If you're a physician, practice manager, or some other healthcare professional scouring the market for robust medical software solutions, the new year offers a number of exciting options to consider. From EHRs to EMRs - both distinct in a narrow, operational sense (as we explain) - there is no shortage of choices and system features to think about when it comes to upgrading your clinical practice.
What helps, of course, is an expert distillation of the best that's out there: what we've tried to do in this piece.
Choosing Criteria
We've based our top medical software recommendations for 2023 on such telling, impartial indicators as user/expert reviews, cost and affordability evaluations, ease of use/deployment in clinical settings, demo offer availability, and other important subscriber concerns.
This Year's Medical Software Juggernauts
For simplicity (and in order of preference), we've compiled a quick list of the 10 below, after which we're going to delve deeper into what each of these medical practice software applications' has to offer.
- Athenahealth EMR
- eClinicalWorks EMR
- Allscripts EMR
- Cerner EMR
- EpicCare EMR
- DrChrono EHR
- Practice Fusion EHR
- Meditech EHR
- Kareo Clinical EHR
- NextGen EHR
But before we dive all in, let's do some context-setting; clear out a few things which you'd be good to know if you're in the mood to commit (or even research).
EMR vs EHR: Functional Differences
Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) are two types of software used in medical settings.
EHRs are more comprehensive, as they contain patient data from multiple sources such as lab tests, prescriptions, and clinical notes. They also offer more functionality, such as the ability to record diagnoses, prescribe medications, and manage billing information.
EMRs, on the other hand, emphasize the practice of individual physicians and contain only basic health records. They are useful for tracking patient visits and treatments but do not include all of the features offered by an electronic health record system.
Read our detailed EHR & EMR differences piece to dive deeper.
Cloud-based vs Server-based: How Do They Compare?
Cloud-based and server-based EHR/EMR software are two different ways of storing and managing patient health data.
Cloud-based EHR/EMR software stores the data on remote servers, which can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. This makes it easier for medical professionals to access the information they need both quickly and securely.
Server-based EHR/EMR software, in contrast, is stored on local servers in a medical organization's own data center. This requires more maintenance and upkeep but offers greater control over security.
When choosing between cloud-based and server-based EHR/EMR software, organizations should consider their specific needs.
Cloud-based solutions are typically more cost-effective and require less maintenance than server-based solutions, but may not provide as much control over security or customization options. Server-based solutions offer greater administrative scope on these fronts, but require more maintenance and have higher upfront costs.
The medical software industry also maintains a separate, more granular, categorization between free and open-source EHR solutions: something worth exploring for gaining a more wholesome appreciation of what’s available.
Let's commence with our first list contender.
Athenahealth
Overview & Features
Athenahealth is a comprehensive, cloud-based, electronic health record system that offers practice management, billing, patient portals, and more.
It is designed to be intuitively organized for the patient visit and to help providers document faster. The platform currently works with a network of more than 160,000 providers and has been named Best in KLAS for both Small Practice Ambulatory EMR and Practice Management in 2022.
AthenaOne from athenahealth includes features such as Referrals, Medical Templates, and Clinical Workflow, all of which are built to improve the speed and accuracy of documentation. The software also offers a mobile-friendly platform with an integrated telehealth feature.
Many field authorities consider eClinicalWorks to be the vendor’s closest EMR market rival – read our detailed eClinicalWorks vs. Athenahealth contrast piece to learn exactly how they compete.
Pricing
The cost of athenahealth EHR varies depending on the size of the practice, but it is generally considered an affordable option for many medical practices.
To get quick, updated, and custom plan prices for your practice - click below 👇🏻
Demo
Screengrab of the Athenahealth-Patient Portal in Action
In addition to its custom pricing plans, athenahealth also offers free demos so potential subscribers can get a feel for the product before agreeing to any funds exchange.
User/Critic Reviews
Based on our own user reviews compilation and those recorded by other software aggregator platforms, we've ranked the medical software at the number 1 spot on our list.
Read our minutely curated athenahealth user reviews now. 
eClinicalWorks
Overview & Features
eClinicalWorks is a leading cloud-based electronic health record and practice management software that helps medical practices grow and maintain their operations.
It is the largest EHR software by market cap in the United States and offers a comprehensive range of solutions to meet the needs of any size practice.
eClinicalWorks integrates with all Midmark, Welch Allyn, and IQvitals PC devices, making it easy to start tests and walk away with results quickly.
Pricing
In terms of pricing, eClinicalWorks offers several different packages depending on the size and scope of your practice's needs. Prices start at $199*/month for smaller practices and, correspondingly, go up for larger enterprises. Additionally, they offer discounts for long-term contracts as well as special pricing for non-profits or government organizations.
* Please note that the plan prices mentioned are rough estimates; to confirm end subscription costs (what you'd be paying in net).
Demo
eClinicalWorks Patient Hub - Dashboard View
The company also offers a free demo version of its software so potential subscribers can get an idea of how it works before committing to a purchase.
User/Critic Reviews
eClinicalWorks has received mostly positive reviews from users who have used its software for their practice management needs. Many have praised its ease of use, affordability, and wide range of features availability.
Some critics consider AdvancedMD EHR to be in the same league as eClinicalWorks – read our probing eClinicalWorks vs. AdvancedMD comparison piece on their common points and distinctions.
Allscripts (now 'Veradigm')
Overview & Features
Allscripts Professional EHR (recently rebranded to 'Veradigm') is largely deemed the 'preeminent platform of clinical, operational, financial, and wellness solutions for small to mid-size physician practices' by many in the business. It provides templates for different visits, diagnoses, and patient experiences that help clinics manage their operational needs.
The software, further, offers comprehensive revenue cycle management solutions for physician practices of all sizes and specialties.
Pricing
Allscripts EHR offers various pricing plans based on the size of a practice’s staff and other factors such as specialty type or the number of locations. Prices start from $100* per month per provider depending on the plan chosen. There are also discounts available for larger practices with more than 10 providers or multiple locations.
* To get the latest vendor pricing tiers suited to your facility, click 👇🏻
Demo
Allscripts EMR Outpatient Assessment Plan Entry Portal Screengrab
Allscripts offers free demos of its software so potential subscribers can get a better understanding of how it works before signing up for a subscription plan. The demos are tailored to each individual practice’s needs so they can get an accurate representation of what they would be getting if they choose to enroll.
User/Critic Reviews
The aggregate user reviews for Allscripts EHR are generally positive. Users appreciate its ability to provide quick and easy access to patient records in one place, making it simple to view patient information. It also helps streamline operations and increase efficiency in the workplace. Additionally, many find the software affordable with various pricing options available depending on the size of the practice.
Interestingly, a lot of psychiatric and nephrology facilities tend to use Allscripts for their workflow needs; so its use in specialist settings is also considered noteworthy.
Cerner
Overview & Features
Cerner EHR is a comprehensive suite of medical software solutions designed to provide an enterprise-wide view of patient care. It offers a range of features and capabilities, including point-of-care delivery, electronic medical records (EMR), and interoperability tools.
The Cerner PowerChart offering - on a competitive note - makes it easy to review a patient's history, track progress, and manage care plans.
In addition to its core features, the software also provides virtual nursing tools that streamline charting and other administrative tasks. This helps healthcare facilities save time and money while providing better patient care.
Oracle Cerner recently rolled out upgrades that further enhance the platform’s interoperability capabilities, allowing for more seamless integration with other systems.
Pricing
The software is considered affordable for most organizations, with pricing starting at $50* per month for the basic package.
* To obtain the exact plan prices for your custom subscription arrangement, go to👇🏻
Demo
Cerner EHR Patient Admission Form Screengrab
For those looking to try out the software before committing to a subscription, Cerner offers free demos that allow users to explore the features and capabilities of the platform.
User/Critic Reviews
Cerner EHR has been well received by users, with many praising its user-friendly interface and robust feature set.
On the (minor) flipside, however, some subscribers have lamented over the EHR’s requirement for continuous upgrading – an issue worth considering.
To view these testimonials in detail, go to 👇🏻
EpicCare
Overview & Features
EpicCare EHR software is one of the most popular electronic medical recording (EMR) solutions available for large hospitals and healthcare systems. It is certified for Meaningful Use Stages 1 and 2 and has been rated #1 by KLAS in ambulatory EMR software.
The software offers a range of features that make it an attractive choice for many health organizations, including integrated Practice Management, Patient Portal and Medical Billing capabilities.
Pricing
In terms of pricing, EpicCare is quite affordable compared to other EMR solutions on the market. The exact cost will depend on the size of your organization and the number of users you need to accommodate. However, there are several plans available that can fit any budget.
To get accurate, updated pricing details, please go 👇🏻
Demo
Epic EHR - Revising the Practice/Patient Meds List in Encounter
If you're interested in trying out EpicCare before committing to a subscription plan, they offer free demos so you can get a feel for how the system works before making a decision.
User/Critic Reviews
The user reviews of EpicCare are overwhelmingly positive. Many praise its modular design, which makes it easy to customize the system to meet their specific needs. Subscribers, additionally, appreciate its cloud-based platform, which allows them to access their data from anywhere with an internet connection.
A lot of clinicians also report that the software is fast and physician-friendly, making it easier for them to manage patient records efficiently.
Epic is often compared with Cerner EHR on the costing front, so if you’re a clinical setting interested in taking on either of these subscriptions, it makes sense to do an in-depth analysis.
DrChrono
Overview & Features
DrChrono EHR software is a cloud-based platform that provides a complete suite of tools for managing patient care. It offers a user-friendly interface, robust feature set, and affordable pricing plans that make it an attractive choice for many healthcare organizations.
Pricing
In terms of pricing, DrChrono offers several different subscription plans that are designed to fit any budget. The Basic plan starts at $49* per month and includes all of the platform's core features. For those looking for more advanced capabilities, the vendor's other, more costly, plan offers come highly recommended. 
Demo
Recording Patient History/Clinical Notes on DrChrono
If you're interested in trying out DrChrono before tethering to a subscription plan, they offer free demos so you can explore the features and functionality of the platform.
User/Critic Reviews
DrChrono has been well-reviewed by users, with many praising its ease of use and affordability. The software is also physician-friendly, with an interface that is designed to be easy to navigate and use.
Additionally, the platform offers a wide range of features that are designed to streamline patient care, including appointment scheduling, medication management, and e-prescribing capabilities – things that several small-sized practice subscribers are keen to note. 
Practice Fusion
Overview & Features
Practice Fusion EHR software is a comprehensive cloud-based platform that provides a wide range of tools for managing patient care. Its user interface is intuitive and designed to make managing patient data both quick and easy.
Additionally, the platform offers a wide range of features that make it an attractive option for healthcare organizations, including patient portal access and Electronic Health Records (EHR) capabilities.
Pricing
In terms of pricing, Practice Fusion offers several different subscription plans that are tailored to meet different budgets. The free Basic plan starts at $0 per month (obviously) and includes all of the core features of the platform. For those looking for more advanced features, the Professional plan - at $99* per month - offers additional options such as messaging and lab integrations.
* To get accurate plan pricing details, click 👇🏻 
Demo
Selecting Custom Chart Templates in Practice Fusion
If you're interested in trying out Practice Fusion before going ahead with the subscription sign up, consider reviewing the vendor's comprehensive demo.
User/Critic Reviews
Practice Fusion has been well-received by users, with many commending its user-friendly interface and ‘kaleidoscopic’ range of features. The software is also physician-friendly, making it easy to manage patient records quickly and efficiently. Additionally, the platform offers a free basic plan that makes it an affordable option for medical practices of any size. DrChrono and Practice Fusion make for close competitors in the EHR ring: read our detailed comparison piece on how each fare relative to the other on a range of subscription benchmarks.
To read more incisive user reviews, click below 👇🏻 
Meditech
Overview & Features
Meditech EHR software is a powerful, cloud-based platform that provides an eclectic, holistic set of tools for managing patient care. It has been praised by users for its intuitive user interface, robust features, and affordable pricing plans, among other platform attributes that make it a clinical go-to in many parts of the world (not just in North America).
Pricing
In terms of pricing, Meditech offers several different subscription plans that are designed to fit any budget. The basic plan starts at $199* per month and includes all of the core features such as appointment scheduling and e-prescribing capabilities.
Additionally, more advanced plans are available with additional features such as patient portals and online billing services starting at a higher monthly price tier.
* For accurate, updated pricing figures, go 👇🏻
Demo
Meditech Expanse: Setting Vendor Orders
If you're interested in trying out Meditech before taking on a subscription plan, watch the software demo so you can explore the platform’s features and functionality.
User/Critic Reviews
Meditech's user reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Many users applaud the platform for its ease of use and wide range of features, which make it a great choice for busy healthcare organizations.
Additionally, they report that the software is fast and reliable, making it easy to manage patient data efficiently.
The EHR vendor (development company behind Meditech) has lately been at the forefront of publicizing prescriptions for combatting inflation in medical practices; indicating that the software may be suited for clinical settings operating on a budget. 
Kareo Clinical
Overview & Features
Kareo Clinical EHR software is a comprehensive cloud-based platform that provides a wide range of tools for managing patient care. It has been well received by users, with many praising its intuitive user interface, robust features, and affordability specs.
Pricing
In terms of pricing, Kareo Clinical offers several different subscription plans that are tailored to meet different budgets.
The basic plan starts at $199* per month and includes all of the core features such as appointment scheduling and e-prescribing. Additionally, more advanced plans are available with additional features such as online billing, linked – as expected – to a higher price point.
* For exact, updated plan pricing info, click 👇🏻 
Demo
Kareo Clinical EHR: Dashboard View
If you're interested in trying out Kareo Clinical before committing to a subscription plan, consider previewing the free software demo so you have an idea of what's in store.
User/Critic Reviews
The user reviews for Kareo Clinical are exceedingly positive. Many subscribers applaud the platform for its ease of use and flexibility when it comes to managing patient data.
Additionally, they report that the software is powerful yet affordable, making it an attractive option for healthcare organizations on a budget.
For an informed analysis of how Kareo and eClinicalWorks EMR compare (two platforms often pitted against each other), read our side-by-side comparison piece on the duo. 
NextGen
Overview & Features
NextGen EHR software is a powerful, cloud-based platform that provides a comprehensive suite of tools for managing patient care. It has been highlighted by users for its intuitive user interface, robust features, and competitive affordability.
Pricing
In terms of pricing, NextGen offers several different subscription plans that are designed to fit any budget.
The basic plan starts at $199* per month and includes, mostly, all of the standard slate of EHR software features. Additionally, more advanced plans are available with additional (large-practice-necessitated) capabilities such as patient portals and online billing services starting at a higher monthly price point. 
Demo
NextGen Enterprise EHR: Dashboard Overview Snap
If you're interested in trying out NextGen before committing to a subscription plan, they offer free demos to allow you to explore the platform’s functionality. Plus, their customer service team is available to answer any questions you may have about the software or help you get started with setting up your account.
User/Critic Reviews
The user reviews for NextGen are overwhelmingly positive. Many users applaud the platform for its ease of use and wide range of features, which makes it easy to manage patient data efficiently.
Additionally, they report that the software is fast and reliable, making it an attractive option for busy healthcare organizations. 
Conclusion
In the final software consideration stage, you need to pick the EHR that checks all – or most – of your ‘requirement’ boxes.
Now, you can do this based on your own evaluative criteria, sure; based on what clinical workflow processes you need to automate and/or streamline.
Or…
You can use our expert medical software evaluation template on the right 👉 to help with the decision-making (speed up the picking by a factor of 10!).
And if you still feel you need more legit, unbiased assistance on the medical software option that would be your best fit, you’re welcome to reach out to our friendly customer success team today! 
