Cerner vs Epic: Choosing the Best Healthcare Solution for Your Business

Have you ever wondered what an EHR solution is? An EHR solution is a digital filing software for patients’ medical histories, accessible by doctors, and promoting better care.

According to Grandview Market Research, the global electronic health records market is expected to be worth USD 29.06 billion in 2023, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1% from 2024 to 2030.

When we talk about EHR (electronic health records), there are plenty of solutions like eClinicalWorks, Athenahealth, and Practice Fusion, but Cerner and Epic EMR are the big solutions—everyone knows their names.

They both offer the best cloud-based systems that help doctors communicate with patients, keep track of their care, and manage the financial side of things.

But with all the features they throw at you, it’s hard to tell which is better. If your healthcare practice is stuck between these two, don’t worry! Let’s navigate the complexities of Cerner vs. Epic to identify the optimal EHRs for your healthcare organization’s needs.

What is the Difference Between Epic and Cerner EHR?

As we can see, both are EHR solutions and provide similar services, but we cannot call them alike because they have differences across domains. So, let’s get to know more about Epic and Cerner EHR.

👤 User Size and Type

Epic Systems Holding commands the largest market share for inpatient EHR, at around 38%. Epic typically serves large healthcare organizations, including major hospital systems and academic medical centers. It is engineered to manage extensive data and intricate workflows characteristic of big institutions. 

Cerner EHR, which was acquired by Oracle in 2022, which has around 22% market share and was bought by Oracle in 2022, is more adaptable. It is suitable for major hospitals and smaller practices, making it a popular choice in various healthcare settings. Cerner provides solutions geared to address the operational demands of community hospitals as well as private clinics.

🧩 Interoperability

Interoperability is crucial for seamless communication between different healthcare systems. Epic EMR is renowned for its robust interoperability features, facilitating efficient data exchange across various platforms and systems.

Cerner EHR also excels in this domain, providing strong integration capabilities that allow healthcare providers to share and access patient information effortlessly.

Both EHR systems aim to improve care coordination and patient outcomes through enhanced data connectivity, though the extent and ease of integration may vary.

🧭 Navigation

Ease of use and intuitive navigation are essential for healthcare professionals. Epic’s interface is designed with user experience in mind, offering a clean, organized layout that simplifies navigation for busy clinicians.

Cerner EHR also provides a user-friendly interface with customizable dashboards that allow users to tailor their experience according to their workflow preferences.

While both EHR systems focus on usability, the specific design and layout may appeal differently depending on user preferences and needs.

🤝 Client Support

Reliable client support is critical for the smooth functioning of healthcare IT systems. Epic EMR is known for its comprehensive and responsive support services, ensuring users receive timely assistance and guidance.

Cerner EHR also offers strong support, helping clients maximize the benefits of their system. However, support experiences can vary, with some users reporting differences in responsiveness and effectiveness.

Both EHR solutions strive to provide robust support to maintain system performance and user satisfaction.

💁‍♂️ Customer Support

Cerner EHR provides continuous support through its eService portal, allowing users to log issues at any time. However, users have reported slower response times, leading to longer waits for issue resolution.

Epic EMR offers 24/7 support via a dedicated contact number, with technical experts addressing queries. The support team typically follows up within 24 hours of a query submission, providing timely assistance.

⭕ Epic EMR

Pros:

Epic EMR stands out for its excellent interoperability, allowing seamless data exchange between various healthcare systems. Its user-friendly interface simplifies navigation for healthcare professionals, and the comprehensive support ensures timely assistance. Epic EMR offers extensive customization options, enabling healthcare facilities to tailor the system to their specific needs.

Cons:

The main drawback of Epic EMR is its high cost, which can be a significant investment for many healthcare organizations. The implementation process is lengthy and complex, requiring substantial time and resources. Additionally, smaller practices might find Epic’s extensive features overwhelming and underutilized for their needs.

⭕ Cerner EHR

Pros:

Cerner EHR is highly versatile, catering to both large hospitals and smaller practices. It offers strong data integration capabilities, facilitating seamless information sharing. The system’s customizable features allow healthcare providers to tailor workflows to their needs, enhancing efficiency. Additionally, Cerner’s adaptability makes it a suitable choice for various healthcare settings.

Cons:

Cerner’s learning curve can be steep, requiring time and training for new users to become proficient. While Cerner EHR provides robust support, the quality of assistance can sometimes be inconsistent. Some users may also find the interface less intuitive than other EHR systems, potentially impacting the overall user experience.

⚖️ Cerner vs. Epic: Which is More Cost-effective?

Determining the exact pricing for Cerner EHR and Epic EMR can be challenging, as both companies do not publicly disclose detailed cost structures. However, available information provides some insights:

Epic, while more expensive, provides comprehensive features that might justify the higher cost for larger organizations. Evaluating the total cost of ownership, including implementation, maintenance, and support, is crucial to making an informed decision.

💲 Average Costs for Epic

Epic’s subscription costs are significantly higher, ranging from $200 to $35,000 per month. The exact pricing depends on the size of the organization, the number of users, and the specific modules or features implemented. Additionally, Epic Systems provides a free trial for new users, so you can try first and then make the final decision.

Annual maintenance and support fees can also be significant, adding to the overall investment. Despite the high costs, many organizations find value in Epic EMR’s robust functionality and support, justifying the expense.

💲 Average Costs for Cerner

Cerner’s subscription costs start at approximately $25 per user per month. This base price can increase based on factors such as the size of the healthcare facility, the number of users, and additional features or services required. Although Cerner is cheaper, it does not provide a free trial version for new users.

Annual maintenance and support fees are also more moderate compared to Epic, making Cerner a cost-effective option for a wide range of healthcare facilities while still offering robust functionality.

Which is Better: Epic or Cerner?

To help you decide between Epic and Cerner EHR, consider these criterias:

1️⃣ Adaptability to Medical Facility Needs

Large hospital systems often favor Epic EMR due to its robust features, while Cerner’s versatility makes it suitable for both large and small practices. Assessing your facility’s size and specific needs will help determine which system aligns better with your operational requirements.

2️⃣ Customization Capabilities

Epic and Cerner EHRs offer customization options, but Epic provides more extensive possibilities, allowing facilities to tailor the system to their unique workflows. Cerner also offers customizable features, which are beneficial for creating user-friendly interfaces and optimizing clinical processes.

3️⃣ Regulatory Compliance

Ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations is crucial. Both Epic and Cerner EHR are designed to meet regulatory standards, but it’s essential to evaluate how each system handles updates and maintains compliance to ensure your facility adheres to evolving healthcare laws and policies.

4️⃣ Support and Maintenance

Epic EMR is known for its comprehensive support and maintenance services, providing timely assistance and ensuring smooth operations. Cerner EHR also offers strong support, but the quality can sometimes vary. Consistent, reliable support is vital for minimizing disruptions and maximizing system performance.

5️⃣ Scalability

Epic EMR is designed with scalability in mind, making it well-suited for large healthcare organizations and those with long-term growth plans. Its architecture supports the addition of new functionalities and modules as needed, allowing the system to evolve alongside the organization’s expanding needs.

While Cerner offers a range of features suitable for various healthcare settings, its scalability may be more limited compared to some competitors. This could present challenges for organizations anticipating significant growth or requiring extensive system expansion over time.

6️⃣ Implementation Timelines

Epic EMR’s implementation process is thorough but lengthy, often requiring significant time and resources. Cerner EHR offers flexibility in implementation, allowing healthcare providers to either manage the installation themselves or partner with third-party vendors for support. This adaptability can be advantageous for organizations seeking a more hands-on or customized approach to setup.

7️⃣ Patient Engagement Features

Both EHR systems offer patient engagement features, but Epic EMR is renowned for its comprehensive patient portal, which enhances communication and engagement. Cerner EHR also provides robust patient engagement tools, enabling effective patient interactions and improved overall care experiences.

8️⃣ Data Security and Privacy

Data security and privacy are paramount in healthcare. Both Epic and Cerner EHR implement stringent security measures to protect patient data. Evaluating each system’s security protocols and privacy practices ensures your facility can safeguard sensitive information and comply with data protection regulations.

Cerner or Epic: Which Should You Choose?

Cerner:

▪️Target Audience: Cerner is well-suited for smaller practices or healthcare organizations with limited budgets and short-term goals. Its flexibility and affordability make it a practical choice for providers who require essential functionalities without the need for extensive customization or advanced features.

▪️Cost-Effectiveness: Given its more affordable subscription rates, Cerner is often preferred by smaller practices and clinics that need an efficient, budget-friendly EHR solution that can support their immediate operational needs without long-term financial commitment.

Epic:

▪️Target Audience: Epic, on the other hand, is designed to meet the needs of larger hospitals and healthcare systems with long-term growth objectives. It provides a comprehensive suite of features that supports complex workflows, data management, and interoperability across departments.

▪️Growth and Scalability: Epic’s robust features make it an ideal choice for organizations looking to scale over time. As practices grow, Epic can easily accommodate new departments, patient volumes, and advanced data integration needs, positioning it as a solution that aligns with expansive, forward-looking healthcare goals.