Are you looking for popular EMR systems? Some of the best EMR systems already have an established reputation in the healthcare industry. For others, innovation helped them gain recognition and become popular choices among healthcare providers.
Read on to find out the best EMR systems and compare how they stand out in terms of features, efficiency, and user satisfaction.
6 Top EMR Systems of 2024:
1. Epic Systems EMR
Epic has consistently ranked among the top EMR software for a good reason. The HIPAA-compliant EMR platform has served the healthcare industry since 1979, consistently updating its technology for academic medical centers, hospices, independent practices, health clinics, diagnostic labs, large hospitals, and more.
Top features:
- Easy to navigate with an initial learning curve
- Includes Android and iOS apps
- E-prescriptions for outside pharmacies
- Telehealth
- Secure online payments
- Patients can request financial assistance and ask billing questions from the portal
- Online scheduling
- Integrates with Carequality
- Customer support via phone, email, or online portal
Cons:
- Requires extensive staff training
- Doesn’t disclose pricing on the website
- Confusing and overwhelming for first-time users
- No third-party app integrations
2. Cerner EMR
Oracle Technology, which developed Cerner EMR, is a collection of cloud software for modern businesses. One of the best EMR systems, Cerner, along with Epic, dominates vendor lists in population health management. Its clients include the Department of Defense and one of the US’ leading nonprofit Catholic health systems, Ascension.
Top features:
- User-friendly and intuitive
- Patient portal with patient health score
- Online scheduling
- Billing and payment management
- Real-time insurance claims verification
- Patient data analytics
- Integrates with CommonWell Health Alliance
- Cerner PowerChat Touch app on iOS and Android for providers
- Over 50 integrations
Cons:
- Cerner PowerChat Touch app is buggy, according to reviews
- Doesn’t disclose pricing on the website
- Requires extensive staff training
3. Practice Fusion EMR
Practice Fusion is a flexible EMR for physicians in solo practice or large settings. The platform claims to be the largest cloud-based EHR platform in the US, supporting 30,000 medical practices. It was founded in 2005 by a team of technology and healthcare veterans.
Top features:
- Free trial
- Transparent pricing starts at $149 per month
- E-prescription for external pharmacies
- Customizable patient chart templates
- Free customer support
- Text and voice appointment reminders
- Labs and vitals flowsheets
- No software to download or hardware to manage
- Optimized for iOS and Android tablets
Cons:
- Requires annual payment commitment
4. Praxis EMR
Fourth on our list of top EMR systems is Praxis, a user-friendly EMR that relies on artificial intelligence. Unlike cumbersome templates that slow down your workflows, Praxis uses AI that learns from its users to help physicians chat quickly. The more you use it, the more efficient it gets. User reviews mention reasonable costs, outstanding technical support, and flexibility.
Top features:
- Template-free so you can personalize and produce quality data
- AI-powered
- Praxis Agents (messengers in patient notes) send automatic reminders to the right staff
- Automated reporting using Praxis Datum+
- Accessible on any handheld device
Cons:
- Only the free demo is available on its website, but Capterra states that it’s currently priced at $249 monthly
5. Kipu EMR
Kipu EMR is the best electronic medical records software for behavioral health. It offers an intuitive interface with patient charting, appointment and group session scheduling, insurance verification, patient outcome reports, clinical and toxicology lab testing, and more. Pairing it up with Kipu CRM to improve client leads and management would yield excellent outcomes.
Top features:
- Scheduling feature for patient appointments and group sessions
- Automated email and text reminders
- Patient waitlist feature
- Has a “Find availability” function for managing appointments
- Web and mobile patient portal
- Secure two-way messaging
- Verify insurance claims
- Track and report patient outcomes
- Customized reports on your business operations
Cons:
- Doesn’t disclose pricing on the website
- No free trial
6. Athenahealth EMR
Athenahealth rounds up our list of EMR systems with the best features and services. The platform suits healthcare providers and organizations of all sizes, including small clinics, startups, specialty practices, and large hospitals. It’s extremely simple to implement, accessible even while on the go, and offers secure telehealth services.
Top features:
- Intuitive and simple layout
- Group video conferencing
- Patient record sharing integrated with CommonWell and Carequality
- AthenaOne Voice assistant for mobile and desktop hands-free dictation
- AthenaOne app
Cons:
- Doesn’t disclose pricing on the website
- No free trial
- Its app only works on iOS
Comparing The Popular EMR Systems: Key Factors
When comparing the best EMR software, choose from the following features:
Usability
A lot of EMR systems have rich features. However, if they are hard to navigate and implement, they will cost your organization unnecessary time and money. Every software has a learning curve, but if it proves to be cumbersome even after long-term use or seems too difficult even during the demo, it’d be best to switch to a different EMR system.
HIPAA compliance
Can your EMR provider protect your data and help you adhere to HIPAA rules? This is one of the first questions you should ask, especially with strict HIPAA laws and high violation penalties. Always ask the vendor for a signed Business Associate Agreement (BAA) outlining their responsibilities for HIPAA compliance.
Cost
Comparing the costs of vendors that don’t disclose their pricing in public can be quite a challenge. Some on this list do, but most would ask you to try their free demo first or to connect with their sales team. Use the opportunity to ask questions and see how their customer service measures up to your expectations.
Choosing the Right EMR System
Epic, Cerner, and athenahealth dominate the field of best EMR software. However, Kipu Health and Praxis EMR also stand out for well-designed features and usability. Kipu Health differentiates itself as the EMR for the behavior health community, while Praxis EMR has gained users’ trust with AI-powered features and usability.
The best EMR system is the one that fits your needs and budget. Take advantage of the free trials and demos if the vendor offers them. It also pays to ask questions and evaluate the platforms for usability, HIPAA compliance, and cost.
