CareFirst vs iSoft (CSC) Patient Administration System (PAS)

CareFirst and iSoft (CSC) Patient Administration System (PAS) are both widely used in healthcare settings, but they have some key differences. CareFirst offers a user-friendly interface and customizable features, while iSoft PAS is known for its robust data management capabilities and integration with other systems.

General information

CareFirst
iSoft (CSC) Patient Administration System (PAS)
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 :
The iSoft (CSC) Patient Administration System (PAS) is a widely used EHR system in the NHS, known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive patient management capabilities. Launched in the early 2000s, it has gained popularity for its seamless integration with other healthcare systems and its ability to streamline administrative processes in various healthcare settings. While not open source, iSoft PAS is favored for its reliability and efficiency in managing patient data across different healthcare facilities.
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 :
  • Seamless integration with other healthcare systems
  • Customizable to meet specific hospital needs
  • User-friendly interface for easy navigation
  • Robust reporting and analytics capabilities
  • Secure patient data protection and compliance with 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 customization options compared to other platforms
  • Lack of interoperability with other systems
  • Steep learning curve for users
  • Limited reporting and analytics capabilities
  • Higher cost compared to other PAS platforms
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 : CSC
The iSoft Patient Administration System (PAS) is manufactured by CSC, a global leader in IT services and solutions. CSC provides a range of healthcare technology products and services.
Official website : https://www.carefirst.com/
Official website : https://www.isoft.com/


Commercial details

CareFirst
iSoft (CSC) Patient Administration System (PAS)
🟡 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 : Unknown.
The iSoft (CSC) Patient Administration System (PAS) platform's open source status is unclear, as information about the code language and level of openness is not readily available for comparison.
⚪ 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 iSoft (CSC) Patient Administration System. Further research is needed to determine if there are any hosted options with limited features 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.
It is unclear if iSoft (CSC) PAS offers a hosted option for their Patient Administration System. Further research or direct inquiry with the provider may be necessary to determine availability.
⚪ 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 on self-hosting capabilities within the iSoft (CSC) PAS system are unclear.


Care settings

CareFirst
iSoft (CSC) Patient Administration System (PAS)
🟢 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 : Unknown.
The iSoft (CSC) Patient Administration System (PAS) is primarily used in hospital settings rather than general practice (GP surgeries). Its usage in GP surgeries is not well-documented for comparison.
⚪ 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 : Unknown.
The iSoft (CSC) Patient Administration System (PAS) is not commonly associated with community settings in comparison to other Electronic Health Record Systems in the NHS. Further research is needed for a definitive answer.
⚪ 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 : Yes.
iSoft (CSC) Patient Administration System (PAS) is commonly used in acute hospital systems, providing comprehensive patient administration functionalities tailored for hospital settings.


Key features

CareFirst
iSoft (CSC) Patient Administration System (PAS)
🟢 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.
iSoft (CSC) PAS does have a mobile version for clinicians, allowing them to access patient information on-the-go. This mobile version provides flexibility and convenience for healthcare professionals.
🟢 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 : Unknown.
The presence of referral management features in the iSoft (CSC) Patient Administration System (PAS) is unclear compared to other EHR systems in the NHS. Further investigation is needed for confirmation.
⚪ 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 : Unknown.
The presence of waiting list management features in the iSoft (CSC) Patient Administration System (PAS) is unclear compared to other EHR systems in the NHS. Further investigation is needed for confirmation.
🟢 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.
The iSoft (CSC) Patient Administration System (PAS) includes booking management features to help healthcare providers efficiently schedule appointments and manage patient bookings within the system.
🟢 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.
The iSoft (CSC) Patient Administration System (PAS) includes document management features, allowing for the storage and organization of patient records 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.
The iSoft (CSC) Patient Administration System (PAS) includes clinical decision support features to assist healthcare providers in making informed decisions and improving patient care outcomes.
🟢 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.
The iSoft (CSC) Patient Administration System (PAS) supports lab results, allowing healthcare providers to access and view patient laboratory test results either manually or via an API integration.
🟢 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.
The iSoft (CSC) Patient Administration System (PAS) supports imaging and radiography results, allowing healthcare providers to access and manage these important diagnostic images either manually or via an API.
🟢 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.
The iSoft (CSC) Patient Administration System (PAS) includes a billing/invoicing feature, allowing healthcare providers to efficiently manage financial transactions related to patient care within the EHR system.


API / data sharing

CareFirst
iSoft (CSC) Patient Administration System (PAS)
🟢 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 : Unknown.
The presence of a patient portal in the iSoft (CSC) Patient Administration System is not clearly specified. Further investigation is needed to determine if this feature is available.
⚪ 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 iSoft (CSC) Patient Administration System (PAS) has a native patient app for Android or iOS. Further investigation is needed 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 : Unknown.
The availability of an API for the iSoft (CSC) Patient Administration System (PAS) is currently unclear in comparison to other Electronic Health Record Systems in the NHS.
🟢 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.
The FHIR compliance status of iSoft (CSC) Patient Administration System (PAS) is currently unknown. Further investigation or confirmation from the vendor is needed for a definitive answer.
⚪ 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 information available regarding public technical API documentation for the iSoft (CSC) Patient Administration System (PAS) in comparison to other EHR systems.
🟢 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 : Unknown.
It is unclear if the iSoft (CSC) Patient Administration System (PAS) has facilities to support right of access requests. Further clarification may be needed for comparison purposes.


When choosing between CareFirst and iSoft PAS, consider your organization’s specific needs and priorities. If ease of use and flexibility are important, CareFirst may be the better option. However, if advanced data management and seamless integration are top priorities, iSoft PAS could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, selecting the right system will depend on how well it aligns with your organization’s goals and workflow.