15 Types of Healthcare Software

Healthcare software has become essential to modern medicine, helping providers streamline operations, improve patient outcomes, and ensure compliance. With so many options available, understanding the different types of healthcare software can feel overwhelming. 

From electronic health records to patient engagement platforms, each tool serves a unique role in supporting hospitals, clinics, and private practices.

In this article, we’ll explore 15 types of healthcare software, examine their features, and highlight real-world examples.

Various Types of Healthcare Software: TL;DR

• Healthcare software includes solutions for clinical documentation, billing, patient engagement, compliance, and more.
• Key types include EHRs, practice management systems, telemedicine platforms, and medical billing software.
• Platforms like Keragon integrate these systems, making workflows smoother and more efficient.

What Are the Different Types of Software for Healthcare Providers?

When asking what are the different types of software used in the healthcare industry, it’s clear that tools are designed for diverse use cases. Some focus on patient records, while others optimize billing, inventory, or remote care. Below, we outline 15 core categories.

1. Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Electronic Medical Records (EMR)

EHR and EMR systems are the backbone of modern healthcare, centralizing patient histories, treatment plans, test results, and prescriptions in one place. These platforms allow physicians and nurses to access real-time data, improving decision-making and care coordination. By digitizing records, EHRs also reduce paperwork and minimize the risk of misplaced information.

The value of these systems extends beyond convenience. EHRs promote interoperability by connecting with labs, imaging centers, and pharmacies, ensuring all stakeholders have access to the same accurate data. 

Leading vendors such as Epic, Cerner, and Allscripts have developed robust solutions that support clinical decision-making, patient portals, and population health management.

2. Practice Management Software (PMS)

Practice Management Software helps healthcare organizations streamline administrative tasks that often consume staff resources. By centralizing scheduling, insurance verification, and billing, PMS platforms reduce inefficiencies and allow staff to focus more on patient care. Clinics and smaller practices, in particular, rely heavily on PMS to manage day-to-day operations without the need for large administrative teams.

A key benefit of PMS is its ability to integrate with EHR systems, creating a seamless link between clinical and administrative workflows. 

Solutions like Kareo and Athenahealth provide end-to-end visibility, enabling providers to track financial performance, reduce errors in claims, and maintain smoother patient communication.

3. Medical Billing Software

Medical billing software plays a crucial role in managing the revenue cycle, which is often complex and prone to errors. These systems automate claims submission, verify insurance coverage, and flag discrepancies that could lead to denials. By digitizing the billing process, organizations speed up reimbursement and reduce the administrative burden on staff.

Beyond financial efficiency, billing platforms help providers stay compliant with constantly evolving regulations such as ICD-10 coding standards. 

Vendors like AdvancedMD and DrChrono offer integrated billing features that not only support claims tracking but also provide analytics to optimize revenue cycle performance.

4. Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) Platforms

Remote Patient Monitoring has become increasingly important, especially for managing chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension. These platforms connect to wearable devices and at-home monitors to collect real-time health data like glucose levels, heart rate, or oxygen saturation. Providers can then track patient progress remotely, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits.

The benefit of RPM platforms lies in proactive care. Alerts are triggered when abnormal readings are detected, allowing for early interventions that prevent hospitalizations. 

Companies like Philips RPM, Dexcom, and Omada Health have created scalable systems that integrate with EHRs, giving providers a complete view of patient health outside the clinic.

5. Telemedicine Software

Telemedicine platforms have revolutionized access to care by enabling virtual consultations between patients and providers. These solutions combine secure video conferencing, messaging, and e-prescriptions into one platform, making it easier for patients in remote or underserved areas to receive timely medical advice.

For providers, telemedicine reduces missed appointments and increases efficiency by expanding the number of consultations that can be delivered in a day. 

Platforms like Teladoc, Amwell, and Doxy.me have become household names, offering scalable tools for hospitals and private practices to maintain care continuity even when in-person visits are not possible.

6. Laboratory Information Systems (LIS)

Laboratory Information Systems are designed to manage the workflow of medical labs, from sample collection to test reporting. These platforms track specimens, automate results, and provide quality assurance to ensure accuracy at every step. By digitizing lab processes, LIS systems reduce manual errors and accelerate turnaround times.

A strong LIS not only improves lab efficiency but also connects results directly to patient records, enabling faster treatment decisions. 

Vendors such as Orchard Harvest LIS and LabWare offer robust platforms that integrate with EHRs and hospital systems, creating a seamless clinical ecosystem.

7. Radiology Information Systems (RIS)

Radiology departments rely on RIS software to handle imaging orders, manage workflows, and track patient data. These systems ensure radiologists and technicians can work efficiently, from scheduling scans to distributing final reports. When integrated with Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS), RIS platforms create a streamlined imaging pipeline.

The efficiency gains from RIS are significant. By automating routine tasks, radiologists can focus on interpretation rather than administration. GE Healthcare RIS and Carestream are widely used, helping radiology departments manage high imaging volumes while maintaining accuracy and compliance.

8. Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS)

PACS are essential for storing, retrieving, and sharing medical imaging across healthcare networks. Unlike traditional film storage, PACS allows radiologists and clinicians to access images digitally, often from remote locations. This improves collaboration and speeds up the diagnostic process.

With DICOM compatibility, PACS ensures interoperability across different imaging devices and vendors. Leading solutions like Sectra and Fuji PACS provide cloud-based options, enabling secure image access and reducing the need for physical storage infrastructure.

9. Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS)

CDSS platforms provide evidence-based recommendations to support diagnostic and treatment decisions. By analyzing clinical data in real time, these systems alert providers to potential drug interactions, suggest alternative therapies, and flag abnormalities in patient records.

The main advantage of CDSS is its ability to augment physician expertise, reducing human error and supporting personalized care. Tools such as IBM Watson Health and Isabel Healthcare are notable examples, providing predictive insights that improve patient safety and outcomes.

10. Hospital Management Systems (HMS)

Hospital Management Systems are comprehensive platforms that oversee both clinical and administrative workflows. They bring together modules for patient admissions, bed management, pharmacy, and staff scheduling under one unified system. This holistic approach helps hospitals function as cohesive units.

By reducing redundancy and improving resource allocation, HMS software enhances efficiency across large healthcare organizations. Solutions like MediTech and eHospital Systems offer customizable platforms that address the unique needs of hospitals of varying sizes.

11. Inventory and Supply Chain Management Software

Managing supplies in healthcare is critical, particularly when shortages can impact patient safety. Inventory management software provides real-time visibility into stock levels, automates reordering, and integrates with suppliers to ensure continuous availability of essential items.

These systems also reduce waste and costs by optimizing procurement processes. Providers such as Oracle SCM and McKesson Supply Manager have developed solutions tailored for healthcare, allowing organizations to anticipate demand and prevent stockouts of critical equipment or medications.

12. Pharmacy Management Software

Pharmacy Management Software supports pharmacists in handling prescriptions, dispensing medications, and maintaining regulatory compliance. These systems verify prescriptions, prevent drug interactions, and create digital records of dispensing history.

By automating these workflows, pharmacies improve accuracy, reduce errors, and streamline operations. Popular platforms such as PioneerRx and Liberty Software are widely used in community pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, and retail chains.

13. Patient Engagement Software

Patient engagement platforms enhance communication between patients and healthcare providers. By offering features like appointment reminders, portals, and educational content, they empower patients to take a more active role in their care.

These tools also improve adherence by sending reminders for medications or follow-up visits. Vendors like Solutionreach and Lumeon help providers build stronger patient relationships, leading to improved satisfaction and long-term loyalty.

14. Medical Research and Clinical Trial Software

Medical research and clinical trial software enables researchers to design, monitor, and manage clinical studies effectively. These systems streamline participant recruitment, automate data collection, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

By digitizing trial management, these platforms accelerate the development of new treatments and therapies. Medidata and Veeva Systems are leaders in this space, offering cloud-based solutions that connect research teams, sponsors, and regulators on a single platform.

15. Healthcare Compliance Software

Compliance software ensures organizations adhere to strict healthcare regulations like HIPAA and GDPR. These platforms track data access, monitor risks, and generate audit reports that keep institutions prepared for inspections.

By automating compliance monitoring, providers reduce the risk of costly fines and maintain patient trust. Companies like Compliancy Group and Symplr offer specialized tools that simplify compliance for healthcare providers of all sizes.

Top Healthcare Management Software Vendors in 2025

With so many different types of healthcare software available, choosing the right vendor can be overwhelming. Below are leading providers across each of the 15 core categories, along with what makes them stand out in 2025.

Electronic Health Records (EHR) and EMR

• Epic Systems: Market leader known for robust interoperability and clinical decision support.
• Cerner (Oracle Health): Scalable platform serving hospitals and health systems worldwide.
• Allscripts: Flexible EHR solution widely used by mid-sized practices.
  

Practice Management Software (PMS)

• Kareo: Designed for small practices with easy-to-use scheduling and billing.
• Athenahealth: Integrates PMS and EHR for seamless workflows.
• NextGen Healthcare: Customizable tools for multi-specialty practices.
  

Medical Billing Software

• AdvancedMD: Cloud-based billing platform with analytics-driven revenue optimization.
• DrChrono: Combines billing with integrated EHR for smaller practices.
• Kareo Billing: Popular among independent practices for simple, reliable workflows.
  

Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) Platforms

• Philips RPM: Hospital-grade monitoring solutions with device integration.
• Dexcom: Industry leader in continuous glucose monitoring for diabetes.
• Omada Health: Lifestyle-driven RPM platform focused on chronic care.
  

Telemedicine Software

• Teladoc Health: Global leader in virtual care delivery.
• Amwell: Enterprise-grade telehealth platform for large hospital networks.
• Doxy.me: Affordable and simple option for smaller clinics.
  

Laboratory Information Systems (LIS)

• Orchard Harvest LIS: Reliable platform for automation and compliance.
• LabWare: Enterprise-level LIS solution for complex lab networks.
• Sunquest: Strong hospital network integration capabilities.
  

Radiology Information Systems (RIS)

• GE Healthcare RIS: Enterprise-grade radiology workflow management.
• Carestream RIS: Seamless integration with PACS for imaging workflows.
• Philips IntelliSpace RIS: Scalable platform for hospitals and imaging centers.
  

Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS)

• Sectra PACS: Known for cross-site collaboration and advanced visualization tools.
• Fuji PACS: Scalable option for large healthcare systems.
• Merge PACS (IBM Watson Health): AI-enhanced imaging support.
  

Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS)

• IBM Watson Health: Predictive AI-driven insights for clinical decision-making.
• Isabel Healthcare: Quick, user-friendly diagnostic support system.
• Elsevier ClinicalKey: Integrates evidence-based knowledge into EHR workflows.
  

Hospital Management Systems (HMS)

• MediTech: Comprehensive HMS platform popular among community hospitals.
• eHospital Systems: Modular solution for emerging markets and growing facilities.
• SAP Healthcare: Enterprise-level hospital management with global reach.
  

Inventory and Supply Chain Management Software

• Oracle SCM: Predictive analytics for supply chain optimization.
• McKesson Supply Manager: Specializes in pharmaceutical distribution.
• Tecsys: Healthcare-focused inventory and distribution management.
  

Pharmacy Management Software

• PioneerRx: Leading solution for independent community pharmacies.
• Liberty Software: Strong retail pharmacy management tools.
• Cerner Retail Pharmacy: Connects directly with hospital EHR systems.
  

Patient Engagement Software

• Solutionreach: Improves patient-provider communication and retention.
• Lumeon: Workflow-driven engagement tools for large health systems.
• Well Health: Omni-channel patient communication across SMS, email, and chat.
  

Medical Research and Clinical Trial Software

• Medidata: Industry-leading clinical trial management system.
• Veeva Systems: Cloud-based solutions for life sciences research.
• Oracle Health Sciences: Supports large-scale global trials with integrated analytics.
  

Healthcare Compliance Software

• Compliancy Group: HIPAA-focused compliance management for healthcare providers.
• Symplr: Enterprise-grade governance, risk, and compliance platform.
• Clearwater Compliance: Cybersecurity-focused compliance management.

How Keragon Helps Integrate Different Types of Healthcare Software

Many providers struggle with fragmented systems that do not communicate with each other.

Keragon solves this by acting as the connective tissue between healthcare software platforms, enabling automated workflows that save time and reduce errors.

Keragon integrates directly with leading EHRs like Epic and Cerner, making it possible to sync patient data seamlessly across platforms. For telemedicine software such as Teladoc and Amwell, Keragon automates reminders, follow-ups, and data entry into EMRs. 

In medical billing, Keragon links systems like AdvancedMD or DrChrono with accounting tools to accelerate revenue cycle management. It can also connect RPM platforms like Philips and Dexcom with EHRs, ensuring remote monitoring data is captured in real time.

By bridging gaps between these top software categories, Keragon helps healthcare organizations deliver more coordinated, efficient, and patient-focused care without adding extra administrative burden.

Ready to start automating your workflows? Get started with a 14-day trial today.

Key Takeaways

Healthcare software plays a vital role in modern medicine, covering everything from patient records and billing to telemedicine, compliance, and remote monitoring.

Each category of software supports healthcare providers in streamlining operations, improving care quality, and maintaining regulatory standards.

Integration platforms such as Keragon further enhance efficiency by connecting different systems and automating workflows.

Together, these solutions enable providers to deliver more coordinated, patient-centered care.