Why Are Practices Reconsidering Athenahealth?
Athenahealth has long been a recognized name in healthcare IT, offering EMR, practice management, and billing solutions. However, in recent years, many independent practices have begun exploring Athenahealth alternatives due to concerns about pricing, customization, and customer service.
For smaller or specialty-focused practices, a one-size-fits-all solution can limit efficiency. This has led providers to seek flexible options like those from Complete Healthcare Solutions (CHS), which offer better customization and hands-on support.
What Issues Do Practices Face with Athenahealth?
While Athenahealth is a robust platform, feedback from some users highlights:
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High recurring costs that strain smaller practices.
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Limited customization for specialty workflows.
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Complex implementation with extended onboarding periods.
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Customer service delays during technical issues.
These challenges push many providers to consider alternatives that better align with their operational needs.
What Should You Look for in an Athenahealth Alternative?
When evaluating replacements, consider solutions that provide:
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Customizable workflows to fit your specialty.
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Scalable pricing models that adapt as your practice grows.
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Integrated medical claims processing for faster reimbursements.
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Advanced patient engagement tools to improve satisfaction.
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Cloud-based flexibility for remote and multi-location access.
CHS delivers all these capabilities while maintaining a high-touch support model for clients.
How CHS Compares to Athenahealth
1. Flexible EMR Options
Unlike Athenahealth’s standardized approach, CHS offers tailored systems like Aprima EMR, Medisoft EMR, and Lytec EMR, each configurable for your specialty.
2. Integrated Billing and Claims
CHS solutions integrate seamlessly with medical claims processing software to reduce denials and speed up payments.
3. Enhanced Patient Engagement
We offer patient engagement software that keeps patients connected through secure messaging, portals, and automated reminders.
4. Specialty Focus
Whether you’re in podiatry, family medicine, or another specialty, CHS provides templates, coding assistance, and reporting tools designed specifically for your field.
5. Cloud or On-Premise Options
While Athenahealth is fully cloud-based, CHS gives you the choice between cloud EMR and on-premise solutions, depending on your security and accessibility needs.
Financial Benefits of Switching from Athenahealth to CHS
Switching can reduce costs and increase revenue through:
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Lower monthly subscription fees.
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Faster claim processing.
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Reduced staff hours spent on manual data entry.
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Improved patient retention with engagement tools.
The American Medical Association reports that efficient EMR and billing integration can significantly improve profitability for smaller practices.
How to Migrate from Athenahealth to CHS
CHS offers a step-by-step migration process to minimize disruption:
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Consultation – Identify pain points with Athenahealth.
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System Selection – Choose from our suite of EMR and practice management tools.
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Data Migration – Secure transfer of patient records, billing data, and schedules.
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Training – Equip staff to navigate the new system efficiently.
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Go-Live Support – Ensure smooth operations from day one.
Common Questions About Athenahealth Alternatives
Will switching cause downtime?
CHS minimizes downtime through phased implementation and after-hours migration.
Can my existing patient data be transferred?
Yes—all records, billing data, and historical notes can be securely migrated.
How long does the transition take?
Most practices complete the switch in 4–8 weeks, depending on complexity.
Will I lose features I have with Athenahealth?
No—CHS ensures your new system matches or exceeds your current functionality.
Why Practices Choose CHS Over Athenahealth
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Personalized service — direct access to your account manager.
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Transparent pricing — no hidden fees or surprise charges.
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Specialty support — tools designed for your practice type.
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Integration flexibility — connect with the systems you already use.
Take the Next Step
If Athenahealth no longer meets your needs, CHS offers a tailored, cost-effective alternative with hands-on support.
Explore our Athenahealth alternatives and see how we can help your practice thrive.
