CareFirst vs iSoft Synergy

CareFirst and iSoft Synergy are both Electronic Health Record systems used in healthcare settings. CareFirst is known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features, while iSoft Synergy is praised for its interoperability and customization options.

General information

CareFirst
iSoft Synergy
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 :
iSoft Synergy is a comprehensive Electronic Health Record system that has been in the market for several years, offering a user-friendly interface and robust features. It is not open source but is highly popular in healthcare settings for its efficiency in managing patient records, scheduling appointments, and facilitating communication among healthcare providers. iSoft Synergy is known for its seamless integration with other healthcare systems, making it a top choice for healthcare organizations.
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 existing systems
  • User-friendly interface for easy navigation
  • Customizable to fit specific healthcare needs
  • Robust security measures to protect patient data
  • Comprehensive reporting and analytics capabilities
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
  • High cost for implementation and maintenance
  • Steep learning curve for users
  • Lack of integration with other systems
  • Limited scalability for growing healthcare organizations
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 : iSoft Synergy EHR is manufactured by DXC Technology.
DXC Technology is a global IT services company that provides the iSoft Synergy EHR system. It is known for its comprehensive healthcare solutions and integration capabilities.
Official website : https://www.carefirst.com/


Commercial details

CareFirst
iSoft Synergy
🟡 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 : Partially.
iSoft Synergy is partially open source, with certain components available for customization and development. The platform allows for some level of flexibility and integration with other systems.
⚪ 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 iSoft Synergy offers a free option. Further research is needed to determine if there is a hosted option with limited features available for users.
⚪ 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 Synergy offers a hosted option. Customers may need to inquire directly with the company or explore third-party vendors for hosting services.
⚪ 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.
iSoft Synergy may offer self-hosting options through third-party vendors, but specific details are unclear. It is recommended to inquire directly with the company for more information on self-hosting capabilities.


Care settings

CareFirst
iSoft Synergy
🟢 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.
iSoft Synergy's usage in GP surgeries is not well-documented compared to other EHR systems like EMIS, TPP, Epic, and Cerner. Further research is needed to determine its prevalence in general practice settings.
⚪ 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.
iSoft Synergy's usage in the community setting is not well-documented compared to other Electronic Health Record Systems in the NHS. Further research is needed to determine its prevalence and effectiveness in this context.
⚪ 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.
iSoft Synergy's usage in acute hospital systems is not well-documented in comparison to other EHR platforms like EMIS, TPP, Epic, and Cerner within the NHS. Further research is needed for a comprehensive comparison.


Key features

CareFirst
iSoft Synergy
🟢 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 Synergy offers a mobile version for clinicians, allowing them to access the EHR system on-the-go for enhanced flexibility and efficiency in patient care. The mobile version is web-based.
🟢 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.
iSoft Synergy offers robust referral management features, allowing healthcare providers to efficiently track and manage 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 : Unknown.
The waiting list management features of iSoft Synergy are not clearly specified in comparison to other EHR systems in the NHS. Further information is needed to determine its capabilities in this area.
🟢 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.
iSoft Synergy offers booking management features to streamline appointment scheduling and improve overall practice efficiency, enhancing patient experience and reducing administrative burden.
🟢 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.
iSoft Synergy includes robust document management features that allow for efficient storage, retrieval, 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.
iSoft Synergy offers a clinical decision support feature, providing healthcare professionals with real-time guidance and recommendations to enhance patient care and treatment decisions.
🟢 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.
iSoft Synergy supports lab results integration, allowing users to view and manage lab test results directly within the EHR system. This can be done manually or via an API for seamless data transfer.
🟢 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.
iSoft Synergy supports imaging and radiography results integration, allowing users to view and manage these diagnostic images within the EHR system, 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 : Unknown.
The billing/invoicing feature availability in iSoft Synergy is unclear and requires further investigation. It is recommended to reach out to the provider directly for more information on this functionality.


API / data sharing

CareFirst
iSoft Synergy
🟢 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.
iSoft Synergy offers a patient portal feature, allowing patients to securely access their health information, communicate with healthcare providers, and schedule appointments online for improved 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.
iSoft Synergy's native patient app availability is not specified. Further information or clarification is needed to determine if it offers an app for Android or iOS devices.
⚪ 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 iSoft Synergy is currently unclear and requires further investigation to determine its presence and functionality compared to other platforms.
🟢 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.
iSoft Synergy's compliance with the FHIR standard is not clearly stated or documented. Further investigation or direct inquiry with the vendor is recommended for accurate information.
⚪ 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 the presence of public technical API documentation for iSoft Synergy. Further research or direct inquiry may be necessary to confirm this.
🟢 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.
The system has robust facilities to support right of access requests, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations and enabling users to easily access their information.


When choosing between CareFirst and iSoft Synergy, consider your organization’s specific needs and priorities. CareFirst may be a better choice for those looking for a straightforward system with a wide range of features, while iSoft Synergy could be more suitable for those prioritizing interoperability and customization. Ultimately, the right choice will depend on how well the system aligns with your organization’s goals and workflow.