Our analysts compared athenaOne vs Cerner Practice Management based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Medical Practice Management Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.
Analyst Rating
User Sentiment
athenaOne by athenahealth is a cloud-based healthcare management solution tailored for practices of various sizes, particularly in fields like orthopedics, urgent care and primary care.
High scores in reporting (100), payment management (92) and coding (95) reflect its robust functionality in tracking financial health, automating payments and reducing claim rejections through accurate coding.
While many users appreciate the platform’s fast system navigation, customizable workflows and responsive customer support, there are some drawbacks. Costs tend to increase over time, which can be challenging for practices with tighter budgets.
Additionally, some users report that navigation, while fast, can be complex, with multi-step processes required for simple tasks like switching between patient charts and billing.
The system has delivered impressive results in real-world cases. For example, Peachtree Orthopedics experienced a 240% increase in time-of-service collections and SCP Health reported a 67% reduction in eligibility-related denials.
These results highlight the platform’s ability to boost revenue and efficiency, making it a solid choice for practices that need strong financial oversight, coding accuracy and patient engagement tools.
Our Research Process for athenaOne
Using our internal data, we compared the platform with alternatives like DrChrono and eClinicalWorks. After carefully analyzing the scores for each feature, we identified its key strengths.
We couldn’t get trial access to the platform. But that didn’t dampen our spirits. We dug through user reviews and case studies to learn more about the system. Read on to discover our findings.
among all Medical Practice Management Software
athenaOne has a 'good' User Satisfaction Rating of 75% when considering 1000 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites.
Cerner Practice Management has a 'good' User Satisfaction Rating of 71% when considering 252 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites.
athenaOne brings a lot to the table for healthcare practices, with tools that make managing payments, billing and patient records a lot easier. One of the platform’s biggest strengths is its reporting capabilities, where it scored a perfect 100 in our analysis.You get both ready-made and customizable reports that break down everything from outstanding balances to revenue trends, so it’s easy to stay on top of your practice’s financial health. Plus, you can bookmark filters you use often and set up automated deliveries.When it comes to handling patient payments, the platform really shines, scoring a 92. It lets you accept direct ACH payments, send out detailed billing statements to patients and provide a transparent view of payment histories.You can send automated reminders, so patients know when a payment is due — no surprises, no confusion. This level of tracking and transparency is something you don’t always find, even in other competitive platforms like DrChrono.The system also tackles one of the biggest headaches in healthcare: coding accuracy. It scored 95 for medical coding, which means it does a solid job of helping providers document services and diagnoses correctly.We’re talking support for everything from CPT and E&M codes to ICD and NDC codes, which are essential for reducing errors in claims.Of course, no system is perfect, and some users have noted a few downsides. Navigation can be a bit of a chore, with some tasks requiring several clicks to get done. While some users appreciate the comprehensive interface, others feel it’s a bit too complex for everyday tasks, especially when you’re constantly switching between patient charts, scheduling and billing.There are also occasional stability issues — some users report crashes, particularly after software updates. But the good news is that customer support is generally responsive, so they’re there to help troubleshoot.Overall, though, the platform has shown tangible results. Just look at Peachtree Orthopedics: they reported a 240% increase in time-of-service collections and SCP Health saw a 67% drop in eligibility-related denials. Those are serious wins for any practice looking to boost revenue and reduce paperwork headaches.
Cerner Practice Management, a comprehensive software solution designed to streamline administrative tasks in healthcare settings, has elicited a range of user feedback. While some users appreciate the software's user-friendly interface and extensive features, others express concerns about its cost and potential rigidity. Let's delve into the specifics of these perspectives. Users frequently commend Cerner Practice Management for its intuitive design and ease of use. The software's interface is lauded for its straightforwardness, enabling healthcare professionals to navigate the system efficiently. Additionally, the software's customizability empowers practices to tailor the system to their specific workflows and requirements. This adaptability is particularly beneficial for practices with unique operational needs. However, the software's cost can be a significant barrier for smaller practices or those with limited budgets. The price tag associated with Cerner Practice Management may necessitate careful consideration and financial planning. Cerner Practice Management distinguishes itself through its robust integration capabilities. The software seamlessly integrates with Cerner's electronic health record (EHR) system, facilitating a smooth exchange of patient data and streamlining clinical workflows. This integration is especially advantageous for healthcare organizations already utilizing Cerner's EHR solutions. Furthermore, Cerner Practice Management offers both cloud-based and on-premise deployment options, providing flexibility to accommodate diverse technological preferences and infrastructure limitations. Considering these factors, Cerner Practice Management is well-suited for medium to large healthcare practices seeking a comprehensive, integrated solution to optimize their administrative processes and enhance operational efficiency. Smaller practices may find alternative solutions better aligned with their budgetary constraints.
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