Cerner Vs Epic: A Comprehensive Review Of Leading EHR Solutions For Healthcare Providers
Healthcare organizations and the future of electronic health record (EHR) systems have recently seen many developments. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the immense worth of digital innovations in addressing the multitude of obstacles that health systems encounter.
With the rising acceptance rate of electronic health record systems, the EHR market is projected to exceed $38.5 billion by 2030. This projection is hardly surprising given that the modern healthcare industry operates globally and relies extensively on data. However, with the introduction of several new software functionalities, healthcare organizations' primary issue is deciding which EHR system to use.
In this comparison, we will explore two prominent EHR systems: Cerner EMR Vs Epic. Both enjoy a sizable market share. This article will provide the information needed to make a well-informed choice regarding these top EHR systems.
Significance Of Choosing The Right EHR Solution
Before diving into Cerner vs. Epic, it is important to understand the significance of choosing the perfect EHR solution. A robust yet user-friendly EHR system can help improve clinical workflows, enhance patient care, help keep patient medical records safe, and support data-driven decision-making.
Therefore, it is important for healthcare providers to carefully evaluate different EHR vendors based on several parameters. These include system functionality, user experience, interoperability, integration capabilities, and technical support with current standards of care.
Picking the right solution that aligns with the existing infrastructure and future digital transformation goals results in optimized returns on investment and enables the delivery of quality healthcare in a safe, efficient, and sustainable manner.
Comparison Of Cerner Vs Epic EHR: An In-Depth Overview
Cerner and Epic EHR are prominent players in the healthcare industry. Together they dominate over half of the American hospital market for electronic health record systems. Both offer several functionalities, including revenue cycle management, patient communication, and more. As these are complex, large-scale solutions, deciding between them requires careful consideration.
The following sections will provide an overview of both platforms to help healthcare providers make an informed decision:
Cerner EHR System
Acclaimed for its prowess in fostering interoperability and seamless healthcare coordination, Cerner EHR is a cloud-based software that caters to diverse healthcare settings. It connects healthcare systems and facilitates efficient data exchange.
Cerner’s commitment to interoperability is evidenced by its participation in initiatives like the CommonWell Health Alliance. It caters to inpatient and outpatient settings, offering solutions like the Cerner PowerChart ambulatory EHR.
Epic EHR System
Renowned for its effectiveness in managing medical records and promoting seamless collaboration within healthcare practices, Epic is a cloud-based electronic medical record (EMR) software that caters to various needs within a healthcare organization.
Epic EMR stands out for its ability to connect various facets of healthcare operations, facilitating enhanced communication and data sharing. It provides healthcare professionals with secure and flexible access to patient data and critical tools from multiple devices.
Epic Vs Cerner: Healthcare Organization Types And Size Difference
Both Cerner and Epic are highly scalable EHR systems. They are designed for healthcare organizations of all sizes, including ambulatory care units.
Throughout 2021, Cerner welcomed 71 new clients across diverse products and solutions while strengthening ties with over 330 global organizations. Cerner serves acute care hospitals and various healthcare practitioners, among others – underscoring its comprehensive approach to software solutions.
Meanwhile, Epic software, founded in a basement in 1979, is now one of the biggest EHR vendors for HIMSS stage 7 hospitals and clinics. Several medical specialists use it, such as oncologists, physicians, and mental health professionals. Multi-specialty groups, rehab centers, transitional care, hospice care, and retail clinics also use it.
Epic Versus Cerner: Contrast Of Functionalities
Both vendors provide basic functionalities, such as telehealth, a strong patient-centered platform, and mobile charting to simplify tasks for staff. The following sections will provide a side-by-side Epic Vs. Cerner comparison of the functionalities offered:
Revenue Cycle Management
Both options include revenue cycle management. Cerner emphasizes patient-oriented automated scheduling, intake workflows, and comprehensive patient accounting capabilities. Collaborative case management tools streamline care planning, while health information management links clinical patient information to coding for accurate billing.
Epic enables dynamic visit scheduling, pre-authorization, and referral management for insurance compliance. The digital front door tool empowers patients to estimate services and manage payments.
The Epic EHR system also offers electronic insurance coverage verification to enhance administrative efficiency by promptly confirming patient eligibility and expediting claims.
Patient Portal
A robust patient portal is crucial for healthcare organizations. It saves time by addressing patient inquiries efficiently. Cerner’s HealtheLife and Epic’s MyChart exhibit similar functionalities, including secure messaging with providers, appointment scheduling, bill payments, and access to patient records.
HealtheLife offers personalized health assessments that assign patients a health score and identify potential risks. Patients can engage in educational health action plans and utilize tools for tracking weight, activity, and more.
Conversely, MyChart provides extended payment and insurance options. Patients can arrange payment plans and seek financial assistance through the portal. They can also communicate with the billing staff.
Charting
Patient charts help view and interpret patient data, encompassing lab results. Cerner streamlines this process by providing quick access and time-saving capabilities. It minimizes charting time and maximizes patient interaction.
Conversely, Epic charting boasts patient history, medical templates, and referrals, aiding most healthcare providers in delivering superior clinical care. Epic dental software simplifies charting and review processes, enhancing patient data access and utilization.
Telehealth Services
Both Cerner and Epic are embracing the future of remote care by offering telehealth services to schedule virtual appointments. Their EHR systems facilitate virtual services, enabling global access and updates for patients and practitioners alike. However, Epic goes the extra mile with a patient-centric app offering progress notifications and integration with home monitoring devices for condition updates.
Cerner stands out with video visits, accommodating guest invitations for patient support or clarification. Patients can also participate via text and screen sharing throughout appointments without app downloads. This streamlined approach enhances accessibility while the EHR systems seamlessly manage online prescription refills and patient records.
Cerner Vs. Epic: Interoperability And Integration Comparison
Cerner and Epic facilitate seamless connectivity and data exchange among various systems. Cerner offers inherent integration and interoperability features, boasting three distinct platforms that harmonize with external systems to manage operational, clinical, and financial data.
On the other hand, the Epic platform fosters internal integration, linking healthcare organization websites with its EHR. This integration empowers patients to conduct tasks such as online appointment scheduling, prescription refill requests, and accessing test results and data at their convenience.
However, when it comes to Cerner versus Epic interoperability, here’s how the two platforms differ:
Cerner Interoperability
Cerner provides varied interoperability methods. An example is the CommonWell Health Alliance, a major non-profit trade association co-founded by Cerner with six competitors. Through established standards, this alliance enables easy patient data access and sharing.
Cerner Ignite APIs also allow seamless third-party app integration with the EHR. Reference Lab Networks aid Cerner users in transmitting data to multiple acute and reference labs without requiring direct connections. Its third-party integrations include Swell, Curogram, Clearwave, and more.
Epic Interoperability
Epic achieves interoperability in three different ways. Firstly, clinical practices can engage with EpicCare Link, which allows non-Epic users to access patient data shared by an Epic user via a shareable link akin to Dropbox or Google Drive. Connecting to the Carequality network offers another data-sharing method, as it’s a public-private platform facilitating connections among healthcare practitioners across the U.S.
The third approach is Share Everywhere, an interoperability feature enabling patients to share health information with external providers. It empowers providers to access patient data directly from Epic without requiring an electronic health record connection.
Cerner Vs. Epic: Pricing And Affordability
System costs vary significantly, influenced by selected features and user access. EHR expenses for systems like Epic or core Cerner include setup, maintenance, and hardware updates. In the Cerner EMR vs. Epic comparison, Cerner emerges as the more affordable option.
Major healthcare entities typically prefer Epic; however, its exact cost remains undisclosed. The industry news reports suggest Epic is relatively pricier than Cerner. Additional expenses may arise from healthcare compliance consulting and HIPAA audit services.
Opting for Epic incurs high expenses, while Cerner is considerably more cost-effective. Cerner lacks free trial or version offerings, requiring upfront investment for system familiarity.
Comparing Epic And Cerner: User Interface And User Friendliness
Cerner – Ease Of Use
Cerner offers a user-friendly dashboard with secure access. Its responsive design suits mobile devices. While the interface has a “Chart Search” feature, users note that simple tasks can be time consuming and less intuitive, often requiring substantial training.
Additionally, Cerner boasts a straightforward interface and patient portal with a HIPAA-compliant messaging application. Patients easily communicate with providers, seek prescription refills, and schedule appointments. Nurses find charting convenient. However, some portal pages can be challenging for users to navigate.
Epic – Ease Of Use
Epic’s intricate system offers multiple access paths to various functions, potentially overwhelming non-technical users. Using the Epic system requires help from the support team for setup and troubleshooting. Yet customization options before installation empower healthcare organizations to tailor templates and UI according to their preferences.
Additionally, Epic strives for user-friendliness in its EHR design. The patient portal enables appointment scheduling, secure health record viewing, and procedure cost estimating. Despite Epic’s efforts, some users find its expansive functionalities cumbersome, possibly hindering navigation. The complexity of Epic’s design might challenge healthcare practices seeking simpler EHR solutions.
Compare Cerner Vs Epic: Support Options
Cerner stands out for its dedicated customer support team, ensuring its users’ comprehension of technical solutions and addressing queries for optimal service.
Cerner’s eService portal, available 24/7, enhances the support experience. Its in-house system implementation includes comprehensive staff training to improve technical proficiency. However, it’s worth noting that response times might occasionally delay Cerner’s customer service.
On the contrary, Epic has a proficient team of technical experts reachable via a designated contact number. Prompt follow-ups within 24 hours characterize Epic’s support, while newsletters inform users about industry trends.
Nevertheless, Epic’s customer support approach might show reluctance toward user-requested alterations. Additionally, intricate system operations involving many internal employees increase customer support costs.
Cerner Vs. Epic: Which One’s Better?
Both Cerner and Epic are premier electronic health record services, offering advanced portals for streamlined tasks. Nevertheless, their performance caters to distinct user needs. Both platforms offer robust electronic health record services for ambulatory care.
Both systems provide telehealth services to schedule appointments, facilitating efficient tasks. However, the optimal choice between Cerner and Epic EMR depends on the specific needs of your organization and user preferences.
Hopefully, this comparison of Cerner and Epic will help you make an informed decision aligned with your ambulatory care goals. If you have any further queries related to Cerner or Epic, you can reach us at (661) 384-7070, and our support team will answer all your software-related concerns.
