EHR Resources > EHR Pricing
EHR Pricing
AmericanEHR Partners regularly receives requests for EHR pricing information, which is not currently collected on this site. For convenience, we have provided a link to information developed and maintained by the Maryland Health Care Commission.
The Maryland Health Care Commission data should be used as a guide, however details and pricing are specific to Maryland and potential purchasers should confirm all pricing details with EHR vendors in their state.
When purchasing an EHR, AmericanEHR Partners recommends that price not be used as the primary determinant, but rather one of the factors when making a decision.
Disclaimer: AmericanEHR Partners does not accept responsibility for any of the information available through the Maryland Health Commission. By clicking on the following link, you will be directed to an external website.
Considerations When Pricing an EHR
Licensing/Subscription Fee
- Is the license/subscription fee based on an individual clinician or is it per FTE (Full Time Equivalent)?
- Is there a licensing fee for additional staff beyond a certain number?
- Does the licensing fee apply to a comprehensive EHR including the practice management system or the EHR alone?
- ASP systems are usually licensed on a monthly basis.
- Client-Server systems are usually licensed based upon a one-time fee with maintenance costs.
Practice Management System - If purchasing a combined EHR/PM system, additional fees should not be applicable for a practice management system interface.
- In some cases, a vendor will have two different levels of practice management interface with different pricing. A more sophisticated version that provides coding support based on information provided in the clinical encounter, or a light version through which limited information is passed back and forth between the EHR and the PM system.
- Purchasers should ensure that the level of PM system interface is sufficient to allow for Meaningful Use reporting.
Laboratory Interfaces - There are two types of laboratory interfaces - Uni and Bi-directional. Frequently these two types of interfaces have different prices with the Bi-directional being more costly. Understand exactly what type of interface you are purchasing.
- Setup fees for the interface may be waived by the lab company, however, a yearly maintenance fee for the lab interface is frequently charged by the vendor.
Radiology Interfaces - Radiology interfaces may vary in price depending upon whether just reports are provided or whether the interface provides full access to digital images (PACS).
- Radiology centers may charge fees over and above these pricing scenarios.
Patient Portals - Some vendors may have tiered pricing for portals based upon level of functionality.
- Ensure you have a clear understanding of the portal functionality of your intended system(s).
Support - Support costs vary significantly based upon different tiers and the hours during which support services can be accessed.
Training - In addition to a training fee, travel expenses incurred by the vendor are frequently charged in addition to the core fee.
- Training costs vary significantly between vendors and can be time-based (charged on a hourly basis) or purchased as an inclusive bundle of training.
- Clarify exactly how much training will be provided with the purchase of an EHR.
- Advanced training is usually not included in any initial fees and should be priced out separately.
Maintenance - Maintenance fees are generally included with ASP software as part of the ongoing licensing fee.
- Maintenance fees for client-server systems are generally 20% of initial licensing and interface fees.