Epic vs ICANotes

Epic Systems, founded in 1979 and headquartered in Verona, Wisconsin, is one of the most widely used EHR providers in the United States, with their platform serving over 325 million patients worldwide. Their Epic EHR system is designed for diverse healthcare settings, including large hospitals, small practices, mental health facilities, and specialty clinics. Key features include specialty-specific modules for over 60 areas of medicine, role-based user interfaces, AI-powered clinical documentation, telehealth capabilities, patient engagement tools through MyChart, and strong interoperability with labs, pharmacies, and imaging centers. Epic’s pricing is not publicly listed, as costs depend on factors like organization size, chosen modules, hosting model, and training needs. Setup options include full enterprise deployment, Community Connect for smaller practices, Garden Plot for mid-sized groups, and Epic Sonnet with core features.

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.