Cerner vs ICANotes

Cerner, founded in 1979 and headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, is one of the most established names in healthcare IT. Over the decades, they built a comprehensive suite of role-oriented solutions that serve providers, patients, employers, government agencies, and researchers. At the center of their platform is a robust electronic health record (EHR) system that connects clinical documentation, scheduling, patient portals, and education resources. They also provide advanced revenue cycle management, population health tools, and analytics powered by their Lights On Network®, which delivers real-time dashboards and benchmarking.
Beyond clinical and financial functions, Cerner has offered managed services through partnerships with AWS, SaaS products like Cerner Millennium® and Soarian®, and tiered customer support that ranges from help desk services to specialized engineering assistance. Their focus on security and compliance, backed by ISO 9001:2000 certification and an A+ Better Business Bureau accreditation, reflects a long-standing commitment to quality.

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.