Epic vs athenahealth: Ambulatory EHR Market Share
Epic and athenahealth are battling for dominance in the ambulatory EHR market, but the landscape is shifting. This report reveals key insights from a recent KLAS Research study, highlighting how smaller practices are increasingly seeking more flexible EHR solutions, focusing on usability and cost-effectiveness. While Epic maintains meaningful mindshare, athenahealth’s cloud-based platform and focus on consolidated features appeal to practices with tight budgets and are gaining traction. Find out how functionality and interoperability shape decisions across all practice sizes. News Directory 3 keeps you informed on critical healthcare technology trends. Discover what’s next in this dynamic market.
Epic, athenahealth Dominate Ambulatory EHR Interest
Updated June 12, 2025
Epic and athenahealth continue to lead the field in ambulatory care EHR solutions, but smaller practices are increasingly drawn to more flexible and interoperable platforms. A recent KLAS Research report, Ambulatory Core Solutions Mindshare, highlights this trend.
The report, based on feedback from over 1,200 individuals across 689 organizations, found that Epic has the largest mindshare, followed by athenahealth and Oracle Health. Autonomous practices are showing increased interest in specialty-specific and cost-effective technologies.
Epic was mentioned twice as ofen as athenahealth, which was named twice as often as Oracle Health, the report stated. Epic’s reputation, referrals, and broad functionality were key factors in its consideration.
For smaller practices with one to 10 physicians, simplicity, affordability, and strong support are driving the search for alternatives. While vendors like Elation Health, eClinicalWorks, and ModMed are gaining traction, Epic and athenahealth remain strong contenders for ambulatory EHR.
according to the report, athenahealth’s cloud-based platform and consolidated features appeal to small practices managing tight budgets. Epic’s Community Connect model offers savings for smaller groups through host systems, though with some adaptability limitations.
Natalie Hopkins of KLAS Research noted that small practices seek intuitive, scalable solutions that don’t require numerous third-party add-ons.
Epic’s dominance strengthens among midsize (11–75 physicians) and large (76+ physicians) practices. These groups prioritize interoperability, scalability, and integration, areas where Epic excels.
Midsize organizations often choose Epic for its ability to support multispecialty workflows and connect with hospital networks. Epic’s Garden Plot model offers a cost-effective middle ground.
One midsize practice administrator said Epic’s interoperability was the deciding factor, enabling seamless data exchange with affiliated hospitals.
athenahealth remains a top choice, praised for its usability, market flexibility, and specialty-pleasant design.One CIO noted its ability to adapt to different practice needs while maintaining consistency.
NextGen Healthcare, eClinicalWorks, and Oracle Health are also frequently considered, especially by specialty-focused or cost-conscious groups.
Functionality and interoperability are the most crucial factors driving vendor consideration across all practice sizes, with usability close behind.
The report stated that practices want to consolidate their technology stack without sacrificing performance, seeking vendors that streamline administrative tasks, support clinical workflows, and provide reliable interoperability.
Many smaller practices reported that their current systems lack the usability and specialty content needed for efficient operation. rising costs and inconsistent vendor support are also pushing them toward change.
What’s next
Ambulatory practices, especially independent ones, are seeking strategic technology partners to help them remain agile and competitive in a complex care ecosystem, according to Hopkins.