These figures cover the overall EHR market, rather than custom-built software alone. Still, the market's growth highlights the continued use of digital records across healthcare. As providers look for better ways to manage patient information, they must decide whether standard software is enough or a custom solution would be a better fit. This is where custom EMR and EHR software development services from Empeek can help.
Three Key Trends in the EHR Market
1. Growing Use of Web-Based EHR Systems
Healthcare providers need quick access to patient records, sometimes across different locations. Web-based EHR systems make this easier by allowing authorized staff to access information through the internet. They can also reduce the need for extensive on-site IT equipment and make software easier to maintain.
These systems support everyday tasks such as updating patient records, scheduling appointments, managing billing, and sharing information between healthcare professionals. Their use is especially helpful for organizations that operate across multiple locations.
According to CMI, web-based EHR is slated to account for a market share of 56.8% in 2026. Lower upfront costs, easier access as well as the ability to expand the system as needs change help explain its popularity.
Custom development can be useful when a healthcare provider needs features that a standard web-based platform does not offer. For example, a hospital may need to connect its EHR system with existing laboratory, pharmacy, or billing software. A custom solution can be designed around these requirements, although its development and maintenance costs must be considered.
2. More Focus on Saving Time and Improving Workflows
Doctors and other healthcare workers spend a large part of their day recording information, reviewing test results, preparing reports, and completing administrative tasks. EHR software can help organize this work and reduce repeated manual entries.
AI tools are also being added to some EHR platforms. Oracle Health has introduced a platform with generative AI features, voice-based navigation as well as analytics. eClinicalWorks has also introduced an AI medical scribe to help with clinical documentation.
These tools show how EHR software is developing beyond basic record keeping. The aim is to make routine tasks easier and give healthcare professionals more time to focus on patients.
Custom-built software can help with this by including features that match a healthcare organization's daily work. A clinic may need a simple system for patient records and appointments, while a large hospital may require more complex tools for documentation, billing, and communication between departments.
Off-the-shelf software can also improve efficiency. The main difference is whether its existing features meet the organization's needs or changes are required.
3. Greater Attention to Data Security and Information Sharing
Patient records include medical histories, prescriptions, test results, and treatment details. Keeping this information safe is a major concern for healthcare providers. Cyberattacks, unauthorized access, and data loss can put patient privacy at risk and disrupt healthcare services.
EHR systems can use encryption, role-based access controls, and audit trails to help protect records. Custom software can be designed around an organization's security needs, but it still requires regular testing, updates, and maintenance.
Sharing information between different systems is another challenge. Hospitals, clinics, laboratories as well as pharmacies may use different software, and these systems do not always exchange information smoothly. This can make it harder for healthcare professionals to access complete patient records.
Custom EHR development can help connect existing systems and support specific information-sharing needs. However, standard platforms can also offer secure integration options. The right choice depends on the software already in use, the level of security required, and how information needs to move between systems.
Understanding the EHR Market and Its Segments
The trends above reflect some of the changes taking place across the wider EHR market. CMI estimates that the market will grow steadily during the forecast period. The report also divides the market into several segments, showing how EHR software is used and sold across different healthcare settings.
The main segments covered in the CMI report are:
- By product: Client-server-based EHR and web-based EHR.
- By type: Acute, ambulatory, and post-acute care.
- By end use: Hospital use and ambulatory use.
- By business model: Licensed software EHR, technology resale, subscriptions, professional services, and others.
Each segment serves different needs. Hospitals often manage large amounts of patient information across several departments, while smaller outpatient practices may mainly need tools for consultations, appointments as well as patient records. The business model also matters because some providers prefer licensed software, while others choose subscription-based services.
These differences help explain why healthcare organizations do not always choose the same type of software. A standard product may work well for one provider, while another may need a solution built around its existing systems and working methods.
Why Web-Based EHR Systems Matter
Web-based EHR is an important sub-segment of the product category. CMI expects it to account for 56.8% of the overall EHR market, supported by easier access, lower infrastructure costs, and simpler maintenance.
These systems are used in hospitals, clinics as well as other care settings to manage patient records, document consultations, schedule appointments, and share information with authorized staff. Access from different locations can also help healthcare professionals review records when coordinating patient care.
The segment's importance is closely linked to the wider move toward digital healthcare. Providers need systems that are easy to access and maintain as their operations grow. At the same time, the software must protect patient information and work with other systems already in use.
Tailor-made web-based EHR systems can come in handy where commercial systems lack certain features or cannot meet the workflow requirements of a provider. For instance, the healthcare provider may require certain reporting modules or need to integrate with its current billing system. However, the cost and effort involved in the development of such software need to be considered.
Why Acute-Care EHR Systems Are Important
Acute care is another important sub-segment of the EHR market. Hospitals and other acute-care facilities handle patients who need urgent or intensive medical attention. They also manage large amounts of information, including medication details, test results, treatment plans as well as changes in a patient's condition.
EHR software helps healthcare teams keep these records organized and available to authorized staff. This technology can be used for communicating between various departments as well as reviewing the medical history of the patient.
As per CMI, the acute sector is expected to continue being the leader within the segments by type. Hospitals normally require the use of technologies capable of supporting multiple departments and complicated clinical processes. Such technologies are an important part of their daily operations.
Custom software may suit hospitals that need to connect different systems or support specialized workflows. For instance, a hospital may want its EHR to work with laboratory, pharmacy as well as billing software. A custom solution can be designed around these requirements, but integration must be planned carefully to avoid errors and security problems.
Another alternative is standard EHR systems. The hospital would not need to purchase a bespoke system if the currently available system possesses all the required features and capabilities.
Growing Demand For EHR in the United States
The United States is an important market for EHR software because digital patient records are already widely used across healthcare facilities. The 2024 National Electronic Health Records Survey found that 95.0% of office-based physicians had adopted an EHR system. This high adoption rate means that many providers are now looking to improve the systems they already use.
Common priorities include reducing paperwork, sharing patient information between care settings, protecting medical records, and connecting EHR software with other healthcare applications. AI-based documentation tools and web-based platforms are also attracting attention as providers look for ways to save time and improve access to information.
Major companies operating in the U.S. market include Epic Systems and Oracle Health. The software of these companies caters to various demands of the healthcare institutions, ranging from patient record management to workflow assistance. While some hospitals may discover that their needs are fulfilled by an already existing software, other hospitals may require customized software development.
CMI expects North America to account for 43.8% of the global EHR market during the forecast period. This can be attributed to established healthcare infrastructure as well as continued investment in healthcare technology support the region's position.
Custom Built for Specific Needs
Off-the-shelf software applications are designed around general workflow processes. It may be challenging to find one that perfectly matches the particular workflow of a hospital or healthcare provider. This explains why some healthcare organizations opt for tailor-made EMR and EHR software.
To someone from the outside, it may appear to be an expensive venture. On the contrary, tailor-made software applications can help organizations manage long-term costs. Organizations can build the system around their actual needs instead of paying for features they may never use.
As more and more healthcare providers embrace digital health tools, they are becoming more interested in EHR tools that they can customize based on their needs. The capability to work with specialty-specific workflows, integrate with current systems as well as improve efficiency in the long run makes EHR tools attractive to healthcare providers.
Market Participants and Key Players
Several established companies provide EHR software for healthcare organizations. The CMI report identifies key market participants such as:
- eClinicalWorks
- Cerner Corporation
- GE Healthcare
- Allscripts Healthcare
- Epic Systems Corporation
Cerner is now part of Oracle Health, while the other companies have their own healthcare technology products and services. Their presence reflects the demand for software that helps providers manage patient information, support clinical work, and share records.
Such enterprises provide healthcare institutions with a variety of well-tested options. Nevertheless, not all platforms can be used by providers in their unaltered form. Developers of custom software applications such as Empeek can be of great assistance for those who require an application adjusted to their workflow or current technology.
The decision should depend on the actual requirements of the healthcare provider rather than the number of features a software package offers.
Choosing the Right Approach
The choice between tailor-made and off-the-shelf software ultimately depends on the needs of a healthcare organization. Smaller practices with simple workflows may find a standard solution sufficient, while hospitals and larger providers with complex requirements may benefit from a system designed around their operations.
Custom software can be especially useful when an organization needs to connect several existing systems. It can also support specific workflows for areas such as patient registration, clinical documentation, scheduling, billing as well as follow-up care. This flexibility can become more valuable as healthcare providers add new digital tools.
At the same time, off-the-shelf solutions continue to have a place in the market because they can be deployed more quickly and may require less initial development work. The choice therefore depends on factors such as budget, workflow complexity, security requirements, integration needs as well as future growth.
Conclusion and Market Outlook
EHR software has become an important part of modern healthcare, helping providers store patient information, manage daily tasks as well as share records. As healthcare organizations continue to improve their digital systems, the need for secure, accessible, and practical software is likely to remain.
For healthcare providers, the choice between custom and off-the-shelf software depends on their workflows, budget, security needs, and existing systems. Custom-built software can offer more flexibility for organizations with complex requirements, while standard platforms can be a sensible choice when their existing features are sufficient.
