Sometimes it can be tough to find an EMR software for the best price, especially since many vendors use different EMR software pricing models such as subscriptions, one-time licenses, and more.

We’ll be going over some of the most common pricing models in EHR software systems, as well as what other costs might be included, so you know what to expect and look for in your practice’s perfect EMR software system!

EMR Subscription Model

The most common form of EMR software pricing nowadays is the subscription model. EHR software vendors typically will charge annual or monthly fees to use the EHR. License fees for such EMR solutions could be charged on a ‘per provider’ or ‘per user’ basis.

The ‘per provider model’ may be better suited for larger practices – offering flexibility as staff numbers shrink or grow – compared to the ‘per user model’ which may be more suited for small to medium-sized practices; giving more predictable costs based on the number of users.

Depending on the EMR vendor, you also may be charged for other services such as:

  • EMR software modules and features
  • Customization
  • Support
  • Other premium features/services

One Time License Fee

Also known as a perpetual license, a one-time license involves making a single upfront payment for an EMR software to use forever.

Typically, these are used for on-premise EMR software, which means that the whole EMR software solution will be hosted using your practice’s own resources.

Though you pay an upfront fee for the EMR software itself, there are still monthly costs to be expected to run it and maintain smooth operations such as:

  • Hardware (such as servers)
  • Patches and updates
  • IT support and maintenance
  • Customization

Fees for one-time licenses are much more expensive, and such EHR solutions are typically found in larger practices, given the resources (i.e. servers, IT personnel, and costs) required to maintain them.

Some benefits of one-time licenses include:

  • Ownership of the EMR Software – Healthcare providers have full rights and control over their EMR software without having to worry about future payments (and hence the risk of losing access later).
  • Data Security – By storing information in-house providers can deploy their own security measures and protocols, which offers more control (over data) and may offer improved security in some cases.

A vendor offering a one-time license may give custom EMR software quotes for prospective customers, depending on their needs and practice size. Some EMR vendors could charge $1,500 to $30,000 in upfront fees, so it’s important to take into consideration your practice needs.

The long-term success of such models is dependent on the reliability of the EMR vendor and their ability to provide relevant updates and support for the software, to keep up with the evolving landscape of healthcare IT.

Other Pricing Models and Costs

Other less common pricing models include:

Free/Open Source EMR Software

Some EMR software solutions may be free and/or free of charge to use. This means that they can be downloaded and completely customized, though this does require healthcare practices to have the right technical expertise to do so.

The quality of some free EMR solutions may be quite lower than other paid systems, and they may be ad-supported.

Tiered Pricing

EHR software vendors may offer different tiers, with each tier improving on functionality or support whilst also increasing costs. This allows medical practices to pick out the tier with the appropriate pricing and features.

Other costs

There may be other costs involved with your EHR solution for services such as data/migration or training. You can check out our EMR Software Pricing Guide or our Guide to Hidden Costs for more information on EMR software pricing.

Conclusion

Finding the right EMR software pricing model can be the deciding factor in what EMR vendor your practice chooses, with each pricing model offering its own advantages and disadvantages.

Depending on the size of your health practice, specific requirements, and budget constraints, you should try to find the best EMR pricing model that aligns with your practice needs.

Be sure to check out our EMR software buyers guides, which cover all other essential details to look for in the perfect EMR software solution.