The quest for seamless data flow and streamlined workflows is driving significant satisfaction among ambulatory care organizations, according to modern research. A February 2026 report by KLAS Research reveals that integration between Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and Practice Management (PM) systems is the single biggest factor influencing satisfaction with ambulatory software suites. This finding underscores a growing trend toward comprehensive, integrated solutions in healthcare, as practices seek to optimize efficiency and improve patient care. The report, titled “Comprehensive Ambulatory EHR &. PM Suites 2026,” surveyed 176 organizations with 11 or more physicians, providing a detailed seem at the evolving landscape of ambulatory healthcare technology.
For years, healthcare providers have grappled with fragmented systems, often requiring manual data entry and reconciliation between clinical and financial workflows. This not only increases administrative burden but similarly introduces the potential for errors, and delays. The KLAS Research findings demonstrate a clear preference for solutions that address these challenges head-on. A substantial 71% of respondents cited integration, interoperability, and clinical coordination as the top outcome realized from adopting comprehensive solutions from their core EHR/PM vendor. Workflow efficiency followed closely at 51%, with a unified data source being a key benefit for 48% of those surveyed. This shift reflects a broader industry move towards interoperability, driven by regulatory pressures and a growing recognition of the value of connected healthcare data.
The benefits of integrated systems extend beyond simply reducing administrative overhead. Organizations reported improved data flow between clinical and financial systems, fewer manual workarounds, and enhanced visibility into patient information. These improvements translate into more efficient operations, reduced costs, and better patient care. Consolidated suites also simplify software upgrades and support, minimizing coordination challenges and eliminating the “finger-pointing” that often occurs when multiple vendors are involved. This is particularly crucial in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, where frequent updates and security patches are essential.
Epic and athenahealth Lead the Pack in Ambulatory EHR/PM Integration
Even as numerous vendors compete in the ambulatory EHR/PM space, two companies consistently emerged as leaders in the KLAS Research report: Epic and athenahealth. Epic’s EpicCare Ambulatory EHR and Resolute PM earned the highest score for driving tangible outcomes, achieving approximately 8.5 on a 1–9 scale, and delivering value for money with a score of 8.3. Athenahealth’s athenaOne platform followed closely, scoring 7.8 for value and 7.7 for tangible outcomes. Both vendors also received high marks for functionality, with Epic at 7.5 and athenahealth at 7.1, demonstrating a strong ability to meet the needs of ambulatory practices.
However, the report highlights distinct approaches taken by each vendor. Athenahealth is positioned as a services-enabled platform specifically designed for ambulatory care, offering integrated revenue cycle management services and flexible configurations suitable for practices of all sizes. athenahealth emphasizes a cloud-based, subscription model, allowing practices to focus on patient care rather than IT infrastructure. Epic, is characterized as a technology-centric, enterprise-wide platform often adopted by larger, multi-specialty groups and health systems seeking a single, integrated solution across complex environments. Epic’s strength lies in its comprehensive functionality and scalability, but it typically requires a more significant upfront investment and ongoing IT support.
The experience of Epic Community Connect customers is somewhat different. While benefiting from the underlying Epic technology, these customers often experience more variability due to the decisions made by their host organizations regarding implementation, governance, and tool selection. This highlights the importance of careful planning and collaboration when adopting any EHR/PM system, particularly within a larger network.
Third-Party Solutions Fill Gaps, But Integrated Suites Remain Preferred
Despite the growing popularity of comprehensive suites, many organizations still rely on third-party solutions to address specific needs. The KLAS Research report identified patient engagement tools (66%), ambient speech technology (57%), and patient intake solutions (57%) as the most common areas where practices turn to external vendors. The primary reasons for adopting third-party tools were missing functionality (60%), superior functionality offered by the third-party vendor (42%), and issues with the maturity or quality of the core EHR/PM system (39%).
The reliance on third-party solutions varies significantly depending on the core EHR/PM vendor. Customers of Epic and athenahealth generally view these tools as targeted enhancements to an already robust platform. However, customers of NextGen Healthcare, eClinicalWorks, and Greenway Health more frequently rely on third parties to address core gaps in areas such as telehealth, credentialing, and patient engagement. Notably, Greenway Health received the lowest functionality score in the report (4.9), with customers citing limitations in key workflows that impact daily operations. This underscores the importance of carefully evaluating the core functionality of an EHR/PM system before considering third-party integrations.
Altera Digital Health occupies a unique position in the market following its separation from Veradigm. Because Altera no longer offers a PM solution alongside its EHR, reliance on third-party PM and patient-facing capabilities is a structural necessity for its customers. This situation highlights the challenges faced by vendors undergoing significant organizational changes and the importance of a clear roadmap for future development.
The Growing Importance of Native EHR Solutions
The KLAS-Bain 2025 report revealed a compelling trend: six in ten healthcare organizations initially default to EHR-native solutions before exploring third-party options. This reinforces the strategic importance of comprehensive suite capabilities for vendor competitiveness. Practices are increasingly recognizing the value of a unified platform that minimizes integration challenges and streamlines workflows. This preference for native solutions is likely to continue as EHR/PM vendors invest in expanding their functionality and addressing the evolving needs of ambulatory care organizations.
The integration of EHR and PM systems is not merely a technological upgrade; it represents a fundamental shift in how healthcare is delivered. By breaking down data silos and streamlining workflows, integrated solutions empower providers to focus on what matters most: providing high-quality, patient-centered care. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the demand for seamless integration and interoperability will only intensify, driving further innovation and competition in the EHR/PM market.
Looking ahead, the focus will likely shift towards leveraging emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to further enhance the capabilities of integrated EHR/PM systems. AI-powered tools can automate administrative tasks, improve clinical decision-making, and personalize patient care. ML algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns and predict potential health risks, enabling proactive interventions and improved outcomes. The successful integration of these technologies will be crucial for healthcare organizations seeking to thrive in the increasingly complex and competitive healthcare environment.
The KLAS Research report serves as a valuable resource for ambulatory care organizations evaluating their EHR/PM options. It provides a data-driven assessment of the leading vendors and highlights the key factors driving satisfaction. By prioritizing integration, interoperability, and a comprehensive suite of capabilities, practices can position themselves for success in the years to come.
Key Takeaways:
- Integration between EHR and PM systems is the top driver of satisfaction for ambulatory care organizations.
- Epic and athenahealth are consistently ranked as leaders in the ambulatory EHR/PM market.
- Third-party solutions can fill gaps, but integrated suites are generally preferred.
- Six in ten organizations initially explore EHR-native solutions.
- Emerging technologies like AI and ML are poised to further enhance the capabilities of integrated systems.
The healthcare technology landscape is constantly evolving. KLAS Research will continue to monitor these trends and provide valuable insights to aid organizations make informed decisions. Further updates and detailed findings from the “Comprehensive Ambulatory EHR & PM Suites 2026” report can be found on the KLAS Research website.
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