges in creating reports or sharing patient information. In contrast, structured templates provide a foundation for capturing precise, standardized data, enabling you to deliver evidence-based care while maximizing your productivity.
An EHR system with well-crafted structured templates not only speeds up charting but also minimizes errors and enhances patient safety. By automating repetitive tasks and providing prompts for required data, these templates empower providers to focus more on patients and less on documentation. Additionally, structured data is essential for ensuring smooth billing processes, compliance with regulatory requirements, and leveraging advanced technologies like artificial intelligence.
As you explore EHR options for your practice, remember that the right system will strike a balance between flexibility and structure. While it should offer customization to fit your unique workflow, it must also provide the support and structure needed to optimize your efficiency and outcomes.
In your search for the ideal EHR, keep these considerations top of mind. With the right solution in place, you can transform your practice and spend more time doing what you do best—caring for your patients.
Criteria for Selection
The systems on this list were selected based on:
- Ease of Use: Intuitive design and functionality that minimize training time.
- Feature Set: Tools like e-prescribing, integrated billing, telehealth capabilities, and specialty-specific modules.
- Cost: Transparent pricing and affordability for various practice sizes.
- Customer Support: Reliable assistance to ensure smooth implementation and ongoing operations.
- Interoperability: Seamless data exchange with other systems and platforms.
- Specialty-Specific Capabilities: Tailored solutions for practices in fields like pediatrics, cardiology, and orthopedics.
EpicCare, Millennium, athenaClinicals, eClinicalWorks EHR, NextGen Office EHR, Kareo Clinical, Practice Fusion EHR. Intergy EHR, Sunrise EHR, PrognoCIS EMR
1. Epic Systems
Best For: Large healthcare organizations and hospital networks
Epic is a household name in healthcare IT, renowned for its advanced interoperability and comprehensive feature set. Its customizable templates and AI-powered decision support tools make it a favorite for hospital networks. Epic’s patient engagement tools, including MyChart, empower patients to actively participate in their care.
1. Cost:
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- For medium-sized practices (6–20 physicians), the first-year cost ranges from $30,000 to $70,000 per physician.
- Large practices (21–100 physicians) incur $20,000 to $50,000 per physician in the first year.
- Hospital systems can spend $70 million to over $200 million initially due to the software's complexity and scalability
2. Deployment:
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- Epic operates primarily as a SaaS (Software as a Service) platform, allowing for browser-based access with no installation required.
- It offers specialty modules tailored for various disciplines and tools for workflow personalization
3. Features:
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- Includes predictive analytics and AI-driven decision support for improved clinical efficiency.
- Offers a robust patient portal (MyChart), supporting e-visits, personalized education, and inpatient interaction during hospitalization.
- Integrates tools for mobile use, such as Haiku and Canto apps for iOS and Android, though with mixed user reviews for Android
4. Drawbacks:
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- High costs make it less viable for smaller practices.
- Updates can sometimes cause temporary workflow disruptions or confusion for users
2. Oracle Cerner
Best For: Medium to large healthcare practices
Cerner Millennium stands out for its mobile accessibility and robust population health management tools. Its data analytics features provide actionable insights, helping providers deliver value-based care. With a strong focus on interoperability, Cerner EHR is ideal for practices looking to connect with other healthcare systems.
Cost:
- Costs are variable depending on customization and practice size but are typically more moderate than Epic for medium-sized practices
Deployment:
- Like Epic, Cerner also emphasizes cloud-hosted systems, which enhance mobile accessibility. It integrates seamlessly with existing systems, supporting interoperability for better care coordination
Features:
- Offers mobile capabilities for providers to access patient information on the go.
- Includes robust data analytics and population health tools for value-based care.
- Focused on interoperability, making it ideal for medium to large healthcare practices seeking efficient system integration
Drawbacks:
- May have a steeper learning curve and requires substantial training for new users.
- Some users report issues with the user interface when handling complex tasks
3. Athenahealth
Best For: Small to medium-sized practices
Athenahealth offers a cloud-based platform that simplifies practice management. Its integrated telehealth tools and seamless revenue cycle management make it a versatile choice for independent practices. Athenahealth’s intuitive dashboard ensures providers spend less time on admin tasks and more on patient care.
4. eClinicalWorks
Best For: Practices of all sizes
eClinicalWorks delivers a robust EHR platform with specialty-specific modules and advanced patient engagement tools. It excels in interoperability, allowing practices to exchange data effortlessly. Its affordable pricing and comprehensive feature set make it a competitive option for providers across specialties.
5. NextGen Healthcare
Best For: Specialty practices and small to mid-sized clinics
NextGen Healthcare provides tailored solutions for specialty practices, including customizable templates and integrated telehealth tools. Its care management features help providers track patient outcomes effectively, making it a popular choice for niche practices.
6. Kareo Clinical
Best For: Independent practices
Kareo Clinical is known for its simplicity and affordability. It integrates seamlessly with practice management and billing tools, making it a go-to option for small practices. Kareo’s user-friendly design minimizes the learning curve, ensuring a quick setup.
7. Practice Fusion
Best For: Small practices
Practice Fusion offers a straightforward, cloud-based EHR with essential features like intuitive charting and simplified scheduling. Its free version is ideal for practices on a tight budget, while premium options provide additional functionality.
8. Greenway Health (Intergy)
Best For: Multi-specialty practices
Greenway Health’s Intergy platform is designed for efficiency and features customizable templates, reporting tools, and integrated billing. Its focus on streamlining workflows makes it an excellent choice for practices handling diverse specialties.
9. Veradigm EHR
Veradigm, formerly known as Allscripts, has been a leader in healthcare IT since 1986. The Veradigm EHR platform is designed specifically for ambulatory practices, offering robust solutions to streamline workflows, enhance patient care, and boost practice profitability. Veradigm serves thousands of providers across diverse specialties.
Why should you use Veradigm EHR?
- Optimized for Ambulatory Practices: Tailored to meet the unique needs of outpatient settings.
- Streamlined Workflows: Helps busy practices save time and improve efficiency.
- Data-Driven Care: Supports informed clinical decision-making with integrated analytics.
- Practice Profitability: Tools designed to enhance revenue cycle management and financial outcomes.
10. PrognoCIS
PrognoCIS, developed by Bizmatics, has been serving small to medium-sized practices since 2002. With a strong focus on affordability and customization, PrognoCIS is designed to meet the needs of diverse specialties.
Why should you use PrognoCIS?
- Specialty-Focused Solutions: Tailored templates and workflows.
- Telemedicine Integration: Supports remote consultations and virtual care.
- Cost-Effective: Affordable pricing for smaller practices.
- User-Friendly Design: Simple interface for efficient navigation and use.
Emerging Trends in EHR Systems for 2024
The EHR landscape continues to evolve with exciting innovations:
- AI and Machine Learning: AI-powered tools for predictive analytics and clinical decision support are becoming standard.
- Telehealth Integration: EHRs with telehealth features allow seamless virtual care delivery.
- Patient-Centric Design: Enhanced patient portals improve engagement and satisfaction.
- Value-Based Care Tools: EHRs now focus on tracking outcomes to support value-based care models.
- Regulatory Compliance: Enhanced tools ensure adherence to HIPAA and other regulations.
Conclusion
Choosing the right EHR system for your practice in 2024 requires careful consideration of your unique needs. Whether you're a small independent practice or a large hospital network, the options listed here provide robust solutions tailored to a variety of requirements.
