CharmHealth Vs NextGen: A Comparison Built For Decision-Makers
CharmHealth Vs NextGen: A Comparison Built For Decision-Makers
Published at Jul 02, 2025· 7 mins Read
Written by
Danial Kahloon
Technical Content Writer
Starting Price: $25/month*
Monthly Price: Custom Pricing
Best For: Internal Medicine, Psychiatry
Best for: Small ambulatory practices
Mobile App: iOS, Android
Mobile App: iOS and Android
Rating: 4.3
Rating: 3.6
★★★★★
★★★★★
Disclaimer: Pricing is subject to change
Disclaimer: The pricing has been sourced from third-party websites and is subject to change
Not all electronic health records (EHRs) are built alike. While some focus on simplicity and cost, others offer advanced tools designed for complex practice needs. CharmHealth and NextGen represent two such approaches, often compared by providers seeking the right balance between usability, scalability, and clinical depth.
With so much riding on this choice, from patient care to financial performance, a side-by-side breakdown can make all the difference. This guide unpacks Charm Health vs NextGen by comparing features, pricing, pros and cons, and user feedback to help providers find the right fit for their practice.
Head-On Comparison
CharmHealth EHR is a cloud-based practice management (PM) platform built for small to mid-sized ambulatory practices. It supports a wide range of medical specialties and offers tools for clinical documentation, patient engagement, and administrative workflows. CharmHealth is ONC-certified and used by both solo providers and growing practices looking for scalable solutions. Its intuitive interface and flexible modules make it a popular choice among clinics seeking affordability and ease of use.
NextGen Office EHR is a digital electronic health record and PM solution developed for ambulatory practices of all sizes. It offers purpose-built platforms for both small clinics and enterprise-level practices. With support for over 40 specialties, NextGen is known for its specialty-specific workflows, integrated patient tools, and revenue management capabilities. Its practice management system has ranked #1 by Black Book Research eight years in a row, making it a trusted choice for providers aiming to enhance operational efficiency and patient outcomes.
CharmHealth Vs NextGen: At A Glance
Feature
CharmHealth
NextGen
AI Capabilities
✓
✓
Electronic Health Records
✓
✓
Revenue Cycle Management
✓
✓
Telehealth
✓
✓
Patient Portal
✓
✓
Practice Management
✓
✓
Billing Platform
✓
✓
E-Prescribing
✓
✓
Comparing Strengths And Weaknesses
PROS
Integrated billing works well once properly set up
Supports app creation for patient convenience
Centralizes patient data in one location for easy access
Users can save templates for physical exams and treatment plans
Frequently used medications and dosages are easy to store
Dragon dictation speeds up documentation significantly
CONS
Lab integration support depends on test volume
Some users find customization options restrictive
Buttons perform differently across various screens
May require additional clicks
Side-By-Side Feature Comparison
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Capabilities
CharmHealth offers ‘Charm AI Scribe’ as an add-on that uses ambient listening to transcribe patient-provider conversations in real time, update chart sections, and suggest diagnosis codes. It supports multiple encounter types and offers customizable care types and note formats. The tool functions during network disruptions, supports English, Spanish, and French, and lets providers insert notes directly into SOAP templates. Role-based access and auto-delete options help manage privacy and control.
NextGen Ambient Assist automates documentation through ambient listening within the NextGen Mobile platform. It generates SOAP notes, suggests ICD-10 codes, medications, and lab orders, and integrates directly with NextGen Enterprise EHR. Features include AI-generated patient summaries, smart macros, and mobile-first workflows that support full visit documentation on one device. Notes are saved to the chart and ready for provider review, improving efficiency.
Winner: NextGen edges out as it offers more flexibility with mobile-first documentation, advanced macros, and built-in EHR integration.
Electronic Health Records
CharmHealth EHR is a cloud-based system for small to mid-sized practices, certified for MU 2015 Stage 3 with support for 30 CQM measures across specialties. It offers customizable SOAP templates, e-prescribing to over 70,000 pharmacies, HL7 lab integrations, and clinical decision support. Features include flowsheets, referral tracking, immunization reporting, and pharmacy inventory tools. Practices can use pre-appointment questionnaires, check-in kiosks, and various encounter templates. The browser-based platform allows access on multiple devices and supports a full workflow from registration to billing.
NextGen offers a cloud-based EHR and PM platform for ambulatory practices through NextGen Office and Enterprise. It provides lab connectivity, e-prescribing, billing integration, and patient portals. NextGen Office includes AI-powered SOAP note automation with Ambient Assist. The platform supports web-based, touchscreen-enabled access and meets HIPAA standards. NextGen Enterprise is ONC 2015 Cures Update certified and ranks first in several specialties. It supports regulatory reporting, AWS cloud hosting, and data exchange for improved care and operational efficiency.
Winner: NextGen stands out for its dual-platform EHR approach, specialty-specific accolades, and strong regulatory and hosting infrastructure.
Revenue Cycle Management (RCM)
CharmHealth’s RCM services combine certified billing professionals with automated tools to improve collections and reduce denials. The process includes eligibility checks, claims scrubbing, coding, submission, payment posting, denial management, and accounts receivable (A/R) follow-up. A centralized RCM dashboard provides visibility into claims, collections, receivables, and denials, with drill-down views for detailed tracking. Practices are supported by a dedicated account manager and benefit from faster reimbursements, reduced write-offs, and improved financial planning across multiple facilities.
NextGen RCM helps practices improve financial performance through accurate claims submission, A/R recovery, and denial management. A rules-based claim edit engine ensures cleaner submissions, while certified billing experts follow up on denied or unpaid claims. Each client is assigned a dedicated manager with specialty-specific expertise. Integrated with EHR, PM, and clearinghouse tools, the platform also provides analytics dashboards, peer benchmarks, credentialing services, and payer fee schedule support.
Winner: Both platforms tie in as they deliver strong RCM services, combining expert support with automation, detailed tracking, and tools to systematize financial performance.
Telehealth
CharmHealth provides HIPAA-compliant, cloud-based telemedicine solution with integrated audio-video, screen sharing, and secure messaging. It runs on low-bandwidth connections and supports multiple devices without software installation. Providers can launch sessions from the EHR, collect consent, and conduct multi-user visits with specialists or family members. Features include a mobile dashboard, ‘TeleHealth Kiosk’, and local session recording. The platform enhances access, reduces no-shows, and supports remote collaboration and care continuity.
NextGen ‘Virtual Visits’ offer secure, HD video consultations accessible by link, with no login or app needed. Sessions integrate with the EHR and PM systems, enabling documentation, intake, and scheduling. Providers can screen share, chat, add interpreters or guests, and conduct group visits. The system supports routine care, follow-ups, education, and prescription reviews, improving efficiency and patient convenience.
Winner: It's a tie as both platforms offer secure, user-friendly virtual care with strong device compatibility and essential telehealth features.
Patient Portal
CharmHealth’s patient health record (PHR) portal is designed for individuals and families to manage their health data online. It allows patients to record current and past medications, view lab results, track vitals, and store documents like X-rays and PDFs. The PHR is tightly integrated with the EHR, enabling appointment requests, secure messaging, and the sharing of pre-visit questionnaires, handouts, and visit summaries. Patients can manage health records for up to five family members under one account and monitor wellness indicators through built-in graphical reports.
NextGen offers an all-in-one patient portal as part of its ‘Closed Loop Patient and Practice Experience’. The portal provides secure messaging, lab results access, appointment requests, and convenient payment tools, including digital statements, auto-pay options, and guest payments. Integrated claims management simplifies billing while reducing staff workload and days in A/R. The platform promotes patient engagement by giving users more control over health records, communications, and financial interactions, all in one place.
Winner: CharmHealth and NextGen tie in as both platforms deliver secure, user-friendly portals with strong integration, appointment access, and family-friendly tools for ongoing patient engagement.
Pricing Plans For CharmHealth And NextGen
CharmHealth offers three pricing plans. The Free Plan includes core features and supports up to 50 encounters/month. The Encounter Plan starts at $25/month for 30 encounters and increases to $1,000 for 2,000 encounters, with extra charges for additional usage. The Provider Plan begins at $200/provider/month and includes an allowance of 1000 SMS/text messages/month and an allowance of 500 electronic faxes/month.
Disclaimer: Pricing is subject to change.
NextGen pricing starts at approximately $300/provider/month for its basic package. This cost typically includes access to core EHR and practice management features suited for smaller ambulatory practices. Pricing may vary depending on the size of the practice, selected modules, and implementation requirements. For larger organizations or those needing advanced tools, customized quotes are available.
Disclaimer: The pricing has been sourced from third-party websites and is subject to change.
What Users Have To Say
CharmHealth is often praised for its affordability, especially by solo providers and small clinics looking for a practical alternative to larger, costlier systems. Users find the platform intuitive and easy to use, with many highlighting the ease of use for both clinicians and patients. While some users feel that the interface could use a more modern design, they note that the system becomes highly functional once it is fully set up. Overall, CharmHealth earns appreciation for offering a dependable, cost-effective solution that meets essential practice needs without unnecessary complexity.
Users often describe NextGen as a platform that improves over time, especially when paired with productivity tools like AutoHotKey or text expanders. Many find the SmartPhrase feature helpful for reducing repetitive typing and appreciate the flexibility to tailor workflows to individual preferences. While the interface may not feel as modern as some alternatives, it consistently supports providers staying organized and getting through clinical documentation efficiently.
Making The Call For Your Practice
CharmHealth and NextGen both offer strong EHR and practice management solutions, each with its own set of advantages. CharmHealth appeals to smaller practices seeking affordability and ease of use, while NextGen delivers advanced functionality and specialty support suited for more complex environments.
For providers evaluating these platforms, the key is to consider how each system aligns with clinical demands, operational goals, and long-term scalability. The final decision depends on the specific needs, size, and workflow priorities of the practice.
