The efficiency of an electronic health record (EHR) system is a critical factor in enhancing the clinician experience. However, according to KLAS Arch Collaborative research, only 46% of clinicians feel their EHR systems effectively support this efficiency. This gap is a key factor behind clinician dissatisfaction and burnout.
Cerner and eClinicalWorks are two leading healthcare IT platforms that offer advanced solutions to address EHR usability challenges, deliver value-based care, and improve the overall clinician experience.
In this comparison, we will evaluate their features, pricing structures, and user feedback to help you understand which platform can best support your practice.
Head-On Comparison
Cerner, now part of Oracle Health, is a comprehensive EHR and practice management solution designed for both acute and ambulatory care organizations. The software helps providers streamline clinical workflows, improve patient data access, and optimize administrative workflows through its integrated platform. It offers a highly interoperable system that allows users to access and exchange data across different systems and organizations.
The vendor was awarded Best in KLAS 2024 for acute care EMR. Additionally, Cerner EMR has recently experienced significant growth in the small hospital market, with more facilities adopting its scalable EHR solutions to meet specific clinical and operational needs.
eClinicalWorks is another top-rated EHR solution for acute and ambulatory care facilities across multiple specialties. The platform empowers providers to enhance clinical workflows, improve patient engagement, and optimize revenue cycle management. It offers a powerful suite of tools that support telehealth, population health management, and patient communication.
Notably, independent practices with 2–10 physicians reported a remarkable 29% year-on-year increase in satisfaction with eClinicalWorks’ EHR and practice management solutions, earning the vendor recognition as the most improved physician practice product in the 2024 KLAS report.
Cerner And eClinicalWorks: At A Glance
Feature
Cerner
eClinicalWorks
Patient Engagement Tools
Basic patient engagement solutions for secure messaging, appointment scheduling, and patient education
Extensive range of tools, including patient portal, healow Apps, and self-scheduling options
Medical Billing
Clinically driven RCM that integrates patient data to streamline scheduling, registration, and billing processes
Flexible RCM options, including self-service or full-service models. Claim scrubbing and a 98% first-pass acceptance rate
Practice Management
Advanced practice management tools for scheduling, patient accounting, reporting, and workflow optimization
AI-powered practice management features focusing on efficiency and workflow automation
Interoperability
Extensive integration capabilities utilizing standards, network connections, and open APIs to facilitate data exchange
Robust ecosystem for integrations, including PRISMA, eEHX for health information exchange, and an Open Interoperability (EOI) platform
Customization
Highly customizable templates, notes, and workflows tailored to specific practice and business needs
Customizable forms, questionnaires, and workflows for various specialties
Mobile Access
iOS and Android mobile apps with access to billing info and real-time updates
iOS and Android mobile apps with ambient listening technology to streamline workflows
AI-Powered Tools
AI-powered digital assistant with generative AI and voice capabilities to automate manual tasks
Comprehensive range of AI tools, including Sunoh.ai, image AI, AI assistant, and AI automation
Support
Multiple support channels, including phone, eService, and Oracle Health Community
Basic customer support via phone, email, support portal, and online resources
Pricing
Flexible pricing models based on practice size, type, and feature requirements
Tiered pricing structure suitable for solo and group practices
Security and Compliance
Robust security with technical, administrative, and physical controls. HIPAA-compliant with SOC 1, SOC 2 Type II attestations, and ISO certification
HIPAA-compliant and has appropriate safeguards in place to safeguard protected health information (PHI)
Pros And Cons
PROS
PROS
Intuitive user interface
Strong integration capabilities
Supports self-registration for patients
Highly customizable solutions
Support for multiple medical specialties
Robust telehealth capabilities
Customizable templates and forms available
Facilitates efficient electronic charting
Streamlined patient scheduling process
Customizable to specific practice needs
CONS
CONS
Challenges with revenue cycle management
Customer support response times may vary
Frequent updates disrupt the workflow
Slow customer support response times
Integration challenges may arise
Limited reporting options available
Side By Side Comparison
Cerner and eClinicalWorks are both leading EHR systems designed to support a variety of healthcare settings. Below, we will compare their key features to help you decide which platform is best equipped to meet the specific needs of your practice.
Appointment Scheduling
Cerner: Includes advanced appointment scheduling tools that help practices manage patient appointments efficiently. It coordinates booking across multiple care venues, streamlining the scheduling process within call centers, departments, or medical practices. Patients can easily determine the right location, time, and appointment based on their specific needs.
eClinicalWorks: Features healow Open Access, an online appointment booking solution designed to enhance the healthcare experience for both patients and staff. It allows them to book appointments via the website, patient portal, or the healow app. Patients can also view providers' schedules and easily select the time slot that best fits their needs.
Winner: eClinicalWorks wins for its flexible scheduling features and user-friendly interface.
Revenue Cycle Management (RCM)
Cerner: Provides a patient-centric RCM solution designed to prevent revenue leakage and streamline billing, payment, and collections processes. Its HIPAA-compliant cloud system supports multiple billing types, automates revenue management, and adapts to regulatory changes to help practices improve overall cash flow.
eClinicalWorks: Comes with a powerful RCM technology that integrates back-office functions to give clients a competitive edge. It features tools for patient eligibility and deductible verification, automated bots to scrub and submit claims, and comprehensive denials and appeals management.
Winner: Cerner takes the lead here for its extensive automation capabilities that optimize billing processes.
Patient Portal
Cerner: Offers a comprehensive patient portal that enables patients to request prescription refills, manage appointments, and access lab results. It empowers individuals to actively manage their healthcare, connect with providers, and access educational resources that support informed decision-making.
eClinicalWorks: Gives patients 24/7 access to their medical records, lab results, and secure messages from any device. Patients can update their personal information, request prescription refills, join telehealth sessions, and even make payments through a centralized platform.
Winner: eClinicalWorks for its robust and user-friendly patient engagement tools.
Interoperability
Cerner: Provides a comprehensive interoperability solution that gives clinicians access to relevant patient information from various sources using network connections, standards, and nationwide exchanges. The Oracle Health Seamless Exchange helps providers retrieve data from multiple external sources. Moreover, its open APIs further facilitate integration with third-party applications.
eClinicalWorks: Offers PRISMA, a health information search engine that connects data from EHRs in the Carequality and CommonWell networks, as well as insurance payers and wearable devices. Its Open Interoperability (EOI) platform allows third-party developers to create applications using Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) standards.
Winner: Cerner for its broader integration capabilities and API support.
Telehealth
Cerner: Features an integrated telehealth solution that enables video consultations and remote patient monitoring. The platform allows patients to join video visits through the Oracle Health patient portal or via a link sent through email or text message. Patients can also access on-demand care options, which help reduce the burden on the emergency department.
eClinicalWorks: Offers a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform that supports secure virtual care consultations. The system is designed to facilitate patient-provider communication and includes features for appointment scheduling, on-demand calls, and screen sharing. Patients can easily initiate visits with text messages or email links, document progress notes, and collect vital signs on both Android and iOS devices.
Winner: eClinicalWorks wins for its comprehensive suite of telehealth features that enhance patient engagement.
AI-Powered Solutions
Cerner: Offers generative AI capabilities to streamline daily workflows within healthcare practices. Its multimodal voice and screen-based assistant assists during appointments, automates note-taking, and recommends next steps, such as scheduling lab tests or ordering medications and follow-up appointments.
eClinicalWorks: Integrates AI with its EHR to automate workflows, enhance office efficiency, and improve patient satisfaction. The suite includes technologies like Sunoh.ai for turning conversations into clinical documentation and Image AI for simplifying fax management. Additionally, the software offers an AI Assistant to streamline daily operations and enhance the overall user experience.
Winner: This round ends in a draw, as both Cerner and eClinicalWorks offer powerful AI-powered solutions.
Pricing Plans Comparison
Cerner's pricing details have not been disclosed publicly. The cost of the software varies based on several factors, including the size of the facility and specific implementation needs. According to Becker's Health IT, some smaller hospitals in Alaska and California are paying under $10 million to install the EHR software.
In contrast, eClinicalWorks offers transparent pricing options that cater to various practice needs. The vendor’s pricing structure is as follows:
EHR Only – $449 per month per provider
EHR with Practice Management – $599 per month per provider
RCM as a Service – 2.9% of practice collections
Ultimately, the choice between eClinicalWorks and Cerner depends on whether your practice prioritizes clear, fixed pricing or is open to negotiating costs based on the specific needs and scale of the operation. You can also refer to our EHR pricing guide for a detailed breakdown of costs and to explore options that best suit your practice's budget.
What Users Have To Say?
Users appreciate Cerner’s ability to customize pre-built charts for specific complaints. Many find it easy to navigate, which makes appointment scheduling and registration management straightforward. The system is recognized for its user-friendliness and simplicity.
However, some users report that too many clicks are required to complete tasks efficiently, and customer service is often criticized for not being as responsive as desired.
In contrast, eClinicalWorks reviews highlight its broad user base and strong performance with specific features like Sunoh.ai. For example, this feature helped South Shore Family Practice cut documentation time by 50%. Another clinic achieved 99% accuracy in capturing patient conversations, which made their documentation process much smoother.
Users find it quick and easy to enter notes and appreciate the thorough training and support. While it may not offer as many features as Cerner, it works well for outpatient practices.
Final Considerations: Selecting The Best EMR System For Your Practice
Cerner and eClinicalWorks are both solid options for EMR systems, each suited to different types of healthcare practices. Cerner is ideal for larger organizations and hospitals that need comprehensive features and extensive customization. eClinicalWorks, on the other hand, works well for smaller outpatient practices that require a user-friendly interface and strong customer support to improve daily operations.
While Cerner might be more popular with larger healthcare setups, eClinicalWorks is rapidly rising in the ranks with improved functionality.
A recent survey by Tebra shows that 32% of independent practice providers would not recommend their current EHR due to usability and customization problems. It highlights the importance of choosing a system that matches your practice's specific needs.
To make an informed choice, use Software Finder to explore detailed comparisons, read expert reviews, and evaluate EMR features to find the best system for your practice.
