8 Best Patient Portal Software Solutions: 2026 Comparison

8 Best Patient Portal Software Solutions: 2026 Comparison

Patient portals are now essential in modern healthcare. They give patients secure, convenient access to their health information, appointment scheduling, messaging with providers, and more — all while helping practices improve efficiency and patient engagement.

In this 2026 comparison, we review the 8 best patient portal software solutions, including features, ideal users, and standout strengths to help your clinic, hospital, or healthcare organisation choose the right platform.

What Is a Patient Portal?

A patient portal is a secure online interface that allows patients to interact with their healthcare providers and personal medical data. It typically includes features like:

• Secure messaging with providers
• Access to lab results and medical records
• Appointment scheduling and reminders
• Prescription refills
• Billing and payment information
• Health education and resources

Modern patient portals are designed to improve care quality, reduce administrative burden, and support patient‑centred care.

How We Compared These 2026 Solutions

We evaluated each portal based on:

• Security & compliance (e.g., HIPAA where applicable)
• Features and usability
• Integration with EHR and practice management systems
• Patient experience and mobile access
• Customization and scalability
• Pricing and value

1. Epic MyChart

Best for: Large hospitals and health systems

Why it stands out:

Epic’s MyChart is one of the most widely adopted patient portals in large integrated health systems. It offers deep integration with the Epic EHR and robust features for both patients and providers.

Key features:

• View clinical records and lab results
• Secure messaging
• Appointment scheduling
• Medication management
• Family access (proxy accounts)

Ideal for: Large practices with Epic EHR, complex care needs.

2. Cerner Patient Portal

Best for: Multi‑facility organisations

Why it stands out:

Cerner’s portal integrates seamlessly with its Millennium EHR suite and supports complex workflows across departments and facilities.

Key features:

• Integrated scheduling and reminders
• Bill pay and account summaries
• Lab results and clinical data
• Messaging and education tools

Ideal for: Hospitals and mid‑size health systems using Cerner.

3. Athenahealth Patient Portal

Best for: Ambulatory clinics and outpatient practices

Why it stands out:

Athenahealth’s portal is known for user‑friendly interfaces and strong integration with its broader practice management system.

Key features:

• Appointment booking
• Secure communications
• Bill pay
• Mobile app access

Ideal for: Small to mid‑size outpatient clinics.

4. Allscripts Follow‑Up

Best for: Care coordination and follow‑ups

Why it stands out:

Allscripts focuses on patient follow‑ups and care continuity, making its portal ideal for practices with chronic care and transition needs.

Key features:

• Follow‑up reminders and alerts
• Messaging
• Clinical summaries
• Integrations with Allscripts EHR

Ideal for: Practices focused on long‑term care and follow‑up efficiency.

5. NextGen Patient Portal

Best for: Specialty practices

Why it stands out:

NextGen’s portal blends advanced clinical tools with patient engagement capabilities tailored to speciality workflows.

Key features:

• Secure messaging
• Specialty‑specific forms
• Lab results and documents
• Billing and online payments

Ideal for: Specialised clinics needing custom workflows.

6. eClinicalWorks Healow

Best for: Cost‑effective practices

Why it stands out:

Healow from eClinicalWorks is a widely used choice for practices seeking an affordable and patient‑centric portal with mobile access.

Key features:

• View records and results
• Schedule appointments
• Messaging
• Mobile app with reminders

Ideal for: Small and solo practices.

7. NextPatient

Best for: Practices prioritising patient engagement

Why it stands out:

NextPatient focuses on proactive engagement with features like automated communication and education tools.

Key features:

• Appointment reminders
• Patient surveys
• Clinical education resources
• Secure messaging

Ideal for: Practices aiming to increase engagement and adherence.

8. Medfusion Patient Portal

Best for: Flexible custom portals

Why it stands out:

Medfusion focuses on customisable workflows and seamless data exchange, with strong mobile capabilities and external integrations.

Key features:

• Secure messaging
• E‑forms and document uploads
• Appointment and prescription features
• Billing hub

Ideal for: Practices needing flexible, highly customisable portals.

Key Features to Evaluate (2026)

When comparing patient portals, focus on:

🔒 Security & Compliance

Ensure encryption, secure logins, and compliance with relevant health data laws (e.g., HIPAA in applicable regions).

📱 Mobile & Remote Access

Mobile apps or responsive design improve patient convenience and engagement.

🔄 EHR Integration

Seamless integration with your existing Electronic Health Record (EHR) or practice management system reduces manual work.

💬 Communication Tools

Secure messaging and alerts keep patients connected to care teams.

🧾 Self‑Service Capabilities

Online check‑ins, appointment scheduling, and bill pay increase efficiency for both patients and staff.

📊 Insights & Reporting

Usage analytics help practices measure engagement and identify gaps.

Benefits of Patient Portals

Patient portals help practices:

✔ Reduce administrative burden

✔ Improve care coordination

✔ Increase patient satisfaction

✔ Strengthen compliance

✔ Boost appointment and treatment adherence

✔ Offer transparent access to health records

Today’s healthcare consumers expect convenience and control — and portals deliver both.

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