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Kareo Vs. Practice Fusion: Which EMR Is The Best?

Kareo Vs. Practice Fusion: Which EMR Is The Best?

By Aleema Khan ·

Oct 14, 2024 · 7 mins Read

Kareo Vs. Practice Fusion: Which EMR Is The Best?

The healthcare industry is continuously evolving, driven by the need for efficiency and improved patient care. Electronic medical records (EMR) systems are at the core of this transformation, streamlining clinical workflows, data management, and communication.

Choosing the right EMR can be challenging, with multiple options offering different features and benefits. Two widely recognized EMR platforms, Kareo and Practice Fusion, stand out for their suite of facilities that optimize patient care delivery.

This detailed comparison of Kareo vs. Practice Fusion will guide you in determining which system is best suited for your practice. Read on to explore their key differences and similarities.

Kareo Vs. Practice Fusion: Head-On Comparison

Kareo, now Tebra, is a cloud-based EMR and practice management (PM) software designed specifically for small practices and independent healthcare providers. It combines electronic health records, billing, and practice management in a single platform, simplifying administrative tasks and improving patient care efficiency. Kareo is known for its interface and affordability, making it a popular choice among solo practitioners and small practices.

Kareo has earned significant recognition in the healthcare industry, particularly for its focus on independent practices. The platform supports over 100,000 healthcare providers across the U.S., enabling efficient practice management and patient care. Notably, Kareo received the '2021 Best in KLAS' award for Small Practice Ambulatory EMR/PM solutions.

In contrast, Practice Fusion is a cloud-based EMR system tailored for small to mid-sized practices. It offers a user-friendly platform with features such as charting, e-prescribing, and patient scheduling. Practice Fusion's strength lies in its ability to simplify clinical workflows and support healthcare providers in delivering patient-centered care. It is also recognized for its integrations with laboratories and pharmacies, enhancing interoperability and patient care coordination.

According to a Reaction Data survey, Practice Fusion achieved a 75% overall satisfaction rating among physicians, with 70% of users being classified as 'advocates' who were highly satisfied with the system.

Kareo Vs. Practice Fusion: At A Glance

Feature	Kareo	Practice Fusion
Patient Engagement Tools	Appointment scheduling Patient records management Claims processing	Patient scheduling Billing options Tracking of administrative tasks
Revenue Cycle Management	Patient intake Claims processing Monitors financial health	Offers integrated RCM with these billing partners: Veradigm and CollaborateMD
Practice Management	Appointment reminder Appointment scheduling Dashboard records	Task management Paperless faxing Referrals and custom reports
Integrations	API	API Labs
Customization	API extracts any kind of data from Kareo account so that it can be used in a third-party custom reporting system	Rich-text formatting Chart views Online check-in
Support	Live chat Call Form submission	Live chat Call Help ticket
Billing	Accurate charge capture & management Complete patient & document management Advanced reporting and insights Smarter insurance billing & patient collections	EHR with integrated billing services Real-time eligibility verification Same-day electronic claim submission Timely payment posting
Telehealth	High-quality video visits, group appointments Online scheduling Virtual waiting room HIPAA- & HITRUST-certified	Secure and HIPAA-compliant Enables you to share patient information securely with fellow clinicians Communicate with a specialist

Kareo Vs. Practice Fusion: Pros And Cons

Kareo Vs. Practice Fusion: Side By Side Comparison

When selecting the right EMR for your practice, understanding the key differences is crucial. Below, we break down five core features of Kareo and Practice Fusion to help you determine which platform best suits your needs.

Patient Portal

Kareo: Kareo's patient portal allows patients to schedule appointments, access medical records, and pay bills online. It also facilitates secure communication with healthcare providers, helping practices enhance patient engagement and enhance workflows.

Practice Fusion: Practice Fusion offers a patient portal that lets patients view their health records, schedule appointments, and access lab results. Additionally, patients can communicate securely with their providers and benefit from e-prescribing.

Winner: Kareo offers a more user-friendly experience with billing integration, making it a more comprehensive option for patient engagement.

Appointment Scheduling

Kareo: Kareo provides a flexible appointment scheduling tool that allows for recurring appointments, automated reminders, and real-time availability updates. It also supports multi-provider scheduling, making it ideal for practices with multiple clinicians.

Practice Fusion: Practice Fusion includes customizable scheduling features with automated appointment reminders to reduce no-shows. The system allows providers to set recurring appointments, simplifying practice management tasks.

Winner: Kareo excels in this functionality with more advanced scheduling tools, especially for multi-provider practices.

Interoperability

Kareo: Kareo integrates with third-party systems and provides access to labs, radiology, and pharmacies, enhancing data sharing between healthcare providers. However, its interoperability features are limited compared to larger systems.

Practice Fusion: Practice Fusion allows for seamless sharing of patient data with external systems, including labs and imaging centers. It supports industry standards for data exchange like Health Level 7 (HL7) and integrates easily with billing services.

Winner: Practice Fusion takes the lead in interoperability due to its broader support for data sharing and integration capabilities.

Revenue Cycle Management

Kareo: Kareo offers integrated revenue cycle management (RCM) tools designed to streamline billing and claims processes. The system provides real-time claim tracking, eligibility checks, and automated billing functions to help practices maximize revenue.

Practice Fusion: Practice Fusion does not have built-in RCM tools but integrates with third-party billing services to manage claims and billing. This allows practices to choose their preferred billing service while using Practice Fusion for other clinical tasks.

Winner: Kareo's native RCM tools give it an edge in managing the entire billing cycle.

Mobile Access

Kareo: Kareo offers mobile access through its iOS app, allowing providers to manage patient records, check appointments, and handle billing tasks on the go. The app provides real-time updates, making it easier for providers to stay connected.

Practice Fusion: Practice Fusion provides a complete, cloud-based EHR system that works perfectly on iPads and tablets without needing any app installation. The touch-optimized interface makes accessing key features like charting, e-prescribing, and patient engagement from any web browser easy. With automatic updates and the ability to switch smoothly between devices, users experience a more efficient workflow.

Winner: Both Kareo and Practice Fusion are flexible regarding mobile access. However, Practice Fusion also has the advantage of being compatible with Android devices and desktop systems.

Kareo Vs. Practice Fusion: Pricing Plans

Kareo operates on a customized pricing model. It includes features such as EHR, practice management, and billing tools.

In contrast, Practice Fusion offers a more budget-friendly option at $149 per provider, per month for its cloud-based EHR. Practice Fusion offers a free trial for those who want to explore the platform before committing.

Kareo Vs. Practice Fusion: What Users Have To Say?

Kareo users frequently highlight the platform's ability to streamline billing and claims management, reducing the time spent on administrative tasks. The integration between the EHR and billing features has been praised for improving financial workflows, particularly for small practices. Users also commend its customizable charting templates, which help expedite patient documentation. On the downside, some users have mentioned occasional lags during updates and feel that the support response could be faster during technical issues.

Practice Fusion users frequently praise its efficient patient record management and the ease of connecting with pharmacies and labs for streamlined workflows. Many report that the system simplifies the electronic prescription process and enhances patient data entry with pre-built templates. The platform's affordability is also a notable benefit for small practices. However, some users feel that it lacks advanced reporting capabilities and could benefit from more customization options in clinical workflows.

Any Good Alternatives To Kareo And Practice Fusion?

Kareo and Practice Fusion are two highly rated EMR platforms commonly used by healthcare providers. However, several other EMR solutions are available that may better align with the unique requirements and budgetary constraints of different medical practices.

Here's a list of alternatives worth exploring for more specialized features or cost-effectiveness.

Our Verdict: Which EMR System Is The Right Fit For You?

Kareo and Practice Fusion are both strong contenders for small to mid-sized healthcare practices, each offering unique advantages. Kareo is ideal for practices that prioritize advanced revenue cycle management (RCM) features, integrated billing solutions, and mobile access. It stands out in simplifying financial workflows and patient scheduling, especially for practices that require robust billing functionalities.

On the other hand, Practice Fusion excels in interoperability, with strong integrations with labs and pharmacies, making it a great choice for practices seeking to streamline clinical workflows and enhance patient care coordination. Its affordability and ease of use, especially in e-prescribing, make it attractive for budget-conscious practices. However, it lacks some advanced reporting features compared to Kareo.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your practice's priorities—if revenue management and a friendly user interface are critical, Kareo is the way to go. For stronger interoperability and a budget-friendly option, Practice Fusion may be the better fit. Careful consideration of your practice's specific needs will guide you to the right decision.

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