Electronic Health Records (EHR) have become an essential part of modern medical practices, yet many providers still struggle with inefficient systems that slow down operations, increase billing errors, and lead to delayed payments. With increasing administrative burdens and complex billing regulations, choosing the right EHR system is critical. Medical providers are not just responsible for patient care—they also need to ensure timely reimbursements, manage denied claims, and navigate complicated insurance processes. Without an optimized EHR, these challenges only multiply.
At Medical Lien Management (MLM), we’ve worked with countless providers who face unnecessary delays and financial setbacks due to inefficient EHRs. A well-integrated system streamlines billing, ensures compliance, and reduces claim denials. While no EHR is perfect, selecting the right one can transform a practice’s revenue cycle and eliminate unnecessary administrative stress.
Epic, the largest player in the industry, continues to dominate the hospital market with its comprehensive system that integrates everything from patient records to revenue cycle management. However, its high cost and complex implementation make it less ideal for smaller practices. In a recent case, a provider using Epic struggled with repeated claim denials due to documentation errors. The system’s automation features were not properly configured, leading to incorrect coding and delayed reimbursements. After adjusting workflow settings and training staff on Epic’s AI-driven billing insights, the provider saw a 30% reduction in denied claims and faster processing times. For larger medical groups dealing with complex insurance cases, Epic remains a powerful—though resource-intensive—option.
For providers looking for a more scalable solution, Cerner (now Oracle Health) offers AI-driven automation that simplifies claims management and documentation. A pain management specialist we worked with had issues with delayed workers’ comp payments, as their previous system lacked real-time reporting on outstanding claims. After switching to Cerner’s cloud-based platform, they gained access to automated follow-ups and integrated compliance tracking, which reduced billing errors and sped up payment processing. With 24.9% of U.S. hospitals using Cerner, it remains a strong choice for practices needing customizable revenue cycle management tools.
For smaller practices, Athenahealth provides one of the most user-friendly cloud-based EHR systems. A busy orthopedic clinic dealing with an overwhelming number of personal injury claims turned to Athenahealth to manage its growing administrative load. The clinic faced issues with inconsistent follow-ups with applicant attorneys, leading to delayed collections and unresolved claims. Athenahealth’s automated case tracking and real-time insurance verification streamlined their entire workflow, reducing outstanding payments by 40% within six months. The system’s ability to integrate claims management with practice operations makes it a top choice for smaller providers handling personal injury and workers’ comp cases.
eClinicalWorks is a cost-effective solution that has gained traction among providers looking for an affordable yet feature-rich EHR. With AI-driven automation and built-in telehealth, it offers essential tools for revenue cycle management. One of our clients, a chiropractic practice specializing in work-related injuries, faced recurring issues with documentation inconsistencies leading to claim rejections. The practice was using a manual billing process, causing frequent errors in service codes and treatment authorizations. After switching to eClinicalWorks, they leveraged its automated billing verification and voice recognition for faster documentation, reducing their claim rejections by 25% within three months. For providers looking to cut costs without sacrificing essential features, eClinicalWorks offers a balanced solution.
NextGen Healthcare is particularly beneficial for specialty practices handling workers’ comp and personal injury cases. A pain management provider we assisted struggled with a high rate of claim denials due to missing medical necessity documentation. With NextGen’s pre-built specialty templates and automated claims processing, they were able to align their documentation with state workers’ comp regulations, improving their first-pass claim acceptance rate to 99%. Its telehealth and remote patient monitoring features further enhance its appeal for providers dealing with chronic pain management and long-term rehabilitation cases.
For medical providers, choosing the right EHR system can mean the difference between streamlined operations and ongoing payment delays. With rising administrative costs—estimated at 15% to 25% of U.S. healthcare spending, or $600 billion to $1 trillion annually (JAMA Network)—practices need systems that reduce paperwork, automate billing, and improve revenue cycle efficiency. Many providers lose revenue due to inefficient billing processes, missed claim deadlines, and improper documentation. Without the right EHR, denied claims pile up, collections slow down, and revenue takes a hit.
At MLM, we understand the frustrations of navigating complex billing systems and dealing with delayed reimbursements. That’s why we specialize in workers’ comp collections, denied claim resolutions, and litigation support, ensuring that providers get paid on time—without the administrative hassle. Whether it’s handling second review appeals, filing Independent Bill Reviews (IBRs), or negotiating difficult settlements, MLM takes the burden off your practice. Let us manage the complexities of collections while you focus on patient care.
If your practice is struggling with delayed payments, denied claims, or inefficient billing, it may be time to reevaluate your EHR system. Contact MLM today and let us help you streamline your revenue cycle for faster, hassle-free payments.
