CareFirst vs EMIS Web

CareFirst and EMIS Web are both electronic health record systems used in the healthcare industry. CareFirst is known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features, while EMIS Web is praised for its integration capabilities and customization options.

General information

CareFirst
EMIS Web
Introduction :
CareFirst is a comprehensive Electronic Health Record system that has gained popularity for its user-friendly interface and robust features. Launched in recent years, it has quickly become a preferred choice for healthcare providers due to its adaptability to various settings and specialties. CareFirst offers seamless integration with other healthcare systems, enhancing efficiency and patient care. Its intuitive design and customizable options make it a top contender in the EHR market.
Introduction :
EMIS Web is a widely used Electronic Health Record system in the NHS, known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive functionality. Launched in the early 2000s, EMIS Web is popular among healthcare providers for its ability to streamline workflows, improve patient care, and enhance communication between healthcare professionals. It is particularly favored in primary care settings for its ease of use and integration with other healthcare systems.
Advantages :
  • Seamless integration with other systems
  • Customizable templates for different specialties
  • User-friendly interface for easy navigation
  • Robust security measures to protect patient data
  • Efficient communication tools for healthcare providers
Advantages :
  • User-friendly interface for easy navigation and data input.
  • Integration with other healthcare systems for seamless information sharing.
  • Customizable templates and workflows to suit individual practice needs.
  • Comprehensive patient records with detailed clinical information.
  • Secure data storage and compliance with NHS data protection regulations.
Disadvantages :
  • Limited customization options
  • Higher cost compared to competitors
  • Steeper learning curve for users
  • Lack of integration with other systems
  • Limited scalability for larger healthcare organizations
Disadvantages :
  • Limited interoperability with other EHR systems
  • Steep learning curve for new users
  • Lack of customization options for individual practices
  • Slow customer support response times
  • Potential for system downtime affecting patient care
Manufacturer : Cerner
Cerner is a well-known EHR manufacturer used by many healthcare organizations. It offers a comprehensive system with various features and functionalities to support efficient patient care and management.
Manufacturer : EMIS Web is manufactured by EMIS Health.
EMIS Health is a leading healthcare technology provider in the UK, specializing in electronic health record systems. EMIS Web is one of their flagship products used widely in the NHS.
Official website : https://www.carefirst.com/
Official website : https://www.emishealth.com/


Commercial details

CareFirst
EMIS Web
🟡 Open source : Partially.
The platform is partially open source, with certain components available for public access and contribution. However, some parts may be proprietary or restricted in terms of code access.
🔴 Open source : No.
EMIS Web is not an open source platform. The code is not publicly available for viewing or modification. It is a proprietary software developed by EMIS Health for use in healthcare settings.
⚪ Free option : Unknown.
It is unclear if CareFirst offers a free option. Further research is needed to determine if there is a hosted option with limited features or if it is a fully-featured platform.
⚪ Free option : Unknown.
It is unclear if there is a free option for EMIS Web. Further research or contacting the provider directly may be necessary to determine if any free options or limited features are available.
⚪ Hosted : Unknown.
It is unclear if CareFirst offers a hosted option. Further research or contacting the provider directly may be necessary to determine the availability of this feature.
⚪ Hosted : Unknown.
There may be hosted options available for EMIS Web, but specific details on whether it is directly offered by the provider or through third-party vendors are unclear.
⚪ Self host : Unknown.
CareFirst may offer self-hosting options through third-party vendors, but specific details are not readily available. It is recommended to inquire directly with CareFirst for more information on self-hosting capabilities.
⚪ Self host : Unknown.
There may be options for self-hosting through third-party vendors, but specific details are unclear. Further research or direct inquiry with EMIS Web may be necessary for confirmation.


Care settings

CareFirst
EMIS Web
🟢 General practice : Yes.
CareFirst is commonly used in GP surgeries for managing patient records, appointments, and billing. It is a widely adopted system within general practice settings.
🟢 General practice : Yes.
EMIS Web is commonly used in GP surgeries across the NHS, offering a range of functionalities tailored to primary care settings. It is a well-established system with a strong presence in general practice.
⚪ Community care : Unknown.
CareFirst is not commonly used in the NHS community setting, and there is limited information available for comparison with other Electronic Health Record Systems such as EMIS, TPP, Epic, and Cerner.
🟢 Community care : Yes.
EMIS Web is commonly used in the community setting for managing patient records, appointments, and prescriptions. It is a widely adopted system among GP practices and community healthcare providers.
⚪ Hospital and Acute : Unknown.
CareFirst is not commonly used in acute hospital systems in the NHS. Its prevalence and integration with other platforms are unclear for comparison purposes.
⚪ Hospital and Acute : Unknown.
EMIS Web is primarily used in primary care settings, and its usage in acute hospital systems is not well-documented. Further research or confirmation from specific hospitals is needed to determine its prevalence in acute care settings.


Key features

CareFirst
EMIS Web
🟢 Mobile version : Yes.
CareFirst EHR does have a mobile version for clinicians, allowing them to access patient information and records on-the-go. This mobile version enhances flexibility and efficiency in providing care.
🟢 Mobile version : Yes.
EMIS Web does have a mobile version for clinicians, allowing them to access patient information and manage their tasks on-the-go. This mobile version enhances flexibility and efficiency in healthcare delivery.
🟢 Referral management : Yes.
CareFirst's EHR includes referral management features, allowing for streamlined coordination of patient referrals to specialists or other healthcare providers within the system.
🟢 Referral management : Yes.
EMIS Web offers robust referral management features, allowing healthcare providers to efficiently manage and track patient referrals within the system, enhancing coordination of care and communication between providers.
⚪ Waiting list management : Unknown.
The presence of waiting list management features in CareFirst's EHR system is not clearly stated or documented, making it uncertain whether this functionality is available compared to other platforms.
🟢 Waiting list management : Yes.
EMIS Web offers waiting list management features to help healthcare providers efficiently manage patient queues and appointments, improving overall workflow and patient satisfaction.
🟢 Booking management : Yes.
CareFirst EHR includes booking management features to streamline appointment scheduling and manage patient bookings efficiently, enhancing overall practice operations and patient experience.
🟢 Booking management : Yes.
EMIS Web offers booking management features to help healthcare providers efficiently schedule appointments and manage patient bookings within the EHR system, enhancing overall workflow and organization.
🟢 Document management : Yes.
CareFirst EHR offers robust document management features, allowing users to efficiently store, organize, and access patient records and other important documents within the system.
🟢 Document management : Yes.
EMIS Web offers robust document management features, allowing users to securely store and organize patient records, test results, and other important documents within the EHR system.
🟢 Decision support : Yes.
CareFirst EHR includes a clinical decision support feature, providing healthcare professionals with real-time guidance and recommendations based on patient data and best practices to improve care quality and outcomes.
🟢 Decision support : Yes.
EMIS Web does offer clinical decision support features, providing healthcare professionals with real-time guidance and alerts to improve patient care and safety within the system.
🟢 Lab results : Yes.
The EHR supports lab results and can integrate them seamlessly into patient records, allowing healthcare providers to easily access and analyze this important data for patient care.
🟢 Lab results : Yes.
EMIS Web supports lab results, allowing users to view and manage laboratory test results within the EHR system either manually or via an API integration for seamless data retrieval.
🟢 Imaging : Yes.
CareFirst EHR supports imaging/radiography results, allowing users to access and view these results within the system, either manually or via an API integration for seamless workflow.
🟢 Imaging : Yes.
EMIS Web supports imaging and radiography results, allowing users to view and manage these results within the EHR system, either manually or via an API integration with imaging systems.
🟢 Billing : Yes.
CareFirst EHR includes a billing/invoicing feature, streamlining the process of generating and managing patient invoices within the system. This can help practices efficiently handle financial transactions and billing tasks.
🟢 Billing : Yes.
EMIS Web does have a billing/invoicing feature, allowing users to generate invoices for services provided. This feature streamlines the billing process and helps with financial management within the system.


API / data sharing

CareFirst
EMIS Web
🟢 Patient portal : Yes.
CareFirst's EHR system includes a patient portal, providing patients with secure access to their health information, appointment scheduling, communication with providers, and other features to enhance their engagement in their care.
🟢 Patient portal : Yes.
EMIS Web offers a patient portal, allowing patients to access their health records, book appointments, and communicate with healthcare providers online, enhancing patient engagement and convenience.
⚪ Patient app : Unknown.
CareFirst's availability of a native patient app for Android and iOS is currently unclear. Further investigation is needed to determine if this feature is offered by the EHR system.
⚪ Patient app : Unknown.
It is unclear whether EMIS Web has a native patient app for Android or iOS. Further research or contacting the provider directly may be necessary to confirm this information.
⚪ Has API : Unknown.
The availability of an API for CareFirst is not clearly stated or easily accessible. Further investigation or direct inquiry may be necessary to determine if an API is available.
🟢 Has API : Yes.
EMIS Web does have an API, allowing for integration with other systems and the development of custom applications to enhance functionality and interoperability.
🟢 FHIR API : Yes.
CareFirst's API is FHIR compliant, allowing for interoperability and seamless data exchange with other healthcare systems, enhancing overall efficiency and patient care coordination.
⚪ FHIR API : Unknown.
EMIS Web's API compliance with FHIR standards is not clearly stated. Further investigation or direct inquiry with the provider may be needed to determine its FHIR compliance.
⚪ API Documentation : Unknown.
It is unclear whether CareFirst provides public technical API documentation. Further research or direct inquiry may be necessary to determine the availability of such documentation.
⚪ API Documentation : Unknown.
There is no clear indication of public technical API documentation available for EMIS Web. Further investigation is needed to determine the accessibility of this information.
🟢 Right of access support : Yes.
The system has facilities to support right of access requests, ensuring users can easily access their health information in compliance with data protection regulations.
🟢 Right of access support : Yes.
EMIS Web does have facilities to support right of access requests, allowing users to easily access their personal health information in compliance with data protection regulations.


When choosing between CareFirst and EMIS Web, consider your organization’s specific needs and priorities. CareFirst may be more suitable for smaller practices looking for simplicity, while EMIS Web could be a better fit for larger healthcare facilities requiring advanced customization. Ultimately, the right choice depends on the unique requirements of your healthcare setting.