Cerner vs Nextech

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.

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.