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Updated Jul 19, 2024

The Best Medical Software of 2024

Medical software from AdvancedMD and Dr Chrono will streamline your healthcare practice and improve the patient experience.

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Written By: Leah ZitterSenior Analyst & Expert on Business Strategy
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A business.com editor verified this analysis to ensure it meets our standards for accuracy, expertise and integrity.
Chad Brooks
Managing Editor & Expert on Business Ownership
Business.com earns commissions from some listed providers. Editorial Guidelines.

Medical software is a required part of modern medical practices, not only for regulatory compliance but also for operational efficiency. Medical software helps both the clinical and administrative sides of a practice function more smoothly, from setting and managing appointments to securely sharing patient information to streamlining claims generation, medical billing and financial reporting. We spent hundreds of hours testing some of the top medical software on the market to determine which were most effective and affordable for small medical practices across a range of specialties. We selected the following six solutions and identified where each excels to help narrow down your search.

Sponsored Partners
RXNT
Best for RCM Companies
RXNT logo
  • Starts at $110 monthly per provider
  • Free implementation and training
  • 30 to 60-day implementation process
CareCloud
Best for Large Practices
Image related to the service.
  • Starts at $349 per monthly provider
  • Free training included
  • Implementation period varies
DrChrono
Best for Billing
Dr. Chrono logo
  • Starts at $249 per monthly provider
  • Free implementation and training
  • 30 to 60-day implementation process
AdvancedMD
Best for Ease of Use
Image related to the service.
  • Requires a sales quote
  • Free implementation and training
  • 8- to 11-week implementation period
Tebra (Formerly Kareo)
Best for New Practices
Tebra logo
  • Starts at $150 per monthly provider
  • Free training included
  • 30-day implementation process
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How We Decided

When choosing our best picks for medical software, we looked for platforms that make it easy for medical staff to schedule appointments, update patient charts and execute the billing process. We examined each system’s implementation process, patient portal...

MoreMore

When choosing our best picks for medical software, we looked for platforms that make it easy for medical staff to schedule appointments, update patient charts and execute the billing process. We examined each system’s implementation process, patient portal functionality, analytics options and device compatibility. Monthly prices and setup fees also factored into our assessments.

46

evaluated

8

researched

6

chosen

When choosing our best picks for medical software, we looked for platforms that make it easy for medical staff to schedule appointments, update patient charts and execute the billing process. We examined each system’s implementation process, patient portal functionality, analytics options and device compatibility. Monthly prices and setup fees also factored into our assessments.

46

evaluated

8

researched

6

chosen

Compare Our Best Picks

BDC Ribbon
Our Top Picks for 2024
RXNT
CareCloud
DrChrono
AdvancedMD
Tebra (Formerly Kareo)
athenahealth
Rating (Out of 10)0.08.98.48.78.78.9
Best for

RCM Companies

Large Practices

Billing

Ease of Use

New Practices

Patient Experience

Pricing

$110 per month, per provider (EMR); $193 per month, per provider (PMS); $298 per month, per provider (Full Suite)

$349-629 per month, per provider

Starts at $249 per month, per provider

Discounts for custom bundles of up to 30%. Quote-based plan

$150 to $300 per month, per provider

Starts at $140 per month, per provider

Fees

Implementation and onboarding training included

2 tiers $349-$629/month. 3 -7% of collections

Four pricing models. Implementation and training included. Medical billing service 4% – 8% of collections.

2 plans: standard & custom software bundles. Billing: 4%-8% of collections.

Marketing services: $150-$300/month PM: $150-$300/monthMedical billing: 4%-9% of collections

Varying implementation and training fees 4%-7% of collections

Implementation

4 to 8 weeks

Varies by package

Typically takes 30-60 days

8 to 11 weeks

About 30 days from sign-up to fully set- up, trained, and actively using the software

11-week implementation process

Training

Weekly onboarding coaching

Minimal training and onboarding provided in subscription

Included in subscription

No free trial. Free 2-day onsite implementation for practices with collections above $200,000/ month

Training and continued customer support are free

Full solution training and live support in subscription

Mobile app

iOS/Android

iOS/ Android

iOS

iOS/Android

iOS

iOS/ Android

Review Link
Scroll Table

Our Reviews

RXNT logo
Editor's Rating: 0/10

RXNT is our choice for revenue cycle management (RCM) companies because of its strong medical billing tools and competitive pricing. In our testing, we found that medical billers and coders can make effective use of the software to generate and track claims, whether on behalf of a medical practice or as part of an outsourced medical billing team. We also liked that RXNT offers a mobile application on both iOS and Android devices, giving providers the flexibility to use the system on the device they’re most comfortable with. Moreover, the company’s HIPAA-compliant telehealth feature is available across all devices as well, which we felt was especially helpful for practices scheduling remote appointments.

While we found RXNT a useful tool for medical practices, we thought its medical billing service tools were especially useful. We expect medical practices will find the suite effective, but we particularly recommend it for RCM services that are managing the medical billing and coding needs of a portfolio of clients.

RXNT dashboard

This example of RXNT’s dashboard shows a quick overview of key information, like upcoming provider appointments, EPCS data, pending tasks that need attention, and how well the medical software meets interoperability requirements. This dashboard can be customized to display the most relevant information on a user-by-user basis. Source: RXNT

Pricing PlanCostWhat’s Included
EHR Bundle$110 per month, per providerAccess to clinical software features like patient charts, imaging and lab test results
PM Bundle$193 per month, per providerAccess to administrative software features like appointment setting, patient demographics and medical billing tools
Full Suite$298 per month, per providerAccess to all features in both the EHR bundle and PM bundle
E-Prescribing$665 per year, per providerSupport for the electronic prescribing of controlled substances

  • RXNT is competitively priced compared to other medical software we reviewed. Access to the EHR software starts at $110 per month per provider.
  • RXNT includes free training and implementation, including weekly coaching sessions so your team can get up to speed quickly with minimal disruptions.
  • RXNT offers both an iOS and Android mobile application, so providers can use whatever devices they’re most comfortable with to access the platform.
  • RXNT’s electronic prescribing of controlled substances (EPCS) represents an additional fee beyond the subscription price, driving costs up slightly for medical practices that need these features.
  • RXNT does not offer outsourced medical billing services and requires an in-house medical biller and coder.
  • RXNT is most suitable for small practices and is not as scalable for growing practices and large healthcare systems as other medical software we reviewed.

RXNT received an 8.0/10 from users who reviewed the platform on TrustRadius. Users repeatedly praised RXNT’s medical software for its ease of use and the efficiency of the data migration process. Others, however, complained about sometimes slow or unresponsive customer service.

Editor's Rating: 8.9/10

We chose CareCloud as the best medical software for large practices because of its support for more than 70 specialties, its wide range of available integrations, and user-friendly features like its drag-and-drop scheduling feature. Large practices need a great deal of flexibility and a comprehensive slate of features and integrations, and in our testing of CareCloud we found it checked these boxes nicely.

We also liked the CareCloud Breeze add-on, a mobile patient portal that allows patients to manage their own registration, check-in and payments, helping expedite each visit. Breeze also supports HIPAA-compliant telehealth visits, which can reduce the need for in-person appointments and keep the waiting room moving smoothly.

CareCloud interface

We found CareCloud’s user interface easy to manage on both the clinical and administrative sides of the platform. An intuitive and customizable user experience helps streamline tasks and reduce time in the system, keeping things moving efficiently for large practices with a lot to do. Source: CareCloud

Pricing PlanCostWhat’s Included
CareCloud Central (PM)$349 per month, per providerPractice management features like scheduling visits, updating patient profiles, checking insurance and medical billing tools
CareCloud Charts (EHR + PM)$628 per month, per providerAdds EHR system features, including charting, imaging, lab integrations and test results, and e-prescribing medications
CareCloud Breeze$199 per month, per providerAdd-on that includes patient engagement features like self-service portals and check-in kiosks

  • CareCloud offers one of the most intuitive user experiences out of all the medical software platforms we reviewed, including drag-and-drop functionality and simple design.
  • CareCloud’s pricing provides good value, starting at $349 per month, per provider for just the EMR or practice management system, and ranging to $628 per month, per provider for the full suite.
  • CareCloud supports a holistic and efficient practice workflow, streamlining administrative and clinical tasks to keep things moving for busy large practices.
  • Expect CareCloud representatives to push you to sign a contract of three years, as the company prefers longer engagements with customers.
  • CareCloud Breeze is an effective patient experience tool but represents an additional $199 per month, per provider charge.
  • Implementation and training is based on a tiered program and may represent an additional fee. The implementation process also varies considerably in length depending on a practice’s specific requirements.

CareCloud received a 9.1/10 from users who reviewed the platform on TrustRadius. Customers particularly enjoyed CareCloud’s training and customer service, both of which they report are exceptional. However, some users reported slow loading times and crashes that could be disruptive to operations.

Dr. Chrono logo
Editor's Rating: 8.4/10

We chose DrChrono as the best for billing because it offers user-friendly, robust billing tools — including an integrated claims management tool and electronic remittance advice (ERA) posting for claims at higher pricing tiers. When testing, we especially liked DrChrono’s live claims feed so billing staff can easily monitor claims as they’re processed. The company also maintains a staff of medical billing and coding experts who can support practices as they manage their revenue cycle, something we liked for new and small practices in particular.

During our testing of DrChrono, we found the user experience to be intuitive and straightforward. Your staff won’t need a lot of training to get up to speed with DrChrono’s software, which we found helpful for keeping tabs on how well the billing team is performing on your behalf. Moreover, we liked that DrChrono’s ease of use means other functions won’t be disrupted, such as setting appointments, verifying patient insurance eligibility, updating patient demographics and more.

DrChrono user interface

We especially liked the clean and easily navigable DrChrono user interface, which makes it easy for new users to find the tools they’re looking for. Coupled with free training, any team should be able to get up to speed with DrChrono in no time with minimal disruptions. Source: DrChrono

Pricing PlanCostWhat’s Included
Prometheus$249 per month, per providerBasic EMR and practice management features, including appointment scheduling, appointment reminders, patient portal, medical charting, e-prescribing, and email/text messages.
Hippocrates$349 per month, per providerExpanded e-prescribing, lab integrations, real-time insurance eligibility verification, additional messages.
Apollo$599 per month, per providerIntegrated claims management tool for expanded billing, electronic remittance advice posting for claims, additional messages.
Apollo Plus4 to 8% of monthly collectionsAll Apollo features, plus outsourced revenue cycle management (RCM) services

  • DrChrono is cost-effective, starting at $249 per month, per provider for access to the most basic tier of the software, with four tiers for practices of varying sizes.
  • DrChrono offers one of the easiest-to-use platforms we reviewed and includes training at all subscription levels.
  • rChrono features highly effective medical billing tools and maintains a team of billing and coding experts to support practices throughout their revenue cycle.
  • In our testing, DrChrono had lengthy customer support wait times and required work orders to be submitted to resolve minor issues.
  • Some of the most useful features DrChrono offers are restricted to more expensive plans.
  • DrChrono only offers an iOS mobile application, so providers who prefer to use Android devices are unable to do so.

DrChrono received a 9.0/10 from users who reviewed the platform on TrustRadius.

Editor's Rating: 8.7/10

We chose AdvancedMD as the best medical software for ease of use because of features like its color-coded navigation, which makes for an intuitive workflow and enjoyable overall experience. We liked that the dashboard is readily configurable and easily scales and adjusts to practices as your office grows without making the software clunky to use.

We also liked that AdvancedMD offers a custom bundle for large practices or health systems that need a tailor-made plan. These bundles allow you to create a platform that’s specific to your organization’s needs, and AdvancedMD offers some significant discounts for custom bundles as well. As healthcare organizations grow, their circumstances become increasingly unique, so we especially liked the flexibility AdvancedMD offers in creating custom packages for customers.

AdvancedMD dashboard

We liked AdvancedMD’s dashboard, which provides a three-column approach that displays a provider’s schedule, outstanding tasks, and a feed of documentation in need of signatures or other attention. The dashboard acts as a hub for keeping processes moving forward, a workflow support tool that we really liked. (Source: AdvancedMD)

Pricing PlanCostWhat’s Included
Practice Management$429 per month, per providerIncludes appointment scheduling, insurance eligibility verification, claims management and billing tools, credit card processing and financial reporting.
EHR + Practice Management$729 per month, per providerAdds EHR software including patient charting, patient portal, customizable clinical templates, mobile application and e-prescribing tools.
Patient Engagement + EHR + Practice Management$999 per month, per providerAll medical software features plus the patient engagement platform, which includes telehealth, appointment reminders, check-in kiosks and reputation management tools.
Custom BundleRequires a QuoteBuilt custom based on medical practice’s needs

  • AdvancedMD offers a powerful slate of features, supporting small and mid-sized medical practices with ease.
  • We found AdvancedMD to be among the easiest-to-use medical software platforms we reviewed, with guided training to help staff get up to speed quickly.
  • We liked that AdvancedMD offers custom bundles and discounts so you can tailor the software to your unique needs.
  • AdvancedMD is one of the more expensive medical software platforms we reviewed.
  • The patient engagement add-on brings the total cost up to $999 per month, per provider.
  • AdvancedMD includes an involved implementation period that could take up to 11 weeks.

AdvancedMD received a 7.3/10 from users who reviewed the platform on TrustRadius. Users applauded AdvancedMD’s implementation process; despite the lengthy-time period, many called it thorough and effective. However, some users complained about the company’s customer service.

Tebra logo
Editor's Rating: 8.7/10

Tebra is our pick for the best medical software for new practices because of its cost-effective price point and user-friendly interface. We like that the platform isn’t packed with unnecessary bells and whistles. Instead, it does a good job of providing the tools practices need to operate without any frills. It also offers the fastest implementation period out of all the platforms we reviewed, so new practices can get up and running to establish their revenue cycle quickly.

We like that Tebra caters specifically to new and independent medical practices, which need a straightforward and intuitive platform that can help them operate effectively. Many medical software platforms are sprawling and complex, which is important for large practices with immense needs but can sometimes be overkill for smaller practices. Tebra knows its audience and caters to it, and we like the dedication the company brings to serving the independent healthcare space.

Tebra scheduling tool

Core features like patient scheduling are straightforward and intuitive with Tebra, reducing the time needed for training and helping new practices launch operations quickly. Source: Tebra

  • Tebra is intuitive and provides the core features new and independent practices need to operate effectively.
  • Tebra offers more than 200 pre-built templates for reports, charts, and automated email messages.
  • Tebra offered one of the fastest implementation periods in our review of medical software with the ability to go live in just 30 days.
  • Tebra does not publish its pricing publicly and representatives declined to share any numbers with us during our review.
  • Tebra does not offer the more advanced features that growing and large practices may want to use.
  • Tebra’s mobile application is only supported by iOS devices, so providers who prefer Android devices will not be able to use them.

Tebra received a 6.9/10 from users who reviewed the platform on TrustRadius. Many users were pleased with Tebra’s usability and flexibility, which made training and onboarding easy. However, some reported bugs and crashes that could often be disruptive.

Editor's Rating: 8.9/10

We found athenahealth to be the best medical software for patient experience because it offers a level of visibility into patient data, unlike other platforms we reviewed. Thanks to athenaNet, providers have access to information from all other organizations using athenahealth software, which can be leveraged to improve the overall patient experience and boost satisfaction. We loved how athenahealth made use of data from its wide network of healthcare organizations, and data-driven medical practices will find it invaluable for improving operations.

athenahealth charting tools

We liked how athenahealth’s clinical tools make charting easy, with easily identifiable fields for data entry. Each field can be enabled or disabled based on the provider’s preferences and the practice’s needs. Source: athenahealth

  • athenahealth offers some of the most robust reporting tools and data-driven insights out of all the platforms we reviewed.
  • Customer success programs provide guided support for exceeding baseline performance metrics set by practices of similar size and specialty.
  • athenahealth’s software comes with a fairly steep learning curve and it may take some time for new users to master, potentially causing some disruptions.
  • athenahealth does not publicly post its pricing and company representatives declined to give us any numbers during our review.
  • athenahealth requires a fairly lengthy 11-week implementation process that is longer than most medical software platforms we reviewed.

athenahealth received an 8.0/10 from users who reviewed the platform on TrustRadius. Customers gave athenahealth big points for its reporting suite and the data it provided from athenaNet. However, others cited customization as lacking, particularly for custom reports and the dashboard.

What is Medical Software?

Medical software refers to comprehensive tech platforms that enable medical practices to operate, including setting patient appointments, verifying patient insurance information, charting patient encounters, ordering lab tests and prescription medications, conducting medical coding and billing, and storing patient medical records. Medical software ranges from modest software geared toward small practices with one to a few providers to sprawling platforms intended for large healthcare systems with a national presence.

How Does EHR Software Work?

Electronic health records (EHR) software is the component of medical software focused on the clinical side of the business. This software includes all the tools a provider needs for filling out a patient’s chart during an encounter. It enables providers to bring up a patient’s past medical records even if they’ve previously visited a different doctor. Most EHR systems include templates that make filling out a patient’s chart quick and easy, as well as helpful tools like voice dictation, image import and editing, options to order lab tests, and the ability to e-prescribe medications.

At the end of a patient encounter, providers can finalize a patient’s chart in the EHR and the system will automatically leverage that information to create a superbill for the medical coding and billing team. In an integrated medical software that includes a practice management component with medical billing tools, the superbill is automatically forwarded to the medical billing team and the provider can simply move on with their next appointment.

What Are the Benefits of Medical Software?

Medical software offers several key benefits to medical practices and hospitals. Some of the most impactful include:

  • Streamlines front office operations. Front offices are charged with scheduling patient appointments, maintaining patient demographics, verifying patient insurance eligibility and managing the check-in process. The practice management module of medical software includes a practice calendar that lets office staff see each provider’s schedule and set appointments accordingly. Most medical software enables batch insurance verification as well, so once a patient is scheduled office staff can automatically confirm their insurance is still active and eligible. Information like a patient’s phone number or preferred pharmacy can also be updated using practice management tools.
  • Enhances clinical encounters. Patient charting in the EHR component of medical software is made easy by the use of templates, voice dictation and editable images, giving providers greater ability to document patient encounters in detail. When used properly, these tools support a provider’s ability to spend time with the patient, rather than filling out the chart, automating the most time-consuming and tedious tasks. All the information captured by the front office will also be available to providers, saving time on tasks like ordering prescription medications to a patient’s preferred pharmacy.
  • Improves patient medical record mobility. Medical software is required to be interoperable with other systems, meaning no matter where a patient goes their latest medical records should be accessible to providers. That means, for example, if a patient goes to the emergency room, providers can retrieve data captured by the patient’s primary care physician, gaining access to a list of medications they are taking and previous health conditions that may be relevant.
  • Makes medical billing easier. When a clinical encounter is complete, the medical billing and coding team (or medical billing service, as the case may be) is provided with a detailed list of the services rendered to a patient. They can use this to create and code medical claims for submission to payers. They can also generate patient statements for any out-of-pocket costs that the patient is responsible for. These claims and statements can be sent to the appropriate party directly from the medical software, and their status can be monitored in a queue of outstanding bills.
  • Boosts patient engagement. Most medical software platforms include patient portals, which allow patients to update their information and access educational material about their health and wellness. Patient portals often include access to lab test results, as well, and deliver appointment reminders to help reduce no-shows and last minute cancellations.

How Much Will Medical Software Cost?

Generally, based on the EMR systems and medical practice management software we reviewed, most medical practices should expect to spend anywhere from $140 to $750 per provider per month on one of these software-as-a-service platforms. According to the Michigan Center for Effective IT Adoption, providers can expect to pay yearly to five-year costs of $8,000 to $58,000.

All of the EMR systems on our best picks list are priced on a per provider per month basis. In most cases, these subscription rates do not include additional costs, such as installation and training. These fees can range anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000.

Prices fluctuate, depending on the scope and breadth of the system. There could be additional fees for customer support, clearinghouses, electronic statements and more. Rates are subject to change based on the size of your practice and your specific needs.

Many EMR vendors also offer RCM or medical billing services as well. Generally, these services charge a percentage of their net collections and, in exchange, perform all critical billing tasks for a practice.

Did You Know?Did you know
Most medical billing services charge a percentage of monthly collections in exchange for managing a practice’s billing and providing complete access to their medical software suite.

How to Choose Medical Software

When choosing medical software for your practice, consider the following steps to make sure you find the best possible fit.

Make a list of your priorities

Consider your practice’s individual priorities. These can be key front office tools like batch insurance eligibility verification or a user-friendly patient portal. They could also include charting tools that your providers can’t live without. One thing that should be at the top of every medical practice’s priorities list, though, is compliance and security.

“Compliance and security are non-negotiable,” said Shawn Davidson, a healthcare consultant at OSP. “I’ve implemented robust encryption and access controls to ensure HIPAA compliance and protect patient data. Communication tools are essential for teamwork. In a recent project, we integrated a secure messaging system, improving real-time communication among doctors, nurses, and staff.”

Create a budget and consider the overall value

Set a budget and start exploring the market. When examining pricing plans, though, don’t just look at the cost and fees. Consider the value you’ll get for your money when you subscribe to a platform. The cheapest software may cost you more if it doesn’t work properly or lacks key features, while more expensive software may generate a bigger return if it enhances the way your practice operates. Consider the big picture when comparing costs.

“When narrowing down the list, I consider functionality, integration capabilities, cost and user-friendliness,” Davidson said. “The software must meet all essential requirements and integrate with existing systems, and the total cost of ownership must be reasonable. Ease of use and available training are also critical for smooth implementation.”

Consider usability and schedule live demonstrations

Medical software is only as effective as the staff using it, so choose a user-friendly system and one that comes with extensive training and educational resources. The best way to get a feel for the usability of a system is to contact the vendor and schedule a live demonstration or, better yet, a free trial. Include your staff members who will be working within the system every day so you can gather their feedback during the process as well.

“I always conduct demonstrations or free trials for our clients to see the software in action,” Davidson said. “This hands-on experience helps them evaluate its performance and compatibility with workflows. I always recommend that providers select software development vendors for billing services by checking their industry experience, client testimonials and customer support quality.”

Examine medical billing features

Medical billing is a complex process that is critical to ensuring your practice gets paid for services rendered. The medical billing tools in medical software should be highly effective in generating and coding claims as well as making sure they get paid in a timely fashion. Examine these closely along with your medical coders and billers to be sure they’re a good fit for your team.

“From my experience and understanding, the must-have features are robust claims processing, coding accuracy and compliance with regulations like HIPAA” Davidson said. “Effective denial management and patient-friendly billing systems are essential to ensure financial stability and improve patient satisfaction.”

Ask about implementation and training support

Implementing a medical software platform is a time-consuming, costly process that involves data migration. The right implementation support is critical to the successful launch of your new medical software. Be sure to ask careful questions about the type of implementation support you can expect and what it costs above and beyond your subscription price.

“Planning and preparation are essential when implementing medical software,” Davidson said. “From my experience, creating a detailed implementation plan with clear timelines and responsibilities is key.

“Comprehensive training programs greatly help staff get comfortable quickly,” he added. “Choosing a vendor that offers robust support is essential. During one of our implementations, a 24/7 support team was invaluable in addressing issues swiftly and minimizing downtime.”

Look for reporting and data analytics

Modern medical software platforms have access to so much data that they can create useful reports that support decision-making by practice leaders. Look for tools that don’t just collect data but make effective use of it through data analytics, detailed reporting and recommendations.

“Data analytics is a game-changer,” Davidson said. “In one project, we created an analytics dashboard that helped a hospital manage patient admissions more efficiently.”

Consider how medical software’s reporting tools can support your business. One of our best picks, athenahealth, offers a robust reporting suite that uses data from other practices similar to yours to create benchmark targets. These can help you determine how well your practice is doing and in which areas it needs improvement.

What Are Some Features of Medical Software?

The best medical software is an all-inclusive package that lets you schedule appointments, verify patients’ insurance eligibility, handle provider-patient encounters, generate, code and track medical claims, and create custom templates that suit your practice’s workflows. Most importantly, the software should be easy for the entire office to use. To reduce your office staff’s workload, the software should also include a portal where patients can schedule appointments online.

It’s also important for the software to have various integrations, including those for credit card processing, lab ordering and e-prescribing. The billing software should easily integrate with the EMR software so you don’t have to seek outside help to use the two applications in tandem.

TipBottom line
The implementation and integration phase can be time-consuming and costly, especially if something goes wrong, so make sure your practice management software and EMR systems are compatible.

Administrative Features

When you’re considering specific software to integrate with your practice, look for medical practice management software that can fully handle all office responsibilities – including scheduling, billing and task management – and also provide solid security and support resources.

  • Automated appointment reminders: Does the software let you automate patient appointment reminders so your staff doesn’t spend hours contacting patients to remind them of upcoming appointments? Also, see if the application gives you several options – email, text message and phone call – for sending reminders.
  • Patient portal: The software should have an online portal that lets patients access their accounts to edit their own information, see their balances and make payments online. This reduces your staff’s workload, because a patient can preregister or modify their address or credit card information without calling the office or taking up staff’s valuable time.
  • Check-in and insurance verification: Your staff should be able to quickly check patients in, verify their insurance, determine their copay and collect payment at the time of service.
  • Medical billing tools: Medical software should include tools for generating and coding medical claims to submit to payers. A good platform will also include tools for generating patient statements for their out-of-pocket costs that won’t be covered by their insurance policy. In a medical billing module, billers should also have the ability to monitor unpaid claims and statements and follow-up directly within the software.

Clinical Features

Look for an EMR with flexible charting tools that can be customized to each care provider’s liking, as well as seamless integration with the billing software so coders and billers can easily generate claims after a patient’s visit.

  • Templates: Templates are pre-generated outlines of different types of notes. They can often be customized and assigned to specific appointment types, ensuring the correct note type populates for whichever type of appointment the patient has scheduled. Templates allow care providers to quickly see the required information fields for each encounter and fill them out accordingly. Many EMR systems allow providers to edit templates on the fly by adding or removing sections that may or may not be relevant to individual encounters.
  • E-prescribing: The ability to electronically prescribe medications and review a patient’s active medication history is one of the most important features of an EMR system. Many EMR systems offer warnings about potential drug interactions or patient allergies to help providers avoid prescribing medications that could cause unwanted reactions.
  • Labs: Providers can use an EMR system to order lab tests electronically and receive results in a secure inbox. Patients can access this information through the patient portal and use secure messaging systems to discuss results with their providers.
  • Telemedicine: Telehealth is a newer element of modern healthcare and one that has been particularly important since the COVID-19 pandemic. Many EMR systems integrate a secure telemedicine component that allows providers to schedule remote appointments with patients and then engage in a video conference with them directly within the platform.
  • Recommendations/compliance engine: Some EMR systems feature a recommendation engine that helps providers determine courses of treatment for certain diagnoses, prescribe preferred medications, order certain lab tests, and ensure compliance with government regulation targets, like MIPS and MACRA.
FYIDid you know
Be sure to get feedback and buy-in from staff members and care providers regarding the software. Everyone in your organization will be using the system, so involving them in the selection process is critical to choosing the right software.

What Are Some Alternative EHR Software Options?

If none of our best picks seem suitable for your medical practice, these alternative options may also work.

NextGen

NextGen is a medical software platform focused on small to mid-sized medical practices with six to 99 providers. It includes practice management tools and an EHR system, so both the administrative and clinical sides of the business are covered. It also includes medical billing tools, e-prescribing functionality, financial management tools and a patient engagement platform, making it a good system to scale along with your practice as it grows.

Practice Fusion

Practice Fusion is a good choice for small practices, especially because it is one of the few medical software platforms that offers a risk-free free trial, no credit card required. While it may be more basic than what a mid-sized practice needs, it’s perfect for very small practices or those just starting out. If you’re not ready yet to make a major investment or commit to a heavy-duty platform, consider Practice Fusion.

eClinicalWorks

eClinicalWorks excels for practices that need a telehealth solution and practice management tools that make managing providers’ schedules easy. It also includes AI-powered tools that can automate repetitive or time-consuming tasks, freeing your staff up to focus on your patients and billing. It also includes tools for dental, vision, and behavioral health specialists, which aren’t always a focus for other platforms.

What about hospitals and health systems?

Large healthcare organizations typically use powerful systems like Epic and Cerner. These market leaders may be overkill for smaller practices, but they’re just what large healthcare systems need. If you’re operating a bigger business and none of the platforms above meet your demands, Epic or Cerner could be the right choice for you.

Methodology

To determine the best medical software on the market, our team of technology experts and software analysts evaluated an initial list of 46 platforms. Our experts and analysts studied each solution’s functionality and evaluated the products on more than 30 factors, including pricing, fees, front office tools, clinical features, medical billing tools, and customer support.

After whittling our list down to 8, we scheduled live demonstrations and conducted free trials of each platform to see how each stacked up against our expectations. Ultimately, we chose six medical software platforms as our top recommendations.

These factors were broken down into categories and weighted differently in our overall conclusion. The weights were determined based on how much business owners prioritize these criteria when shopping for business software and services and making purchasing decisions.

  • Pricing (30%): Our experts and analysts compared and contrasted each vendor’s plans, judging which packages offered the best bang for your buck. We took into account monthly subscription fees, per provider fees, extra charges and the costs of add-on services e-prescribing controlled substances.
  • Features (25%): We looked for standard medical software functions both on the practice management and clinical sides. These included patient demographics, insurance eligibility verification, scheduling, and patient portal, as well as patient charting, lab integrations, e-prescribing, medical billing and reporting.
  • Ease of Use (20%): We tried the software solutions ourselves, gauging each platform’s learning curve, user-friendliness and customization options. We also considered whether there was a fully featured mobile app for both practice management and clinical functions.
  • Implementation and training (15%): We considered how comprehensive a vendor’s implementation and support services were when choosing our best picks. Medical software is complex and a poorly managed implementation process can be severely disruptive. We looked for implementation specialists and training that could get you up and running quickly and successfully the first time.
  • Customer Service (10%): We evaluated the range of customer service options, including whether phone assistance was provided with all package tiers. We also examined each vendor’s online resources for businesses interested in self-guided help.

Based on these criteria, we not only determined which medical software our readers could trust but also the ways in which each solution could best serve different business needs. Some platforms were better at certain tasks than others or more suited to a particular type of company. These takeaways informed the “Best for” use cases you see on this page.

To learn more about our methodology, see our full editorial process.

FAQs

The terms electronic health records (EHR) software and electronic medical records (EMR) software are generally used interchangeably today. Originally, “EHR system” referred to a platform that was interoperable and could transmit patient data to a separate system, while “EMR system” referred to a digital archive that could not be transmitted. Today, though, all medical software platforms are required to be interoperable and share data with other points of care in the healthcare ecosystem, and so the terms have largely become synonymous.

There are free medical software platforms available, however we do not recommend using these. Medical software is a critical part of a medical practice’s operations and working with a paid provider provides you with superior implementation support, customer service and security measures. Although medical software often represents a significant investment, it’s worth every penny to know your patients’ data remains secure and you have access to expert customer support whenever needed.

Yes, medical software is required under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) through a clause known as “the EMR Mandate.” This mandate requires all patient medical records to be converted to digital format. Further, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Studies (CMS) stipulates that a medical practice must maintain interoperability with other systems in order to attest to “meaningful use” of a medical software platform. This means making patient data accessible and ensuring medical software platforms can communicate with one another.

Yes, medical software can be transferred between practices, but it is a time-consuming, costly and risky process. It involves data migration that may prove challenging depending on software compatibility. There are also inherent security risks when migrating such sensitive data en masse. If you plan on transferring medical software between practices, we recommend working with an experienced implementation and data migration expert who has handled such a project before.

Yes, medical software is required by law to meet the privacy and security standards set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Medical software contains personally identifiable information (PII) that could be used to identify individual patients and is therefore subject to HIPAA privacy and security rules.

What to Expect in 2024

Medical software is now a well-established part of most healthcare organizations’ workflows. From hospitals and enterprise health systems to single-provider practices, almost everyone uses medical software thanks to government incentives and penalties intended to spur mass adoption.

In 2024, look for continued updates to existing medical software platforms, a consolidation of brands in the industry, and healthcare providers settling into the systems they’ve chosen for their practices, given the significant upfront investment in capital and time.

Allied Market Research has reported that the global medical software industry will reach $63.8 billion by 2030, up from $30.6 billion in 2020, according to Allied Market Research. That represents a 7.7 percent compound annual growth rate over 10 years.

According to the report, the space is mainly driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). New developments in this technology are already bearing this out. For example, some doctors are using DocsGPT, a ChatGPT-powered platform, to write post-surgery instructions, patient referrals and death certificates. The platform is powerful enough that leading EMR vendors may eventually have little choice but to fully integrate it into their software.

AI is also proving to be useful in the development of new patient care systems. NYU Langone Health researchers recently found success with using ChatGPT to facilitate communication between medical professionals and developers on patient messaging systems.

In this study, ChatGPT has been helpful in translating nuanced medically-focused prompts from doctors and nurses into language developers can understand. This advancement could prove beneficial in designing patient messaging systems that provide relevant, helpful tips for patients with conditions such as diabetes.

In 2024, another type of technology may start being integrated into the umbrella of medical software. According to Virti research, 77 percent of healthcare organizations are using virtual reality (VR) for staff training in pre-operative preparation, empathy and communication. Expect VR to gradually join EMR and PMS as types of technology included in the medical software umbrella in 2023.

An emphasis on data security is expected as the use of cloud-based software continues. This emphasis may become especially prevalent in light of the October 2023 announcement that the medical billing service Arietis Health experienced a major data breach. A suspected ransomware attack on UnitedHealth Group unit Change Healthcare in February 2024 may contribute to this focus on security as well. Expect your medical software provider to respond with increased security measures – and the expectation that your practice ups its cybersecurity as well.

Alongside security, quality in medical billing may be emphasized in 2024. According to a December 2023 study, only 38 percent of U.S. hospitals met three key billing criteria. These were the timely delivery of itemized patient bills, patient access to qualified billing employees and hospital legal action on outstanding patient payments. Given hospitals’ lacking quality on all these fronts, expect medical billing services to prioritize them in 2024 for health systems of all sizes.

There may also be consumer and legislation expectations that medical practices prioritize transparency in their billing. In Texas, for example, a new law requires hospitals to provide patients with clear, itemized invoices ahead of sending them to collections. In Colorado, one consumer made national headlines with his complaints to the state government about billing errors that could affect tens of thousands of people. This suggests that a strong focus on billing transparency is necessary for medical practices in 2024.

Similarly, in Minnesota, the Attorney General’s office is investigating the billing procedures of the health systems Mayo Clinic and Allina Health. This investigation indicates an increasing government focus on medical billing practices that keep consumers happy. Using your medical software to power this billing transparency should be a prerogative in 2024.

Additionally, the No Surprises Act that went into effect in 2023 and banned unexpected medical bills for patients came under fire in 2023 – and continues to be disputed in 2024. In February 2023, a federal district court struck down part of the law, but in July 2023, federal executive agencies asked the court to reverse this decision. In April 2024, the Litigation Center for the American Medical Association filed an amicus brief requesting the original decision be upheld. As approximately 30 public companies labeled the Act a risk in November 2023, it’s apparent this law will continue to be contested in court.

The Biden administration’s 2024 progress report suggests that this labeling is correct. In more than 80 percent of Act-related legal disputes, mandated insured payments to out-of-network providers exceeded their equivalents for contracted providers. The three federal agencies co-managing the Act are also spending significantly more time enforcing it than expected. As enforcement of the Act changes, practices may need to alter how they use their medical software to oversee patient billing. The No Surprises Act is thus key to keep track of in 2024.

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Written By: Leah ZitterSenior Analyst & Expert on Business Strategy
Leah Zitter's long-held passion for psychology and science led her to not only a doctorate but a career covering emerging technology in healthcare and related sectors. Her expertise has been trusted by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and her analysis of medical software has proven invaluable for medical practices. At business.com, Zitter provides guidance on medical software, billing and tools. Zitter has also studied SaaS and analytics more generally on behalf of clients like Google, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services and more. She also contributed to the book "Strategize Up: The Simplified Blueprint To Scaling Your Business."
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