ClinikEHR vs Headway 2026: Which is Better for Your Practice?

Quick Answer: ClinikEHR vs Headway

This is not an apples-to-apples comparison. Headway is an insurance billing and credentialing platform, while ClinikEHR is a complete practice management and EHR system. They serve different purposes and can actually work together.

Choose ClinikEHR if you need:

• ✅ Complete EHR with clinical notes
• ✅ AI-powered documentation
• ✅ Appointment scheduling
• ✅ Telehealth platform
• ✅ E-prescribing and E-Lab (LabCorp integration)
• ✅ Client portal and forms
• ✅ Full practice management

Choose Headway if you need:

• Insurance credentialing assistance
• Simplified insurance billing
• Client referrals from their network
• Help getting on insurance panels

Best Solution: Use both together - ClinikEHR for practice management and Headway for insurance billing.

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Understanding the Difference

What is Headway?

Headway is an insurance billing and credentialing platform that helps therapists:

• Get credentialed with insurance companies faster
• Submit and track insurance claims
• Receive client referrals from their network
• Handle insurance verification

What Headway is NOT:

• Not a complete EHR system
• No clinical documentation features
• No appointment scheduling
• No telehealth platform
• No e-prescribing
• No client portal

What is ClinikEHR?

ClinikEHR is a complete practice management and EHR system that includes:

• AI-powered clinical notes (SOAP, DAP, BIRP)
• Appointment scheduling and reminders
• Telehealth platform
• E-prescribing and E-Lab with LabCorp
• Client portal and intake forms
• Insurance billing (optional)
• Payment processing
• Reporting and analytics

What ClinikEHR is NOT:

• Not a credentialing service
• Not a client referral network

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	ClinikEHR	Headway
Type	Complete EHR	Insurance Platform
Pricing	$79/month	Free (takes % of claims)
Clinical Notes	✅ AI-powered	❌ Not included
Scheduling	✅ Full calendar	❌ Not included
Telehealth	✅ Unlimited	❌ Not included
E-Prescribing	✅ Included	❌ Not included
E-Lab	✅ LabCorp integration	❌ Not included
Client Portal	✅ Full-featured	❌ Not included
Insurance Billing	✅ 0% fees	✅ % of claims
Credentialing	❌ DIY	✅ Assisted
Client Referrals	❌ Not included	✅ From network
Can Work Together	✅ Yes	✅ Yes

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Detailed Feature Comparison

Clinical Documentation

ClinikEHR:

• AI generates SOAP, DAP, and BIRP notes in seconds
• Customizable templates for all specialties
• Progress notes, treatment plans, assessments
• Saves 2+ hours daily on documentation
• All notes HIPAA-compliant and encrypted

Headway:

• No clinical documentation features
• You need a separate EHR for notes
• Most Headway users also use SimplePractice, TherapyNotes, or ClinikEHR

Winner: ClinikEHR (Headway doesn't offer this)

Appointment Scheduling

ClinikEHR:

• Full calendar with online booking
• Automated reminders (SMS, email)
• Recurring appointments
• Waitlist management
• Group sessions support

Headway:

• No scheduling features
• Need separate scheduling tool

Winner: ClinikEHR (Headway doesn't offer this)

Telehealth

ClinikEHR:

• Unlimited video sessions included
• HD quality with screen sharing
• Recording options
• Integrated with scheduling and notes

Headway:

• No telehealth platform
• Need separate video tool (Zoom, Doxy.me, etc.)

Winner: ClinikEHR (Headway doesn't offer this)

Insurance Billing

ClinikEHR:

• Submit claims directly
• 0% commission on claims
• Track claim status
• ERA/EOB processing
• You handle credentialing

Headway:

• Simplified claim submission
• Takes percentage of each claim (exact % varies)
• Handles credentialing
• Faster insurance panel acceptance
• Client referrals included

Winner: Depends on your needs

• Choose Headway if you need credentialing help
• Choose ClinikEHR if you're already credentialed

E-Prescribing & E-Lab

ClinikEHR:

• Built-in e-prescribing at no extra cost
• E-Lab with LabCorp integration for seamless lab orders
• Integrated workflow

Headway:

• No e-prescribing features
• No lab integration
• Need separate systems

Winner: ClinikEHR (Headway doesn't offer this)

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Pricing Comparison

ClinikEHR Pricing

Monthly Cost: $79/month (all-inclusive)

Includes:

• Complete EHR system
• AI clinical notes
• Unlimited telehealth
• E-prescribing
• E-Lab with LabCorp
• Client portal
• Scheduling
• Insurance billing (0% fees)
• Payment processing

Annual Cost: $948/year

Headway Pricing

Monthly Cost: $0 (free to join)

Revenue Share: Headway takes a percentage of each insurance claim (exact percentage not publicly disclosed, estimated 5-8%)

On $50,000 annual insurance billing:

• Headway fees: ~$2,500-4,000/year
• Plus you still need an EHR: +$708-1,068/year (TherapyNotes or similar)
• Total Cost: $3,208-5,068/year

What's Included:

• Insurance credentialing
• Claim submission
• Client referrals
• Insurance verification

What's NOT Included:

• EHR system (you need to buy separately)
• Telehealth platform
• E-prescribing
• Scheduling tools

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Can You Use Both Together?

Yes! Many practitioners use ClinikEHR for practice management and Headway for insurance billing.

How It Works:

1. Use ClinikEHR for:

   • Clinical documentation
   • Appointment scheduling
   • Telehealth sessions
   • E-prescribing and lab orders
   • Client portal
   • Private pay billing

2. Use Headway for:

   • Insurance credentialing
   • Insurance claim submission
   • Client referrals from their network
   • Insurance verification

Workflow:

• See clients using ClinikEHR's telehealth
• Document sessions with ClinikEHR's AI notes
• Submit insurance claims through Headway
• Receive payments from both systems

Total Cost: $79/month + Headway's percentage = Still less than most EHR systems alone

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Who Should Choose Each?

Choose ClinikEHR If You:

• Need a complete EHR system
• Want AI-powered documentation
• Are already credentialed with insurance
• Do mostly private pay
• Want all-in-one solution
• Value transparent pricing
• Need e-prescribing and lab integration

Choose Headway If You:

• Need help with insurance credentialing
• Want client referrals
• Are just starting with insurance
• Don't mind using multiple tools
• Already have an EHR you like
• Want simplified insurance billing

Use Both If You:

• Want best of both worlds
• Need credentialing help but also want modern EHR
• Want client referrals plus AI documentation
• Can manage two platforms
• Want to maximize insurance and private pay revenue

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Common Questions About Using Both

Q: Can I use ClinikEHR's notes with Headway's billing?

Yes. You document sessions in ClinikEHR, then submit claims through Headway. The systems don't need to integrate directly.

Q: Will clients be confused using two systems?

No. Clients only interact with ClinikEHR's client portal. Headway is backend billing only.

Q: Can I switch from Headway to ClinikEHR's billing later?

Yes. Once you're credentialed (with Headway's help), you can switch to ClinikEHR's 0% fee billing anytime.

Q: Is it worth paying for both?

If you need credentialing help and client referrals, yes. Once credentialed, you can drop Headway and use only ClinikEHR.

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Alternative: ClinikEHR Only

If you're already credentialed with insurance companies, you don't need Headway. ClinikEHR provides everything you need:

Complete Practice Management:

• AI clinical notes
• Scheduling and reminders
• Telehealth platform
• E-prescribing and E-Lab
• Client portal
• Insurance billing (0% fees)
• Payment processing

Annual Savings vs Headway + EHR:

• ClinikEHR only: $948/year
• Headway + TherapyNotes: $3,208-5,068/year
• Savings: $2,260-4,120/year

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Headway really free?

Headway doesn't charge a monthly fee, but they take a percentage of each insurance claim you submit. The exact percentage isn't publicly disclosed but is estimated at 5-8%.

2. Can ClinikEHR help with insurance credentialing?

ClinikEHR doesn't provide credentialing services, but we offer guides and resources. You can use Headway for credentialing, then switch to ClinikEHR's 0% billing once credentialed.

3. Does ClinikEHR integrate with Headway?

The systems don't have a direct integration, but they work together easily. Document in ClinikEHR, submit claims through Headway.

4. Which is better for new therapists?

If you're new and need credentialing help, start with Headway for billing and ClinikEHR for practice management. Once credentialed, you can consolidate to ClinikEHR only.

5. Can I get client referrals with ClinikEHR?

ClinikEHR doesn't provide client referrals. If you want Headway's referral network, use both platforms together.

6. Does Headway provide an EHR?

No. Headway is only for insurance billing and credentialing. You need a separate EHR like ClinikEHR for clinical documentation.

7. Can I use ClinikEHR for private pay only?

Absolutely. Many ClinikEHR users do private pay only and never deal with insurance.

8. What if I want to leave Headway later?

You can leave anytime. Once credentialed, switch to ClinikEHR's 0% fee billing and keep all your insurance panels.

9. Is ClinikEHR HIPAA-compliant?

Yes. ClinikEHR is fully HIPAA-compliant with BAA agreements, encryption, and regular security audits. Learn more about our HIPAA compliance.

10. Can I try ClinikEHR before committing?

Yes. We offer a full-featured 30-day free trial with no credit card required.

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Related Reading

EHR Comparisons:

• ClinikEHR vs SimplePractice 2026
• ClinikEHR vs Alma 2026
• ClinikEHR vs Grow Therapy 2026
• Best EHR for Solo Practice 2026
• Top 5 EHR for Mental Health 2026

Practice Management:

• Private Pay vs Insurance: Which Model Fits Your Practice
• Insurance Credentialing Made Simple 2026
• Headway, Alma, Grow: Do You Need Your Own EHR?
• EHR Pricing Explained: Hidden Costs 2026

AI & Documentation:

• AI Clinical Notes for Therapists
• Best AI Note Taking for Psychiatry 2026
• Reduce Documentation Time Without Cutting Corners

External Resources:

• Headway Official Site
• HIPAA Compliance Guide
• Insurance Credentialing Guide