AdvancedMD vs athenahealth vs CentralReach vs DrChrono vs More...

Founded in 1999 and headquartered in South Jordan, Utah, AdvancedMD is a healthcare technology provider offering cloud-based software for medical practices, billing services, and other healthcare organizations. Their platform combines electronic health records, practice management, patient engagement tools, and revenue cycle management into an integrated solution. Their flexible design allows practices to choose between per-provider or per-encounter pricing, with the option to build custom bundles that fit specific needs and specialties. Their offerings stand out for features like embedded telehealth, mobile apps, open integrations, and specialty-specific templates that streamline clinical and administrative workflows. Users often praise their versatility, operational efficiency, and broad functionality, while noting some tradeoffs, such as a learning curve and occasional support delays. They have earned recognition in industry rankings and maintain accreditation with the BBB. With solutions tailored for a wide range of healthcare settings, from high-volume clinics to specialty practices, AdvancedMD positions themselves as a comprehensive partner for providers aiming to improve patient care while optimizing business performance. This review explores their features, pricing, customer experience, and support in greater depth, helping you decide whether their tools could be the right fit for your organization.

Founded in 1997 in San Diego and now headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts, athenahealth provides a cloud-based platform that integrates electronic health records, revenue cycle management, practice operations, and patient engagement tools. Their athenaOne suite combines AI-powered features like ambient documentation, predictive analytics, and automated billing workflows to help providers reduce administrative burden and improve clinical efficiency. The platform also supports telehealth, mobile access, open API integrations, and participation in a national provider network, making it highly adaptable for practices of various sizes and specialties. Athenahealth’s percentage-based pricing model aligns with practice revenue, and their Success Community gives users input into product evolution. While users value its automation and flexibility, some report challenges with implementation, usability, and contract clarity. Still, athenahealth’s broad capabilities and ongoing innovation make it a strong contender for modern, data-driven healthcare delivery.

CentralReach is a healthcare software company founded in 2012 and headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. They specialize in serving organizations that provide applied behavior analysis (ABA), autism therapy, and developmental disability services. Their platform offers a unified solution that combines clinical data collection, scheduling, billing, payroll, telehealth, and ongoing staff training, all designed to meet the complex needs of therapy-focused practices. One of their standout features is their customization capabilities, allowing users to build tailored clinical programs and data forms. They also offer CR Institute, a built-in learning management system that supports CEUs and certification prep for RBTs and BCBAs. CentralReach’s tools are built to accommodate a wide range of service settings, including in-home, school-based, and clinic care. While customer feedback is largely positive about the platform’s functionality and impact, some users report a steep learning curve and inconsistent support responsiveness. They maintain a BBB profile, have been featured on the Inc. 5000 list, and continue to grow within their niche. For organizations exploring practice management solutions in the ABA and therapy space, CentralReach presents a compelling, specialized option worth a closer look.

DrChrono is a cloud-based medical software provider founded in 2009 in New York City and now headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. As part of EverHealth, they specialize in helping independent and specialty practices streamline clinical, operational, and financial workflows through one unified system. Their all-in-one platform includes electronic health records (EHR), medical billing, scheduling, telehealth, and patient engagement tools optimized for Apple devices like iPads, iPhones, and Macs. They were the first to launch a native iPad EHR and remain the only official Apple Mobility Partner in healthcare. They offer a mobile-first experience with advanced features like customizable templates, real-time eligibility checks, speech-to-text documentation, and integrated e-prescribing. DrChrono provides flexible plans for solo providers to growing multi-site groups and the option to outsource revenue cycle management (RCM) fully. Customer reviews are mixed: users praise the system’s configurability and mobile access, while others report concerns with support response and billing complexity. Still, their platform earns higher scores on app stores and software review sites, particularly for usability and front-office efficiency. With deep integration, regulatory support, and scalability, DrChrono may appeal to practices seeking a modern, Apple-centric EHR solution tailored to their specific workflows and needs.

Founded in 1999 and based in Annapolis, Maryland, ICANotes is an electronic health record system designed exclusively for behavioral health clinicians. They serve psychiatrists, therapists, counselors, and other mental health professionals seeking streamlined, compliant documentation with minimal typing. Their platform includes point-and-click note templates, customizable treatment plans, and integrated tools for assessments, group therapy, and medication management. ICANotes also supports patient tracking, real-time charting, secure messaging, eligibility verification, and telehealth, all accessible online. Their modernized interface, ICANotes+, introduces faster navigation and an updated layout, although it has received mixed feedback during early adoption. Many users appreciate their documentation speed, compliance readiness, and wide array of mental health–specific templates. Others have noted issues with billing processes, mobile limitations, and system reliability during the platform transition. ICANotes offers flexible pricing for full-time and part-time providers, with optional features like telehealth and revenue cycle management. They are fully HIPAA-compliant and ONC-certified, making them a specialized choice for behavioral health professionals. Read our full review to see if their tools and workflows align with your practice’s needs.

InSync EHR, founded in 2008 in Tampa, Florida, and later acquired by Qualifacts in 2021, is a cloud-based electronic health record and practice management software built for small to mid-sized behavioral health and human services providers. The platform brings together essential tools such as clinical documentation, scheduling, billing, telehealth, e-prescribing, and eMAR, offering a comprehensive solution that reduces the need for multiple systems. Its flexibility allows practices of all sizes to configure workflows, dashboards, and quick physical exam charts to fit unique needs, while integrated electronic claims submission, insurance verification, and revenue cycle management strengthen financial performance. Customer experience is mixed but leans positive. On Capterra, InSync holds a strong 4.5/5 rating, with users praising its customization, reporting capabilities, and billing process. Positive reviews highlight smooth implementation, automated billing functions, and effective patient engagement features like the robust patient portal. On the other hand, some users mention slower customer support, a steep learning curve, and system speed issues as drawbacks. When it comes to pricing, InSync does not list costs publicly. Instead, providers are encouraged to request a free demo and receive tailored quotes.

Tebra, formed from the 2021 merger of Kareo and PatientPop, offers an all-in-one, cloud-based EHR and practice management platform tailored for independent healthcare providers. Their suite includes AI-assisted charting, telehealth, automated billing, and patient engagement tools like online scheduling and reputation management. Notable features such as “Same-as-Last-Time” (SALT) documentation and robotic process automation aim to streamline workflows and reduce administrative burdens. The platform is ONC-certified and HIPAA-compliant, emphasizing security and compliance. Tebra’s flexible pricing model, with no long-term contracts, appeals to small practices seeking scalability. However, their user reviews are mixed, with many commending their intuitive interface and efficiency, while others report challenges with customer support and occasional system downtimes. Despite some criticisms, Tebra maintains a strong presence in the market, serving over 150,000 providers and managing 190 million patient records. For independent practices aiming to modernize operations without sacrificing affordability, Tebra presents a compelling option. However, potential users should weigh their strengths against reported service inconsistencies. A thorough evaluation, including a demo and consultation, is recommended to determine their fit for specific practice needs.

Nextech is a Tampa-based healthcare IT provider founded in 1997, delivering a cloud-based EHR and practice management platform purpose-built for specialty practices like dermatology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, plastic surgery, and med spas. Their integrated system combines clinical documentation, billing, patient engagement, and revenue cycle tools into one seamless experience, helping practices reduce operational friction and streamline workflows. Recognized as a top single-solution choice for niche specialties, they support thousands of clinicians with mobile access, drag-and-drop scheduling, and specialty-specific templates designed in collaboration with providers. What sets them apart are features like one-page ophthalmology charting, embedded TouchMD for patient engagement, and built-in analytics dashboards that give near real-time insights into performance. On the flip side, pricing details are not published, and interested practices must speak with sales to get quotes. Customer feedback cites a solid feature set and strong customization, but notes spotty support responsiveness and a learning curve for advanced users. Overall, Nextech may be a fit for practices seeking a specialty-centric, all-in-one platform, but those requiring flexible contracts or transparent pricing will want to evaluate carefully before committing.

Salesforce, founded in 1999 and headquartered in San Francisco, has become one of the world’s leading cloud-based CRM providers, and with Health Cloud, they bring that expertise into the healthcare sector. The platform is designed to give providers, payers, and life sciences organizations a complete picture of each patient through Patient 360, combining clinical, demographic, and social data in one place. It also offers predictive analytics powered by AI, omnichannel communication tools, and customizable workflows that allow organizations to adapt the system to their own processes. One of their distinguishing strengths is the availability of industry-specific modules that address the needs of providers, insurers, and public health organizations, making it a flexible solution that scales effectively from small practices to global health networks. Customers often highlight their integration with the broader Salesforce ecosystem, strong analytics capabilities, and adaptability, while concerns typically focus on higher costs, longer implementation timelines, and the need for technical expertise to fully customize the platform. Supported by continuous innovation, robust training resources like Trailhead, and recognition from industry analysts, Health Cloud positions themselves as a forward-looking solution for healthcare organizations aiming to improve patient engagement, streamline operations, and drive digital transformation.

Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Horsham, Pennsylvania, TherapyNotes is a leading provider of practice management software tailored specifically for mental health professionals. Their platform offers a wide range of features, including customizable note templates, secure patient portals, integrated billing, and HIPAA-compliant telehealth services, all designed to simplify the management of clinical and administrative tasks. TherapyNotes is especially valued for their ease of use, detailed reporting tools, and responsive customer support. With over 75,000 users, they have built a solid reputation within the mental health community. Their unique offerings include specialized billing codes for mental health services, customizable client intake forms, and built-in outcome measures to track patient progress. While some users have raised concerns about the complexity of billing features and limited third-party integrations, TherapyNotes continues to receive high ratings for their user-friendly interface and effective support. With a strong commitment to mental health practices, TherapyNotes remains a top choice for those looking to streamline their operations and enhance patient care.

Valant is a privately held healthcare software company based in Seattle, Washington, founded in 2005 by psychiatrist Dr. David Lischner. They focus exclusively on behavioral health, offering an integrated electronic health record (EHR) and practice management system for therapists, psychiatrists, and mental health clinics of all sizes. Their platform combines clinical tools, billing workflows, scheduling, telehealth, outcome tracking, and patient engagement features in one system. What sets Valant apart is their emphasis on streamlining mental health-specific workflows. Features like prepopulated notes, integrated outcome measures, and group therapy tools are tailored to support efficient care delivery and administrative management. Their platform includes API support, digital billing assistance, and a patient-facing mobile app. Valant receives mixed reviews from users. Many praise their behavioral health specialization and ease of use, while others point to limitations in customization and support responsiveness. They are not currently accredited by the Better Business Bureau and have varying scores across review platforms. This review explores Valant’s full range of features, pricing approach, support options, and how they compare to other providers. If you're considering software built around behavioral health needs, this breakdown will help you decide if Valant aligns with your practice goals.