Choosing the right EHR software can significantly impact the efficiency, accuracy, and quality of patient care across any healthcare setup. With so many solutions available, narrowing down the right fit becomes a challenge for providers aiming to streamline workflows and improve clinical outcomes.
Among the many options, Allscripts and Cerner stand out for their wide adoption and comprehensive features—they serve everyone from independent clinics to large hospital systems. Each has its own strengths, but the real question is: which one better fits your needs?
This blog will compare Allscripts vs Cerner side-by-side, helping you understand how they differ, and which one may be more suitable for your practice's unique needs.
Allscripts Vs Cerner: Head-On Comparison
Allscripts EMR, now known as Veradigm, primarily supports outpatient care and ambulatory specialties, including neurology, gastroenterology, and cardiology. It’s a cloud-based platform recognized for its open, connected architecture that enables flexible data sharing across healthcare networks. The software also integrates analytics tools to support clinical decisions.
Cerner EMR, now Oracle Health, serves a wide range of care environments—from primary care clinics to independent surgical centers—with a focus on acute and specialty care. The cloud-based system is particularly known for its data-driven population health management capabilities. Its global reach spans over 30 countries.
Allscripts Vs Cerner: At A Glance
Feature
Allscripts
Cerner
Cloud Access
✓
✓
Mobile Access
✓
✓
Telehealth
✓
✓
Medical Billing
✓
✓
Scheduling
✓
✓
Reporting
✓
✓
Integration
✓
✓
Document Management
✓
✓
Compliance
✓
✓
Support Options
✓
✓
PROS
PROS
Automates admin processes
Adaptable templates for notes
Sends prescription status quickly
Helps manage lab test orders
Reduces patient wait time
Access inpatient records easily
CONS
CONS
Limited customization options
No direct fax or email feature
Flowsheet transitions are clunky
Limit of 500 visible records
Allscripts Vs. Cerner: Side By Side Comparison
Scheduling
Allscripts (Veradigm): Its predictive scheduler leverages AI and predictive analytics to forecast patient demand, reduce no-shows, and auto-adjust schedules in real-time. The platform prioritizes high-need patients and frees up slots based on daily volume predictions, optimizing provider workloads and enhancing patient access without manual intervention. It also offers post-implementation analytics and continuous algorithm updates.
Cerner (Oracle Health): The software's scheduling tools focus on guided workflows, self-service options, and patient preferences. While it simplifies registration and integrates well with EHR, the platform lacks Veradigm’s AI-driven demand forecasting and real-time schedule optimization. The scheduling remains largely rules-based and reactive.
Winner: Allscripts takes the lead here. Its intelligent, predictive scheduling provides superior efficiency and automation over Cerner’s workflow-centric model.
Revenue Cycle Management
Allscripts: The software offers an extensive EHR-agnostic RCM system with a 98% clean-claims rate, 99% net collections, and services covering everything from coding to advanced analytics. It emphasizes flexibility and scalability while helping practices reduce denials and improve collections through tailored workflows.
Cerner: The platform delivers an integrated, cloud-native RCM suite that combines patient administration, claims management, and billing with AI-driven automation. Its strength lies in streamlining front-and back-office operations across care venues, supporting large-scale implementations and offering seamless EHR integration for real-time data flow.
Winner: Oracle Health edges out Allscripts with its intelligent platform, which automates and optimizes complex revenue operations across clinical and financial workflows.
Telehealth
Allscripts: Its telehealth solution supports video and email visits, enabling providers to consult patients remotely while documenting in the EHR. The platform's patient-initiated email consultations and real-time video calls offer flexibility and convenience, especially for routine check-ins. However, the software’s scope is limited to basic virtual consultations.
Cerner: The system delivers a far more extensive virtual care suite, including scheduled and on-demand video visits, remote patient monitoring, and digital therapeutics. It embeds virtual tools directly into the EHR, supports real-time data alerts, and enables BYOD (bring your own device) connectivity—helping clinicians extend care beyond the clinic and streamline workflows.
Winner: Oracle Health leads the way with its integrated virtual care platform that goes beyond video calls to include RPM and digital health tools, truly redefining remote care delivery.
E-Prescription
Allscripts: Its e-prescription capabilities offer a feature-rich, certified solution used by over 80,000 providers. The software includes EPCS, PDMP integration, real-time drug pricing (RxTruePrice), prior authorizations (eAUTH), and automated financial assistance tools, all embedded within the clinical workflow. These tools boost efficiency and support medication adherence and patient satisfaction by reducing delays and costs.
Cerner: The platform focuses on safe, compliant prescribing via real-time benefits, (prescription drug monitoring program) PDMP data, and interoperability with pharmacy systems. While it supports cost transparency and refill management, its scope appears narrower in comparison.
Winner: Allscripts ePrescribe outshines Cerner by offering a broader, seamlessly integrated set of prescribing tools tailored for real-world clinical and financial efficiency.
Reporting
Allscripts: The EHR system emphasizes ease and compliance through automated reporting tools for PQRS, PCMH, and FQHC submissions. While efficient for regulatory tasks, its scope is primarily limited to clinical reporting needs.
Cerner: It delivers enterprise-grade reporting via ‘Oracle Fusion’ and ‘NetSuite Analytics’. The software aggregates clinical, financial, and operational data, supports cross-departmental collaboration, and leverages AI/ML for trend discovery and decision-making. With tools like Oracle Cloud Analytics, it goes beyond compliance to drive strategic performance.
Winner: Cerner surpasses Allscripts by offering a broader, AI-driven analytics suite that supports enterprise-wide insights and decision-making beyond basic regulatory reporting.
Allscripts Vs Cerner: Pricing Plans
When comparing pricing, Veradigm (Allscripts) offers a more transparent starting point with its ePrescribe solution priced at $59/month/prescriber. It appeals to smaller practices or those seeking a straightforward prescribing tool.
Meanwhile, Cerner follows a more complex and enterprise-oriented pricing model, which often includes upfront licensing fees, implementation costs, and long-term contracts. While this may suit larger organizations with broader needs, smaller clinics may find it less flexible.
The ideal pricing structure depends on each healthcare practice's specific goals, scale, and budget, as both systems offer varying levels of customization and scalability.
Allscripts Vs Cerner: What Users Have To Say?
Allscripts (Veradigm) is often praised for its ease of use, especially in smaller practices. Users appreciate the system’s e-prescribing functionality, customizable templates, and time-saving tools like automated reporting. Several reviewers also highlight its affordability and solid performance for outpatient workflows. However, some users report occasional technical glitches and a steep learning curve for new features.
On the other hand, Cerner (Oracle Health) receives recognition for its robust functionality and powerful interoperability tools, making it a preferred choice for large healthcare networks. Its integration capabilities and extensive reporting features are frequently cited as strengths. That said, multiple users report concerns over high implementation costs and slower customer support response times.
Ultimately, the choice between Allscripts and Cerner will depend on the practice's specific needs and preferences. Both platforms offer unique benefits, so users must carefully evaluate their requirements before making a decision.
Our Verdict: Which EHR System Aligns With Your Practice's Needs?
When deciding between Allscripts (Veradigm) and Cerner (Oracle Health), both platforms offer strong features that cater to different types of practices.
Allscripts shines with its affordability, user-friendly interface, and efficient e-prescribing features, making it a good fit for smaller practices or those with budget constraints.
Cerner, however, stands out with its robust data integration, extensive reporting capabilities, and scalability, which are especially advantageous for large organizations or healthcare networks.
Ultimately, the right EHR system for your practice depends on your specific needs, including budget, workflow, size, and the level of support required. It’s crucial to assess the functionalities that will best enhance your practice’s operations and ensure that the platform supports your long-term goals.
