EHR/PM Integration Biggest Satisfier for Ambulatory Software Suites, KLAS Finds

Why It Matters

Understanding the premium placed on integrated EHR/PM suites helps healthcare leaders make strategic vendor choices that boost efficiency and patient care quality. The findings also signal where vendors must innovate—especially in patient‑engagement and telehealth—to stay competitive as the market increasingly favors comprehensive, interoperable platforms.

Summary

The episode reviews KLAS Research’s 2026 report on comprehensive ambulatory EHR and practice‑management (PM) suites, revealing that integration of clinical and financial workflows is the top driver of satisfaction for ambulatory organizations. The study of 176 providers shows 71% value integration and interoperability, with workflow efficiency and a single‑vendor data source also ranking high. Epic’s EpicCare Ambulatory and Resolute PM, and athenahealth’s athenaOne, lead the market in delivering tangible outcomes and value, while vendors like NextGen, eClinicalWorks, and Greenway rely heavily on third‑party tools to fill functional gaps. The discussion highlights how unified suites reduce manual workarounds, simplify upgrades, and improve data visibility, whereas fragmented solutions push organizations toward external patient‑engagement, speech, and intake technologies.