Kareo Vs. SimplePractice: Which EMR Is Right For You?
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| Starting Monthly Price: Custom | Starting Monthly Price: $29/month |
| Best for: Independent Practices | Best for: Behavioral Health |
| Mobile App: iOS | Mobile App: iOS, Android |
| Rating: 3.6 | Rating: 4 |
According to a recent KLAS report, small healthcare practices report significant functionality gaps within their core electronic health record (EHR) and practice management (PM) solutions. This highlights the importance of adopting software that can meet both clinical and administrative needs without exceeding budget constraints.
Kareo and SimplePractice, both all-in-one EHR and electronic medical record (EMR) platforms designed for ambulatory care, offer top-rated solutions that help smaller practices streamline workflows and enhance patient care.
In this comparison, we will explore the unique features, pricing models, and user reviews of both platforms to help you make an informed decision on which EMR solution best fits your practice’s specific needs.
Kareo (now Tebra) is an all-in-one EHR and practice management software designed for independent practices across multiple specialties. The system streamlines day-to-day workflows to help practices optimize operational efficiency. Its extensive suite of features empowers providers to deliver high-quality care while complying with industry regulations.
Kareo is best known for its medical billing solutions that help practices improve revenue cycle performance and reduce claim denials. Recognized for its excellence, Kareo EMR was awarded the Best in KLAS 2021 for small ambulatory EHR/PM solutions for practices with 1-10 providers. It also received the 2020 United States Ambulatory EHR Enabling Technology Leadership Award from Frost and Sullivan.
SimplePractice is another comprehensive EHR platform designed specifically for behavioral health professionals. The software integrates billing, scheduling, and record-keeping functionalities within a secure, HIPAA-compliant dashboard. It enables users to streamline administrative tasks, optimize revenue cycle, and grow their practice effectively.
Trusted by over 200,000 practitioners, SimplePractice is an ideal choice for solo providers and small practices looking to optimize their workflows and improve patient care. The platform stands out with its measurement-based care tools, which help clients reach their goals with data-driven insights.
Feature | Kareo | SimplePractice |
Patient Engagement Tools | Advanced patient engagement tools such as automated reminders, patient reviews, broadcasts, and satisfaction surveys | Basic functionalities such as client portal, telehealth, and paperless intake forms |
Revenue Cycle Management | Comprehensive robotic billing solutions with claims scrubbing and denial management | AutoPay-enabled simple and integrated billing system |
Practice Management | Comprehensive range of tools for scheduling, billing, and complete workflow automation | Limited functionalities, including scheduling, billing, and documentation |
Integrations | Marketplace with numerous third-party integrations | Limited Integrations with payment processing tools such as Stripe |
Customization | Customizable templates for clinical notes and workflows across specialties | Fully customizable note templates designed specifically for behavioral health practices |
Mobile Access | iPhone and iPad mobile app with support billing, communication, and document management | iPhone and Android mobile apps with support for scheduling, note-taking, billing, and messaging |
Telehealth | HIPAA- and HITRUST-compliant telehealth solution integrated into the platform | HIPAA-compliant telehealth video calls designed for mental health providers |
Support | Multiple support options, including phone, Tebra community, and online resources | Comprehensive support via email, chat, phone, online resources, and hands-on switching assistance
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Pricing | Flexible pricing models that scale based on practice size and features | Tiered subscription pricing for solo and group practices |
Security and Compliance | Strong data security with cloud data centers. HIPAA-compliant and HITRUST CSF certified
| Robust security measures with multiple layers of bank-level encryption. HIPAA-compliant and HITRUST CSF certified |
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| Pros | Pros |
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| Cons | Cons |
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Kareo and SimplePractice are both powerful EMR software designed to meet the unique needs of independent healthcare providers. Below, we will compare their core functionalities to help you determine which solution best supports your practice's operational and clinical needs.
Patient Portal
Kareo: Offers a HIPAA-compliant patient portal that allows patients to access their medical records, share lab results, and communicate with healthcare providers. It also combines secure messaging, patient education materials, and digital payment tools within a centralized interface.
SimplePractice: Provides a convenient hub for messaging, appointment scheduling, and billing. Patients can easily schedule appointments, fill out intake forms, and access their treatment plans directly through the secure client portal.
Winner: Kareo takes the lead here for its advanced suite of patient engagement tools, which are available within a centralized portal.
Appointment Scheduling
Kareo: Comes equipped with basic scheduling tools that allow practices to manage appointments efficiently. It includes features like automated reminders and a customizable calendar to accommodate patient needs and enhance the overall workflow.
SimplePractice: Provides an intuitive scheduling system that enables providers to accept or deny all online appointment requests. It also supports in-person and virtual group appointments and sends automated reminders to reduce no-shows.
Winner: SimplePractice is the clear winner here due to its customizable and comprehensive suite of scheduling features.
Medical Billing
Kareo: Offers an all-in-one billing solution that uses intelligent automation to minimize repetitive tasks, optimize revenue cycle efficiency, and improve overall profitability. It also includes tools for electronic remittance advice (ERA) processing, claims submission, eligibility verification, and a robotic process automation (RPA) dashboard to streamline the entire billing process.
SimplePractice: Provides a streamlined billing system that simplifies payment processes for both providers and clients. One standout feature is AutoPay, which saves time and eliminates the need for payment discussions by automatically charging clients for their appointments.
Winner: Kareo for its feature-rich billing solution that automates day-to-day payment processes from start to finish.
Telehealth
Kareo: Offers a comprehensive telehealth solution with features like high-quality video visits, virtual waiting rooms, group appointments, and customizable provider URLs. It is HIPAA- and HITRUST-certified and ensures data privacy and security for both providers and patients during virtual sessions.
SimplePractice: Helps deliver secure and HIPAA-compliant telehealth sessions with bank-level encryption. Providers can easily start video call sessions without needing logins or passwords. It also offers features for managing group telehealth and activity options to create an engaging virtual care experience.
Winner: It’s a draw, as both systems offer high-quality telehealth features that prioritize security and enhance patient engagement.
Integrations
Kareo: Supports a wide range of integrations through its marketplace, connecting with tools like GoodRx, Live Compliance, and Medsender. It also provides APIs for easy integration with various third-party applications.
SimplePractice: Provides limited integrations with apps like Google Calendar and Stripe. Unlike Kareo, SimplePractice does not offer public-facing APIs, which can restrict the ability to connect with other platforms and software tools.
Winner: Kareo for its extensive integration options and flexible API support.
Security And Compliance
Kareo: Ensures a highly secure platform to manage protected health information using private and public cloud data centers. It is HIPAA-compliant, HITRUST CSF certified, and undergoes third-party security audits to maintain robust security standards.
SimplePractice: Implements bank-level encryption with multiple layers of security to protect patient data. The platform is HIPAA-compliant, HITRUST CSF certified, and offers two-step verification, along with regular external security assessments to enhance privacy and compliance.
Winner: It's a draw, as both systems provide equally strong security features with certifications and multiple layers of protection.
Kareo offers flexible pricing options tailored to the specific needs of each practice. The pricing may vary based on factors such as practice size, type, and the features required. This allows clinics to choose a plan that fits their operational and financial needs.
SimplePractice offers a more straightforward, tiered pricing model. It starts at $29/month for the Starter plan, $69/month for the Essential plan, and $99/month for the Plus plan, which includes all features. A 7-day free trial is available, with a 50% discount on the first month if you upgrade during the trial period.
Overall, both platforms offer flexible pricing models but with different approaches. Kareo’s customized pricing provides tailored solutions to fit a variety of practice needs. On the other hand, SimplePractice’s straightforward tiered plans deliver transparency and simplicity.
The choice between them ultimately depends on whether your practice values a more personalized pricing structure or a clear, fixed-tier model. For further insights on EMR pricing, check out our comprehensive guide on the cost of EMR.
Kareo reviews frequently highlight the platform's adaptability to the specific needs of mental health practices. Users appreciate the straightforward documentation and e-prescribing processes, which enhance workflow efficiency. Some have also reported a remarkable 95% increase in online appointment requests after transitioning to this platform.
However, feedback regarding customer service has been predominantly negative, with some users expressing frustration over their support experiences.
In contrast, SimplePractice is known for its user-friendly interface and responsive customer support team. The platform has received over 120,000 five-star reviews for its telehealth capabilities. However, some users have noted that certain pre-built reports do not fully meet their needs.
While Kareo and SimplePractice are well-known EMR platforms, there are other options that may better align with the specific needs and budgets of various healthcare practices. Here’s a list of alternatives that offer tailored solutions for small medical practices:
Kareo and SimplePractice both provide effective solutions for managing a small practice. Kareo is an excellent choice for practices that require strong billing support, specialized templates for various specialties, and connections with many third-party tools. SimplePractice, on the other hand, offers an easy-to-use platform designed specifically for small and independent behavioral health facilities.
Small practices should carefully assess their workflow requirements, budget, and specific specialty needs when selecting an EMR system. Understanding how the software will fit into daily operations can help ensure that it enhances efficiency rather than complicating it.
A recent research study published by the National Library of Medicine (NIH) indicates that physician burnout is increasing in the U.S., with poor EHR usability cited as a significant factor. Therefore, it’s important to choose an EHR system that meets your practice's needs and minimizes frustration for providers.
