Five of the best EHR systems for cardiologists

The landscape of cardiology practices has evolved significantly since this article was originally published, particularly in the realm of Electronic Health Records (EHR). With cardiology-specific needs in mind, EHR systems have been enhanced to offer better integration with diagnostic tools, improved patient management, and more streamlined billing processes.

As of the latest updates, cardiologists are increasingly looking for systems tailored to their specialty, seeking out features that can handle the unique aspects of cardiac care such as imaging, stress tests, EKGs, and other cardiovascular diagnostics. Here’s a comprehensive look at some of the top cardiology EHR systems currently available, as well as an update on existing entries.

Check out our cardiology EHR comparison page and buyers' guide for info on key features, pricing, and more

Merge Cardio (IBM)

Merge Cardio offers a cardiology-specific web-based EHR, ranking Best in KLAS for Cardiology in 2024, with a score of 82.8 out of 100: Merge Cardio offers a centralized and easily accessible web-based view of a patient’s complete record from all cardiology modalities.  It also offers a sophisticated automated billing function that can increase the speed of reimbursements.

Merge Cardio remains a top choice among cardiology EHR software options, with recent updates focused on enhancing interoperability and user experience:

• Enhanced image-sharing capabilities: Now includes a more streamlined interoperable image exchange system, reducing the time required to share clinical records across different healthcare settings.
• AI-enhanced diagnostics: Leveraging IBM’s AI capabilities, Merge Cardio now includes tools that assist in interpreting diagnostic imaging, potentially reducing error rates and enhancing decision-making.
• Improved user interface: Updates to the UI have made it more intuitive, reducing training time for new users and increasing overall efficiency.

AdvancedMD (Replacing NueMD)

By late 2025, NueMD will reach its end of life as AdvancedMD phases out the software platform and support. This transition will introduce an even more robust suite of solutions for cardiology practices. AdvancedMD provides a highly integrated, cloud-based platform that combines EHR with practice management software.

The transition from NueMD to AdvancedMD offers enhanced features, including:

• Improved cardiology-specific templates: Customizable templates tailored for cardiology, including EKG interpretations, stress test reports, and imaging results.
• Comprehensive practice management: Features a full suite of practice management tools, including billing, scheduling, and reporting.
• Integrated telehealth services: Built-in telemedicine capabilities to support remote patient consultations, increasingly crucial for follow-up in chronic cardiac care.

For cardiology practices currently using NueMD, migrating to AdvancedMD could offer smoother workflows and better integration with diagnostic tools.

Objective Medical Systems (OMS EHR)

Objective Medical Systems, offers cloud-based cardiology-focused EHR. OMS EHR offers a comprehensive cardiology practice solution, with 16 available reporting modules for all popular diagnostics. It also has the ability to interface with a cardiologist’s diagnostic equipment so that results may be viewed directly within the EHR without any scanning or manual document management required.

OMS EHR continues to lead with its cardiology-specific EHR software that interfaces seamlessly with diagnostic equipment. Recent updates include:

• Enhanced reporting modules: OMS integrates with a broad range of cardiovascular diagnostic tools, providing comprehensive support for key diagnostic modalities such as Holter monitors, echocardiograms, and stress tests.
  Integration with Wearable Devices: Now supports integration with patient wearable devices, enabling real-time monitoring of vitals such as blood pressure and heart rate directly into the EHR system.
• Integration with wearable devices: Now supports integration with patient wearable devices, enabling real-time monitoring of vitals such as blood pressure and heart rate directly into the EHR system.
• AI-driven insights: The system incorporates advanced AI features through its platforms such as Cardiolytica™ and Trace Analytics. These tools deliver predictive analytics and clinical decision support, helping identify patterns in patient data. For instance, AI capabilities can predict issues like diastolic dysfunction from EKG results and assess the likelihood of patient no-shows.

drChrono

drChrono’s cloud-based patient care platform offers practices the ability to customize the EHR’s interface and functionality at the point of care and through its mobile applications available on iPad, iPhone and Apple Watch. In addition to EHR, drchrono also includes scheduling, billing, and patient reminders. An interesting feature included in the drChrono system is its patient portal module which allows providers to maintain constant communication with patients and allows easy communication of patient data such as daily blood pressure readings.

drChrono has remained a strong contender in the cardiology EHR market due to its flexibility and user-friendly design. Recent enhancements include:

• Enhanced mobile access: Continued improvements in its mobile apps for iPad and iPhone, facilitating easy access for cardiologists on the go.
• Improved patient portal: The updated patient portal now offers more robust features, including secure messaging, appointment scheduling, and the ability to upload patient health data from wearable devices.

Use our interactive software comparison tool to find the right cardiology EHR for your practice

Athena cardiology EHR  (Athenahealth)

Athenahealth cardiology EHR provides cloud-based services with integrated revenue cycle management, medical billing, patient engagement, care coordination, and population health management, as well as point-of-care mobile apps that integrate with the main EHR. Athena’s system also allows providers to collect, analyze and generate reports on the quality of care and other patient data.

Athenahealth has solidified its position as a leader in cardiology-specific EHR software, with a focus on integration and patient engagement.

• Revenue Cycle Management: Athenahealth was recognized for its revenue cycle management (RCM) in 2020 when Frost & Sullivan named it the RCM company of the year. The award was given in recognition of Athenahealth's leadership in solving RCM challenges and providing agile solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Expanded mobile app features: "Hey athena" activates cloud-based, voice-enabled skills in the athenaOne® app for hands-free task completion and increased efficiency. Many clinicians using a voice assistant have saved significant documentation time, allowing them to focus on other high-priority tasks.

Conclusion

The cardiology EHR market has evolved, offering a range of options from general EHR providers to those that focus specifically on cardiology needs. The rise of integrated practice management systems, enhanced diagnostic interfaces, and telehealth capabilities are shaping the future of cardiology care.

For practices considering a switch or upgrade, systems like AdvancedMD, Merge Cardio, and Objective Medical Systems offer robust, cardiology-specific features that can meet the complex demands of this specialty.