17 Best EHR Software Platforms in 2025 (By Practice Size & Specialty)

Electronic Health Records (EHR) are the digital backbone of modern healthcare, but choosing the right EHR system depends heavily on your practice’s size and specialty. A solo practitioner in mental health has very different needs (and budget) than a large hospital network. Below we review 17 of the best EHR platforms in 2025, categorized by the settings and specialties they serve. For each, we highlight key features, advantages, drawbacks, target users, pricing, and relevant certifications (e.g. ONC-ATCB compliance for Meaningful Use). We also note 2025 innovations like AI-driven documentation, telehealth integration, mobile access, and interoperability enhancements.

Most of these leading systems are certified to the ONC 2015 Edition standards (ONC-ATCB), ensuring they meet U.S. federal criteria for EHR functionality and interoperabilitybusinesswire.com findemr.com. All systems reviewed are HIPAA-compliant. Focus is on the U.S. market, though a few (like Epic and Cerner) are used globally.

Comparison Table of Top EHR Systems (2025)

Below is a high-level comparison of the 17 EHR platforms, including their ideal practice size, specialty focus, price range, standout features, and user satisfaction ratings:

EHR Software	Ideal Practice Size / Type	Specialty Focus	Pricing	Notable Features	User Rating
Epic	Large hospitals, multi-specialty health systems	All (enterprise-scale)	$$$ (Enterprise; custom quote)whatfix.com	Comprehensive modules; MyChart patient portal; robust interoperabilitygetfreed.ai getfreed.ai	4.2/5⭐ (G2)getfreed.ai
Cerner (Oracle)	Large hospitals, health networks	All (enterprise-scale)	$$$ (Enterprise; custom quote)	Flexible customization; CommonWell interoperability; Oracle cloud integrationgetfreed.ai getfreed.ai	3.5/5⭐ (G2)getfreed.ai
athenaOne (Athenahealth)	Mid-to-large clinics, enterprise ambulatory groups	Multi-specialty (strong billing focus)	$$$ (Percent of revenue or encounters)selecthub.com	Highly customizable workflows; top-notch billing & RCM; patient mobile appgetfreed.ai getfreed.ai	3.4/5⭐ (G2)getfreed.ai
NextGen Healthcare	Mid-sized practices, group clinics	Primary care, multi-specialty (noted in IM, peds, etc.)	$$ (Mid-range subscription)	Integrated PM and patient engagement; AI ambient scribe; telehealth built-ingetfreed.ai getfreed.ai	3.7/5⭐ (G2)getfreed.ai
eClinicalWorks	Mid-sized to large outpatient practices	Multi-specialty (wide use in ambulatory settings)	$$ (Mid-range; approx. $449–599/provider/mo)softwarefinder.com	Full-featured suite; Sunrise AI scribe; strong patient engagement (Healow)getfreed.ai getfreed.ai	3.6/5⭐ (G2)getfreed.ai
Veradigm EHR (Allscripts)	Mid-sized ambulatory clinics	Multi-specialty (user-friendly focus)	$$ (Mid-range subscription)	One-click templates; ambient voice notes; solid interoperability (Allscripts “All-Clicks”)getfreed.ai getfreed.ai	3.4/5⭐ (G2)getfreed.ai
ModMed (Modernizing Medicine)	Mid-sized specialty practices	Dermatology, Ophthalmology, GI, etc. (specialty-specific)	$$$ (High-end for specialists)	Specialty-specific templates; AI scribe (ModMed Assist); MIPS reporting; all-in-one EHR+PMgetfreed.ai getfreed.ai	4.5/5⭐ (G2)getfreed.ai
Nextech	Small-to-mid specialty clinics	Ophthalmology, plastic surgery, dermatology, ortho	$$ (Mid-range)	Specialty EHR+PM combo; customizable charts; telehealth module; large user communitygetfreed.ai getfreed.ai	4.3/5⭐ (G2)getfreed.ai
ECP	Assisted living and long-term care facilities	Senior care (assisted living, group homes)	$–$$ (Low-mid; budget friendly)	Simplified charting & eMAR; automatic care plans; ONC-certified for data sharinggetfreed.ai getfreed.ai	4.8/5⭐ (G2)getfreed.ai
Practice Fusion	Small to medium practices (independent clinics)	General practice, primary care (affordable option)	$$ (Mid; ~$199/provider/mo)practicefusion.com	Cloud-based EHR with e-prescribing and lab integration; templates/macros for notesgetfreed.ai getfreed.ai	3.8/5⭐ (G2)getfreed.ai
Tebra (formerly Kareo)	Small practices and medical startups	General practice (telehealth-focused)	$$ (Mid-range; affordable)	All-in-one EHR/PM; e-prescriptions included; telehealth integration; mobile accessgetfreed.ai getfreed.ai	4.1/5⭐ (G2)getfreed.ai
Practice Better	Solo practitioners, wellness and nutrition practices	Nutrition, integrative health, mental wellness	$ (Low-cost tiers from $25/mo)	Easy telehealth scheduling; AI charting assistant; customizable templates and formsgetfreed.ai getfreed.ai	4.8/5⭐ (G2)getfreed.ai
Carepatron	Solo providers, small clinics (health & wellness)	Mental health, wellness (broad small practice use)	$ (Free plan; paid from $29/mo)choosingtherapy.com choosingtherapy.com	Intuitive “all basics” EHR+PM; AI task automation; built-in telehealth & mobile appgetfreed.ai getfreed.ai	4.5/5⭐ (G2)getfreed.ai
EHR Your Way	Small to mid practices (highly customizable)	Behavioral health (popular in mental health)	$–$$ (Low-mid; flexible plans)	Custom workflow builder; flexible CRM module; patient portal; robust support teamgetfreed.ai getfreed.ai	4.7/5⭐ (G2)getfreed.ai
SimplePractice	Solo and small mental health practices	Therapy (psychologists, counselors)	$–$$ (Tiered: ~$49–99/mo)capterra.com trustradius.com	Modern, easy UI; specialty treatment plan templates; client portal & mobile app; telehealth built-ingetfreed.ai getfreed.ai	4.1/5⭐ (G2)getfreed.ai
TherapyNotes	Private practices in mental/behavioral health	Therapy (mental health professionals)	$ (Low: e.g. ~$59/mo for solo)softwarefinder.com	Structured therapy note templates; unlimited 24/7 live support; insurance billing tools; telehealthgetfreed.ai getfreed.ai	4.5/5⭐ (G2)getfreed.ai
TheraNest	Small group practices in mental health	Therapy (counselors, psychiatrists)	$ (Low; budget-friendly plans)	Core mental health EHR features (notes, scheduling, billing); group telehealth support; strong support teamgetfreed.ai getfreed.ai	4.5/5⭐ (G2)getfreed.ai

⭐ User Ratings are from G2 reviews (out of 5). Price ranges: $ = low, $$ = mid, $$$ = high/call-for-quote.

Below we provide detailed reviews of each EHR, grouped by practice size and specialization.

EHR Systems for Large Hospitals & Health Systems

Large medical centers, hospitals, and enterprise health systems require robust EHR platforms that can support thousands of users, integrate with myriad departments, and handle complex interoperability needs. Two vendors dominate this space:

Epic – Leading Enterprise EHR for Large Health Systems

Epic is one of the most widely adopted EHR systems in the U.S. and internationally, known for its comprehensive functionality. Ideal users: Large hospitals, academic medical centers, and multi-specialty healthcare networks. Epic can technically scale down to medium clinics, but its complexity and cost make it overkill for small practicesgetfreed.ai getfreed.ai. Epic supports virtually all specialties out of the box – from primary care and pediatrics to cardiology and oncology – through its numerous modules.

Key Features: Epic offers a complete suite of inpatient and outpatient EHR modules, including clinical documentation, CPOE, e-prescribing, scheduling, billing, and population health toolsgetfreed.ai. It is highly interoperable: Epic’s Care Everywhere network and support for national exchange frameworks (e.g. Carequality) allow patient records to follow across organizations securelygetfreed.ai. Patients engage via the MyChart portal/mobile app for appointment scheduling, results, and telehealth. Epic has a degree of customization (through configuration and templates) but generally enforces industry best-practice workflows unless costly custom development is donegetfreed.ai. In 2025, Epic has introduced a new web-based front-end (Epic Hyperdrive) and is exploring AI assistance (e.g. sepsis prediction, documentation assistance) in pilot programs.

Advantages:

Comprehensive & Integrated: Handles all aspects of clinical and administrative workflow in one system (no need for multiple disparate systems)getfreed.ai.
Interoperability Leader: Seamlessly shares records across many hospitals (Epic is in many major centers), simplifying referrals and care coordinationgetfreed.ai.
Efficient Documentation Tools: Features like dot phrases (text macros) and SmartTexts can significantly speed up charting and note-takinggetfreed.ai.
Strong Security & Compliance: Epic is known for rigorous security features and is ONC-ATCB certified, meeting all federal requirements (e.g. 2015 Edition criteria for Meaningful Use)getfreed.ai.

Drawbacks:

High Cost & Complexity: Epic is one of the most expensive EHR systems (often requiring a multi-million dollar investment for large hospitals) and substantial IT support to implement and maintaingetfreed.ai whatfix.com. This puts it out of reach for small organizations.
Steep Learning Curve: New users face extensive training. The interface, while powerful, is dense – some clinicians feel the UI looks “like Windows 2007” in design and can be cumbersomegetfreed.ai.
Limited Flexibility for Niche Needs: Epic’s philosophy of standardization means workflows are somewhat rigid. Highly unusual or specialty-specific workflows may require add-on modules or creative workarounds. Customization beyond provided tools typically involves working with Epic’s team at significant costgetfreed.ai.

Pricing: Epic does not publish prices; it uses a custom quote model based on the size and modules needed. Costs can range widely – a basic self-hosted clinic install might start around ~$1,500, but a large hospital implementation can run into hundreds of thousands or morewhatfix.com. Ongoing maintenance and support fees also add to the total cost. Epic is generally a $$$$ (high budget) option.

Notable 2025 Updates: Epic continues to expand AI integrations, partnering with companies to embed clinical decision support and voice assistant tools. Its shift to the new Hyperdrive web client aims to improve performance and accessibility (allowing access via browser instead of thick client). Epic remains a top-ranked EHR in user satisfaction for large enterprises, with a user rating ~4.2/5★getfreed.ai and frequent “Best in KLAS” awards in various specialties.

Cerner (Oracle Health) – Major Hospital EHR with Oracle Cloud Vision

Cerner, now part of Oracle Health, is the other giant in the hospital EHR arena. It’s widely used across large hospitals, regional health systems, and even the U.S. Department of Defense. Ideal users: Large hospitals and health systems (Cerner’s clients include many community hospitals and some large academic centers), especially those looking for a highly customizable solution. Cerner supports all core specialties in acute care and has ambulatory modules as well.

Key Features: Cerner provides comprehensive inpatient clinicals (orders, documentation, pharmacy, radiology, etc.), revenue cycle management, and population health analyticsgetfreed.ai. It has a modular design – e.g. Cerner Millennium for core EHR, PowerChart for physician documentation – allowing flexibility. Interoperability is a focus: Cerner co-founded the CommonWell Health Alliance, enabling data exchange with many other EHRs. Under Oracle, Cerner is being replatformed for the cloud, aiming to unify health data across enterprises. A patient portal and mobile apps are available for engagement. Cerner also supports extensive third-party integrations via APIs, and organizations can heavily customize templates and workflows in the systemgetfreed.ai.

Advantages:

Widely Used & Connected: Cerner has one of the largest install bases (in 2022 it was in ~25% of US hospitals). Being so common means many interfaces already exist and staff familiar with Cerner are readily found. Transfers of records are easier between Cerner sitesgetfreed.ai.
Highly Customizable: Unlike Epic’s locked-down approach, Cerner allows for more on-site customization of workflows, forms, and content. Hospitals can tailor the system to their needs (though this can be a double-edged sword)getfreed.ai.
Interoperability and APIs: Cerner (Oracle) is committed to open standards – it supports FHIR APIs and offers the Cerner Ignite platform for developers. It’s compatible with many third-party systems and medical devices via interfacesgetfreed.ai getfreed.ai.
Enterprise Support: Backed by Oracle, Cerner is pushing innovation in cloud infrastructure and analytics. It also offers a range of ancillary systems (Lab, Radiology, etc.) that integrate natively.

Drawbacks:

Complex Implementation: A Cerner project can be very complex and resource-intensive. It requires significant training; some users find routine tasks involve too many clicks (the nickname “Cerner Multiclick” exists)getfreed.ai getfreed.ai.
User Interface: The UI in parts of Cerner feels dated and less intuitive, as the system has evolved over decades. Some interfaces are not as modern or user-friendly as newer EHRsgetfreed.ai.
Transition to Oracle Uncertainty: As Oracle integrates Cerner into its cloud platform, existing customers face decisions about migrating. There have been industry debates on how smoothly Oracle can modernize Cerner’s softwaregetfreed.ai getfreed.ai. This uncertainty may pose a risk or require re-training once new versions roll out.
Cost: Cerner’s pricing is also high-end (comparable to Epic for large systems). Licensing and implementation costs are substantial (often $$ to $$$$). Oracle’s model may shift more toward cloud subscription pricing in the future, but details are typically custom-negotiated.

Pricing: Like Epic, Cerner/Oracle Health uses custom quotes. Historically, Cerner could be licensed module by module; a small hospital might spend mid-six-figures on an install, whereas a large system could spend much more. It’s generally considered a $$$ (high cost) solution, though Oracle has hinted at making pricing more efficient via cloud economies.

Certifications: Cerner is fully ONC-certified (2015 Edition) and supports all required standards for Medicare/Medicaid incentive programs. It was among the first to implement C-CDA document exchange and is compliant with the latest Cures Act interoperability and information-blocking rules.

Notable 2025 Updates: Oracle is leveraging Cerner’s data for big data analytics – e.g., promises of a unified national health records database (a bold vision for the future). In practical terms, 2025 sees improved voice recognition and AI in Cerner (Oracle launched an AI voice assistant for charting). Cerner’s user satisfaction rating is around 3.5/5★ on G2getfreed.ai – users appreciate its power but acknowledge usability challenges.

EHR Solutions for Mid-Sized Clinics & Multi-Specialty Practices

Mid-sized practices (e.g. multi-physician clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, large group practices or community health centers) need EHRs that balance robust features with manageable cost and complexity. These systems often serve multi-specialty outpatient care, requiring both clinical depth and strong practice management. Key players in this segment include NextGen, athenahealth, eClinicalWorks, and Veradigm (Allscripts):

NextGen Healthcare – Feature-Rich EHR/PM for Medium Practices

NextGen is an established EHR tailored for ambulatory practices of various sizes, particularly mid-sized group practices and specialty clinics. Ideal users: Medium practices (dozens of providers) or even large outpatient groups that want an all-in-one system without the expense of hospital-grade software. NextGen has been highly ranked for certain specialties – it was recently rated #1 EHR for internal medicine, pediatrics, neurosurgery, and sleep medicine, among othersgetfreed.ai – indicating strong support for those fields. Primary care, OB/GYN, and other specialties also use NextGen widely.

Key Features: NextGen offers a unified EHR and Practice Management (PM) platformgetfreed.ai, including scheduling, billing, and patient engagement tools. It supports customizable templates for different specialties and allows use of macros to speed up chartinggetfreed.ai. NextGen has invested in AI-powered documentation: it includes an ambient listening tool that can transcribe physician-patient conversations and suggest notes, as well as AI suggestions for ICD-10 codes, meds, and orders based on the note contextgetfreed.ai. Integrated telehealth, e-prescribing, lab integrations, and reporting analytics are also part of the packagegetfreed.ai. NextGen is known for good interoperability, participating in national health info exchanges and supporting standard APIs.

Advantages:

Comprehensive Ambulatory Solution: NextGen covers all the needs of an outpatient practice in one system – from clinical notes to billing – reducing the need to juggle multiple softwaregetfreed.ai getfreed.ai.
Specialty Support: NextGen provides specialty-specific content (templates, forms) and has received high marks from users in a variety of specialties (IM, Pediatrics, etc.), indicating its adaptabilitygetfreed.ai.
Value for Cost: It is generally more affordable than Epic/Cerner. Users cite NextGen as “good value for the price” – you get advanced features at a mid-range costgetfreed.ai getfreed.ai. This makes it attractive for growing practices that need robust functionality on a budget.
Improved Mobility & Patient Access: NextGen’s mobile app and patient portal help providers access charts on-call and empower patients to communicate and schedule easilygetfreed.ai.
Certified & Interoperable: NextGen is ONC 2015 Edition certifiedemrsystems.net and supports interoperability initiatives (it can exchange CCD documents, connect to HIEs, etc.), helping practices meet MIPS and data-sharing requirements.

Drawbacks:

User Interface & Ease of Use: NextGen’s interface is dense and not as intuitive. Users report the UI is a bit complex, with many screens and clicks for tasksgetfreed.ai. It’s less user-friendly out-of-the-box compared to some competitors, meaning more training is needed.
Customization Costs: While NextGen can be customized, adding extra modules or deep custom templates can increase costs quicklygetfreed.ai. Tailoring the system to very specific workflows might require purchasing add-ons or services, which can erode the cost advantage.
Billing Integration Quirks: NextGen’s billing module is robust, but some users note that certain billing services (collections, etc.) are outsourced or not as seamless, causing concerngetfreed.ai.
Setup and Performance: Implementing NextGen can be time-consuming, and initial configuration is labor-intensivegetfreed.ai. Some practices experience too many clicks to get basic tasks done, indicating some inefficiency in workflow design if not optimizedgetfreed.ai.

Pricing: NextGen is typically sold as a subscription per provider. It falls in the $$ (mid-range). While official prices vary, ballpark figures often cited are a few hundred dollars per provider per month (e.g. in the $300–$600 range depending on modules and services). This is considerably lower than enterprise EHRs, making NextGen accessible to clinics that need robust features without breaking the bank.

Notable 2025 Updates: NextGen’s latest versions emphasize ambient clinical intelligence – their integrated voice assistant can produce draft notes from a patient visit automatically. They have also enhanced their telehealth platform (critical post-COVID) and patient outreach tools. NextGen continues to score well in independent user satisfaction surveys and remains a top choice for ambulatory specialty practices looking for a full-featured, certified EHRemrsystems.net.

athenaOne (athenahealth) – Cloud EHR with Best-in-Class Billing Services

Athenahealth’s athenaOne is a cloud-based EHR, practice management, and medical billing platform known for its revenue cycle capabilities. Ideal users: Medium to large outpatient groups, especially those who want to outsource or streamline billing. It’s popular among multi-specialty clinics, primary care groups, and those participating in value-based care programs. Athenahealth can also serve small practices, but its pricing model (often a percentage of collections) tends to align with practices that have higher claims volume.

Key Features: AthenaOne combines an EHR with strong practice management and billing services in one systemgetfreed.ai getfreed.ai. Notably, athenahealth operates on a network model – client data feeds into the Athena network where tasks like claims scrubbing and appointment reminders are handled centrally, yielding high first-pass claim acceptance rates. Clinical features include customizable templates, orders, e-prescribing, and an integrated patient portal. Athena emphasizes workflow automation (e.g. handling faxed results, managing orders) and offers “athenaInsights” – real-time clinical intelligence and benchmarking data drawn from its nationwide user base. Interoperability is strong: Athena is a member of CommonWell/Carequality and auto-shares records with connected providersgetfreed.ai. A mobile app is available for providers and patients. In 2025, athenahealth has also integrated some AI features (like suggested documentation, though perhaps not as prominently as others) and continues to refine its telehealth module.

Advantages:

Outstanding Billing & RCM: AthenaOne’s biggest differentiator is its billing service. It can handle insurance claims end-to-end, reducing administrative burden. Many practices choose Athena to improve collections – athenahealth often touts a >95% first-pass claims rate. If a practice wants to offload billing headaches, Athena is a top choicegetfreed.ai.
Cloud-Based, Low IT Overhead: Athena is fully cloud-hosted and updates automatically. Practices don’t need local servers or big IT staff, which is ideal for distributed clinics or those who prefer a turnkey solution.
Interoperability & Data Sharing: Athena automatically shares patient records with other providers on its network or via Carequality, which means referrals and coordinating care can be easier (no extra effort to send records)getfreed.ai. It’s also up-to-date with regulatory requirements (info blocking, Open Notes, etc. are built-in).
Customizable Workflows: Users can configure clinical workflows and templates to fit different specialties (Athena supports many specialty-specific templates out of the box)getfreed.ai. It strikes a balance between flexibility and guided best practices.
Patient Engagement: The integrated patient portal and mobile app allow patients to update their health history, schedule visits, and communicate. Athena’s patient app is noted for usabilitygetfreed.ai.

Drawbacks:

High Cost for Smaller Practices: Athena’s pricing is often percent-of-revenue (e.g. 4–7% of monthly collections) or per-encounter feeselecthub.com. For a practice with significant revenue, this can become quite expensive compared to flat-fee systems. Small practices may find it cost-prohibitive (hence Athena is geared to larger groups)getfreed.ai.
Learning Curve & Support: Some users report that training on Athena can be challenging. The system is powerful but not always intuitive until you learn it. Additionally, customer support is reported as hit-or-miss – response times and expertise varyselecthub.com selecthub.com. New users might struggle if support is not prompt.
Customization Limits: While Athena allows some customization, it may not be as deeply customizable as an on-premise solution. Users occasionally desire more flexibility in templates or workflows (some have noted they can’t tweak Athena as much as Epic)selecthub.com selecthub.com. However, this is partly by design to keep the system efficient.
Vendor Lock & Updates: Being cloud-based means you are on Athena’s timeline for updates and changes. If Athena modifies a feature, all users get it, whether or not they wanted it. This can be a drawback if a change disrupts your workflow.

Pricing: Athenahealth uses a unique pricing approach: percentage of collections or per encounter fees rather than a fixed subscriptionselecthub.com. For example, Athena might take ~5% of monthly collected revenue in exchange for providing the EHR + billing service (this percentage can vary by specialty and volume). Alternatively, some contracts charge a flat fee per patient visit. There may also be setup fees. In some cases, Athena offers an EHR-only option (without their billing service) at a flat rate (sources indicate around $140–$200/provider/month for EHR onlyemrguides.com, though most clients use the combined service model). Overall, it’s a $$$ (premium) model for the full package, justified by the value of improved billing performance.

Notable 2025 Updates: Athenahealth was recognized as a 2024 Best in KLAS for ambulatory EHR (independent practices)emrsystems.net, reflecting strong performance. In 2025, athenaOne has been refining its user interface to be more modern and introducing more AI-driven insights (like highlighting at-risk patients or suggesting care gap closures). They are also expanding partnerships – e.g. embedding telehealth and remote patient monitoring tools. Athena’s user satisfaction is solid (approx. 75% of users would recommend, per reviews)selecthub.com selecthub.com, and many compare it favorably to Epic in terms of efficiency for outpatient workflowsselecthub.com.

eClinicalWorks – Comprehensive Ambulatory EHR with Innovative Add-ons

eClinicalWorks (eCW) is a popular EHR/PM platform used by thousands of ambulatory practices, from solo doctors up to large multi-site groups and health centers. Ideal users: Small to mid-sized practices and community health centers, and it can even scale to enterprise outpatient settings (some ACOs and large medical groups use eCW). It’s a general ambulatory EHR with clients in primary care, pediatrics, cardiology, FQHCs, etc. eCW is known for packing a lot of features at a moderate price point.

Key Features: eClinicalWorks is an all-in-one system: it includes ambulatory EHR, practice management, patient portal, telehealth integration, e-prescribing, billing, population health, and even a self-service kiosk optiongetfreed.ai. It historically pioneered features like integrated secure messaging and a robust patient portal (branded Healow app for patients). In 2025, eCW is notable for its AI-driven scribe called Eva (or the updated Sunoh.ai), which can listen to patient visits and produce draft notes automaticallygetfreed.ai. eCW has extensive template options and hundreds of pre-built forms for different specialties. It also offers unique tools like Prisma, a health information search engine that pulls patient data from other systems (via nationwide networks) and presents it in the chart. eCW supports interoperability via Carequality and CommonWell, and it has APIs for integration. Mobile apps exist for both patients and providers.

Advantages:

Full-Featured at Mid-Range Cost: eClinicalWorks includes a wide array of features without requiring many third-party add-ons. For a mid-sized practice, eCW can handle everything from scheduling to progress notes to billing, which is cost-efficient. It’s generally priced per provider in the mid-tier range, providing good value.
Innovative Technology: eCW has been quick to integrate new tech. The AI scribe (Sunoh.ai) is an example of 2025 innovation, helping reduce physicians’ documentation burden by recording visits and generating notesgetfreed.ai. They’ve also embraced telehealth early on and have strong patient engagement tools (like automated reminders, patient self-scheduling via the Healow app).
Customization and Templates: Users can customize templates or create their own, and utilize macros for faster charting. Over time, many practices have tailored eCW to their specialty needs, and there’s a big community sharing templates. Once learned, tasks like ordering labs or refilling meds are very quick in eCWgetfreed.ai getfreed.ai.
Interoperability: eCW participates in national data exchange networks (CommonWell, etc.), meaning it can fetch external records (immunizations, hospital reports) directly into the EHR. This is a boon for primary care coordinating with specialists. It’s also capable of connecting to local Health Information Exchanges.
Population Health & Reporting: For groups involved in quality programs or needing UDS reports (for FQHCs), eCW has built-in population health dashboards and reporting tools.

Drawbacks:

Steep Learning Curve & UI: eClinicalWorks is powerful but not very intuitive initially. Its interface has a lot of small buttons and menus, reminiscent of older software designsgetfreed.ai getfreed.ai. New users often find it overwhelming and require substantial training to use efficiently.
Interface Aesthetics: Many users comment that the UI feels outdated (it’s not as modern or sleek as newer cloud EHRs)getfreed.ai getfreed.ai. While functionality is there, the user experience could be improved and feels cluttered. The vendor has been gradually updating it, but perceptions lag.
Optional Features Cost Extra: eCW offers many advanced features (like certain analytics, reminder campaigns, dental module, etc.) but some come at additional cost. If you want the full suite (e.g. care coordination modules, registry integration), the price can increase and you might need to upgrade to a higher tier or purchase add-onsgetfreed.ai getfreed.ai.
Past Support/Quality Issues: eCW faced a DOJ settlement in 2017 regarding some certification issues, which they addressed. They have since improved, but historically some customers reported bugs or support challenges. In recent years, the company has invested in quality control, yet a few practices still mention occasional glitches or the need for workarounds.
Not Cloud-Native (for self-hosted): Although eCW can be cloud-hosted by the company, many installations are on-premise or private cloud. Upgrades require scheduling and testing. Truly web-based access is possible through their browser mode, but it’s not as seamless as some newer SaaS EHRs. (That said, eCW version 11+ has improved web accessibility.)

Pricing: eClinicalWorks is generally in the $$ (mid-range). They famously offered a deal of ~$449/month per provider for EHR only, and ~$599/month/provider for EHR + Practice Management a few years agosoftwarefinder.com. Current pricing may vary, but it’s roughly in that ballpark, possibly plus one-time implementation fees. Unlike percent-of-billing models, eCW is mostly flat-rate subscription. There is also an option where eCW takes a % of collections if you use their RCM service. Overall, it remains one of the more affordable comprehensive systems when compared to Epic/Cerner/Athena for similar capabilities.

Notable 2025 Updates: Aside from the AI scribe integration, eCW has expanded its telehealth platform (Healow TeleVisits) to support group visits and remote monitoring device data. They are also focusing on usability, planning a refreshed UI in coming updates. eCW’s founder/CEO regularly announces new features at the annual user conference (e.g., in late 2024 they teased enhanced voice recognition and predictive analytics for 2025 releases). User satisfaction is moderate – about 3.6/5★ on G2getfreed.ai – reflecting the divide between those who master its features and love its efficiency and those who struggle early on.

Veradigm EHR (formerly Allscripts Professional) – User-Friendly Ambulatory EHR

Veradigm EHR is the rebranded version of Allscripts’ outpatient EHR platform (stemming from Allscripts Professional/TouchWorks line). Allscripts re-focused on ambulatory under the name Veradigm in recent years. Ideal users: Mid-sized clinics and ambulatory care facilities that want a straightforward, flexible EHR. It’s used across various specialties, particularly in physician offices and multispecialty clinics. Veradigm emphasizes usability and connectivity.

Key Features: Veradigm EHR includes core EHR functionalities (documentation, orders, e-prescribing), scheduling and practice management, an integrated patient portal, and billing/claims managementgetfreed.ai. It offers a library of one-click templates for common visits, enabling faster documentation by reducing clicks and typinggetfreed.ai. Veradigm also provides an ambient voice scribe feature (leveraging speech recognition/AI) to transcribe notes from physician dictation or patient encountersgetfreed.ai. Telehealth capabilities are built in, and interoperability is supported via connections to networks and API integrations – Allscripts historically was strong in interfacing (it was known for its open architecture). A mobile app allows remote access. Overall, Veradigm positions itself as a user-friendly, cloud-capable EHR that doesn’t require extensive training to navigategetfreed.ai.

Advantages:

Ease of Use: One of Veradigm’s selling points is that it’s relatively easy to learn and use compared to more complex systems. New staff can get up to speed quicklygetfreed.ai. The interface is designed to be more intuitive, with streamlined navigation between patient charts, documents, and schedules.
Efficient Note Taking: The one-click templates and generally snappy documentation tools mean providers can chart quicker. Users note that writing notes and finding patient info is straightforward and the system is stable (rarely crashes)getfreed.ai.
Integrated Workflow: Veradigm combines scheduling, EHR, and billing such that tasks like coding a visit or submitting a claim happen smoothly as part of the workflow. Billing is clearly laid out and doesn’t take too long to complete, which improves office efficiencygetfreed.ai.
Interoperability & APIs: Continuing Allscripts’ legacy, Veradigm can integrate with many third-party systems (lab systems, imaging centers, etc.) and supports data exchange. It participates in health information networks for care coordination. This helps practices connect with hospitals or other providers who may be on different EHRs.
Cost-Effective for Mid-Size: Veradigm EHR tends to be a mid-priced solution (less expensive than Epic/Cerner, on par or slightly less than NextGen/Athena in some cases). It can be an affordable step up for a growing practice that has outgrown entry-level products.

Drawbacks:

Click-Heavy for Some Tasks: Despite one-click templates, some users quip that “Allscripts” was nicknamed “All-Clicks” – meaning certain workflows require a series of clicks that could be more streamlinedgetfreed.ai. For example, routing a lab result to the chart might take multiple steps where it could be automated. This indicates there are still some inefficiencies in the UX design.
Integration of Legacy Systems: The Allscripts ecosystem had multiple products (Pro, TouchWorks, Sunrise for inpatient). Veradigm EHR consolidates the ambulatory side, but some clients who use multiple Veradigm/Allscripts products might face integration challenges or need to maintain links between older systems.
Support & Company Transitions: With Allscripts’ corporate changes (selling off hospital division, rebranding), some users experienced hiccups in customer support or uncertainty in the transition period. While Veradigm is now focused on ambulatory, it’s worth noting support quality can vary and some practices reported needing to push for timely responses.
Less Market Share than Top Competitors: While Veradigm has a decent user base, it’s smaller than Epic, eCW, etc. This means community knowledge/forums are slightly less extensive, and some third-party vendors focus less on native integrations with Veradigm than with the big EHRs. However, it’s still a well-known platform.

Pricing: Veradigm EHR is sold as a subscription, generally in the $$ range (mid-range). It’s often cited as more affordable than Epic/athena for similar clinic sizes. For example, small group practices might find Veradigm’s cost per provider per month competitive with others like eCW or NextGen. (Exact figures depend on configuration and cloud vs on-prem deployment, but think few hundreds per month per provider, with possible volume discounts for larger groups).

Notable 2025 Updates: Veradigm has continued refining the user experience – aiming for fewer clicks and more automation. In 2025, they have rolled out enhancements in their telehealth module and introduced analytics dashboards for quality reporting and MIPS. They also emphasize connectivity with Veradigm’s other solutions (like Practice Fusion, which Veradigm owns) to allow data-sharing between small and mid-sized practice platforms. User feedback gives Veradigm EHR around 3.4/5★ on G2getfreed.ai – generally positive on usability, with room for improvement in certain workflows. It remains a solid option for practices wanting a balance of functionality and simplicity.

Specialty-Focused EHR Platforms (Dermatology, Ophthalmology, etc.)

Some EHR systems distinguish themselves by catering to specific medical specialties, offering tailored templates and workflows that general EHRs lack. For practices in fields like dermatology, ophthalmology, gastroenterology, or orthopedics, a specialty EHR can save time by providing only the relevant tools and content. Here are a few of the top specialty EHR platforms in 2025:

ModMed (Modernizing Medicine) – Best-in-Class for Dermatology & More

ModMed’s flagship EHR, EMA, is a cloud-based, specialty-specific platform used widely in dermatology, ophthalmology, gastroenterology, orthopedics, ENT, plastic surgery, and more. Ideal users: Specialty clinics (small to mid-sized) that want an EHR designed for their field’s workflows. For example, dermatology clinics love ModMed for its visual charting of skin lesions, while ophthalmologists use its tailored exam forms.

Key Features: ModMed stands out by providing pre-built specialty content – you don’t have to wade through irrelevant diagnoses or templatesgetfreed.ai. It covers numerous specialties, but the company acknowledges its strengths are especially in derm, GI, and ophthalmologygetfreed.ai. Features include condition-specific templates, an extensive library of diagnoses/procedures for each specialty, and even anatomical drawing tools (useful in dermatology or orthopedics to mark exam findings). ModMed has an AI-driven scribe (called ModMed Assist or Scribe) that listens and suggests documentation to reduce typinggetfreed.ai. It also integrates MIPS/MACRA compliance dashboards, practice management (scheduling, billing), inventory management for in-office medications or supplies, and patient engagement tools. It supports interoperability (e.g. sending/receiving notes with other systems), e-prescribing, and has a mobile app so doctors can review charts on iPads (ModMed was originally known for its iPad-based interface).

Advantages:

Specialty Efficiency: Because ModMed is built for specialists, providers don’t waste time customizing a generic EHR. Common diagnoses and procedures for that field are easy to select, and documentation can be as simple as tapping through an anatomically guided interface. This saves significant time each encountergetfreed.ai getfreed.ai.
Improved Coding Accuracy: ModMed’s adaptive learning and coding suggestions help ensure encounters are coded correctly (for billing). The system can auto-suggest CPT/ICD codes based on the notes, which is a boon for reimbursement and compliancegetfreed.ai.
AI Scribe and Automation: The AI scribing tool (ModMed’s built-in) listens to doctor-patient conversations and produces note drafts, reducing after-hours chartinggetfreed.ai. Providers can also use voice dictation. The system’s required-fields and validation rules prevent missing info, which helps avoid errorsgetfreed.ai.
Community & Support: ModMed has a strong user community in its key specialties and offers excellent customer supportgetfreed.ai getfreed.ai. Specialists often share tips and customizations with each other. The company also provides frequent updates and listens to client feedback within each specialty domain.
All-in-One Solution: Beyond just EHR, ModMed can handle practice management and billing (revenue cycle management services are offered). That means a specialist office can rely on one vendor for end-to-end operationsgetfreed.ai. The integrated patient engagement (portals, reminders) and even marketing tools (for aesthetics practices) are tailored to specialty needs.

Drawbacks:

High Cost: ModMed is generally a premium-priced solution (often $$$). Specialists pay for the tailored convenience. Some small practices find the cost of ModMed to be on the higher side compared to generic alternatives, especially when all modules (EHR+PM+billing) are included.
Uneven Performance Across Specialties: While ModMed supports many specialties, not all are equally well served. User feedback indicates it’s top-notch in derm, ophtho, GI, etc., but perhaps less optimized in a few other fieldsgetfreed.ai getfreed.ai. A practice in a specialty where ModMed is less common might not get as much benefit. It’s worth checking references in your specific specialty.
Scheduling Module Complexity: Some users mention that ModMed’s scheduling templates and practice management features are a bit more complex or less intuitive than the clinical sidegetfreed.ai. This suggests the frontend for staff scheduling could be improved.
Occasional Downtime: Being cloud-based, ModMed has had instances of downtime. A few practices reported downtime during peak hours which can be disruptivegetfreed.ai. Reliability is generally good, but any downtime in a busy clinic is a pain point.
Limited Customization: ModMed is somewhat opinionated in design; there are limits to customizing beyond the provided templates. This is usually fine (since the templates are specialty-specific), but if your practice has a very unique workflow, you might find ModMed less malleablegetfreed.ai.

Pricing: ModMed doesn’t publish pricing, but it is considered at the higher end for specialist EHRs. Practices should budget for a substantial monthly cost per provider (often in the hundreds of dollars per month range, plus implementation fees). The investment often pays off in efficiency gains for high-volume specialty clinics, but cost can be a barrier for a very small practice unless the ROI in time saved is clear.

Certifications: ModMed’s EMA is ONC 2015 Edition certified (necessary for dermatology or other providers who want to participate in MIPS). It also supports specialty-specific reporting measures (e.g. dermatology quality measures).

Notable 2025 Updates: In 2025, ModMed has continued to refine its AI features and launched enhancements to its patient kiosk and payment processing (important for specialties doing cosmetic services). They also improved their telehealth interface for specialties like ENT where video exams might require special tools. ModMed’s user satisfaction is high in its core domains (G2 rating ~4.5/5★)getfreed.ai. For any specialist evaluating EHRs, ModMed should be on the shortlist if budget allows.

Nextech – Ophthalmology and Plastic Surgery Specialist EHR

Nextech is a specialty EHR and practice management solution geared primarily toward ophthalmology, plastic surgery, dermatology, and med spa/esthetic practices. Ideal users: Specialist clinics (small to mid-sized) looking for a proven, specialty-focused system with integrated practice management. Ophthalmologists in particular have a strong affinity for Nextech, as it’s one of the leading EHRs in that fieldgetfreed.ai.

Key Features: Nextech offers a combined EHR + Practice Management platformgetfreed.ai. It provides customizable charting templates specific to each specialty – e.g. detailed ophthalmic exam forms, cosmetic procedure documentation, etc. Nextech includes features like integrated telehealth, inventory and optical shop management (for ophthalmology practices selling glasses/contacts), and image management (before/after photos for cosmetic practices). It also has robust billing and claims processing built-in, and compliance tools to meet things like ASC (ambulatory surgery center) reporting or cosmetic surgery regulationsgetfreed.ai. The system is known for being highly configurable – clinics can modify templates and workflows fairly extensively. Nextech has a large user community and knowledge base, given its long presence in these niches.

Advantages:

Specialty-Tailored Workflow: Nextech’s templates and workflows are designed with specialists in mind, which boosts efficiency. For example, ophthalmologists can chart an eye exam with all necessary fields (visual acuity, IOP, etc.) in one place, rather than bending a generic EHR to do so. This focus yields a user-friendly charting experience for those specialtiesgetfreed.ai getfreed.ai.
Customizability: Practices often praise Nextech for allowing a lot of customization. You can tweak templates, set up your own macros, and adapt the software to your practice’s preferences more so than some competitorsgetfreed.ai getfreed.ai. This flexibility is great for providers who have specific documentation styles.
Comprehensive Practice Solution: Nextech doesn’t just handle the clinical side; it also covers scheduling, billing, and even marketing aspects (some versions have modules for managing leads for cosmetic practices). That means a single system can run the business end and the clinical end together, reducing integration headaches.
Established & Supported: Nextech has been around for decades in these fields, so it’s a well-established platform. It has a large user base and plenty of support resources. Frequent updates keep it compliant with regulatory changes. Additionally, there’s extensive documentation/training available for new usersgetfreed.ai.

Drawbacks:

Updates Can Cause Issues: Users note that Nextech issues frequent software updates, which occasionally introduce performance issues or new bugsgetfreed.ai. Keeping the system updated is important for support, but it can be disruptive if an update isn’t smooth. Some practices delay updates until any kinks are worked out.
Click-Heavy in Parts: While generally efficient, certain tasks in Nextech still require multiple clicks or navigation through several screens (this is a common EHR gripe). Users have specifically said it’s fewer clicks than NextGen, but there’s still room to streamline some workflowsgetfreed.ai. For instance, moving between scheduling and charting might involve a couple of steps rather than one.
Cost: Nextech is a specialty system and often priced accordingly. It might be more expensive than a generic EHR, though typically less than ModMed. For very small practices, cost could be a drawback if they don’t fully utilize the advanced features.
Legacy Interface Aspects: Nextech has modernized over time, but parts of the UI may feel dated. It’s a thick-client application (with cloud hosting options), not purely web-based, which some younger users find less convenient (though others prefer the speed of a local client). Transitioning to using it on tablets or mobile can also be less smooth than newer cloud EHRs.

Pricing: Nextech doesn’t publicly list pricing. It is usually a subscription per provider plus implementation fees. It falls in the $$ (mid to upper-mid) range for specialty EHRs. A ballpark might be a few hundred dollars per provider per month, with additional costs if you add practice management or optical modules. Many practices find the ROI acceptable because it’s tightly aligned with their specialty revenue streams (e.g. better coding for procedures, inventory tracking for sales).

Notable 2025 Updates: Nextech has been investing in its ophthalmology suite – adding features for retinal scans integration and better drawing tools for eye diagrams. They also improved the telehealth feature to integrate with patient scheduling seamlessly (vital during the pandemic and beyond). For dermatology and plastics, Nextech enhanced photo management (you can capture and compare images easily within the EHR). The company also rolled out a more modern user interface option late in 2024, which some users are adopting for a cleaner look. User satisfaction sits around 4.3/5★ (G2)getfreed.ai, indicating most specialist users are quite happy, particularly once the system is configured to their liking.

ECP – EHR for Assisted Living and Long-Term Care

ECP is a bit different from the others on this list: it’s an EHR and eMAR (electronic medication administration record) system tailored for assisted living, senior care, and group home facilities. We include it as a top specialty platform because long-term care has unique needs that general EHRs don’t address well. Ideal users: Assisted living facilities, memory care homes, and other residential care providers that need a simple way to track health information, care tasks, and medications for residents.

Key Features: ECP focuses on the essentials for senior living: care plans, assessments, medication management, and compliance trackinggetfreed.ai. It allows caregivers to document ADLs (activities of daily living), record incidents, and log vitals for residents. One standout is its automatic care plan generation – based on assessments, it can produce a care plan that meets regulatory requirements. ECP includes customizable alerts and notifications (e.g. if a medication dose is missed or an assessment is due)getfreed.ai. It supports digital signatures for caregivers and physicians, useful for charting and auditing. Reporting is built-in to help administrators monitor compliance with state regulations. Notably, ECP became the first assisted living EHR to earn ONC certification for 2015 criteriabusinesswire.com businesswire.com, which helps facilities connect with broader health networks. There’s a mobile app so staff can use tablets on the go, documenting care in residents’ rooms.

Advantages:

Simplified for Caregivers: ECP is very straightforward once learned – it’s designed for use by nursing aides and care staff, not just clinicians. This means the interface is relatively simple and focused on day-to-day caregiving tasksgetfreed.ai getfreed.ai. For example, completing a med pass or updating a care task can be done quickly without excessive screens.
Responsive Support: Users frequently praise ECP’s support team as “extremely helpful and responsive.” When issues arise or when training new staff, ECP’s support is readily available, which is crucial in 24/7 care environmentsgetfreed.ai.
Affordable & Scalable: Compared to hospital EHRs, ECP is quite budget-friendlygetfreed.ai. Many smaller facilities can afford it, and it scales up to large multi-site operators too. The low cost and ease of implementation make it an excellent value for the long-term care niche.
Regulatory Compliance: ECP stays up-to-date with state regulations in all 50 statesgetfreed.ai. It helps facilities maintain compliance (for example, documenting staff actions for state surveys). The ONC certification and HIE connectivity also set it apart – it can share data with hospitals or public health systems, which became important during COVID-19businesswire.com businesswire.com.
Purpose-Built eMAR: Medication administration is a cornerstone in assisted living. ECP’s eMAR is tightly integrated, reducing med errors and providing clear prompts for staff when giving meds. Automatic tracking of med passes and PRN (as-needed) medications improves resident safety.

Drawbacks:

Initial Learning Curve: ECP is simple once you get the hang of it, but staff do need some training initiallygetfreed.ai getfreed.ai. Long-term care staff may not be tech-savvy or used to EHRs, so adoption requires change management. Some users mention it takes time to learn how to navigate everything.
Mobile App Lag: The ECP mobile app, while convenient, can lag behind in features compared to the desktop versiongetfreed.ai. Sometimes the app updates come later, so staff using tablets might not see the newest features immediately. There have been instances where the app performance was a bit slow or not as updated, though core functionality is stable.
Less Feature-Rich than Hospital EHRs: By design, ECP is not as “deep” as a full medical EHR. It lacks some advanced clinical features – for example, it’s not for complex charting or diagnostics. This isn’t a problem in assisted living (where care is non-acute), but if you expect bells and whistles like detailed EMR analytics or integrations with every lab, ECP might feel too basic. It covers the niche needs well, but outside that scope it’s not as robust.
Interface Design: The UI is serviceable but not very modern. Some might find it a bit clunky or visually outdated. However, it prioritizes function over form, and most users adapt given the benefits.

Pricing: ECP is generally low to mid range in costgetfreed.ai. Assisted living facilities often pay per resident or per facility license rather than per provider. This can be a few dollars per resident per month (varies by size and modules). It’s cost-effective even for smaller homes, and ROI is seen in efficiency (e.g. less paper, fewer med errors).

Notable 2025 Updates: The big achievement was obtaining ONC certification (technically in 2021businesswire.com, but its benefits are being realized through 2025 as states increasingly require electronic data reporting). In 2025, ECP has expanded connections to state immunization registries and health information exchanges, so when residents get vaccines or go to the hospital, data flows more readily. They also introduced a Developer Portal/Integration Hub to allow third-party integrations (like nurse call systems or pharmacy systems)businesswire.com businesswire.com. Overall, ECP has become the leader in senior living EHR technology. User ratings (4.8/5★ on G2) are very high, reflecting its strong fit for purpose and user satisfaction in the nichegetfreed.ai.

EHR Solutions for Small & Independent Practices

For solo physicians and small group practices, key priorities are ease of use, affordability, and support for broad primary care needs (or a specific niche like wellness). Many small practices also have limited IT resources, so cloud-based, intuitive systems are favored. Below are some of the best EHR options for small and independent practices in 2025:

Practice Fusion – Popular Low-Cost Cloud EHR for Small Practices

Practice Fusion is a well-known cloud-based EHR that historically gained popularity by offering a free (ad-supported) product in the 2010s. Now subscription-based, it remains one of the most widely used EHRs among small and independent practices due to its affordability and general functionalitygetfreed.ai. Ideal users: Small primary care offices, family medicine, internal medicine, and other general outpatient clinics needing a budget-friendly, straightforward EHR.

Key Features: Practice Fusion covers all basic EHR needs: charting, e-prescribing (including controlled substances support), electronic lab orders/results, immunization registry reporting, and a patient portalgetfreed.ai. It has scheduling and simple billing features (or it can integrate with separate practice management systems). A large draw is its library of templates and macros – clinicians can use pre-built templates for common visits (annual physical, diabetes follow-up, etc.) or create their own. It supports dot phrases (macros) that allow quick insertion of text to speed up documentationgetfreed.ai. Practice Fusion integrates with many labs and imaging centers out-of-the-box (Quest, LabCorp, etc.), making ordering and results retrieval electronicgetfreed.ai. Interoperability is decent: it can exchange CCD files and is connected to Carequality for record sharing, which is impressive for a small practice EHR. It also offers a basic telehealth solution via a partnership (though not as built-in as some others). Mobile access is available for viewing, though heavy input is usually via web browser on a computer.

Advantages:

Affordable and Transparent Pricing: Practice Fusion is relatively inexpensive – about $199 per provider per month with an annual contractpracticefusion.com, which is considered mid-range to low for a full EHRgetfreed.ai. There’s also a free trial. This pricing and the fact that implementation is simpler (cloud, self-service) make it accessible to solo doctors and small clinics.
Quick Setup & Ease of Use: Small practices report that Practice Fusion is easy to set up and learn. The interface is clean and geared toward primary care workflows. One can get charting, prescribing, and scheduling running with minimal IT help. The system is intuitive enough that many providers can customize templates or adjust settings on their own.
Lab and Imaging Connectivity: A standout benefit is how compatible Practice Fusion is with labs and imaging centers – many connections are pre-builtgetfreed.ai getfreed.ai. This means electronic lab ordering and receiving results without needing separate interfaces (a big time-saver over paper or fax workflows).
Efficiency Tools: The presence of dot phrases/macros and template-based charting greatly reduces documentation timegetfreed.ai. For example, typing “.bp” might expand to a normal blood pressure statement, etc. Providers appreciate these time-saving features in a free/low-cost system.
Widely Used = Community Support: With tens of thousands of users historically, there’s a community around Practice Fusion. That means lots of shared templates and forum discussions where peers help each other. Also, because it’s common, staff who have used it elsewhere are easier to find.

Drawbacks:

Limited Advanced Features: Practice Fusion covers the basics well, but it’s not as feature-rich as some higher-end products. For instance, it may have limited reporting analytics (you can get basic reports but not deep customizable analytics). It also lacks an integrated practice management/billing suite at the level of others – many users pair it with a separate billing system or RCM service.
Customization Constraints: Template options exist but if you need extensive customization or very specialty-specific workflows, Practice Fusion can fall short (it is more oriented to general outpatient care). Some users find the template editing to be a bit limited in flexibility, leading to needing workarounds or manual entry for less common scenarios.
Occasional Downtime and Slowness: Being a cloud service, there have been episodes of downtime or slow performance, although not frequent. When it occurs, it can disrupt the practice (since you cannot access charts). Practice Fusion has generally good uptime, but small clinics are particularly vulnerable during outages.
Recent Cost Increases: After being acquired by Allscripts (Veradigm) in 2018, Practice Fusion transitioned from free to paid. Over time, the subscription cost has increased and some features that were free are now paid add-ons, according to some usersgetfreed.ai. While still affordable, these increases have caused a bit of frustration for long-time users. It’s something to watch – costs may continue to rise gradually.
Basic Specialty Support: Beyond primary care, other specialties can use Practice Fusion (many do), but you might have to create custom templates for your specialty needs. It doesn’t come with specialty content packs the way some others do.

Pricing: As noted, $199/month per provider is the advertised starting pricepracticefusion.com. There’s an annual commitment required. That includes support, updates, and a certain number of staff accounts. For what it offers, this is quite competitive. Additional costs might come in if you use integrated billing services or certain add-ons. But overall, it stays in the low $$ range, making it one of the cheapest full EHRs that is ONC-certified and widely accepted.

Notable 2025 Updates: Practice Fusion has improved its interoperability – joining Carequality means clinics can query patient records from hospitals or other providers within the EHR interface. They also added e-prescribing for controlled substances (EPCS) to meet DEA requirements, and compliance with the latest Cures Act rules (so patients can get their notes, etc.). The focus seems to be on steady, incremental improvements without drastically changing the simple user experience. Practice Fusion still enjoys a loyal user base and gets a user rating around 3.8/5★getfreed.ai – many reviews cite it as “simple and effective” for a small practice, which is exactly its niche.

Tebra (formerly Kareo Clinical) – All-in-One Suite for Small Practices

Tebra is the result of a merger between Kareo (a popular small-practice EHR/PM) and PatientPop (a patient engagement/marketing platform) to form a combined company. Under the Tebra name, it offers an integrated EHR, practice management, billing, and patient marketing solution. Ideal users: Small medical practices (1-10 providers) that need a cloud-based, easy-to-use EHR with built-in practice management and an emphasis on online patient engagement (scheduling, telehealth, reviews, etc.). It’s general-purpose, so used by primary care, mental health, chiropractic, and various specialties in small office settings.

Key Features: Tebra’s clinical module is essentially Kareo Clinical EHR rebranded, which includes charting, e-prescribing, lab integrations, etc. It comes with pre-built note templates for common visit types, and these can be customizedgetfreed.ai. Notably, it has integrated electronic prescribing (including controlled substances) – some cheaper EHRs charge extra for that, but Tebra includes itgetfreed.ai. The platform supports telehealth visits natively, which became crucial for small practices to offer virtual caregetfreed.ai. Other features: electronic lab ordering, a patient portal, and basic interoperability for referrals (Kareo has interfaces for labs and can exchange some data via direct messages or CCDs). On the practice management side, Tebra handles scheduling, insurance eligibility checks, and billing with claim submission and tracking. Also, thanks to the PatientPop side, it offers tools for online appointment booking, automated patient reminders, and even website building and SEO to help small practices attract patients. Mobile access is provided via an app for some functionalities or a tablet-friendly design.

Advantages:

User-Friendly: Kareo was always known for being easy to learn and navigate, making it a top pick for small offices without dedicated IT or training staff. Tebra continues that – doctors and office staff can typically get comfortable with it quicklygetfreed.ai getfreed.ai. The interface is modern and not overly cluttered.
Good Value Features: Tebra includes a lot of functionality for the price. For example, having telehealth and e-prescribing included means a practice doesn’t have to bolt on separate solutions (some competitors at this price point lack one or the other). It covers clinical documentation, scheduling, billing, and even marketing in one package. Electronic prescribing and lab interfaces being part of the deal is a strong value pointgetfreed.ai.
All-in-One Workflow: Since Tebra merges EHR and practice management, data flows from scheduling to charting to billing smoothly. Many small practices appreciate not having to use one program for charting and another for billing – here it’s unified. The billing module in particular is robust for a small practice solution, and you can outsource billing to Kareo’s RCM team if needed.
Patient Engagement & Telehealth: The PatientPop integration means Tebra can help practices not just document care, but grow their practice. Online scheduling, automated patient reviews collection, telehealth visits, and so forth help a small office operate professionally with minimal extra effort. This is a differentiator – it’s not just an EHR, it’s also a practice growth platform.
Cloud-Based & Accessible: As a true cloud solution, there’s no server maintenance, and updates roll out automatically. It’s accessible from anywhere. This lowers overhead and ensures even a solo doc can manage it.

Drawbacks:

Customer Support Issues: Some users have reported that since the formation of Tebra, customer service has become slower or less responsivegetfreed.ai. This is noted in reviews where people mention waiting a long time for help or difficulty resolving account and billing issuesgetfreed.ai getfreed.ai. Mergers can cause support hiccups, and it seems Tebra had some growing pains in this area.
Recent Quality Concerns: There have been complaints about product quality declining after the mergergetfreed.ai. For instance, a few practices observed more bugs or outages than previously. It’s something the company will need to address to reassure long-time Kareo users that the platform remains reliable.
Feature Gaps: While quite comprehensive, Tebra may lack some advanced features that larger practice EHRs have. For example, reporting and analytics in Tebra are basic – fine for daily use, but if you want custom reports or complex quality measure tracking, it’s limited. Integration with certain devices or specialized equipment might also be minimal (small practices usually don’t have many, but it’s a consideration).
No Calendar Sync: A minor nit, but some users note there’s no Google Calendar integrationgetfreed.ai, meaning you can’t automatically sync the practice schedule with external calendars – a small inconvenience for providers who like to see their schedule on their phone’s calendar app, for instance.
Scaling Limits: Tebra is great for small offices; however, if a practice grows significantly (say 20+ providers or multiple locations), they might start to outgrow it in terms of workflow complexity or require features (like more granular access controls, complex multi-specialty needs) that it isn’t designed for.

Pricing: Tebra (Kareo) is typically priced in the $$ (mid) range for small practices. Kareo’s EHR was roughly around $300 per provider per month in recent years, and pricing for Tebra likely falls in that vicinity, possibly with bundled packages if you use their marketing tools. They often have separate tiers or packages depending on whether you want just the EHR, or EHR + billing, or the full suite with marketing. Nonetheless, it’s affordable for what it provides (cheaper than advanced systems, but more than super-basic ones).

Notable 2025 Updates: In 2025, Tebra has been refining the integration between the Kareo and PatientPop components, aiming for a more seamless experience. They’ve improved telehealth stability and added features like two-way texting with patients through the platform (for reminders or follow-ups). Also, new is a unified mobile app in development that would let providers handle scheduling, e-prescribing, and some documentation from their phone for quick tasks. Tebra’s user satisfaction on G2 is around 4.1/5★getfreed.ai, with positive marks for ease of use and value, and some negatives for support responsiveness as noted. If Tebra can iron out support issues, it remains a top choice for small practice EHR.

Practice Better – Holistic Health and Wellness Practice EHR

Practice Better is an all-in-one practice management and EHR platform tailored to health and wellness professionals such as nutritionists, dietitians, health coaches, integrative and holistic medicine practitioners, as well as mental health therapists. Ideal users: Solo or small practices in wellness fields who need an affordable solution to handle scheduling, charting, and client communication, with some unique tools (like nutrition tracking) built in. It’s also used by some solo physicians or therapists who appreciate its simplicity and low cost.

Key Features: Practice Better offers a range of features to run a wellness practice: client scheduling and booking, a client portal for secure messaging and document sharing, basic EHR for session notes and treatment plans, and billing/invoicing capabilitiesgetfreed.ai. It provides pre-made charting templates (and you can create your own) for common wellness scenariosgetfreed.ai. Uniquely, it has an extensive food database and nutrition tracking feature, which dietitians love because they can log or review clients’ dietary intake easilygetfreed.ai. It also supports things like supplement tracking, lifestyle habit tracking, and goal setting for clients – very useful in holistic care. Practice Better integrates telehealth (HIPAA-compliant video calls) and even instant messaging, enabling virtual practice operationgetfreed.ai. One of the innovative aspects is its AI Charting Assistantgetfreed.ai: this allows practitioners to dictate or input notes and have AI summarize or auto-generate parts of the documentation. The platform automates workflows like sending intake forms, appointment reminders, and follow-up tasks, which is great for a tiny office. They also have mobile app support so practitioners and clients can use it on the go.

Advantages:

Simple and Intuitive: Practice Better is designed with a clean, modern interface. Solo practitioners without tech staff find it very intuitive to navigate for both themselves and their clientsgetfreed.ai getfreed.ai. It doesn’t have extraneous features that clutter the screen – just what a small practice needs.
Affordable (Free to Low Cost): It’s extremely budget-friendly. There’s a free plan with limited clients, and paid plans starting as low as $25/monthchoosingtherapy.com. Even the top tier (for teams) is around $145/monthsoftwarefinder.com, which for an EHR + PM + telehealth is a bargain. This is ideal for new practitioners starting out or those with a small client base.
Wellness-Specific Tools: The inclusion of things like the food & supplement databases and goal tracking is a major plus for nutrition and wellness professionalsgetfreed.ai. It means they don’t need separate apps for those tasks – Practice Better becomes a one-stop solution for tracking a client’s holistic health progress.
Automation and Efficiency: For a small practice, automating admin tasks is a lifesaver. Practice Better can auto-send forms, automatically schedule follow-ups, and has templates for charting, which **saves time and reduces manual work】getfreed.ai getfreed.ai. The AI dictation feature (with a certain amount of free usage) can also speed up note-taking.
Strong Client Interaction Features: The platform shines in facilitating communication and engagement: secure messaging allows quick check-ins, and the client portal empowers clients to be active in their care (logging their meals, completing journals, etc.)getfreed.ai. For practices focused on coaching and ongoing support, this is ideal.

Drawbacks:

Not a Full Medical EHR: Practice Better is perfect for wellness coaching, but it’s not as comprehensive for medical workflows. It lacks sophisticated e-prescribing (not really built for prescribing medications) and doesn’t have integrations with labs or advanced medical device connectivity. Licensed medical professionals can use it, but if you need features like electronic prescription of drugs or connecting to HIEs, this isn’t the platform.
Limited Customization for Programs: Some users noted that while it handles one-on-one interactions well, it has no built-in support for group programs or memberships (like if you run a recurring group class or subscription program through the platform)getfreed.ai. You can work around this, but the system isn’t inherently set up for group scheduling or content dripping for group programs.
AI Charting Still Maturing: The AI charting assistant feature is innovative, but some users found it “could be more accurate and detailed”getfreed.ai. It might save time, but you often need to edit the AI-generated content. As with any AI in 2025, it’s helpful but not perfect, so practitioners must review all outputs for safety and accuracy.
Scaling to Larger Practice: Practice Better works great for solos and small groups. However, for a larger clinic with multiple providers or more complex billing needs (insurance claims, etc.), it may not suffice. It’s more geared to direct-pay wellness models. If you grow and need, say, robust insurance billing or more enterprise features, you might outgrow it.
Certification and Compliance: Practice Better is HIPAA-compliant and secure, but it’s not an ONC-certified EHR (since many of its users don’t participate in Meaningful Use or MIPS). If you’re a clinician who needs a certified EHR for incentive programs, Practice Better wouldn’t check that box. Additionally, any integrative MD using it might have to double-document in another system for certain reporting needs.

Pricing: As mentioned, pricing plans range from $25/month (solo starter) up to around $89/month (plus plan) and $145/month (team plan)choosingtherapy.com softwarefinder.com. There’s also a free tier (limited to 3 clients and some feature caps). The low cost for what you get is a huge selling point, enabling even part-time practitioners to use a professional platform.

Notable 2025 Updates: Practice Better has been actively adding features. Recently they introduced an AI Dictation and Summary service – the first 600 minutes are free, then a small charge after (indicating they are leveraging AI to help with note-taking and summarizing)practicebetter.io. They also improved their branding and customization options for client-facing materials (so clinics can add logos, etc., in higher tiers). Another 2025 focus is on telehealth: making group telehealth sessions possible and improving video quality. User reviews give Practice Better a high satisfaction rating (reflected in a G2 rating ~4.8/5★)getfreed.ai. It’s considered a top choice for its target market. In summary, for wellness and small health practices, Practice Better truly lives up to its name by simplifying and “better-ing” the business side of practice.

Carepatron – Modern Free-to-Low-Cost EHR for Solo Providers

Carepatron is a newer entrant geared toward solo practitioners and very small clinics, including mental health therapists, wellness coaches, allied health professionals, and small medical offices. It brands itself as a “Healthcare OS” for managing clients, scheduling, and notes with a strong emphasis on being user-friendly and leveraging automation/AI. Ideal users: Solo providers or small practices that want a fresh, modern interface, low cost (there’s a free tier), and features spanning EHR and practice management without complexity.

Key Features: Carepatron covers EHR basics (client records, progress notes, treatment plans), practice management (appointment scheduling, reminders, task management), and billing & payments (invoice clients, process payments)getfreed.ai. It has a patient (client) portal for sharing documents and scheduling. Telehealth is integrated, with secure video sessions possible directly on the platformgetfreed.ai. A highlight is its use of AI-powered task automation and workflow managementgetfreed.ai – for example, it can transcribe notes via an AI scribe, and automate follow-up tasks. Carepatron also offers a mobile app that lets practitioners manage their schedule, take notes, or message clients on the gogetfreed.ai. The interface is often likened to using an iPhone – intuitive and cleangetfreed.ai getfreed.ai. It may not have every advanced feature, but it covers what most solo clinicians need: calendar, notes, contacts, and billing all in one place.

Advantages:

Very Easy to Use: Carepatron’s design is modern and intuitive, lowering the learning curvegetfreed.ai getfreed.ai. Practitioners who are intimidated by big EHR systems find Carepatron refreshing – navigation is simple and things just make sense without extensive training. This means more time with patients and less fuss with software, crucial for solos.
Affordable (Generous Free Plan): The pricing is extremely attractive – free tier available (with core features) and premium starting at only ~$29/monthchoosingtherapy.com choosingtherapy.com. This makes it one of the most cost-effective options on the market. For someone just starting a private practice or operating on thin margins, Carepatron’s low cost is a huge draw.
Covers “All the Basics” for Small Practice: As noted in one review, it “covers all the basics” a solo or small clinic would needgetfreed.ai. Scheduling, reminders, note-taking, billing – all built-in. So you don’t need multiple tools (like Calendly + separate notes app + Square for payments); Carepatron consolidates these functions.
Automation and AI: Carepatron includes AI-assisted note-taking and transcription which can save time on documentationchoosingtherapy.com choosingtherapy.com. It can also automate routine tasks like sending appointment reminders or even summarizing sessions. For a solo provider without admin staff, these automation features reclaim precious time.
Great for Remote/Virtual Practice: With its solid mobile app and telehealth integration, Carepatron is ideal for providers who may be doing virtual visits or want to manage their practice from anywhere. You can essentially run your practice from your phone if needed (schedule, notes, billing all accessible).

Drawbacks:

Limited Advanced Features: Compared to larger EHRs, Carepatron lacks some advanced functionality. For instance, there are no complex analytics or population health tools (small practices might not need them). It also doesn’t handle things like e-prescribing or lab integrations – so it’s not suited if you need to send Rx to pharmacies or order lab tests electronically. It’s more geared to therapy, coaching, or simple clinical workflows that don’t involve prescribing medications.
Not for Complex Specialties: A small primary care office could use Carepatron for general notes and scheduling, but anything requiring specialty-specific templates or extensive customization might find it limited in advanced featuresgetfreed.ai. It’s intentionally limited to keep it simple. If you require, say, OB/GYN flow sheets or detailed surgical notes, you’d likely need a more robust system.
Occasional Glitches: As a relatively newer platform, a few users report occasional minor glitches, especially in telehealth sessionsgetfreed.ai. For example, video call quality or connectivity might occasionally hiccup (though this can happen with any platform). These are not deal-breakers and tend to be infrequent, but they remind that the product is still evolving.
Fewer Integrations: Carepatron is a closed ecosystem; it doesn’t boast a lot of third-party integrations yet. If you want it to talk to another software (like an email marketing tool or an EMR at a hospital), you might not find built-in integrations. It’s largely self-contained, which is fine for many, but something to note if you have existing tools you want to connect.
Certification: Carepatron, focusing on small practices, is not ONC-certified as an EHR. It’s fully HIPAA-compliant, but if you needed to participate in federal programs, this wouldn’t fulfill that requirement. Most users of Carepatron likely don’t need that, but it’s a consideration for some medical professionals.

Pricing: Free for a solo user with basic features (very generous). The paid plans start at around $29/month (often labeled as a Solo or Starter plan), which includes more storage and featureschoosingtherapy.com choosingtherapy.com. Even the highest plan for small teams is under $50/month per user in many cases. This pricing is exceptionally low relative to the value, essentially making cost a non-issue for adopting an EHR. They likely operate on volume and upselling some premium features, but it’s hard to beat in 2025.

Notable 2025 Updates: Carepatron continues to improve its AI capabilities – recently adding real-time transcription and smart prompts to its notes featurechoosingtherapy.com choosingtherapy.com. It’s also expanded its template library, so therapists, for example, have many note templates to choose from. In terms of recognition, Carepatron has been getting positive reviews (around 4.5/5★ on G2 and similar platforms) and many note its modern design and free plan as big positivesgetfreed.ai. It positions itself like the “Apple” of EHR for small practices – sleek and user-centricgetfreed.ai. If you’re a solo healthcare provider in need of an easy practice management solution, Carepatron is definitely worth considering for 2025 and beyond.

EHR Platforms for Behavioral and Mental Health Practices

Finally, it’s important to highlight EHR solutions specifically designed for behavioral health and therapy practices. Mental health professionals often require features like therapy-specific note templates (progress notes, treatment plans), scheduling for recurring appointments, and easy billing for sessions. They may not need complex medical features but do need privacy, simplicity, and sometimes group therapy support. The following are leading EHRs for mental health providers:

SimplePractice – Top Practice Management EHR for Therapists

SimplePractice is one of the most popular practice management and EHR platforms for independent therapists, counselors, psychologists, and small group mental health practices. Ideal users: Solo or small behavioral health practices that want a polished, all-in-one solution for notes, scheduling, billing, and telehealth. It’s also used by social workers, speech therapists, and other allied health providers.

Key Features: SimplePractice provides progress note templates tailored to therapy (DAP, SOAP notes, treatment plans)getfreed.ai. It has a client portal where intake forms (like consent, questionnaires) can be completed electronically. Scheduling with automatic appointment reminders (text/email) is built ingetfreed.ai. Telehealth video sessions are integrated (especially valuable post-2020). SimplePractice also supports couples therapy workflows – it can link two client profiles to one case for joint sessionsgetfreed.ai. For billing, it can manage invoices, superbills, and even insurance claim filing (they have an add-on service for electronic insurance claims). It also offers features beyond clinical: a basic website builder, online credit card processing for client payments, and even marketing tools in higher tiers. A mobile app allows practitioners to do things like appointment scheduling and note-taking on the go. Security is tight (HIPAA compliant, of course) and they continually update based on therapist feedback.

Advantages:

User-Friendly & Modern: SimplePractice is known for a clean, modern interface that doesn’t feel like old medical softwaregetfreed.ai getfreed.ai. Therapists who are not tech experts find it easy to navigate. The portal is also friendly for clients – important for a private practice’s image.
Designed for Therapy Workflow: The software focuses on what therapy practices need: note templates for psychotherapy, the ability to handle couples/family sessions, recurring appointments, and quick billing for sessions. It cuts out the clutter of medical EHRs and zeroes in on behavioral health. For example, you can store treatment goals, track progress over sessions, and it even has tools for outcome measures if you use them.
Mobile App & Convenience: Therapists often work from various locations or need to jot notes quickly between sessions. SimplePractice’s mobile app and overall accessibility mean you can take notes on a tablet, check your schedule on your phone, etc., with ease. It supports a modern practice style (not tethered to an office desktop).
Client Engagement: Features like automated reminders reduce no-shows. The portal allows clients to message securely, fill forms, and even request appointments, which saves the therapist time on admin. Clients appreciate the professionalism of features like credit card on file and direct receipts/superbills.
Scalable for Group Practices: While ideal for solos, SimplePractice also has plans that accommodate group practices with multiple clinicians and front-desk staff. You can manage calendars for several clinicians, coordinate care, and still keep it fairly straightforward. This means a practice can grow with the platform.

Drawbacks:

Tiered Features (Costly Add-ons): Some essential features are only in higher-priced plansgetfreed.ai. For example, the basic plan might lack telehealth or electronic claim filing – you have to pay more for those. This can make the cost add up as you realize you need those “bells and whistles” that felt optional but turn out to be needed.
Limited Scalability Beyond Mid-Size: SimplePractice is great up to a certain size, but if a practice becomes a larger clinic or needs enterprise features (like detailed analytics, HR integration, etc.), it may start to strain the limits. It’s not meant for large agencies with dozens of providers (though they might use it, it might not be as efficient).
Calendar Sync Restrictions: An example of a minor frustration – calendar syncing with Google/Outlook is not available on the lower-tier plangetfreed.ai. Only higher plans allow two-way sync with external calendars. Little things like this can irk users who feel such a basic feature should be standard.
Can Get Expensive for Groups: While a solo plan starts around $49/month, when you add multiple clinicians (and each additional clinician incurs a fee), plus if you add e-prescribing (for those who need to prescribe meds, an extra ~$50/mo), the cost for a group can become significant – reaching several hundred per month for a full-featured group practice. At that point, some groups consider if a more robust system might be justified.
No Integrated Psychiatry Medication Management: SimplePractice has begun offering e-prescribe as an add-on, but it’s clearly an afterthought for those who need it (and many therapists don’t). If you’re a psychiatrist or a clinic that prescribes meds heavily, SimplePractice might feel lacking in that department compared to more medical-oriented EHRs.

Pricing: They revamped pricing in 2025. As of early 2025, plans were: Starter at $49/mo, Essential at $79/mo, Plus at $99/mo for a solo providercapterra.com. Groups pay the Plus base of $99 + an additional fee per clinician (around $29 each)trustradius.com. Telehealth is included from Essential tier upwards. Insurance claim filing is an extra fee per claim (or included in some plans as a certain number of claims). E-prescribing controlled substances costs extra (~$50/mo add-on)softwarefinder.com. So, for a solo therapist not taking insurance, $49 might suffice. But for one who takes insurance and prescribes, you might be looking at $150+ monthly. For what it offers, it’s $$ (mid-priced) in the therapy space – not cheapest, not most expensive, but you do need the higher tiers for full utility.

Notable 2025 Innovations: SimplePractice is continually iterating. In 2025, they added features like appointment reminders via text at all plan levels, an ability for clients to electronically sign and save credit card info (to streamline payments), and expanded telehealth group sessions (so you can do group therapy with multiple participants on their platform – a much-requested feature). They also improved their analytics dashboard a bit for tracking practice income and client retention. Despite some cost complaints, SimplePractice remains highly rated by users for its functionality (G2 rating ~4.1/5★)getfreed.ai and is often the top recommendation among therapists for an all-around practice management solution.

TherapyNotes – Robust, Budget-Friendly EHR for Behavioral Health

TherapyNotes is a leading EHR and practice management system specifically for mental health professionals, including psychologists, counselors, and psychiatrists. It is known for its structured note system and reliable performance. Ideal users: Solo or group behavioral health practices that want a dedicated mental health EHR with excellent support and straightforward pricing.

Key Features: TherapyNotes provides specialized templates for therapy notes (progress notes, psychotherapy notes, treatment plans) and psychological evaluationsgetfreed.ai. The interface organizes information by patient and date, making it easy to maintain compliance and documentation standards. It has an integrated calendar and scheduling with automated appointment reminders via phone/text/emailgetfreed.ai. There’s also a to-do list that prompts clinicians on tasks like notes due or treatment plan updates – this helps ensure nothing falls through the cracks. TherapyNotes includes a built-in telehealth platform ( TherapyNotes™ Telehealth ) for conducting secure video sessionsgetfreed.ai. For billing, it handles invoices and superbills and can manage insurance claims either through export or an integrated clearinghouse. One of its strong suits is tracking clinical outcomes – it can integrate standardized measures or let you track goals over time. The system also allows unlimited document storage for things like intake forms or assessments. TherapyNotes is fully cloud-based (accessible via browser; they also have a mobile app primarily for scheduling). An outstanding aspect is their customer support, which is 24/7 live support included for all usersgetfreed.ai.

Advantages:

Structured and Easy Charting: TherapyNotes is praised for enforcing structured documentation – each note type has a clear template which ensures clinicians cover key points (e.g., presenting problem, interventions, plan)getfreed.ai. This is great for quality and for meeting insurance requirements. It also speeds up note writing because you have a format to follow.
Excellent Customer Support: They offer live support 24/7 by phone or email, which is quite rare in this price rangegetfreed.ai. Users consistently mention the support is helpful and available whenever needed. This is crucial for therapists who might need help outside 9-5, especially if they’re documenting at night or on weekends.
More Features in Base Price: Compared to SimplePractice, TherapyNotes includes more out-of-the-box in its standard price (telehealth, reminders, etc., are not extra). It’s often cited as a more affordable comprehensive solution because its base plan has what many practices need without add-on feesgetfreed.ai getfreed.ai.
Smooth User Experience: The overall user experience is described as smooth and less glitchy. It might not have the fanciest interface, but it’s reliable – things work as expected, with minimal bugs. The performance is solid; pages load quickly. For someone who prioritizes stability over flashiness, it’s appealing.
Insurance-Friendly: If you bill insurance, TherapyNotes has features that simplify that: it can generate CMS-1500 forms, has an add-on for electronic claim submission, and tracks unpaid insurance claims. Its notes are also well-aligned with insurance standards (medically necessary language, etc.), which can lead to fewer reimbursement issues.

Drawbacks:

Clunkier Interface: Users admit the interface looks a bit dated or clunkygetfreed.ai. It’s functional but not as “pretty” or modern as some competitors. For example, the design might feel like using software from the 2000s in terms of layout. This doesn’t affect function, but the aesthetic and user flow aren’t as sleek as SimplePractice or newer apps.
No Mobile App for Notes: While TherapyNotes has a mobile app, it’s limited (mainly for schedule viewing, not for writing notes). So, you typically need to use a computer to write full session notes – the mobile experience is not as completegetfreed.ai. For therapists who like to jot notes on an iPad with a stylus, TherapyNotes isn’t as friendly there.
Limited Customization: The structured templates are a double-edged sword – they maintain consistency but can feel somewhat rigid. There’s limited ability to customize the note templates or add custom fields. If a therapist has a very particular way of documenting outside the provided framework, they might find it hard to adjust TherapyNotes to that.
No Built-in E-prescribing: For practices that have prescribers (like psychiatrists), TherapyNotes doesn’t have built-in eRx. You’d need a separate system for prescribing medications. TherapyNotes is primarily aimed at therapy services, not medical management, so this is understandable but worth noting if your practice includes psychiatric medication management.
Group Practice Features: TherapyNotes can handle group practices, but it may not have some of the advanced group administration features (like complex permission hierarchies or multi-location inventory) that a larger clinic might want. It’s best suited for small to medium groups rather than very large agencies.

Pricing: TherapyNotes uses a straightforward pricing model. As of 2025, for a solo user it’s about $59/month (they often advertise $49 but that was an earlier rate; current info suggests $59 for the first clinician)softwarefinder.com. For group practices, it’s around $59/month for the first clinician + $30 for each additional clinician (approximate)softwarefinder.com. They offer a free 30-day trial. All features (telehealth, reminders, support) are included in that price, which is quite competitive – no nickel-and-diming. This transparent pricing is often cited as a pluschoosingtherapy.com.

Notable 2025 Updates: TherapyNotes has focused on refining user experience. They’ve improved the telehealth stability and now allow group telehealth sessions (useful for family therapy or group therapy scenarios). They’ve also launched a client portal feature where clients can e-sign documents and even do secure messaging (catching up with others on that front). Another addition is a “Telehealth Consent” template and easier sending of consent forms given the ongoing importance of virtual therapy. In general, TherapyNotes’ reputation remains very strong, with an average user rating around 4.5/5★getfreed.ai. It’s often recommended for those who want reliability and strong support at a lower cost than SimplePractice. If a therapist values structure and customer service, TherapyNotes is a top recommendation in 2025.

TheraNest – Affordable, Full-Featured Solution for Small Mental Health Practices

TheraNest is a comprehensive practice management and EHR software for mental and behavioral health, known for its affordability and solid feature set. It caters to therapists, psychologists, social workers, and small counseling agencies. Ideal users: Solo practitioners or small group practices (including those offering group therapy) who need core EHR functionality on a tight budget.

Key Features: TheraNest covers progress notes, treatment plans, and intake assessments with templates (e.g., SOAP notes, diagnostic assessment forms)getfreed.ai. It has a scheduler with recurring appointments and sends appointment reminders via text/email. Billing features include invoice generation, insurance claim submissions (via integrated clearinghouse at extra cost), and tracking of payments. TheraNest also provides a client portal for secure messaging, document sharing, and for clients to view/pay invoicesgetfreed.ai. Telehealth is integrated through TheraNest Telehealth add-on, enabling video sessions. One nice aspect is group therapy support – you can schedule a group session and document group notes, which not all therapy EHRs handle elegantly. TheraNest produces basic reports and analytics (like service hours, billing reports) which small clinics find useful for oversight. Additionally, it supports outcome measures: you can administer and score standard scales (PHQ-9, GAD-7, etc.) within the system. The interface is not fancy but is fairly easy to navigate, and it’s entirely cloud-based.

Advantages:

Budget-Friendly with Transparent Pricing: TheraNest has a very transparent and affordable pricing model (often charging by number of therapists or even number of active clients). Many find it cheaper than most competitors for what you getgetfreed.ai getfreed.ai. There are no hidden fees, and you can scale up as you add clinicians without huge cost jumps.
Covers All Essentials: Users appreciate that TheraNest “covers all the core features needed” for a mental health practicegetfreed.ai. From notes and scheduling to billing and telehealth, it’s a one-stop shop. You’re not missing major pieces – it may not be the most advanced in each area, but everything is there.
Easy to Learn & Customize: TheraNest is reported as easy to learn for staffgetfreed.ai. Its learning curve is gentle, and the system allows some customization (you can edit note templates, for instance, or create custom forms). This flexibility at a low price point is a plus for small practices that might have specific documentation needs.
Excellent Customer Support: TheraNest, like TherapyNotes, gets good marks for customer support. It’s known to have responsive and helpful support, often highlighted in prosgetfreed.ai getfreed.ai. Also, they have a good amount of self-help guides and webinars, which is great for new users.
Telehealth & Group Features: TheraNest’s telehealth works well and supports not only one-on-one but also group sessions (which is beneficial for group therapy or family therapy)getfreed.ai. Additionally, features like no extra fee for unlimited support, and built-in e-signature for consent forms, etc., add to the value.

Drawbacks:

No Native Mobile App (for full use): TheraNest doesn’t have a fully functional mobile app. You can access it via web on a tablet/mobile, but some functions may not be as smooth. This is a minor issue if you mostly use a laptop, but for those who want to do everything on an iPad, it’s not as optimizedgetfreed.ai getfreed.ai.
Calendar Sync Limitations: Similar to some others, TheraNest doesn’t have a robust two-way sync with external calendars. So managing your schedule across personal and work calendars might require manual work.
Video Platform Could Improve: While telehealth is integrated, a few users say the built-in video quality/platform could be bettergetfreed.ai. It’s functional, but not as feature-rich as dedicated telehealth platforms (no virtual backgrounds, occasional connectivity issues). Some opt to use Zoom or Doxy.me instead for video sessions.
Scheduling Quirks: A few quirks in the scheduling interface have been noted – e.g., setting up certain recurring appointment patterns or adjusting a series can be a bit clunkygetfreed.ai getfreed.ai. It works, but isn’t as slick as Google Calendar, for instance. This is the kind of minor inconvenience that you adapt to, though.
User Interface Not the Flashiest: TheraNest’s design is utilitarian. It might feel a bit older in style compared to something like SimplePractice. This doesn’t affect its capability, but some users coming from more modern UIs might find it a tad dull. On the flip side, that simplicity contributes to ease of use.

Pricing: TheraNest has been known for tiered pricing based on number of providers or clients. For example, they used to charge ~$39/month for the first clinician and then incremental amounts as you add more. It often worked out cheaper per clinician as you grow (volume discounts). They advertise no long-term contract, and you can adjust your plan month to month. All features (notes, portal, telehealth, etc.) are typically included; the main extra might be if you use their integrated insurance claims service, which can incur a clearinghouse fee. Overall, it’s in the $ (low cost) category for most small practice configurations – quite competitive and often less than some bigger-name competitors.

Notable 2025 Updates: In 2025, TheraNest (part of the Therapy Brands family) has continued to refine features like their portal – allowing clients to schedule or cancel appointments online (a new addition) and fill out intake questionnaires digitally. They improved security with two-factor authentication for logins, which is important for HIPAA compliance. TheraNest also started beta testing a telehealth waiting room feature to better manage back-to-back sessions for providers. User satisfaction is high (around 4.5/5★ on G2)getfreed.ai, with frequent praise for value and support. In summary, TheraNest remains a strong option for those wanting a full-featured mental health practice system without the higher price tag, making a few trade-offs in UI glitz for the sake of affordability and functionality.

Actionable Insights & Recommendations:

Choosing the right EHR in 2025 requires balancing practice size, specialty needs, and budget:

For solo and small practices (especially in wellness or mental health): look to affordable, user-friendly platforms like Carepatron (if you need ultra-simplicity and low cost) or Practice Better (for holistic health features). These will cover your basics without breaking the bank. If you’re a therapist or counselor, consider TherapyNotes or TheraNest for structured notes and top-notch support, or SimplePractice if you want a few more bells and whistles (and are willing to pay a bit more). These systems will keep your overhead low and are quick to get started with, meaning more time with patients and less on paperwork.
For specialized clinics (dermatology, ophthalmology, etc.): a specialty-focused EHR like ModMed or Nextech can dramatically improve efficiency and accuracy. The upfront cost is higher, but the time saved on each encounter (and improved coding) often justifies it. For example, dermatologists can see more patients or finish charts earlier with ModMed’s tailored workflowsgetfreed.ai. Ensure the specialty EHR you choose has proven success in your specialty – check user forums or ask the vendor for references in your field.
For mid-sized multi-specialty groups or community health centers: robust systems like NextGen, eClinicalWorks, or athenahealth strike a balance between feature set and cost. Each has strengths: NextGen for integrated ambulatory care with new AI helpersgetfreed.ai, eCW for a feature-packed system with new tech like AI scribes, and athenaOne for superior billing integration. If your practice has a heavy billing load or multiple locations, athena’s percent-of-collections model could align incentives (they get paid when you do)selecthub.com. On the other hand, if provider productivity and customizable workflows are top priority, eCW or NextGen might serve better. In any case, involve representatives from clinical, administrative, and IT teams in demos to see which system’s workflow fits naturally – a system that looks great in sales screenshots might feel clunky in daily use, so hands-on testing is key.
For large hospitals and health systems: the decision often comes down to Epic vs. Cerner (Oracle), as they remain the dominant acute care EHRs. Epic tends to win on physician user satisfaction and out-of-the-box integration (especially if you want an entire health system on one platform)getfreed.ai. Cerner might be considered if you value customization or have existing Oracle infrastructure to integrate withgetfreed.ai. Both are massive investments, so scrutinize the vendor’s implementation support. If you’re a smaller hospital (community or critical access), also consider Meditech Expanse (not detailed above, but a major player in that segment) as a potentially more cost-effective solution, or even regional shared Epic/Cerner installations through partnerships.
Interoperability and compliance: Ensure any EHR you choose is ONC-certified (2015 Edition)businesswire.com if you participate in Medicare/Medicaid programs – all the major ones listed are, but some niche products for wellness might not be. In 2025, information blocking rules mean your EHR should easily allow sharing notes with patients and exchanging data with other providers. Favor vendors actively participating in networks like CommonWell, Carequality, or TEFCA. For example, if you’re a small practice on Practice Fusion or Athena, you automatically get data exchange with hospitals, which is a boon for care continuity. Interoperability isn’t just a buzzword now – it’s becoming a practical reality, and selecting an EHR that plays nicely with others will save headaches (and possibly future penalties).
Leverage 2025 innovations smartly: Many EHRs now tout AI integration, voice recognition, and predictive analytics. When evaluating, consider whether these actually improve your workflow or are just nice demos. An AI scribe that saves you an hour of charting a day is worth itgetfreed.ai, but one that requires heavy corrections is not. Ask for a trial or pilot of these features. Similarly, if telehealth is part of your service mix, ensure the EHR’s telehealth is user-friendly for patients (otherwise you might stick with Zoom and manually document). Mobile support is crucial if you work on the go or split time between locations – test the EHR’s mobile app for key tasks (can you e-prescribe from your phone? Check your schedule easily?).
User satisfaction & training: Heed the experience of current users – high user satisfaction often correlates with better usability and support. For instance, Epic, despite its complexity, often scores well once users are trained, partly due to strong user groups and resourcesgetfreed.ai. On the other hand, an EHR with a lower satisfaction score might indicate consistent frustrations (e.g., Allscripts earned the nickname “All-clicks” for a reasongetfreed.ai). Whichever EHR you pick, invest in proper training and optimize it to your workflow. Many EHR failures are due to poor implementation rather than the software itself. Engage vendor trainers or consultants, and use the EHR’s customization options (templates, order sets, shortcuts) to tailor it to your practice. A well-implemented mid-tier EHR can outperform a poorly implemented top-tier one in day-to-day efficiency.

In conclusion, the “best” EHR is the one that fits your practice’s unique combination of size, specialty, and workflow. This list of 17 top platforms offers choices for virtually every scenario – from a solo counselor needing a low-cost solution to a large hospital needing a powerhouse. By focusing on your specific needs (clinical features, interoperability, budget) and taking advantage of free trials or demos, you can find an EHR that not only checks the compliance boxes but actually makes your life easier. Remember, the goal is an EHR that serves your practice – enabling better care, easier billing, and more time for what matters – rather than becoming another burden. Use the information here as a starting point, involve your team in the decision, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful EHR selection in 2025.

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In This Article

17 Best EHR Software Platforms in 2025 (By Practice Size & Specialty)

Comparison Table of Top EHR Systems (2025)

EHR Systems for Large Hospitals & Health Systems

Epic – Leading Enterprise EHR for Large Health Systems

Cerner (Oracle Health) – Major Hospital EHR with Oracle Cloud Vision

EHR Solutions for Mid-Sized Clinics & Multi-Specialty Practices

NextGen Healthcare – Feature-Rich EHR/PM for Medium Practices

athenaOne (athenahealth) – Cloud EHR with Best-in-Class Billing Services

eClinicalWorks – Comprehensive Ambulatory EHR with Innovative Add-ons

Veradigm EHR (formerly Allscripts Professional) – User-Friendly Ambulatory EHR

Specialty-Focused EHR Platforms (Dermatology, Ophthalmology, etc.)

ModMed (Modernizing Medicine) – Best-in-Class for Dermatology & More

Nextech – Ophthalmology and Plastic Surgery Specialist EHR

ECP – EHR for Assisted Living and Long-Term Care

EHR Solutions for Small & Independent Practices

Practice Fusion – Popular Low-Cost Cloud EHR for Small Practices

Tebra (formerly Kareo Clinical) – All-in-One Suite for Small Practices

Practice Better – Holistic Health and Wellness Practice EHR

Carepatron – Modern Free-to-Low-Cost EHR for Solo Providers

EHR Platforms for Behavioral and Mental Health Practices

SimplePractice – Top Practice Management EHR for Therapists

TherapyNotes – Robust, Budget-Friendly EHR for Behavioral Health

TheraNest – Affordable, Full-Featured Solution for Small Mental Health Practices

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