ONC-ATCB Certified EMR Software

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC-HIT) established a voluntary certification program to set standards for health IT systems, including electronic medical records (EMRs). The ONC-certified EMR software market was valued at $2.5 billion in 2024 and is forecasted to reach $5.8 billion by 2033, driven by rising demand for secure, interoperable digital health tools. 

An ONC-certified EMR is a software system that has passed rigorous evaluation and testing by ONC-Authorized Testing Laboratories (ONC-ATLs) and certification by ONC-Authorized Certification Bodies (ONC-ACBs). For providers, these solutions ensure data accuracy, compliance, and better clinical workflows. 

The upcoming sections will explore some of the key features of ONC certified EHR software, its benefits, pricing insights, and tips for choosing the right ONC Certified EMR software. 

ONC has established three editions of health IT certification criteria. The 2020 Edition Health IT Certification Criteria specifies the latest requirements for a certified EHR software. Below are some of the key features of ONC-certified EMR software:  

Laboratory Test Results 

Certified EMRs allow providers to view, store, and share lab results electronically. It ensures timely access to diagnostic data, reduces paperwork, and supports more informed clinical decisions. 

Automatic Log-Off 

This feature improves data security by logging users out after a period of inactivity. It protects sensitive patient information from unauthorized access in shared or unattended environments. 

Drug-Drug And Drug-Allergy Interaction Checks 

These automated checks alert clinicians about harmful drug interactions or known patient allergies. It enhances medication safety and reduces the risk of prescribing errors. 

Interoperability

ONC Certified EHR software supports seamless data sharing between healthcare systems. It includes following the HL7 Consolidated Clinical Document Architecture (C-CDA) standard and using protocols like IHE XDR, SMTP, or IMAP4 for secure data transmission. It ensures that care teams across different locations can access updated and accurate patient records in real time. 

Medication Reconciliation 

This feature compares current medications with new prescriptions to prevent duplications or conflicts. It supports safer transitions of care between providers, hospitals, and specialists. 

Implementing an ONC Certified EMR system provides long-term value for healthcare providers by aligning technology with regulatory standards and clinical efficiency. Here’s an ONC-certified EHR list of benefits you can expect when implementing the solution: 

• Enhanced Data Security: Complies with industry regulations and implements strong data security measures like access controls and audit trails. These safeguards help reduce the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access to patient records 
• Accurate Patient Information: Certified EMRs reduce data entry errors and promote standardized documentation, which ensures consistent, up-to-date patient information across all care settings 
• Improved Profitability And Revenue Cycle: By automating coding, billing, and reporting processes, these systems help accelerate reimbursements and reduce administrative overhead 
• Seamless Health Data Exchange: Enables efficient and secure sharing of patient data across healthcare systems to improve care coordination. It also enhances provider collaboration and reduces duplicated tests or procedures 

Providers referring to the ONC-certified EHR list can choose systems that meet both regulatory and clinical practice needs confidently. 

The cost of an ONC EMR solution varies depending on factors such as practice size, deployment model, and the features required. However, our market analysis shows that the starting price for an ONC ATCB certified software may range from $39/month to $149/month for the basic plans. 

Choosing the right ONC Certified EMR software requires careful evaluation of both clinical and operational needs. Here are key factors to help make an informed decision: 

• Functionality: Ensure the system includes tools for charting, appointment scheduling, and billing to streamline daily tasks 
• Usability: Look for intuitive navigation and minimal learning curves to reduce disruptions in busy workflows 
• Certification Criteria: Verify if the system is fully certified or module-based and whether it meets security benchmarks like HIPAA compliance 
• Practice Size: Choose scalable solutions that align with your current patient volume and staff capacity 
• Specialty-Specific: Opt for EMRs tailored to your specialty for better templates and clinical accuracy 
• Support Options: Reliable customer service and training resources are vital for smooth onboarding and troubleshooting