Choosing the right electronic health record (EHR) or electronic medical record (EMR) software for your healthcare organization can feel like navigating a complex maze. With many factors to consider, from features and cost to user feedback, making an informed decision can be challenging.
This guide compares MEDITECH vs Epic, discussing their core features, pricing, and user feedback to help you determine which software suits your practice.
According to the latest data from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), EHR adoption among U.S. non-federal acute care hospitals has seen remarkable growth over the past decade. In 2011, only 28% had adopted at least a basic EHR system with clinician notes. By 2021, that number had soared to 96%, reflecting a near-universal reliance on digital recordkeeping in clinical operations.
Among the leading providers in this space is MEDITECH, which brings over 50 years of experience in developing systems for healthcare organizations. Its flagship platform, MEDITECH Expanse, is recognized for its user-friendly interface and broad capabilities, offering integrated clinical, financial, technical, and operational tools. MEDITECH currently holds 16% of the U.S. acute care hospital market, securing its place as a major player in the industry.
In contrast, Epic—with a legacy spanning more than four decades—now dominates the U.S. acute care hospital market with a 39.1% share. Epic is widely known for its strong telemedicine functionality, comprehensive patient portal, intuitive scheduling tools, and revenue-focused billing features, all aimed at improving patient engagement and streamlining practice management.
According to KLAS Research’s 2023 performance and market share report, Epic received the highest vendor rating with an 'A' grade, while MEDITECH earned a solid 'B' for its overall performance and market standing.
With 13.2% of U.S. hospital EHR market share, Meditech has made itself into one of the leading EHRs in the industry.
Meanwhile, Epic, with a history spanning over four decades, has established itself as a reliable choice. Known for its telehealth capabilities, patient portal, scheduling, and billing features, Epic offers many tools to enhance patient engagement and streamline revenue management.
Having 37.7% of U.S. hospital EHR market share, Epic is the leading software at the moment.
In its 2023 performance and market share overview, healthcare research firm KLAS gave top vendor Epic Systems its highest ‘A’ rating, while awarding competitor Meditech a ‘B’ grade for its offerings and market presence. Now, let's delve into the specifics of these software solutions and see how they stack up against each other.
Why Meditech Expanse?
At its core, MEDITECH EHR is a user-friendly EHR solution that empowers providers to protect patient data, streamline communication, and reduce administrative burdens.
It enables seamless remote communication through features like 'Expanse Virtual Care' and the 'Patient and Consumer Health Portal'. Additionally, its 'High Availability SnapShot' ensures uninterrupted access to patient data during system downtime.
MEDITECH includes essential functionalities such as telehealth capabilities, practice management tools, billing systems, and more. The software also excels at automating collection processes and maximizing reimbursement potential—ultimately boosting your organization's profitability.
It goes the extra mile with patient-focused features in the 'Patient and Consumer Health Portal', offering tools that support greater patient engagement.
For instance, patients can request virtual appointments, refill prescriptions, pay bills online, and sync health data with medical devices. With options like pre-registration, demographic updates, and QR code check-ins, MEDITECH supports a streamlined, modern patient experience.
To enhance accessibility even further, MEDITECH provides mobile tools and apps such as the 'Expanse Virtual Assistant' for physicians and 'Expanse Point of Care' for nurses. These applications enable quick access to relevant information, helping healthcare professionals deliver efficient, responsive care.
Why Epic EMR?
Epic EMR has solidified its position as a trusted healthcare software solution, particularly for large hospitals. This comprehensive platform enhances patient engagement, automates revenue and coding processes, manages health insurance operations, and generates predictive insights.
Epic integrates with external pharmacies to enable fast e-prescribing and lab result delivery. It also offers telehealth capabilities that support patient monitoring, peer-to-peer consultations, and continuous care.
The 'MyChart Bedside' patient engagement feature allows in-patients to communicate with their care team and stay informed about their schedule. Billing and claims management are also simplified through automated tools and optimized billing processes.
Users can customize Epic’s features—such as patient charts and templates—to meet specific organizational needs.
On the mobility front, Epic offers dedicated apps, including 'Epic Haiku' for smartphones, 'Epic Canto' for tablets, and 'Epic Haiku & Limerick' for iPhone and Apple Watch users. These tools provide convenient access to test results and health information on the go.
Additionally, Epic’s advanced AI and analytics capabilities centralize clinical, operational, and financial data within a single data warehouse.
MEDITECH follows a custom pricing model based on an organization’s size and specific needs. Costs generally include licensing, implementation, and ongoing maintenance. Pricing starts at approximately $49 per month for a single user. For large hospitals (over 500 beds), the estimated initial setup ranges somewhere from $7 to $20 million, with annual maintenance between $1 and $2 million.
Epic also uses a custom pricing model that varies based on organizational size and implementation scope. For smaller clinics, pricing may start around $1,200. In contrast, enterprise deployments for large hospitals can exceed $500,000, with total costs influenced by system configuration, customization, and ongoing support requirements.
Disclaimer: The pricing has been sourced from third-party websites and is subject to change.
When comparing MEDITECH and Epic, both stand out as comprehensive EHR solutions with powerful tools to enhance patient engagement and streamline administrative workflows.
Each platform shines in different areas. MEDITECH is often a better fit for small to mid-sized organizations, while larger hospitals typically favor Epic. Both systems deliver strong security, dependable customer support, and consistent updates. However, Epic holds an edge in user experience and advanced scalability.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your organization’s specific priorities—whether that’s ease of use, cost-effectiveness, scalability, or customization. Carefully assessing your operational needs and asking the right questions will help you select the EHR that aligns best with your long-term goals.