KLAS Ranks Practice Management Health IT for Large/Midsize Healthcare Orgs

athenahealth practice management (PM) health IT ranked first for overall performance among large and midsize healthcare organizations in a recent KLAS report.

Large practices that use athenahealth’s athenaIDX note that post-implementation updates have enhanced the user experience. Respondents said that they feel the health IT vendor is a proactive, supportive partner that can solve issues quickly.  

Large practices using Epic’s PM solution also reported high satisfaction rates, emphasizing strong technology and constant upgrades. Additionally, respondents said that thorough training ensures users can work efficiently.

NextGen Healthcare’s solution performs well due to flexible EHR/PM software that can support complex multispecialty environments. Large practices noted robust reporting and improved executive involvement in recent years.

While the KLAS report had limited data on MEDITECH’s product, large practices said that the platform’s stability helps drive tangible financial results. Respondents feel their satisfaction will continue to grow as the health IT matures.

On the other hand, Cerner’s PM functionality falls short of large practices’ expectations. Respondents said that the solution does not provide everything it should without additional third-party health IT, which leads to increased costs.

With similar overall performance scores, athenahealth and NextGen Healthcare offer the highest-rated experience for midsize practices. athenahealth’s solution is integrated with EHR and RCM services, enabling customers to reduce or better leverage FTEs. However, support is a shortcoming, with some respondents citing long resolution times.

NextGen Healthcare customers feel the health IT vendor delivers a solution that meets (and often exceeds) expectations. Midsize practices also report better vendor relationships and partnerships than in prior years. However, nickel-and-diming remains a concern for some midsize healthcare organizations.

NextGen Healthcare and athenahealth also maintained high satisfaction among independent practices of all sizes. Respondents noted that NextGen Healthcare’s PM technology is easy to learn, customizable, and efficient. Additionally, updates keep them current with new regulations and bring new functionality that helps them efficiently run their practices.

athenahealth’s athenaCollector PM tool comes as part of its broader platform. Independent practices said its transparency enables them to understand better what is happening in their revenue cycle operations. Respondents also appreciate the rules engine and uptime, noting that updates happen invisibly with little to no negative impact on end-users.

Among owned practices, customers’ satisfaction with athenahealth athenaIDX has significantly increased due to updated technology and improved vendor relationships. The percentage of respondents who would buy the solution again has also risen by 25 percent, as it helps them effectively drive tangible results.

Owned and independent customers of Epic have reported high satisfaction for years, citing strong IT that supports repeatable outcomes. Customers said Epic representatives proactively address issues and keep their best interests in mind.

Owned practices using MEDITECH (limited data) find the technology stable and easy to use. Respondents also said that the vendor relationship drives satisfaction, citing that representatives are always available to answer questions.