Practice Fusion Review (Jan 2023)

by Shlomi

About Practice Fusion

Practice Fusion is a leading electronic health record (EHR) platform that was established in 2005 in San Francisco, California. The company was founded with the goal of providing a free, web-based EHR system for independent medical practices, in order to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery.

Practice Fusion is primarily designed for small-to-medium-sized medical practices, and is used by a wide range of healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and other clinical staff. The platform is also used by patients, as it allows them to access their medical records, communicate with their healthcare providers, and schedule appointments online.

One of the key features of Practice Fusion is its ease of use. The platform is intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy for healthcare professionals to quickly and easily document patient encounters and manage their practice. Additionally, Practice Fusion includes a wide range of built-in templates and forms, which can be customized to suit the specific needs of each practice.

Another important feature of Practice Fusion is its robust patient portal. This portal allows patients to view and manage their medical records, as well as communicate with their healthcare providers and schedule appointments online. This feature is not only convenient for patients but also helps to improve the efficiency of medical practices by reducing the need for phone calls and in-person visits.

Practice Fusion also offers a number of additional features, such as appointment scheduling, lab integration, and e-prescribing. These features help to streamline the healthcare process, while also ensuring that patient information is accurate and up-to-date.

As of 2021, Practice Fusion is a Cerner Company and has more than 1,000 employees nationwide. Cerner is a global leader in health technology and solutions provider, which makes Practice Fusion one of the most comprehensive and secure EHR systems available. With its user-friendly interface, robust feature set, and commitment to improving healthcare delivery, Practice Fusion is an excellent choice for medical practices of all sizes.

Who Uses it?

Practice Fusion is primarily designed for small-to-medium sized medical practices, and is used by a wide range of healthcare professionals, including family physicians, internists, pediatricians, and other specialists. The platform is also used by patients, as it allows them to access their medical records, communicate with their healthcare providers, and schedule appointments online.

Practice Fusion serves a variety of industries, including primary care, pediatrics, and specialty practices, as well as urgent care clinics and community health centers. The platform is also used by a number of large healthcare organizations, such as hospitals and health systems, as well as government agencies and research institutions.

Five examples of customers that use Practice Fusion are:

  1. Central Medical Clinic, a family medicine practice in California
  2. The Pediatric Group, a pediatric practice in New York
  3. Urgent Care Center, a walk-in clinic in Ohio
  4. Community Health Center, a non-profit healthcare provider in Texas
  5. The Research Institute, a medical research organization in Massachusetts

Practice Fusion is widely used by many individual providers, clinics, and health systems across the US. The platform has been adopted by a wide range of healthcare providers, including many of the largest and most respected health systems in the country, such as Kaiser Permanente, Cleveland Clinic, and The Mayo Clinic.

How it can help your practice?

Practice Fusion can help your business in several ways:

  1. Streamlining patient care: Practice Fusion’s electronic health record (EHR) system allows you to document patient encounters, manage appointments, and access patient information quickly and easily, which can help to improve the efficiency of your practice.
  2. Improving patient engagement: The platform’s patient portal allows patients to view and manage their medical records, communicate with their healthcare providers, and schedule appointments online, which can help to increase patient engagement and satisfaction.
  3. Reducing administrative burden: Practice Fusion’s built-in templates and forms, lab integration, and e-prescribing capabilities can help to reduce the administrative burden on your practice, allowing you to spend more time with patients.
  4. Enhancing data security: Practice Fusion is a Cerner company, one of the leading health technology companies, which means that the platform is built on top of the most secure and advanced infrastructure available, ensuring that patient data is kept secure and private.
  5. Meeting regulatory requirements: The platform is compliant with industry standards, such as HIPAA and Meaningful Use, which can help your practice to meet regulatory requirements and avoid penalties.
  6. Improving practice revenue: By improving the efficiency of your practice, reducing administrative burden, and increasing patient engagement, Practice Fusion can help to improve your practice’s revenue.

In short, Practice Fusion can help your business by increasing the efficiency, security, and profitability of your practice, while also helping you to better engage with and serve your patients.

Practice Fusion Vs Competitors

Practice Fusion is a leading electronic health record (EHR) platform that is primarily designed for small-to-medium sized medical practices. Here are five alternatives and a comparison of their features, prices, vendor size, customer type, and cost of implementation:

  1. eClinicalWorks: eClinicalWorks is a similar EHR platform that is also designed for small-to-medium sized medical practices. Both Practice Fusion and eClinicalWorks offer similar features, including patient portals, appointment scheduling, and e-prescribing capabilities. In terms of pricing, both platforms offer subscription-based pricing models, but eClinicalWorks may have a slightly higher cost. eClinicalWorks is a larger vendor compared to Practice Fusion and serves a similar customer type. The cost of implementation for both platforms may vary depending on the size and complexity of the practice.
  2. AthenaHealth: AthenaHealth is a cloud-based EHR and practice management platform that is designed for small-to-medium sized medical practices. Both AthenaHealth and Practice Fusion offer similar features, such as appointment scheduling and e-prescribing capabilities. AthenaHealth’s pricing model is based on a per-provider, per-month subscription fee, which can be higher than Practice Fusion’s pricing. AthenaHealth is a larger vendor compared to Practice Fusion and serves a similar customer type. The cost of implementation for both platforms may vary depending on the size and complexity of the practice.
  3. Cerner Millennium: Cerner Millennium is an EHR platform that is designed for large healthcare organizations, such as hospitals and health systems. Cerner Millennium offers more advanced features compared to Practice Fusion, such as population health management and revenue cycle management. Cerner Millennium’s pricing is based on a per-user, per-year subscription fee and it’s likely to be higher than Practice Fusion. Cerner Millennium is a larger vendor than Practice Fusion and serves a different customer type. The cost of implementation for Cerner Millennium may be higher than Practice Fusion due to its advanced features and large-scale deployment.
  4. NextGen: NextGen is an EHR platform that is designed for small-to-medium sized medical practices, similar to Practice Fusion. NextGen offers similar features, such as appointment scheduling and e-prescribing capabilities. NextGen’s pricing model is based on a per-provider, per-month subscription fee, which can be higher than Practice Fusion’s pricing. NextGen is a larger vendor compared to Practice Fusion and serves a similar customer type. The cost of implementation for both platforms may vary depending on the size and complexity of the practice.
  5. Allscripts: Allscripts is a comprehensive EHR platform that is designed for large healthcare organizations, such as hospitals and health systems. Allscripts offers similar features compared to Practice Fusion, such as patient portals and appointment scheduling. Allscripts’ pricing model is based on a per-user, per-year subscription fee and it’s likely to be higher than Practice Fusion. Allscripts is a larger vendor than Practice Fusion and serves a different customer type. The cost of implementation for Allscripts may be higher than Practice Fusion due to its advanced features and large-scale deployment.

In summary, Practice Fusion is a user-friendly and cost-effective EHR platform that is designed for small-to-medium-sized medical practices. The alternatives listed offer similar features but may have higher pricing, larger vendor size, and serve different customer types, and the cost of implementation may vary depending on the size and complexity of the practice.

Practice Fusion Pricing in 2023

Practice Fusion price starts at $149 per provider per month. This price includes all the costs of implementation, training, and customer support. The additional features are

  • E-PRESCRIPTION INCLUDING EPCS
  • TEMPLATES FOR CHARTS & MORE
  • QUALITY INITIATIVES
  • LABS AND IMAGING
  • FREE CUSTOMER SUPPORT
  • CLOUD-BASED WITH AUTOMATIC UPDATES

Practice Fusion – Cost of Implementation

The cost to implement Practice Fusion can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the size and complexity of the medical practice, the features that are required, and the level of customization that is needed.

The cost of implementation can include:

  1. Subscription fees: These fees vary depending on the pricing plan that is chosen and can range from a free EHR plan for small practices to an advanced plan for large practices.
  2. Training costs: Practice Fusion offers training and support services to help practices get up and running on the platform. This can include on-site training, webinars, and online resources.
  3. Data migration costs: If a practice is currently using a different EHR system, there may be costs associated with migrating patient data to Practice Fusion.
  4. Hardware and software costs: Depending on the practice’s current infrastructure, there may be costs associated with upgrading hardware and software to ensure that it is compatible with Practice Fusion.
  5. Customization costs: If a practice requires additional customization or integration with other systems, there may be additional costs.

It’s important to note that the cost of implementation will vary depending on the specific needs of the practice. To get an accurate estimate of the cost of implementation, it’s recommended that practices contact Practice Fusion and schedule a consultation with one of their representatives.

Practice Fusion Pros

  1. User-friendly interface: Practice Fusion has a user-friendly interface that is easy for healthcare professionals to navigate and use, which can help to improve the efficiency of the practice.
  2. Robust patient portal: Practice Fusion’s patient portal allows patients to view and manage their medical records, communicate with their healthcare providers, and schedule appointments online, which can help to increase patient engagement and satisfaction.
  3. Compliance with industry standards: Practice Fusion is compliant with industry standards, such as HIPAA and Meaningful Use, which can help medical practices to meet regulatory requirements and avoid penalties.

Practice Fusion Cons

  1. Limited scalability: Practice Fusion may not be the best option for large healthcare organizations or practices that require advanced features such as population health management or revenue cycle management.
  2. Higher cost compared to some competitors: Some competitors may offer a lower cost option, especially for small practices.
  3. Limited customization options: Practice Fusion’s customization options may be limited for practices with specific needs or those looking for more complex integrations with other systems.

How To Use Practice Fusion

Practice Fusion is a user-friendly electronic health record (EHR) platform that offers a wide range of features to help medical practices improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery. Here’s a tutorial on how to use some of the specific features of Practice Fusion:

  1. Appointment scheduling: To schedule an appointment, log in to your Practice Fusion account and select the “Appointments” tab. From there, you can view your calendar, schedule new appointments, and manage existing appointments. To schedule a new appointment, select the “New Appointment” button and enter the patient’s information, the appointment date and time, and any notes or instructions.
  2. Charting: To document a patient encounter, log in to your Practice Fusion account and select the “Chart” tab. From there, you can access built-in templates and forms, such as progress notes, diagnostic test results, and treatment plans. To document a patient encounter, select the appropriate template, enter the patient’s information, and complete the form as needed.
  3. E-prescribing: To prescribe medication, log in to your Practice Fusion account and select the “E-Prescribe” tab. From there, you can access a database of medications and quickly find the appropriate medication for the patient. To prescribe a medication, select the medication from the database, enter the patient’s information, and specify the dosage and frequency.
  4. Patient portal: To access the patient portal, log in to your Practice Fusion account and select the “Patient Portal” tab. From there, you can view and manage patient information, communicate with patients, and schedule appointments. Patients can also log in to their own portal to view their medical records, communicate with their healthcare providers, and schedule appointments.
  5. Lab integration: To view lab results, log in to your Practice Fusion account and select the “Lab Results” tab. From there, you can access lab results from various labs and providers. You can also set up automatic notifications for new lab results.
  6. Clinical Decision Support: To access Clinical Decision Support, log in to your Practice Fusion account and select the “Clinical Decision Support” tab. From there, you can access information and recommendations for diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients’ conditions.

By following these steps, you can use these features of Practice Fusion to improve the efficiency of your practice, while also better serving your patients.

How it Integrates with Other Software

Practice Fusion is a cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) platform that is designed to integrate with a variety of other healthcare technologies. The platform has built-in integrations with a number of popular lab and imaging systems, as well as with popular billing and scheduling systems. Additionally, the platform offers an API that allows developers to build custom integrations with other systems. This allows for easy data exchange between Practice Fusion and other healthcare technologies, such as patient portals, telemedicine platforms, and other EHR systems, making it a powerful tool for healthcare providers to manage patient information and improve patient care.

Free Alternatives to Practice Fusion

There are several free alternatives to Practice Fusion that healthcare providers can consider for their electronic health record (EHR) needs. Some of the most popular options include:

  1. OpenEMR: This open-source EHR platform is designed to be easy to use and customizable. It offers a wide range of features, including appointment scheduling, patient records, and billing. One of its key advantages is that it is free and can be installed on a provider’s own server, which can be especially beneficial for small practices that want to keep data onsite.
  2. Odoo Health: This EHR platform is built on the Odoo open-source business software. It includes features such as appointment scheduling, patient records, and billing. The platform also offers a range of other modules, such as inventory management and accounting, making it a good option for small practices that want to manage all aspects of their business with one software.

All of these free alternatives to Practice Fusion have their own advantages and disadvantages, and healthcare providers should carefully consider their specific needs before making a decision. However, it should be noted that these free alternatives may have less support and updates compared to paid EHR software like Practice Fusion.

Alternative for Small Practice

There are several alternatives to Practice Fusion that may be a good fit for small businesses. Here are a few options to consider:

  1. Athenahealth: Athenahealth is a cloud-based EHR platform that is designed for small medical practices. It offers a wide range of features, including appointment scheduling, patient records, and billing. One of its key advantages is that it is easy to use, and provides comprehensive patient data, which can be accessed from anywhere. Athenahealth also offers a range of other services, such as revenue cycle management and telemedicine, which can be especially beneficial for small practices that want to manage all aspects of their business with one software.
  2. DrChrono: DrChrono is a cloud-based EHR platform that is designed for small medical practices and solo practitioners. It offers a wide range of features, including appointment scheduling, patient records, and billing. One of its key advantages is that it is designed to be user-friendly and easy to navigate. It also offers integrations with other healthcare technologies, such as lab and imaging systems, which can make it a powerful tool for small practices to manage patient information and improve patient care.
  3. Kareo: Kareo is a cloud-based EHR platform that is designed for small medical practices. It offers a wide range of features, including appointment scheduling, patient records, and billing. One of its key advantages is that it is designed to be easy to use and customizable, which can be especially beneficial for small practices that want to tailor the platform to their specific needs. It also offers a range of other services, such as revenue cycle management and telemedicine, which can be especially beneficial for small practices that want to manage all aspects of their business with one software.

All of these alternatives have their own advantages and disadvantages, and small businesses should carefully consider their specific needs before making a decision. However, compared to Practice Fusion, all of these alternatives are more affordable and offer more flexibility, which can be especially beneficial for small businesses that have limited resources.

Alternative for Large Practice

There are several alternatives to Practice Fusion that may be a good fit for large businesses. Here are a few options to consider:

  1. Cerner: Cerner is a leading EHR platform that is designed for large healthcare organizations. It offers a wide range of features, including appointment scheduling, patient records, and billing. One of its key advantages is that it is highly customizable and can be integrated with other healthcare technologies, such as lab and imaging systems. It also offers a range of other services, such as revenue cycle management and population health management, which can be especially beneficial for large organizations that want to manage all aspects of their business with one software.
  2. Epic: Epic is another leading EHR platform that is designed for large healthcare organizations. It offers a wide range of features, including appointment scheduling, patient records, and billing. One of its key advantages is that it is highly customizable and can be integrated with other healthcare technologies, such as lab and imaging systems. It also offers a range of other services, such as revenue cycle management and population health management, which can be especially beneficial for large organizations that want to manage all aspects of their business with one software.
  3. Allscripts: Allscripts is an EHR platform that is designed for large healthcare organizations. It offers a wide range of features, including appointment scheduling, patient records, and billing. One of its key advantages is that it is designed to be user-friendly and easy to navigate. It also offers integrations with other healthcare technologies, such as lab and imaging systems, which can make it a powerful tool for large organizations to manage patient information and improve patient care.

All of these alternatives have their own advantages and disadvantages, and large businesses should carefully consider their specific needs before making a decision. However, compared to Practice Fusion, all of these alternatives are more robust and offer more advanced functionalities, which can be especially beneficial for large businesses that have a high volume of patients and need to manage multiple locations and providers. They also offer more support and updates, which can be vital for large organizations that handle sensitive patient data.

Some Surprising Facts About Practice Fusion

  • Practice Fusion was founded in 2005 and was one of the first cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) platforms.
  • Practice Fusion was acquired by Allscripts for $100 million in 2018.
  • In 2017, Practice Fusion settled with the Department of Justice for $145 million over allegations that the company accepted payments from pharmaceutical companies in exchange for promoting their products within its EHR platform.
  • Practice Fusion was one of the first EHR companies to offer a mobile app for patients, called “Patient Fusion.” This app allows patients to view their health records, communicate with their providers, and schedule appointments.
  • Practice Fusion has a patient portal which is a secure online website that allows patients to communicate with their healthcare providers, view test results, and access their medical history.
  • Practice Fusion also provides an API that allows developers to build custom integrations with other systems, this makes the data exchange between Practice Fusion and other healthcare technologies such as patient portals, telemedicine platforms, and other EHR systems easier.

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