McKesson Paragon vs Microtest Evolution

McKesson Paragon and Microtest Evolution are both Electronic Health Record systems used in healthcare settings. McKesson Paragon offers a comprehensive solution for managing patient data and streamlining workflows, while Microtest Evolution focuses on providing user-friendly interfaces and customizable features for healthcare providers.

General information

McKesson Paragon
Microtest Evolution
Introduction :
McKesson Paragon is a comprehensive EHR system that has been in use since the 1980s, making it one of the longest-standing platforms in the market. It is not open source but is highly popular due to its user-friendly interface, robust features for various healthcare settings, and strong integration capabilities. McKesson Paragon is widely used in hospitals and healthcare facilities for its ability to streamline workflows and improve patient care.
Introduction :
Microtest Evolution is a user-friendly Electronic Health Record system that was launched in 1980. It is widely used in primary care settings due to its comprehensive features and customizable interface. Microtest Evolution is not open source, but it is known for its reliability and efficiency in managing patient records and facilitating communication between healthcare providers. It is a popular choice among healthcare professionals in the UK.
Advantages :
  • User-friendly interface for easy navigation and efficient workflow processes.
  • Customizable to meet specific needs of healthcare providers and organizations.
  • Seamless integration with other systems for comprehensive patient care coordination.
  • Robust reporting and analytics capabilities for data-driven decision-making.
  • Strong customer support and training resources for successful implementation.
Advantages :
  • User-friendly interface for easy navigation and efficient workflow processes.
  • Customizable templates to suit individual practice needs and preferences.
  • Seamless integration with other healthcare systems for comprehensive patient care.
  • Advanced data analytics capabilities for informed decision-making and improved outcomes.
  • Secure and compliant with data protection regulations to safeguard patient information.
Disadvantages :
  • Limited interoperability with other systems
  • Steep learning curve for users
  • High implementation and maintenance costs
  • Lack of customization options
  • Limited support for specialty-specific workflows
Disadvantages :
  • Limited customization options
  • Higher cost compared to some competitors
  • Steeper learning curve for new users
  • Lack of integration with other systems
  • Limited scalability for larger healthcare organizations
Manufacturer : McKesson
McKesson Paragon is manufactured by McKesson Corporation, a leading healthcare technology company known for providing innovative solutions for healthcare organizations. McKesson Paragon offers a comprehensive electronic health record system for efficient patient care management.
Manufacturer : Microtest Evolution is manufactured by Microtest
Microtest Evolution is developed and manufactured by the company Microtest. It is a comprehensive Electronic Health Record system designed to meet the needs of healthcare providers.
Official website : https://www.microtest.co.uk/


Commercial details

McKesson Paragon
Microtest Evolution
🟡 Open source : Partially.
McKesson Paragon is not fully open source, but it does offer some level of openness for customization and integration with other systems. The code is not publicly available.
🟡 Open source : Partially.
Microtest Evolution is partially open source, with limited access to the codebase. The platform may have some open-source components, but overall, it is not fully open source.
⚪ Free option : Unknown.
It is unclear if McKesson Paragon offers a free option. Further research or contacting the provider directly may be necessary to determine if there are any hosted or limited feature options available.
⚪ Free option : Unknown.
It is unclear if Microtest Evolution offers a free option. Further research is needed to determine if there is a hosted option with limited features available for users to try out.
⚪ Hosted : Unknown.
There may be hosted options available for McKesson Paragon, but specific details on pricing and availability are unclear. It is recommended to inquire directly with the provider for more information.
⚪ Hosted : Unknown.
It is unclear if Microtest Evolution offers a hosted option. Further research or contacting the provider directly may be necessary to determine the availability of this feature.
⚪ Self host : Unknown.
There may be options for self-hosting through third-party vendors, but direct self-hosting by McKesson Paragon is unclear. Further investigation or inquiry may be needed for confirmation.
⚪ Self host : Unknown.
There may be options for self-hosting through third-party vendors, but specific details on self-hosting capabilities within Microtest Evolution are unclear.


Care settings

McKesson Paragon
Microtest Evolution
⚪ General practice : Unknown.
McKesson Paragon is primarily used in hospital settings and may not be commonly used in general practice (GP surgeries). Further research is needed to determine its prevalence in this setting.
🟢 General practice : Yes.
Microtest Evolution is commonly used in GP surgeries for managing patient records and appointments. It offers features tailored to primary care settings, making it a popular choice among general practitioners.
⚪ Community care : Unknown.
McKesson Paragon is primarily used in acute care settings and may not be commonly used in the community setting. Further research is needed to determine its prevalence in community healthcare environments.
⚪ Community care : Unknown.
Microtest Evolution's usage in the community setting is not well-documented in comparison to other Electronic Health Record Systems in the NHS. Further research is needed for a conclusive answer.
🟢 Hospital and Acute : Yes.
McKesson Paragon is commonly used in acute hospital systems, offering comprehensive solutions tailored to the specific needs of acute care settings.
⚪ Hospital and Acute : Unknown.
There is insufficient data available to determine if Microtest Evolution is commonly used in acute hospital systems compared to other Electronic Health Record Systems in the NHS.


Key features

McKesson Paragon
Microtest Evolution
🟢 Mobile version : Yes.
McKesson Paragon offers a mobile version for clinicians, allowing them to access the EHR system on-the-go for convenient patient care. The mobile version is web-based, providing flexibility and accessibility.
🟢 Mobile version : Yes.
Microtest Evolution offers a mobile version for clinicians, allowing them to access patient information and manage tasks on-the-go. This mobile version enhances flexibility and efficiency in healthcare delivery.
🟢 Referral management : Yes.
McKesson Paragon offers robust referral management features to streamline the process of referring patients to other healthcare providers, ensuring seamless coordination of care and improved patient outcomes.
🟢 Referral management : Yes.
Microtest Evolution includes referral management features to streamline the process of referring patients to specialists or other healthcare providers, improving coordination of care and communication between healthcare professionals.
⚪ Waiting list management : Unknown.
There is no clear information available regarding waiting list management features in McKesson Paragon EHR compared to other platforms.
⚪ Waiting list management : Unknown.
Microtest Evolution's waiting list management features are not clearly specified in comparison to other EHR systems. Further information is needed to determine its capabilities in this area.
⚪ Booking management : Unknown.
McKesson Paragon's booking management features are not clearly specified in comparison to other EHR systems. Further information or clarification is needed to determine the presence of such features.
🟢 Booking management : Yes.
Microtest Evolution includes booking management features to streamline appointment scheduling and improve patient access to care, enhancing overall practice efficiency and patient satisfaction.
🟢 Document management : Yes.
McKesson Paragon offers robust document management features, allowing users to efficiently store, organize, and retrieve patient records and other documents within the EHR system.
🟢 Document management : Yes.
Microtest Evolution offers robust document management features, allowing users to efficiently store, organize, and access patient records and other important documents within the EHR system.
🟢 Decision support : Yes.
McKesson Paragon includes clinical decision support features to assist healthcare providers in making informed decisions and improving patient care outcomes.
🟢 Decision support : Yes.
Microtest Evolution includes a clinical decision support feature to assist healthcare providers in making informed decisions based on patient data and best practices, enhancing patient care and safety.
🟢 Lab results : Yes.
McKesson Paragon supports lab results integration, allowing for seamless access to and viewing of lab test results within the EHR system, either manually or via an API.
🟢 Lab results : Yes.
Microtest Evolution supports lab results integration, allowing for seamless access to and display of patient laboratory data within the EHR system, either manually or via an API.
🟢 Imaging : Yes.
McKesson Paragon supports imaging and radiography results, allowing for seamless integration of these diagnostic tests within the EHR system, enhancing overall patient care and treatment planning.
🟢 Imaging : Yes.
Microtest Evolution supports imaging/radiography results, allowing users to view and manage these results within the EHR system, either manually or via an API integration for seamless access.
🟢 Billing : Yes.
McKesson Paragon includes a billing/invoicing feature, allowing healthcare providers to efficiently manage and process financial transactions related to patient care within the EHR system.
⚪ Billing : Unknown.
Microtest Evolution's billing/invoicing feature status is unclear compared to other EHR systems. Further investigation or clarification is needed to determine if this functionality is available.


API / data sharing

McKesson Paragon
Microtest Evolution
🟢 Patient portal : Yes.
McKesson Paragon offers a patient portal feature, allowing patients to access their health information, communicate with providers, schedule appointments, and more, enhancing patient engagement and empowerment.
🟢 Patient portal : Yes.
Microtest Evolution offers a patient portal, providing patients with secure access to their health information, appointment scheduling, and communication with healthcare providers, enhancing patient engagement and empowerment.
⚪ Patient app : Unknown.
McKesson Paragon's availability of a native patient app for Android and iOS is unclear. Further information or confirmation from the vendor may be required for a definitive answer.
⚪ Patient app : Unknown.
Microtest Evolution's availability of a native patient app for Android and iOS is unclear. Further information or confirmation from the provider is needed to determine this feature's presence.
⚪ Has API : Unknown.
The availability of an API for McKesson Paragon is unclear compared to other EHR systems in the NHS. Further investigation is needed to determine if this platform offers API capabilities.
⚪ Has API : Unknown.
The availability of an API for Microtest Evolution is not clearly stated or readily available. Further investigation or direct inquiry with the provider may be necessary to confirm.
⚪ FHIR API : Unknown.
McKesson Paragon's API FHIR compliance status is currently unknown in comparison to other Electronic Health Record Systems in the NHS.
⚪ FHIR API : Unknown.
Microtest Evolution's API FHIR compliance status is currently unknown. Further investigation is needed to determine its alignment with industry standards in comparison to other EHR systems in the NHS.
⚪ API Documentation : Unknown.
There is no clear information available regarding public technical API documentation for McKesson Paragon. Further research may be needed to determine the availability of such documentation.
⚪ API Documentation : Unknown.
The availability of public technical API documentation for Microtest Evolution is unclear in comparison to other Electronic Health Record Systems in the NHS.
🟢 Right of access support : Yes.
McKesson Paragon includes facilities to support right of access requests, ensuring compliance with regulations and enabling patients to easily access their health information.
🟢 Right of access support : Yes.
Microtest Evolution includes facilities to support right of access requests, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations and enabling patients to access their health information easily.


When choosing between McKesson Paragon and Microtest Evolution, healthcare organizations should consider their specific needs and priorities. McKesson Paragon may be more suitable for larger facilities requiring advanced functionalities, while Microtest Evolution could be a better fit for smaller practices looking for a user-friendly system. Ultimately, the right choice depends on factors such as budget, scalability, and ease of use.