Epic EMR and Practice Fusion serve vastly different ends of the healthcare spectrum. Epic holds roughly 28 % of the overall EHR market, largely due to being the go-to choice for large hospitals and health systems. On the flip side, Practice Fusion has cemented its reputation in the ambulatory and small-practice segment. As a practice management solution designed for solo providers, it supports around 30,000 small to mid-sized healthcare practices.
In this guide, we will explore Epic EMR vs Practice Fusion, to equip readers to make informed decisions depending on their practice size, needs, and resources.
Epic EMR Vs Practice Fusion: Head-On Comparison
Epic EMR is a cloud-based healthcare platform that delivers a unified EHR across hospitals, clinics, and specialty practices. It includes modules for surgery, oncology, radiology, and nephrology, along with the ‘MyChart’ portal for telehealth. The platform supports nationwide interoperability through TEFCA and open APIs, while its analytics tools, like Cosmos, enable data-driven care and population health insights. Epic is widely adopted by major health systems, with over 300 million patient records.
Practice Fusion is a cloud-based ambulatory EHR and practice management platform tailored for small to mid‑sized medical practices. With over 600 active collaborations, the platform contributes to shared healthcare goals across 6.4% of all ambulatory practices in the U.S. The system includes features such as e‑prescribing, online scheduling, and patient portals, all accessible via web or mobile devices. The platform’s intuitive design, multi‑specialty support, and integrated billing tools make it an affordable, efficient choice for independent clinics.
Epic EMR Vs Practice Fusion: At A Glance
Features
Epic EMR
Practice Fusion
ePrescribing
✓
✓
Lab And Image Integration
✓
✓
Patient Engagement Tools
✓
✓
Medical Charting
✓
✓
Billing And RCM
✓
✓
AI Capabilities
✓
✓
Interoperability
✓
✓
Appointment Scheduling
✓
✓
Voice Recognition
✓
✓
Comparing Strengths And Weaknesses
PROS
PROS
Seamless cross-platform support
Easy appointment scheduling
Enables in-depth health insights
CMS-compatible custom templates
ePrescribing from patient charts
Quick setup of text shortcuts
CONS
CONS
Smart phrases have usage limits
Duplicate files can't be merged
Deleting appointments is difficult
Lacks visit-to-visit tracking
Epic EMR Vs Practice Fusion: Side-By-Side Feature Comparison
ePrescribing
Epic uses NCPDP SCRIPT formats to electronically transmit new prescriptions, respond to renewal and change requests, and send cancellations to external pharmacies. Epic also enables benefit eligibility queries, retrieves patient medication histories, and manages updates between its pharmacy modules and external systems. Integration features include syncing updated provider and pharmacy data, adjusting e-prescribing settings, and downloading formulary files to guide prescribing decisions.
Practice Fusion supports certified e-prescribing, including Electronic Prescribing for Controlled Substances (EPCS), in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. During patient visits, providers can seamlessly send prescriptions directly from the patient chart. Patients also benefit from e-Coupons to cut costs. The platform connects with any e-prescribing-enabled pharmacy across the country. Refills can be completed in just two clicks, and medication reconciliation is automatic. To prevent fraud, all prescription data is transmitted through a secure, compliant system.
Winner: Epic wins this round for its comprehensive e-prescribing infrastructure.
Lab And Image Integration
Lab and imaging workflows are fully supported through Epic’s DICOM-based APIs and interface tools. These manage both incoming and outgoing data between the EHR and imaging systems. To improve efficiency, Epic offers Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) integration with single sign-on, context syncing, and real-time measurement exchange. It also allows secure image viewing through embedded viewer links. For smoother operations, Epic supports Modality Work List (MWL) and Modality Performed Procedure Step (MPPS) to automate exam scheduling and procedure updates. ‘Structured Reporting’ and ‘Secondary Capture’ send exam results and selected images straight to the patient chart. All data exchanges are encrypted to maintain security.
Lab and imaging orders are streamlined with Practice Fusion’s built-in ordering tools. Providers can place orders directly from the patient chart and save commonly used panels as templates for future use. The platform allows structured lab and imaging results to flow directly into the chart, with abnormal values flagged automatically. ‘Flowsheets’ help track patient health over time and offer a single view of past orders and results. For better communication, providers can share results electronically through the free patient portal.
Winner: Epic takes the lead for its deeper imaging capabilities, offering DICOM-based PACS integration.
Patient Engagement Tools
Patients can use a digital front door to schedule visits, register, view estimates, and pay bills through Epic. The platform also supports virtual visits, letting providers connect remotely. Through ‘MyChart Care Companion’, patients receive guidance, reminders, and device syncing to stay on track at home. The platform also enables remote monitoring, giving care teams real-time health updates. Tools like ‘Share Everywhere’ let patients share their records with any provider securely. The software also helps with price transparency by offering service cost estimates.
Patient engagement is made simple through Practice Fusion’s built-in tools and cloud-based portal. Patients can easily access their health records, schedule visits, request refills, and receive care instructions from any device. With Practice Fusion, providers can share education materials, send treatment reminders, and support medication adherence remotely. The patient portal also enables secure, HIPAA-compliant messaging and online intake, reducing front desk tasks. New patients can find and book with providers online, helping practices grow.
Winner: Epic is the clear winner as it offers a broad patient engagement toolkit, which includes the ‘MyChart Care Companion.’
Medical Charting
Epic’s MyChart brings together all patient health information in one place, including medications, lab results, appointments, bills, and cost estimates. Records are accessible even if care was received from different organizations. Patients can securely share their medical history with any provider when needed. Scheduling is flexible, with pre-visit tasks and urgent care options available through the platform. Epic also enables remote communication wherein patients message providers, join video visits or receive virtual diagnoses. Family management is easy, with tools to monitor appointments and care for dependents from a single account.
Practice Fusion offers specialty-specific templates that can be customized to match individual workflows. Favorite lists simplify charting by storing frequently used diagnoses, medications, and pharmacies. With ‘Note Assist,’ providers can insert patient details and templates using shortcuts. ICD-10 codes are easy to find with natural language search. Practice Fusion also includes ‘Flowsheets’ to track patient health over time. Dictation and transcription support allow providers to chart by voice using ‘Dragon®’ or audio uploads. Intake forms can be completed online, with data sent straight into the chart. For coordination, Practice Fusion supports secure eReferrals to any U.S. provider.
Winner: Practice Fusion wins this round for its highly customizable charting experience alongside specialty-specific templates.
Billing And RCM
Revenue and billing tasks are simplified through Epic’s automated and patient-facing tools. Scheduling is fully integrated, allowing staff and patients to book visits, procedures, or diagnostics with ease. Using ‘MyChart’, patients can manage appointments and view estimates. Referrals and authorizations are handled electronically to reduce delays and manual labor. Through its digital front door, Epic enables self-service scheduling, pricing, and payments (no login required). Financial tools help patients pay online or access assistance. Real-time insurance verification reduces reliance on external portals, though payer connectivity may vary. Staff can confirm coverage, expedite claims, and set up self-pay options. Epic also automates key revenue cycle steps—like registration and charge capture—to reduce manual work.
Built into Practice Fusion are clinical tools with integrated billing services. These allow providers to focus more on patient care. Features include claim scrubbing, same-day submission, and compliance support. Patient communication is streamlined through electronic and paper statements, plus a dedicated call center. Practice Fusion also handles payment posting, refunds, and insurance A/R follow-up. Financial reporting gives providers clear insight into their revenue. Clean claims and efficient workflows help practices get paid faster while cutting overhead costs.
Winner: Tie. Both offer strong billing and RCM capabilities, combining automation, and real-time insurance tools.
Pricing Comparison
Epic is designed for large healthcare systems and hospitals, with pricing starting at $1,200 for self-hosted solutions and scaling up to $500,000 or more for enterprise implementations. It does not offer a free trial, but prospective users can request a demo through a sales representative.
Disclaimer: The pricing has been taken from a third-party source and is subject to change.
In contrast, Practice Fusion caters to independent providers and small to mid-sized practices, offering a more affordable and predictable pricing model. It starts at $199 per provider per month with an annual commitment. While Practice Fusion also does not provide a free trial, users can typically request a demo to explore its features.
Disclaimer: Pricing is subject to change.
What Users Have To Say
Many have praised Epic for the fact that patient details are centralized in one dashboard. However, some have expressed concerns about the platform requiring excessive clicks per task through multiple methods, which makes training challenging. Regardless, users praise Epic for being highly detailed with extensive data, making generating reports efficient.
Practice Fusion is renowned for its compatibility with desktops and tablets without limitations. However, some users have reported that without purchasing a separate CPT license, they could not enter procedure codes or document screenings. Nonetheless, the platform continues to be praised for its ability to color-code appointment types to help identify and organize various appointments on the calendar.
Tailoring Your EMR Choice To Your Workflow
Epic and Practice Fusion serve distinctly different ends of the healthcare spectrum, and the right choice ultimately depends on the size, goals, and resources of your practice. Epic stands out as a powerhouse for enterprise-level organizations. On the other hand, Practice Fusion remains a reliable choice for solo providers and small to mid-sized clinics.
Whether you're scaling operations across departments or simply looking for a solution that fits into your existing workflow, the comparison above can help guide your decision toward an EMR that aligns with your clinical and financial priorities.
