Electronic health record (EHR) software is widely used in healthcare, with Cerner and Epic being two of the most well-known companies. Since its inception in 1979, Epic has dominated the market share for EHR systems, managing the records of 54% of patients in the United States, and Cerner at a close second with 25% of the market share. Cerner vs. Epic: Which is better, Epic or Cerner? Read on to learn more: https://topflightapps.com/ideas/cerner-vs-epic/!
Cerner vs. Epic Feature Comparison
Clinical Applications
Epic and Cerner offer clinical applications specific to their specialty, such as Dermatology, Rehabilitation, and Fertility. Epic has around 24 modules catering to particular specialties, while Cerner has over 50 dedicated modules for various specialty practices. Both platforms are open and interoperable, making them highly customizable to correspond the specific needs of your practice.
Telehealth Solutions
Epic and Cerner also offer telehealth solutions, an emerging demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cerner offers a telehealth platform called Virtual Health Care. In contrast, Epic provides a virtual means of referral services, real-time patient monitoring, peer-to-peer consultation, and tools for ongoing patient care either during the patient’s hospital stay or after discharge.
Patient-facing Platform
Both software providers offer a patient-facing platform to communicate notes, images, and lab results. Cerner uses a HealthLife platform to encourage more open engagement between physicians and patients. At the same time, Epic has a patient-facing platform called MyChart, where practitioners can message their providers, attend virtual visits, and schedule appointments.
Mobile Features
Both Epic and Cerner have mobile capabilities. Epic provides various applications for tablets, Haiku for phones, and Limerick for smartwatches. Cerner also has a mobile app called Powerchart Touch, which allows practitioners to access the EHR from their mobile device, take notes, receive and send messages, and upload pictures.
Cerner vs. Epic Pricing
When considering Epic and Cerner’s pros and cons, it is vital to consider the benefits each could bring to your practice size. Cerner offers more than 50 modules by specialty, catering to everyone from small practices to large health systems and laboratories. Epic has recently opened its functionality to smaller and mid-sized practices with a newer, more affordable version called Sonnet.
The price tag for Cerner and Epic is more complicated than simply providing a simple one. Epic’s self-hosted software solution starts at $1200.00, while Cerner’s Cloud-Based software starts at $25.00 per monthly user. Most customers consider Cerner considerably more affordable after all the added fees associated with implementing each platform. In contrast, Epic customers claim to get more value for the money they spend.
Cerner or Epic Systems: Which is More User Friendly?
Cerner and Epic are two privately funded EHRs that promote fast healthcare integration resources and help organizations connect and exchange data.
Cerner:
Cerner has a simple and user-friendly interface, including a patient portal with a protected, HIPAA-compliant messaging application. It provides patients a safe platform to communicate with their providers, schedule virtual appointments, and ask questions. However, some pages in the portal can be challenging to navigate.
Epic:
Epic has put much effort into designing and developing its EHR to ensure user-friendliness. It provides a patient portal that allows patients to schedule appointments, view their health records securely, and access information on procedure costs. Users, patients, and providers can schedule online consultations within the system. However, many users report the system to be cumbersome due to the large number of functionalities it incorporates.
Cerner Vs. Epic: Integrations And Interoperability
Cerner:
Cerner offers built-in integration and interoperability features, such as the CommonWell Health Alliance, allowing members to easily access and share patient data. It also facilitates Cerner Ignite APIs to enable integration between third-party applications and the EHR. Reference Lab Networks helps Cerner users send data to “acute and reference labs” without requiring connections with each lab.
Epic:
Epic enables interoperability through EpicCare Link, which allows non-Epic customers to view patient information from an Epic user via a shareable link. At the same time, the Carequality network enables data sharing across the United States. Share Everywhere allows providers to view patient data without the help of an EHR to connect to Epic.
Epic vs. Cerner Charting Features
Cerner
Cerner’s charting feature makes information easily accessible to nurses, saving time for care delivery. It includes documented data about a patient’s care process, procedures started and completed, diagnostic test results, medications administered, and the feature to communicate with healthcare providers.
Epic
Epic charting includes features like patient history, medical templates, and referrals to help healthcare providers deliver the best clinical care. Epic dental software makes it easy for nurses to chart and review information.
Final Thoughts
Cerner and Epic are two prominent healthcare software businesses. Epic is a leader in electronic health record systems, and Cerner offers various specialist modules and price options. Both platforms include telemedicine options, mobile capabilities, and patient-facing interfaces to help improve patient care. Organizational needs, money, and user preferences determine the decision between Cerner vs. Epic. The continuing rivalry fosters innovation and development, benefiting healthcare practitioners and patients.
Author:
Priya Raeesa
Priya is an experienced mobile app developer with a flair for simplifying complex concepts. Her articles aim to demystify the app development world and empower others to create innovative mobile solutions.
