Top 30 Electronic Health Record (EHR) Systems for Small Practices
Caring for patients goes beyond what happens during an office visit. For small medical practices, providing quality care also means keeping patient records organized, accessible, and secure. Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems make all these easy for all practices. These tools help reduce paperwork, support better decision-making, and make daily operations more manageable. When used effectively, EHRs improve communication among staff, cut down on repetitive tasks, and free up more time for patient interaction. This post will highlight 30 of the best EHR systems that help small practices stay organized, comply with legal requirements, and improve the patient and provider experience.
Digital transformation has changed the way healthcare providers run their practices. As patients now expect quicker communication and more connected care, small clinics must adopt flexible tools that keep up with these demands. From tracking medications and handling billing to securely sharing records, EHR systems have evolved. They now help simplify daily tasks and make managing a practice more efficient.
Top 30 Best Electronic Health Record (EHR) Systems for Small Practices
1. Practice Fusion
Practice Fusion is a cloud-based medical software program that provides necessary tools for daily clinic operations and patient record management. This free platform assists medical professionals in managing appointments, sending electronic prescriptions, connecting with labs, and organizing patient data all from one location. Users can access it from any device with an internet connection because it operates online.
Pros
- Free to use
- Easy to learn
- Strong e-prescribing capabilities
Cons
- Ad-supported
- Fewer advanced features
- Frequent technical issues
Verdict: Practice Fusion is ideal for solo practitioners or small clinics that need basic features without the expense.
2. Epic Systems
One of Epic’s standout features is its emphasis on patient engagement and remote care. It provides a comprehensive patient portal, which is available as a mobile app for both iOS and Android. Additionally, Epic includes various telehealth options to support virtual care. The platform is also incorporating AI to enhance patient care and improve clinical decision-making, all while maintaining smooth workflows.
Pros
- Options for self-hosting, cloud hosting, or dual hosting
- Dedicated iOS and Android apps
- Flexible workflow customization
- Its Patient Portal allows for easy patient access
Cons
- Pricing is not transparent
- Higher overall cost
- Android app has poor user ratings
- Some downtime during system upgrades
Verdict: Small practices may want to consider alternatives that better align with their budget, size, and ease-of-use requirements.
3. Athenahealth
AthenaOne’s system simplifies the process of documenting patient visits and helps improve the quality of care. Its expanded EHR features build on the core EMR capabilities, enhancing daily operations and making patient care more efficient.
Pros
- Excellent for coordinating care between providers
- Automated outreach to patients
- Clean, modern user interface
Cons
- Can be expensive for small clinics
- Support response times may vary
Verdict
If your practice focuses on enhancing patient experience and delivering proactive care, Athenahealth is a worthwhile investment.
4. DrChrono
DrChrono EHR focuses on simplifying communication between patients and healthcare providers. It offers automatic email and text reminders, as well as phone notifications for appointments. Through its mobile app, patients can easily access and view their medical records from anywhere. Additionally, users can directly contact their clinicians to manage and schedule appointments. All communications through DrChrono are secure and comply with HIPAA regulations. The platform also includes a medical billing and revenue cycle management system.
Pros
- Customizable forms
- Integrated telehealth features
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Occasional mobile glitches
Verdict: DrChrono is an excellent choice for mobile-focused clinics or healthcare providers who are always on the go.
5. CharmHealth
CharmEHR helps patients interact with their healthcare team more easily. It includes features such as secure messaging, personal health portals, pre-appointment questionnaires, and tools to share educational content. With these options, patients can access their health information, complete necessary forms, request prescription refills, and communicate with their healthcare providers online.
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Clean and customizable interface
- Effective for specialty practices
Cons
- Limited customer support on lower-tier plans
- Basic automation features
Verdict: CharmEHR is a flexible solution for growing practices that need more than just basic EHR functionality.
6. NextGen
NextGen EHR, developed by NextGen Healthcare, is a cloud-based solution that helps ambulatory practices of all sizes manage medical records and administrative tasks. It aims to improve organizational efficiency. For smaller practices, NextGen Office offers a user-friendly and comprehensive solution tailored to their needs.
Pros
- Specialty-specific templates
- Strong mobile features
- Reliable customer support
Cons
- Reporting tools can be confusing
- Initial setup takes time
Verdict: NextGen EHR is a solid choice for practices that need specialty tools and responsive support.
7. AdvancedMD
AdvancedMD EHR is a cloud-based software system that caters to practices of various sizes, with a particular focus on ambulatory care. It is ideal for physician offices, physical therapy centers, mental health clinics, and independent practices. The software is HIPAA compliant and aims to simplify many aspects of medical practice management.
Pros
- Mobile app available for both clinicians and patients
- Telehealth capabilities for remote consultations
- Appointment scheduling features
- Automated processes and customizable dashboards
Cons
- Limited reporting features that may not meet all needs
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Data migration can be challenging
- Too complex for practices with simpler requirements
- High cost may be too much for smaller practices
Verdict: AdvancedMD EHR is best suited for practices looking to scale up and automate their administrative tasks, particularly those that are prepared for more advanced features and complexity.
8. Veradigm
Veradigm simplifies the learning process for staff and potentially boosts adoption rates while cutting down on training time. The system is also scalable, integrates well with third-party systems, and offers excellent customer support. Allscripts is a good fit for both small to medium-sized practices and hospitals. One of its standout features is the ability to offer customizable templates and forms to meet the documentation needs of different healthcare settings.
Pros
- Appointment scheduling
- Electronic health record management
- E-prescribing capabilities
- Revenue cycle management tools
Cons
- Occasional system slowdowns
- Freezing or login issues
- Less customizable experience
- Challenges with data migration
Verdict:
Allscripts is a solid choice for smaller practices seeking a dependable EHR solution. Its well-rounded features, security, and adaptability make it an effective tool for improving practice management and patient care.
9. Meditech
Meditech aims to enhance clinical workflows, improve patient care, and boost overall productivity. It offers wide features that support patient-clinician interactions, such as appointment scheduling, record keeping, documentation, and data retrieval. The system helps healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, manage patient records efficiently, even remotely. Additionally, it supports revenue cycle management, contributing to improved cash flow for healthcare providers.
Pros
- Offers strong customization options
- User-friendly interface
- Advanced charting features
- Clinical decision support
- Supports virtual care
Cons
- Integration with third-party applications can be complicated
- Reports of system slowdowns
- Occasional glitches and downtime
- Limited charting options
Verdict
Meditech EMR is a solid option for healthcare providers looking to improve patient care and operational efficiency. However, its integration challenges and occasional technical issues may make it less ideal for some users
10. CareCloud EHR
CareCloud EHR is a cloud-based system that stores patient data and provides features such as clinical decision support and a patient portal. It is customizable, secure, and compliant with HIPAA standards. Its scalability and adaptability make it a great choice for medium to large healthcare groups and systems across different specialties.
Pros
- Offers patient summaries and configurable templates
- Provides actionable insights for better decision-making
- Helps track progress toward quality initiatives
Cons
- Not ideal for small practices
Verdict
CareCloud EHR is well-suited for medium to large medical groups due to its customizable features and ability to track quality initiatives. However, smaller practices may find it less suitable for their needs.
11. TherapyNotes
TherapyNotes is a comprehensive software for behavioral health practices, offering essential features like scheduling, clinical notes, billing, e-prescribing, and telehealth services. It provides mental health professionals with an efficient way to manage patient records and daily operations.
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- HIPAA compliant
- Free basic telehealth platform
- Strong tools for client documentation, scheduling, and billing
Cons
- Limited customization options
- Basic reporting without advanced data analysis
- Few third-party integrations
Verdict
TherapyNotes is a solid choice for behavioral health practices, offering essential features in a secure and easy-to-use package. However, it may fall short for practices needing more customization or advanced reporting tools.
12. Valant EHR
Valant EHR is a cloud-based software that meets the needs of behavioral health professionals, particularly solo therapists and smaller practices. It offers a user-friendly interface and useful features like group therapy integration, credit card processing, and online bill pay. It also includes tools for evidence-based decision-making, such as measurement-based features.
Pros
- Effective tools for progress notes, treatment plans, and outcome tracking
- Basic telehealth features and mobile access
- Structured note templates and color-coded scheduling
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Limited scalability
- Some users have reported slow customer service responses
Verdict:
Valant EHR is a solid choice for smaller practices or solo therapists seeking an affordable, straightforward system with essential features. However, its limited customization and scalability may be a drawback for larger practices or those needing more flexibility.
13. WebPT
WebPT EMR is a cloud-based software created to improve the efficiency of rehabilitation therapy practices. It offers tools for managing appointments, billing, and patient records, all while simplifying workflow. The platform is user-friendly, providing clear and easy-to-read reports, though it does face challenges with tracking cancellations and no-shows. It offers customizable user permissions for better data security and improved access control.
Pros
- Customizable user permissions help protect sensitive data and restrict access when needed.
- The software is continuously improved for better functionality.
- Customer support is responsive and helpful.
Cons
- Documenting cancellations and no-shows can be challenging.
- The scheduling feature lacks a tracking function, which could be useful for better management.
Verdict
WebPT EMR is a solid choice for physical therapy practices looking for a cloud-based solution. While it excels in most areas, including patient record management and customer support, it could benefit from improvements in scheduling and handling cancellations.
14. Greenway Health Intergy
Intergy EHR offers specific clinical templates that help healthcare providers document patient information more effectively. These templates simplify the process of capturing data, reducing the time spent on administrative tasks and allowing healthcare professionals to dedicate more time to patient care. The platform also prioritizes data protection by employing a multi-layered security strategy and using CommonWell’s protocols to securely transmit health data. Additionally, it adheres to HIPAA standards, ensuring the privacy and safety of patient information.
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Affordable and modern
Cons
-
High cost maybe too much for smaller practices
Verdict
Intergy EHR is a solid choice for healthcare providers seeking an intuitive and secure system, though its pricing may be a consideration for some.
15. OpenEMR
OpenEMR provides a full suite of features, including patient management, appointment scheduling, billing, coding, HIPAA compliance, and multilingual support. The platform enables users to create and manage electronic health records, track patient demographics, medical history, and organize appointments. Known for its flexibility, OpenEMR allows customization to fit specific needs, with input from both users and maintainers.
Pros
- Completely free
- Customizable to meet specific needs
- Active community support
Cons
- Requires technical expertise
- No dedicated customer service
Verdict
OpenEMR is an excellent choice for clinics with an in-house IT team or those on a tight budget.
16. RXNT
RXNT’s practice management solution brings together patient scheduling and medical billing in one system, making it easier for healthcare organizations to manage everyday administrative duties. This platform enhances office efficiency by simplifying tasks such as appointment booking, tracking patient information, creating invoices, processing insurance claims, and managing the entire revenue cycle.
Pros
- Clear pricing structure
- Helpful customer support
- Cloud-based and adaptable
Cons
- Limited features in the patient portal
- Fewer third-party integrations
Verdict: This is a great choice for smaller clinics, offering a solid foundation with the ability to grow as your practice expands.
17. iPatientCare
iPatientCare offers an EHR software suite that works well for both small clinics and large hospitals with over 200 doctors. It also supports practices that operate in multiple locations or focus on various medical specialties. Some of the standout features include tools for patient enrollment, credentialing, verifying insurance eligibility, handling referrals, estimating fees, collecting payments, and managing claims from submission to denial follow-ups.
Pros
- Scalable: Works well for solo practices and large hospitals alike.
- Flexible Setup: Supports multiple specialties and locations.
- Efficient Tools: Offers essential features for admin and billing tasks.
- Easy to Use: Clean interface makes navigation simple.
Cons
- Limited Customization: Needs more templates to offer better design flexibility.
18. Medhost
Medhost is a cloud-based EHR system that connects with ambulatory systems, allowing healthcare professionals to share medical summaries, manage referrals, and access lab and radiology results from anywhere. It brings administrative, clinical, and financial tasks into one platform, helping hospitals and clinics run their operations more efficiently.
Pros
-
Healthcare providers benefit from its ability to connect with other systems, which makes it easier to handle data exchange, generate reports, track revenue, and engage with patients.
Cons
- Its complexity and limited trial access can also make onboarding a bit difficult, especially for teams with less technical experience.
Verdict: It is a comprehensive EHR solution ideal for larger healthcare facilities looking to unify their operations, though it may be less suitable for smaller practices due to its complexity.
19. Praxis EMR
Praxis EMR takes a fresh approach to managing medical records by adapting to each healthcare provider’s unique style. Instead of relying on rigid templates, it uses intelligent learning to adjust to the way you chart. The result? A more intuitive, efficient experience that fits into your daily routine. Its user-friendly features make tasks like prescribing medication and handling billing noticeably easier.
Pros
- Simple and effective charting
- Prescription and billing tools are easy to use
Cons
- Setup can be tricky
- Customer support may be needed during installation
Verdict
Praxis EMR stands out for making everyday tasks feel simpler, especially when it comes to charting and billing. While the initial setup might need a few support calls, the long-term ease of use makes it worth the effort.
20. CPSI EHR
The CPSI EHR system stands out for its easy-to-use charting feature that simplifies how healthcare professionals record patient information. With a clean and intuitive layout, it helps providers quickly document diagnoses, treatments, and patient progress accurately. Moving between patient records feels smooth, which reduces the chances of errors during data entry and saves time during busy shifts.
Pros
- Speeds up the process of generating reports
- Includes modules that support different medical procedures
Cons
- New users may need some time to get comfortable with the system
- Some users have mentioned that the billing section could be more efficient
Verdict
Overall, CPSI offers practical tools that support day-to-day hospital tasks, though there’s room for improvement in a few areas.
21. PrognoCIS
PrognoCIS Electronic Health Records is a HIPAA-compliant software that supports clinical and administrative tasks for healthcare providers in solo, group, or multi-specialty practices. It offers ready-made templates that help simplify various operations like medical billing, revenue tracking, claims processing, telehealth consultations, and practice management. These tools make it easier for professionals to keep their workflow organized and their practice running smoothly.
Pros
- The billing system comes bundled with the main software, which helps reduce the hassle of using multiple tools.
- Technical issues are usually fixed within a day, keeping downtime to a minimum.
- The support team, while outsourced, is helpful and quick to respond.
Cons
- The software occasionally experiences bugs.
- Users sometimes notice inconsistencies in performance.
Verdict
PrognoCIS offers a solid mix of useful features and fast support, making it a practical choice especially for smaller practices
22. CareCloud
CareCloud is a cloud-based EHR system that gives healthcare providers instant access to patient records during consultations. It speeds up clinical workflows with reusable order sets, customizable templates, smart task management, and flexible charting features. The system also includes decision support tools that help doctors make informed choices to improve care quality.
Pros
- CareCloud boosts efficiency and accuracy in billing through automation, while its financial analytics support better decision-making for practices.
Cons:
- Its high price and potential integration difficulties can be challenging, especially for smaller clinics.
Verdict
CareCloud is a strong choice for practices seeking efficiency and financial clarity, but its cost and setup complexity may not suit every organization.
23. CureMD
CureMD EHR focuses on supporting different medical specialties with features that help simplify documentation and make daily tasks easier for healthcare providers. It includes pre-set content for specific specialties, along with flexible templates and forms that can be adjusted to fit each practice’s workflow. Providers can use point-and-click documentation and tools like workflow editors to match their preferred way of charting. The system also makes it easy to share patient information across clinics and hospitals, which helps improve communication between healthcare teams.
Pros
- CureMD is flexible enough to fit the unique needs of various practices. Many users appreciate the helpful and responsive customer support team, which quickly addresses issues to keep operations running smoothly.
Cons
- At times, users may experience slow performance due to occasional technical hiccups.
Verdict
CureMD is a solid all-in-one EHR option, especially with the bonus of free system upgrades.
24. SimplePractice
SimplePractice is an all-in-one platform for managing health and wellness practices, especially for solo practitioners and small teams. It simplifies documentation with a variety of customizable templates for notes and records. The platform also supports paperless intake forms and progress notes, which lightens the administrative load. With its mobile app, users can easily manage appointments, update notes, and process payments while on the go.
Pros
- Excellent for mental health practices,
- Comes with client portal
- Has a user-friendly design
Cons
- Less suitable for general practices,
- Has expensive add-on
Verdict: Ideal for therapists and wellness professionals that wants to manage their patients effectively.
25. Office Ally
OfficeAlly makes managing appointments and patient interactions more straightforward for healthcare providers. You can quickly set appointments by entering patient, clinic, and provider details. A calendar view highlights available time slots, making scheduling and adjustments easier. If there are last-minute changes, it’s simple to reschedule or update information. Through the patient portal, individuals can book, reschedule, or cancel appointments on their own. They can also access billing statements, make payments, and fill out forms online cutting down on paperwork while offering more convenience.
Pros
- Budget-friendly solution for managing practice operations
- Simplifies patient scheduling
- Helps resolve billing and claim issues with minimal hassle
Cons
- Lacks support for multiple languages
- Customer service follow-ups could be more responsive
Verdict: If you’re looking for a cloud-based platform that prioritizes data security and can scale as your practice grows, OfficeAlly is a solid choice. It checks the boxes for compliance and patient data protection without adding unnecessary complexity.
26. AllegianceMD
AllegianceMD is a cloud-based medical software built with small to mid-sized practices and ambulatory surgery centers in mind. It combines billing, scheduling, and electronic medical records in one platform, helping clinics stay organized and efficient. One standout feature is its customizable templates, which allow physicians to adjust documentation to match their workflow. It also includes a comprehensive list of medications, including those used for chronic and recurring conditions.
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Modern layout
- Flexible billing and claims tools
- Customizable templates
Cons
- Some features feel redundant
- Could be overwhelming for users who don’t need all the included tools
Verdict: Overall, AllegianceMD gets the job done. While it could benefit from a few updates and refinements, it remains a solid choice for medical practices looking for a modern and easy-to-navigate system.
27. Azalea Health
Azalea EMR is a cloud-based healthcare software that helps medical professionals handle everyday tasks more efficiently while improving patient care. It brings together practice management, telehealth, billing, and data analysis tools into one easy-to-use system. This makes it a practical choice for hospitals, outpatient clinics, and medical billing companies looking to manage their operations from a single platform.
- It helps organize patient records more efficiently, making care delivery faster and more effective.
- Automated billing features help improve how finances are handled.
- Appointment reminders help reduce the number of missed visits, which saves time and keeps schedules on track.
Cons
- New users might need some time to fully understand the system.
- Some parts of the system don’t allow much room for personalization.
Verdict
Azalea EMR supports healthcare professionals by helping them focus more on patient care. It also helps boost revenue, improve reporting, speed up charting, and create more room for a balanced lifestyle.
28. MDVision
MDVision meets HIPAA standards and holds ONC certification, giving healthcare providers confidence in its compliance and security. Rather than juggling multiple systems, clinics can handle everything from patient registration and appointment scheduling to billing and charting in one place. By simplifying these daily tasks, MDVision helps staff work faster and more accurately. At the same time, it enhances communication within the care team, which can lead to better outcomes and a smoother experience for patients.
Pros
- ChartLogic is easy to use and doesn’t require many clicks to complete tasks. It also connects well with lab and radiology systems, which makes accessing test results more convenient.
Con
- Some users have reported that the software can be slow to load at times, which may interrupt workflow.
Verdict
ChartLogic is a reliable EHR solution with solid practice management features. It helps improve both administrative and billing processes, making it a practical choice for medical practices looking to stay organized and efficient.