Updated on: July 8, 2025
In today’s healthcare landscape, choosing the right Electronic Health Record (EHR) system can make or break the efficiency of your practice. With so many options on the market, two names frequently rise to the top: Epic and NextGen.
Both Epic and NextGen offer robust EHR solutions tailored to the complex needs of healthcare providers, but which one is the better fit for your organization? In this detailed comparison, we’ll break down the features, usability, pricing, integrations, and overall value of Epic vs. NextGen EHR Systems to help you make an informed decision.
Quick Overview: Epic and NextGen at a Glance
| Feature | Epic | NextGen |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Large hospitals, health systems | Small to mid-sized practices |
| User Experience (UX) | Comprehensive but complex | Intuitive and customizable |
| Interoperability | Industry-leading | Strong but less extensive |
| Virtual Medical Scribe Integration | Compatible with AI scribes like Docscrib | Compatible with AI scribes like Docscrib |
| Pricing | High (enterprise-level) | Mid-range, scalable |
Epic EHR: An Industry Titan Built for Scale
What is Epic?
Epic Systems is one of the most widely adopted EHR platforms in the world, used by leading hospitals and health systems including Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins, and Mayo Clinic. Its comprehensive features, interoperability, and data security make it a top choice for large-scale operations.
Key Features of Epic:
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MyChart: A patient portal that improves engagement and care continuity.
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Telehealth Integration: Seamless video visits and remote patient monitoring.
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Advanced Analytics: Real-time population health and predictive modeling.
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Mobile Access: Epic Haiku for providers on the go.
Pros:
✅ Unmatched scalability for large organizations
✅ Advanced clinical decision support
✅ Deep interoperability through Care Everywhere
✅ Strong ecosystem with third-party app support
Cons:
❌ Steep learning curve
❌ High upfront and ongoing costs
❌ Implementation can take months or years
NextGen EHR: Tailored for Ambulatory and Specialty Practices
What is NextGen?
NextGen Healthcare focuses on ambulatory care, providing EHR and practice management solutions specifically designed for small to medium-sized practices. Known for its user-friendly interface and specialty-specific modules, NextGen is often the go-to choice for independent practices.
Key Features of NextGen:
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Specialty Templates: Customized for 30+ specialties including Behavioral Health, Orthopedics, and Pediatrics.
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Integrated Practice Management: Scheduling, billing, and revenue cycle tools.
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Mobile Solutions: NextGen Mobile for on-the-go charting and note-taking.
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Population Health Management: Tools for value-based care.
Pros:
✅ Easier implementation and training
✅ Cost-effective for smaller organizations
✅ Highly customizable workflows
✅ AI Medical Scribe compatibility with tools like Docscrib
Cons:
❌ Less suited for large hospitals
❌ Reporting tools not as advanced as Epic
❌ Interoperability still improving
Epic vs. NextGen: Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | Epic | NextGen |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Complex; requires extensive training | Intuitive; faster learning curve |
| Specialty Support | Strong for hospital-based specialties | Strong for outpatient and specialty practices |
| Mobile Access | Robust mobile features (Haiku, Canto) | Strong mobile capabilities |
| Analytics & Insights | Market-leading AI and predictive tools | Adequate for smaller scale |
| Cost | $$$$$ (high) | $$$ (mid-range) |
| Virtual Scribe Compatibility | Fully compatible with Virtual Medical Scribes | Fully compatible with Virtual Medical Scribes |
Why Virtual Medical Scribes Matter in Your EHR Choice
Whether you choose Epic or NextGen, the integration of Virtual Medical Scribes like Docscrib can dramatically boost your clinical efficiency.
By automating SOAP note creation, clinical documentation, and administrative tasks, virtual scribes reduce the time physicians spend typing and allow them to focus more on patient care. This is particularly valuable for both large hospitals using Epic and smaller practices on NextGen.
👉 Learn how Docscrib’s AI-powered scribe can transform your documentation:
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