Are you tired of playing hide-and-seek with patient records and doing a paper shuffle marathon? In the health care realm, where organization is key, EHR software is the superhero of efficiency. So what are the best EHR tools available on the market? We’ll answer that and explore how an EHR can make a difference for your company.

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Best EHR Tools

Let’s explore a range of the best EHR tools, based on our analyst team’s ratings of core EHR features. However, it’s important to note that determining the best option for your organization depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Without further ado, here’s a brief overview of some of the top EHR tools:

athenahealth

athenahealth is a cloud-based solution that provides hospitals and clinics with a wide range of digital features, including authorization management, reporting, population health monitoring and more.

It relieves clinicians of administrative burdens by facilitating seamless documentation, collaboration and information exchange capabilities.

Its integrated suite of electronic modules helps clinics enhance their business operations and strive for streamlined workflows and improved patient care.

Send prescriptions to patients’ preferred pharmacies using athenahealth’s e-prescribing feature. Source

Highest Rated Modules According to Our Data

• Electronic Prescriptions — 97
• Medical Billing — 97
• Mobile EHR — 93
• Notes and Templates — 92
• Collaboration — 92

Benefits

• Reduce No-Shows: Equip patients with self-scheduling functionalities to manage appointment bookings and complete online-check-ins before visits. Simplify scheduling and appointment reminders to help reduce no-shows.
• Enhance Clinical Efficiency: Automate time-consuming tasks to give staff more dedicated time for patient-centric care. Provide physicians with immediate access to crucial patient and health information to help them make accurate and data-driven treatment decisions.
• Improve Patient Engagement: Give patients complete access to their medical files. Let them communicate with physicians regarding lab test reports, treatment progress and medication-related issues.

Primary Features

• Mobile App: Enable appointment reminders and receive notifications and alerts to stay informed around the clock. Access schedules, sign orders, manage mailboxes and send test reports and prescriptions using the intuitive mobile app.
  • Telehealth: Follow up on cases and engage in crucial treatment conversations without requiring patients to come for in-person visits.
• Appointment Scheduling: Facilitate automated appointment booking to alleviate front desk staff’s workload. Set alerts to notify physicians of their upcoming appointments to ensure they stay on top of schedules.
• Claims Management: Thoroughly review and scrub insurance claims to detect errors before submissions. Electronically follow up on unresolved claim issues to promptly appeal rejected claims.

Limitations

• Inactive customer support.
• Glitchy patient portal.
• Complex billing functionality.

Features Not Fully Supported According to Our Data

• Day Notes — Not Supported
• Price Estimator — Supported With Partner Integrations
• Electronic Signature/Digital Signature — Supported With Partner Integrations
• Screen Sharing — Supported With Partner Integrations
• QR Code Login — Not Supported

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Oracle Ambulatory EHR

Oracle Ambulatory EHR (formerly Cerner Ambulatory) is tailor-made for ambulatory specialties. It offers a diverse array of functionalities to streamline routine front desk duties, enhance care delivery and boost employee productivity.

It enables physicians to deliver superlative care by providing them with accurate and up-to-date health information. With a strong focus on seamless interoperability, Oracle Ambulatory EHR facilitates meaningful patient engagement so you can ensure patients receive a personalized treatment experience that aligns with their specific medical needs.

Streamline daily admin workflows using personalized dashboards. Source

Highest Rated Modules According to Our Data

• Clinical Workflows Management — 100
• Medical billing — 100
• Collaboration — 100
• Electronic Prescriptions — 97
• Clinical Charts — 94

Benefits

• Streamline Documentation: Eliminate the worry of inconsistent patient information by using standardized forms to ensure uniform data collection from each patient. Enable automated documentation and information sharing tools to let teams collaborate and complete clinical tasks promptly.
• Boost Patient Satisfaction: Optimize resource allocation by assigning staff to patients that require urgent attention. Let patients message physicians and caregivers whenever they need assistance with treatment-related matters.
• Improve Revenue Streams: Automate admin workflows and monitor patient check-in and check-out and inventory to ensure smooth operations. Identify improvement areas to increase profitability and figure out solutions for revenue management issues.

Primary Features

• Patient Portal: Enable secure messaging for patients and physicians to have confidential conversations about prescriptions, treatment progress, test reports and other relevant medical information.
• Documentation: Enable physicians to view, edit and update patient records as needed for accurate and up-to-date files. Minimize manual documentation tasks to help staff and providers prioritize core patient care.
• Financial Management: Channel your attention towards finances with intuitive icon functions, customizable menu options and automated reporting. Evaluate weekly reports to keep finances on track.

Limitations

• Inefficient customer support.
• Glitchy and complicated updates.
• Limited customizable options.

Features Not Fully Supported According to Our Data

• Chronograph — Not Supported
• Price Estimator — Supported With Partner Integrations
• Virtual Waiting Room — Not Supported
• Patient Education — Supported With Partner Integrations
• Day Notes — Not Supported

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EpicCare

EpicCare is a comprehensive automation system that helps health care facilities streamline and enhance patient care. It enables providers to efficiently manage medical records, improve collaboration and deliver patient-centered care.

Create, update and store multiple patient files and treatment notes using EpicCare’s flowsheets. Source

Highest Rated Modules According to Our Data

• Clinical Workflows Management — 100
• Electronic Prescriptions — 100
• Medical Billing — 100
• Notes and Templates — 97
• Clinical Charts — 95

Benefits

• Enhance Information Security: Store medical information electronically to protect it from misplacement, tampering and destruction. Set multiple access levels to only let authorized individuals view and edit patient information.
• Improve Patient Experiences: Facilitate patient-physician collaboration to create customized treatment plans and monitor and track patient health seamlessly. Provide patients with online portals to conveniently view and request prescription refills, saving them time and effort.
• Reduce Staff Burden: Automate routine billing and documentation tasks to better focus on exceptional patient care delivery. Offer patients online appointment scheduling options to eliminate the need to call.

Primary Features

• Telehealth: Remotely monitor patients and provide online treatment consultation. Offer digital clinical services, including abuse evaluations, case management, e-prescribing, discharge planning and more.
• Revenue Cycle Management: Keep a record of patients’ bills and send timely reminders as their payment dates approach. Let patients create personalized payment plans to consolidate bill balances into a single payment.
• Analytics: Combine clinical and financial data from various sources into a unified data warehouse. Gain a comprehensive view for in-depth analysis.

Limitations

• No extensive data manipulation techniques.
• Inactive technical support team.
• Glitchy transitions into multi-window mode.

Features Not Fully Supported According to Our Data

• Day Notes — Not Supported
• Patient Broadcasts — Supported With Partner Integrations
• Custom Fields— Not Supported
• QR Code Login — Not Supported
• Secure Recordings — Not Supported

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DrChrono

DrChrono is an integrated solution, designed to adapt to the unique needs of various medical specialties. It provides an assortment of digital modules, including a patient scheduling system, medical billing module, patient portal application and e-prescribing tool, to seamlessly manage health care practices of all sizes.

Use DrChrono’s electronic documentation module to create personalized patient forms and SOAP notes. Source

Highest Rated Modules According to Our Data

• Notes and Templates — 100
• Electronic Prescriptions — 97
• Clinical Workflows Management — 97
• Medical Billing — 95
• Mobile EHR — 94

Benefits

• Reduce Unnecessary Visits: Use a patient portal to efficiently handle patient matters through secure messaging to minimize the need for in-person or phone interactions.
• Enhance Remote Care: Generate and facilitate electronic consent forms for patients to easily sign and return. Provide video consultations and online patient scheduling tools to boost patient satisfaction levels.
• Boost Mobile Access: Use mobile devices or iPad to access, edit and update patient records from anywhere.
• Improve Communication: Open secure messaging channels for both physicians and patients to exchange texts related to their health care. Configure automated alerts and notifications to inform patients about their upcoming appointments.

Primary Features

• Medical Billing: Verify patient insurance details to ensure efficient billing and reduce multiple data entry needs. Enable accurate and prompt invoice generation using pre-populated billing codes.
• E-Prescribing: Enable patients to order and request prescriptions online. Physicians can automate potential drug interaction verification to transfer accurate prescriptions to patients’ pharmacies.
• Patient Portal: Give patients easy access to their health care information, including prescriptions, test reports, treatment files, essential instructions and more.

Limitations

• Unresponsive customer support.
• Complex product manual.
• Semi-frequent downtime.

Features Not Fully Supported According to Our Data

• Curate Data Stories — Not Supported
• Auto Save — Not Supported
• Day Notes — Not Supported
• Screen Sharing — Not Supported
• QR Code Login — Supported With Partner Integrations

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eClinicalWorks

eClinicalWorks provides robust automation tools to streamline admin tasks, including appointment scheduling, patient registration, medical billing and more. Its telehealth tools help health care organizations deliver high quality care, especially in remote and underserved areas.

Use eClinicalWorks’ tracking board to monitor individual patient’s health and treatment progress. Source

Highest Rated Modules According to Our Data

• Clinical Workflows Management — 100
• Medical Billing — 96
• Patient Engagement — 94
• Platform Capabilities — 94
• Mobile EHR — 90

Benefits

• Strengthen Information Security: Safeguard sensitive patient information by storing crucial medical data on a cloud-based server.
• Enhance Care Delivery: Use intuitive templates and customisable features to simplify data entry and enhance clinical workflows. Automate documentation and charting procedures to spend less time on manual paperwork for better focus on patient care.
• Improve Office Efficiency: Optimize clinical tasks to reduce administrative burdens. Monitor real-time practice data to gain insights into routine performance. Identify improvement areas to enhance productivity and profitability.

Primary Features

• Telemedicine: Enable patients to schedule appointments online. Connect patients with medical experts from across the world using the Healow virtual room for secure health consultations.
• Revenue Cycle Management: Gain insights into organizational pain points using weekly metrics to make data-driven decisions for improved revenue generation.
• Virtual Assistant: Offer educational training and other helpful resources to increase patient awareness and engagement levels. Review patient histories and compare treatment notes simultaneously to enhance clinical decision-making and care coordination.

Limitations

• No e-fax feature.
• Delayed and time-consuming updates.
• 5-year minimum commitment.

Features Not Fully Supported According to Our Data

• Curate Data Stories — Not Supported
• Day Notes — Not Supported
• Price Estimator — Not Supported
• Eligibility Checks — Supported With Partner Integrations
• Broadcast Messages — Supported With Partner Integrations

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How We Choose Products

Our team of writers and analysts at SelectHub is committed to giving you the best recommendations based on our data. To make our list, products had to meet two criteria:

1. Closely match the topic
2. Earn a top-5 analyst score in our selection platform

Our analyst scores are based on an in-depth research process using primary and secondary sources. This includes SelectHub Analyst Briefings, direct communication with vendors, and reviewing materials such as user reviews, product brochures, specification sheets, case studies, user manuals, and technical documentation.

Our platform’s Scoring Engine processes the research and computes the analyst score. The score also factors in platform settings such as industry and company size.

Learn more about our research methodology and editorial standards

Market Trends

Today, EHRs have become an indispensable fixture, relegating traditional paper-based file keeping to a bygone era.

For this reason, it’s essential to keep your stethoscopes tuned and eyes peeled out for what lies ahead, because staying ahead of the game is the prescription to avoid getting lost in the health care wilderness.

So, what exciting developments lie ahead on the health care horizon?

Interoperability

Developers and IT professionals are actively updating EHR systems to align with interoperability policies.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regularly update Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program policies to reward eligible hospitals for meaningful use of EHR tools and emphasize the growing importance of interoperability.

Cloud infrastructures, widely used in health care, offer cost-effective solutions to enable providers with limited cash to afford interoperable EHRs.
Cloud-based EHRs also alleviate security concerns by offloading some of the responsibility to vendors who provide robust security programs to safeguard protected health information (PHI).

Additionally, blockchain security can enhance semantic interoperability, eliminating the need for costly EHR integrations and enabling secure access to patient records from anywhere, at any time.

Telehealth

With advancements in telehealth technology, you can automatically update patient records in your EHR during virtual visits, giving health care providers immediate access to accurate and up-to-date patient information.

This integration empowers health care professionals to deliver high-quality care, improve patient outcomes and embrace the transformative potential of remote health care delivery.

It also fosters collaboration among health care teams to enable real-time information sharing and interdisciplinary coordination.

Blockchain Technology

Blockchain technology offers improved methods to store and securely exchange medical information to help clinics and hospitals protect their confidential data against malware attacks and hackers.

Check out the FAQ below — How can I resolve EHR interoperability and privacy issues? — for more info on using blockchain technology.

Software Comparison Strategy

Investing in a new application is like diving into a pool of possibilities, but you want to ensure a belly flop doesn’t leave you regretting your decision.

To avoid any software missteps, arm yourself with a set of smart strategies for comparing your options. Think of it as a game of software matchmaking, where you evaluate features, compatibility and potential for a long-term commitment.

Define Your Needs

By starting with a clear vision of your company’s needs, you can make a well-informed decision and embark on a successful journey towards implementing the perfect EHR system.

Initiate communication with peers and office staff to understand your organization’s needs and expectations for the new application. Additionally, create a list of essential features that the new application must have.

Consider your functionalities list as non-negotiable and critical for achieving the organization’s core objectives. If you’re not sure where to start, check out our EHR requirements article.

This introspective process not only provides valuable insights into what you truly need from your EHR investment but also sheds light on the specific software features and functionalities that’ll enable your employees to work more efficiently and contribute to the overall profitability of your organization.

Shortlist Vendors

Gather information about potential vendors and carefully assess their compatibility with your organization’s unique purchasing requirements. As you accumulate insights and knowledge, curate a list of top vendors that align with your specific needs.

This process ensures that you select a vendor who not only delivers an excellent product but also matches your organization’s style and expectations.

Consider Cost Factors

The implementation process plays a crucial role while investing in a new application. It’s important to anticipate future investments to accommodate evolving needs and ensure the software keeps pace with your company’s growth.

Consider potential costs outside of a product’s base price, which may include:

• Installation
• Data migration
• Customization
• Maintenance
• Bug fixes
• Regular updates
• Support
• Training

These costs can vary depending on the software type and chosen vendor, but being aware of these factors can help you make an informed decision, avoid any unforeseen financial implications and reap plenty of EHR benefits.

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FAQs

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Next Steps

Choosing the right EHR tool is crucial for health care organizations to operate optimally. With a wide range of features, these top EHR tools offer robust solutions tailored to meet medical practices’ unique needs.

How do you select an ideal EHR tool among the sea of similar solutions? Don’t fret! Let our free comparison report be your guiding light. With detailed insights and analysis, make an intelligent decision that aligns with your company’s requirements and sets you apart from the competition.

What’re your thoughts on the top EHR tools? What company problems are you looking to solve through this application purchase? Let us know in the comments.