AthenaHealth is one of the most established EHR systems in healthcare, known for its robust insurance workflows and enterprise-grade reporting tools. It powers thousands of practice,from hospital networks to mid-sized medical groups across the U.S.
But for smaller, independent, or specialty clinics, especially those practicing functional medicine, integrative health, or direct-pay care, Athena’s power often becomes its greatest burden. The system is complex, heavily oriented toward insurance, and not built for the agility independent providers need.
That’s why more clinics are turning to Cerbo: a platform that delivers full EHR capability without the enterprise overwhelm.
AthenaHealth excels in structured, multi-department settings with dedicated billing and compliance teams. For independent practices, however, that same scale can translate into longer workflows and a steeper learning curve.
However, smaller practices rarely need that level of complexity. For independent clinics, navigating Athena’s multi-step workflows and configuration screens means more time in the software and less time with patients. Even basic tasks like documenting encounters or pulling reports can feel overbuilt for the pace of a lean, direct-pay practice.
Cerbo eliminates that friction with an intuitive design that gives providers immediate access to what they use most - charting, communication, labs, and billing, all from a single screen.
AthenaHealth’s charting tools are comprehensive, but their structure is built around billing codes and compliance checklists. For functional or integrative care, that rigidity can limit the ability to document nuanced, longitudinal progress.
Cerbo’s Chart Parts system allows for complete customization. Providers can document full treatment protocols, trend labs, and create modular templates specific to their practice style. It’s charting that adapts to the way you deliver care and not the other way around.
AthenaHealth connects to major labs, imaging systems, and billing platforms through its network API, but it’s primarily designed for hospital and insurance workflows.
Cerbo integrates with over 60 labs including Genova, Evexia, and Boston Heart, and connects with supplement partners like Fullscript and Wellevate. These integrations streamline ordering, tracking, and patient recommendations, creating a unified clinical workflow from intake to results.
AthenaHealth’s patient portal supports messaging, scheduling, and telehealth but focuses primarily on transactional updates rather than ongoing care engagement.
Cerbo transforms the patient experience by offering a portal that goes beyond scheduling. Patients can view labs, message their provider, request refills, and follow treatment plans all in one place. It strengthens communication, improves adherence, and reduces administrative load.
AthenaHealth’s pricing typically starts around $449 per provider per month for EHR and scales based on services and support tiers. For smaller clinics, costs can add up quickly when many features go unused.
Cerbo offers a transparent per-provider model with flexible options for full-time and part-time providers. Clinics pay only for what they need, with every core feature included. There are no hidden modules, complex licensing, or long-term contracts but just clear pricing that supports sustainable growth. Learn more here.
AthenaHealth offers depth and scale for large medical systems, but its size and structure make it a poor fit for independent or specialty practices. Its workflows are built around billing and compliance and not patient relationships or efficiency.
Cerbo gives clinics that balance of power and simplicity. It combines the clinical capabilities of a full EHR with the flexibility of a system designed for modern care models. Providers get everything they need without the overhead they don’t.
See how Cerbo empowers independent practices to streamline workflows and improve patient outcomes. Explore the free interactive demo or talk to our team to discover how Cerbo can fit your practice.
