Last Updated | November 26, 2024
Since legacy systems put PHI at risk, digitizing patient records is no longer an option but a necessity. EHRs facilitate smooth communication among healthcare providers by centralizing patient information and enhancing operational efficiency by reducing administrative burdens, elevating the quality of care delivered. This blog analyzes the top 5 EHR systems, Epic, Cerner, NextGen, eClinicalWorks, and Allscripts, on the basis of features and strengths to guide healthcare organizations in selecting the EHR solution that aligns with their specific operational needs and enhances patient care delivery.
Brief Overview of EHR Systems
Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are digital systems used in hospital computer systems to manage patient health information more effectively. They collect and present medical histories, treatment plans, and test results into a single, accessible platform. The main features of the electronic health record system include modules for billing, appointment scheduling, patient portals, etc., which streamlines workflow.
Some lauded benefits of EHRs include improved patient safety through quick access to records, ease of billing processes, and transparency in communication among healthcare providers. Additionally, EHRs support reporting and analytics, helping hospitals monitor performance and ensure compliance with regulations. By facilitating data sharing across various healthcare settings, EHRs ultimately lead to better patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
EHR Systems Used In Hospitals
The Electronic Health Record (EHR) Market size is set to surpass USD 46 billion by 2027. As of 2024, 96% of United States acute care hospitals use certified EHR technology. Enterprise EHR vendors such as Epic EMR hospital system and Cerner continue to dominate the industry yearly. Still, small specialty vendors like Folio3, which provides hospital management software integrated with EHRs, are also emerging.
As of 2024, the market share percentages for the leading electronic health record (EHR) vendors in the United States are as follows:
- Epic Systems: 28.21%
- Allscripts: 9.21%
- eClinicalWorks: 6.57%
- Athenahealth: 6.03%
- NextGen Healthcare: 5.37%
- GE Healthcare (Centricity): 5.00%
- Cerner Corporation: 4.32%
- Greenway Health: 2.91%
While bigger hospitals continue to implement advanced EHR systems like those offered by Epic and Cerner, 80% of critical access and rural hospitals reported using at least a basic EHR system. Various EHR software are available for mental health.
What Are The Top 5 EHR Systems In Healthcare?
Whether you’re looking for efficient EHR software for solo practices or larger-scale setups, these examples are some of the best and most common EHR systems in the USA.
1. Epic
Epic Software, founded in 1979, is a leading HER provider in the U.S. specifically designed for large healthcare organizations. Its strong platform allows providers and patients to access health records across various specialties, making it ideal for community hospitals and academic medical centers.
Its standout feature, MyChart, empowers patients by granting them easy access to their health data, enabling electronic communication with healthcare providers and appointment scheduling. The MyChart Bedside feature further increases patient engagement by allowing direct contact with care teams.
The Epic system improves healthcare delivery through its customizable applications and integrated decision-support tools. Medical personnel can use cloud-based software to manage workflows and patient information from any device, enhancing connectivity and efficiency.
2. Cerner
Cerner was established in Kansas City by three accountants and now has evolved into a leading provider of EHR systems and Health IT solutions, supporting over 55 healthcare facilities.
Cerner facilitates hindrance-free data sharing among healthcare systems through HL7 messaging triggered by events like patient admissions or discharges. This integration enhances clinical, operational, and financial workflows and allows real-time access to accurate patient data, resulting in increased efficiency.
Cerner’s voice recognition feature fastens the documentation processes, enabling physicians to input data accurately and quickly without traditional typing. The platform’s connectivity between medical devices and healthcare applications improves accessibility to health records, elevating the quality of care. Additionally, Cerner instills accountability in patients and increases their engagement by connecting patients with IT architects and clinical teams, bridging communication gaps within healthcare settings.
3. NextGen
Developed by Quality Systems Inc., NextGen has established itself as a leading electronic health record (EHR) provider since 1976. It specializes in enhancing ambulatory care and addressing the financial needs of healthcare practices, particularly those with 1 to over 50 providers. The software is custom-made for medium-sized practices and offers clinical content across various specialties, making it adaptable to diverse healthcare environments.
NextGen’s cloud-based EHR system removes clinical process roadblocks through customizable tools, including mobile integration and cloud-based billing solutions. Moreover, its user-friendly interface enables them to optimize operations efficiently.
Automated appointment reminders and online scheduling are some of the most lauded features, which enhance patient engagement and accessibility, improving communication between patients and healthcare facilities while boosting profitability
4. eClinicalWorks
eClinicalWorks caters to thousands of healthcare providers and provides a platform with various features and integrated solutions for Population Health, enabling practitioners to track disease patterns and conduct accurate risk assessments, contributing to improved patient outcomes.
eClinicalWorks offers flexible financial models, including self-service Practice Management and RCM Service options, allowing clinics to choose between full billing control or outsourced solutions.
The system is compatible with PC and Mac, ensuring that healthcare facilities can access patient data anytime and anywhere through its cloud-based infrastructure. Additionally, eClinicalWorks includes the PRISMA health information search engine, allowing providers to get detailed patient records from various sources for more accurate diagnoses.
5. Allscripts
Allscripts EHR is a versatile system designed to improve healthcare delivery across various settings, including small to medium-sized practices. It features an intuitive interface that simplifies clinical workflows, allowing providers to manage patient information efficiently.
Core features include clinical decision support, appointment management, and robust reporting and analytics tools, which help clinicians make informed decisions and improve patient care. Moreover, the platform also supports telehealth capabilities, enabling remote consultations and enhancing patient engagement.
Allscripts EHR integrates seamlessly with pharmacies, labs, and billing systems, reducing data entry errors. Its customizable templates are useful for diverse specialties.
5 Most Popular EHR Systems in the Healthcare Industry
How To Choose the Best EHR System?
Choosing the best Electronic Health Record (EHR) system is crucial for medical organizations as it impacts patient care and operational efficiency.
Steps To Select The Best EHR/EMR System For Your Organization
Assess Your Organizational Needs
Analyze your practice’s requirements, size, and budget to identify specific features you need to improve efficiency. Thorough understanding ensures the EHR system aligns with current operations and future growth.
Identification of Required Features
Listing essential features like patient scheduling, charting, e-prescribing, and billing is crucial to meet the final goal. Prioritizing required functions helps focus on systems that support your practice’s workflows and improve patient care.
Integration
Seamless integration with the existing systems for real-time data sharing is crucial. Effective integration reduces administrative burdens and enhances communication across departments.
Thorough Research on Vendors
Do your research and list down reputable EHR vendors with strong industry experience and positive reviews. This narrows down options to reliable systems that have proven effective in similar settings.
Request Demos and Trials
Request demos from the shortlisted vendors to evaluate usability, customization, and technical support. Prioritize those with hands-on experience assessing how well the system fits into the workflows.
Check Compliance
Confirm that the EHR complies with healthcare regulations like HIPAA to ensure data security and patient privacy. Compliance protects your organization from legal issues and maintains patient trust.
Scalability
Assess whether the EHR can grow with the organization and adapt to regulatory changes. A scalable system accommodates increasing patient volumes and changing compliance requirements without needing a complete overhaul.
Feedback
Gather insights from current users and internal staff who will actually use the system. User experiences can reveal strengths and weaknesses that may not be evident during vendor demos, fostering buy-in for the selected system.
Review Costs and ROI
Analyze total costs, including upfront fees and ongoing expenses, along with potential return on investment (ROI). Understanding financial implications supports informed decision-making regarding budget allocation for EHR investments.
Every practice has a different set of needs that drives the selection of the EHR system; however, some standardized features make it useful. When you begin your search, look for:
- Billing Process
- E-prescriptions
- Patient Portal
- Appointment Scheduling
- Telehealth
What is the EHR Implementation Timeline for Hospitals?
Once you have chosen your healthcare software solution, set the timeline and milestones. Implementations typically take 16 to 24 months and include targets for each phase. Make them measurable and obtainable, incorporating every phase, from design to go live.
What Is EHR Mandate And Affordable Care Act?
The EHR Mandate was established so that healthcare providers could convert all their hard-copy medical charts to digital. It is now a condition under the ARRA, which wants to fund and incentivize healthcare professionals to use EHR systems.
The Affordable Care Act helps those without health insurance. Its health insurance reforms and tax provisions affect providers, insurers, families, individuals, government entities, and tax-exempt organizations. The act also contains responsibilities and benefits for other employers and organizations.
What Are The Three Laws That Govern Electronic Health Records?
HIPAA, HITECH Act, and EHR Certification Program are laws/regulations or standards that govern electronic health records (EHRs).
- HIPAA – Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act: It protects sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient’s consent.
- (HITECH) Act: Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health works with HIPAA by promoting the adoption of health information technology and EHRs among healthcare providers.
- The EHR Certification Program: It ensures that electronic health record systems meet specific functionality, security, and interoperability standards. It is managed by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC).
What Law Regulates Electronic Health Records?
HIPAA- The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, Public Law 104-191, enacted on August 21, 1996. From sections 261 to 264 of HIPAA, the Secretary of HHS publicizes standards for the electronic exchange, privacy, and security of health information.
3 Things You Need To Know About Implementing EHR Systems in Hospitals
What Are The Three Benefits Of Using The Electronic Health Records?
- Improved Quality of Care: EHRs provide healthcare professionals with immediate access to patient information, leading to better results.
- Increased Efficiency and Productivity: EHR systems streamline administrative load, reducing the time spent on paperwork.
- Advanced Data Security and Accessibility Features: Multiple features that protect sensitive patient information offer better protection than traditional paper records.
Achieve Smooth EHR Interoperability with Folio3 Digital Health
Whether you are a healthcare professional looking for EHR software development or a large hospital setup that wants to streamline operations, Folio3 Digital Health is here to solve your problems. Our team of skilled designers, developers, and marketers can assist you from the initial conception of the idea to the final deployment. Partner with Folio3 Digital Health to have the best EHR software for any healthcare discipline. Every Folio3 Digital Health product is HIPAA-compliant and uses the latest HL7 and FHIR interoperability standards.
Conclusion
Selecting the right Electronic Health Record (EHR) system plays a significant role in helping healthcare organizations improve patient care, streamline their operations, and enhance overall efficiency. Among the top contenders, common examples of electronic healthcare resources include Epic, Cerner, eClinicalWorks, etc. Each offers various features to meet the needs of different kinds of healthcare settings.
Frequently Asked Questions: What are the top 5 EHR Systems
What Are EHR Systems Designed for?
An Electronic Health Record (EHR) is an electronic version of a patient’s medical history maintained by a provider over time. It stores and shares updated medical information.
What Are The Most Common EHRs?
Epic and Oracle Cerner collectively have more than half of the inpatient EHR market share in the United States.
What is the Most Popular Electronic Patient Record Software in the UK?
The UK has some of the top healthcare app development services globally, which provide the best patient record software. One of the best electronic patient record software in the UK is EMIS Health. It is dominating the primary care sector and is a preferred choice among GPs and community health services.
What is the Top Electronic Medical Records Software in Australia?
Adroit is a popular medical records software in Australia, providing many electronic solutions to users. It allows patients to transfer customer data quickly from one department to another, increases productivity by increasing the number of patients served daily, and provides advanced e-prescribing and clinical documentation.
What is the Canadian EMR Market Share?
Meditech is the leading provider of EMR systems in Canadian hospitals, with 165 installations and a 29.7% market share. Epic is second, with 131 installations and a 23.6% market share.
What Are The Most Common EMR Systems?
Epic, Cerner, eClinicalWorks, and NextGen are the most common systems. Other types of EMR systems include DrChrono, Allscripts, Athenahealth, etc.
In The Hospital, Do We Use An EMR Or EHR?
Most hospitals use EHR over EMR to support functions such as quality patient care, monitoring patient safety, organizational performance, and identifying high-risk patients.
Who Manages Electronic Health Records?
An Electronic Health Record electronically records patients’ medical histories and is managed by the specific healthcare software provider you choose.
What Is The EHR Mandate?
The EHR mandate is a condition set by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), which requires healthcare institutions to convert their medical charts from paper to digital format.
Six Objectives For Migration To An Electronic Health Record System?
- Change Management
- Identify valuable data and migrate it
- Conduct EHR training sessions
- Test Run
- Communicate when you are going live to your team
- Address issues with migration
Federal Regulatory Requirements For Health Information Technology?
Regulatory Requirements by Federal Institutions for Health IT are the HIPAA Privacy Rule and The HITECH Act.
Does EHR Use Healthcare UX to Enhance Functionality?
According to research, around 49% of doctors struggle with burnout, and one doctor spends more than sixteen minutes on one patient in the EHR systems. However, this is taking a toll on clinical efficiency. For this reason, EHR vendors are redesigning healthcare UX systems to reduce errors and enhance functionality.
About the Author
Naqqash Khan
As a seasoned .NET Developer, I am dedicated to creating innovative digital health solutions that improve patient outcomes and streamline healthcare processes. Working in the Digital Health division of Folio3, I have a wealth of experience utilizing the latest technologies to craft highly scalable, HIPAA-compliant, and secure software systems. My experience includes developing web and mobile applications, implementing RESTful APIs, and utilizing cloud computing technologies such as AWS/Azure for scalable and secure data storage and processing. If you're looking for a professional who can turn your digital health vision into a reality, connect with me to discuss how we can work together to revolutionize healthcare through technology.
