Report: Epic, Cerner Leading “Next Wave” EMR Vendors

Nearly half of large hospitals surveyed will be making a new electronic medical record (EMR) purchase by 2016, according to a recent report from the Orem, Utah-based KLAS research. Of those planning on making a change, Verona, Wisc.-based Epic and Kansas City-based Cerner are the leading contenders among EMR vendors.

KLAS interviewed 277 providers from large hospitals (200+ beds), which gave feedback on what vendors they are considering, why they are considering them, and what their timelines look like for making these purchases. The survey was good news for Epic and Cerner. Forty-six percent of those respondents who mentioned Epic and 23 percent who mentioned Cerner were leaning towards choosing them for their second EMR purchase. Next was McKesson and Meditech, with 19 percent each. At the low end of the totem poll was Siemens at 9 percent and Allscripts with 4 percent.

Furthermore, 79 percent who mentioned Allscripts said they were steering clear of the company and 82 percent said the same of Siemens. Siemens, McKesson, and Allscripts were the most likely EMR systems to be replaced by the providers. Not a single person with Epic plans on replacing that system.

“Where the last round of EMR purchases was fueled by meaningful use requirements and enticing reimbursements, this next round is being fueled by concerns about outdated technology and health system consolidation,” report author Colin Buckley. “This shift in focus will play a major factor in which EMRs are being considered.”

Integration is a huge reason why Epic and Cerner are doing well. KLAS says Epic is seen as safe due to “total integration” and reliable delivery. Cerner, too, is a market leader due to integration and expansive functionality. The only caveat to Cerner’s success is its revenue cycle stability. On the other end, Allscripts lack of integration has turned away buyers. Although, current customers are encouraged by the company’s change in management (Paul Black became CEO in late 2012) and acquisitions of Jardogs and dbMotion.