When a physician needs to choose an EHR system, they need to consider a number of important factors. Some of the key elements include Cloud-based systems, Interoperability, and Customer service. In this article, we’ll look at the different features of both Cerner and Epic.
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Cloud-based EHR Systems
Cloud-based electronic health records are a great solution to many healthcare issues. They allow for faster access to patient records and help doctors provide more accurate treatment. However, the best EHR system depends on what your organization needs.
While Cerner and Epic are two of the largest EHR providers, there are plenty of other options. For example, Microsoft and Amazon have been working on a telehealth system that would allow front-line workers to connect with patients. Another option is a SaaS model that requires a monthly fee. These cloud-based EHR systems allow you to customize the software to meet your needs.
Regardless of which type of cloud-based EHR you choose, it’s important to keep your data secure. The systems are designed to maintain security by implementing their own policies. Some companies use encryption. Other vendors provide cloud-based services to transfer EHR data.
Despite the differences, both Epic and Cerner offer similar software solutions. Their primary focus is on health information technology. Both vendors have been recognized as leaders in the industry. Moreover, they offer different pricing and implementation strategies.
Epic is the more expensive of the two. Implementing an Epic system can take six months to a year. As such, some hospitals have had to make losses following the deployment of their new Epic EHR. Epic offers a variety of products, including population health management and revenue cycle management. Its software also includes artificial intelligence and telehealth capabilities. In addition, it can share patient data with other software.
Cerner, on the other hand, focuses on the development of health information technology systems. They offer a user-friendly interface and comprehensive security for sensitive medical data. With Cerner, you can access your patient’s information from a mobile device and communicate with providers. You can also use health analytics to make your treatments more accurate.
Cerner is more suitable for smaller clinics and healthcare providers. Because of its ease of use, it is more attractive to clinicians. On top of that, you can receive 24/7 customer support. Cerner and Epic offer similar software solutions, but the workflow experiences are very different. If your organization needs a more streamlined, customizable cloud-based EHR, then you should consider either one.
Mobile Apps
Cerner and Epic are two of the largest electronic health record (EHR) providers in the United States. They offer a wide range of products and services, from EHR systems to clinical applications. Both providers have developed their own mobile apps. For instance, Cerner has the Powerchart Touch app, which lets users take notes and receive messages on their phone. Meanwhile, Epic offers the Limerick app, which enables users to access their patient records on a smartwatch.
However, although these apps offer similar functionality, there are many differences between them. For example, Epic offers a comprehensive EHR system, while Cerner only provides an ambulatory EHR. The former is more popular with large healthcare organizations, while the latter is preferred by smaller clinics and hospitals. Another advantage of Cerner over Epic is that it offers a well-designed graphical user interface. This makes it easier for users to navigate through its systems, whereas Epic’s user interface may overwhelm users with on-screen functions.
The company is launching a new “Connection Hub,” which is a directory for vendors to access. Epic executives say this will make it easier for end users to find the information they need. While the Connection Hub may not be as exciting as the one mentioned above, it will help vendors move forward with new interoperability technology.
The company also has a telemedicine platform embedded in its EHR, which allows doctors to view patient history and search for symptoms. However, this function is available only in select markets, and not in all locations. In addition, Cerner offers a longitudinal patient record, which consists of a detailed overview of a patient’s clinical records. Unlike Epic, however, Cerner does not provide real-time data.
Epic, on the other hand, has more than 450 Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) APIs. These can be used by other software systems to connect to patients’ medical records. Moreover, Epic has the most comprehensive FHIR API portfolio.
Although both providers are offering similar solutions, Epic has the upper hand when it comes to customer support. Generally, Epic will respond to users’ requests within 24 hours. But it is worth noting that the company has not uncovered pricing information for its products and services.
Interoperability
Epic Systems and Cerner are both competing to be the premier provider of EHR software. These companies offer similar products, but their approach to interoperability is vastly different. While both are capable of sharing patient data securely between health systems, Cerner and Epic offer unique solutions.
One of the largest healthcare markets in the world is the United States, and EHR software is widely used in small primary care offices, hospitals, and large health systems. Both Cerner and Epic are available to both clinical and non-clinical organizations. However, they have been criticized for not offering enough interoperability like falcon ehr silver.
The first step toward interoperability involves establishing an open data standard. FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) is a standard for sharing data across systems, and the Argonaut Project is one such effort. In fact, Epic is a founding member of this alliance.
To get the most out of FHIR, however, a company needs a broad commitment to a data standard. This requires a company to push product developers in the right direction. If the company does not take the initiative to create a standard, it can be fined. Fortunately, both Cerner and Epic are working on interoperability.
For example, Cerner recently partnered with telehealth company Amwell to provide telehealth services to Cerner customers. Amwell helps schedule telehealth appointments, as well as chart telehealth appointments. Meanwhile, Epic has developed a telehealth platform that is incorporated into its EHR. Epic is one of the most popular EHR providers and has been on the market since 1979. But in the past two years, it has made significant strides. It has introduced a more affordable version of its EHR and has expanded its functionality to include smaller practices.
Although Cerner and Epic are the two largest players in the EHR space, they are not the only players. There are dozens of other EHR vendors, and they are all competing for your business. So which EHR system is right for you? Ultimately, your choice will depend on your budget and the complexity of your implementation.
Unlike many other EHR vendors, both Epic and Cerner have a comprehensive EHR solution that includes mobile access, population health management, and artificial intelligence. And they both have excellent technical support.
Customer Service
Epic is a cloud-based software development company, and it offers a variety of EHR solutions. It provides its customers with a number of features, such as revenue cycle management and training. Aside from that, it also provides technical support, maintenance, and customization.
On the other hand, Cerner is a healthcare software provider. It offers an EHR that helps organizations to improve their efficiency. The company also ensures HIPAA compliance for its software. Its EHR system helps to optimize the billing and claims process. In addition, it provides a patient portal that allows patients to view their medical records securely.
Both Epic and Cerner offer similar EHR solutions. However, they also offer different features. For example, Epic is more popular among larger hospitals and clinical departments. Meanwhile, Cerner is a better choice for smaller clinics. Among the main differences between the two EHRs are the types of customers they serve, as well as their cost.
With an impressive record of over 40 years in the business, Cerner has become one of the leading vendors in the United States. Its EHR is used by over 27,000 facilities around the world. However, it has been losing customers in the private sector. One of the factors behind this is the revenue cycle management issues. Four out of five of Cerner’s clients have reported revenue cycle problems.
Despite this, the company is still trying to make it attractive to smaller physician practices. While the graphical user interface is pleasant, many users report that it’s not intuitive. To solve these issues, Cerner has partnered with telehealth software firm Amwell. This partnership helps clients schedule and conduct telehealth appointments.
Although Cerner and Epic offer similar EHR solutions, the biggest difference is their focus on interoperability. Cerner is a founding member of CommonWell Health Alliance, a nonprofit organization focused on enhancing health data exchange between EHRs. Likewise, Epic is a member of the Care Quality Interoperability Framework.
Both Epic and Cerner are good choices for hospitals looking for a secure EHR system. Nevertheless, the market share of each EHR in the U.S. is slightly higher. So, it’s up to you to decide which one is right for you.
