# HCS eMR vs DocUpdate

The clearest difference is review sentiment: DocUpdate at 61% against HCS eMR's 0%. DocUpdate also leads on rating (4.8 vs 1.0) and ratings volume (2.8K vs 1). HCS eMR's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

DocUpdate holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: DocUpdate has 2.8K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of HCS eMR's written reviews are positive against 61% of DocUpdate's.

HCS eMR ships an update every 2 months, DocUpdate fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 13, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HCS eMR | DocUpdate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hcs-emr/id1364527043/reviews) | **[4.8 (2.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/docupdate/id6478404244/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **2.8K** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **60.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#186** |
| Size | 22 MB | 96 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.2** | 15.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Health Care Systems, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1364527042) | [Docupdate](https://appshunter.io/developer/1732716803) |

## What reviewers say

### HCS eMR

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hcs-emr/id1364527043)

This HIPAA-compliant mobile application provides access to patient charts, medication records, and safety checks for healthcare professionals. It allows for charting, medication history queries, and image capture, extending the functionality of the desktop version.

**Highlights:** Access patient charts, Perform safety checks and rounding, Chart via eMAR, Medication history queries, Capture patient images, Documented responses

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### DocUpdate

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/docupdate/id6478404244)

**Currently charting:** #186 Top Free · Medical (US App Store)

This app provides busy clinicians with mobile-first tools to streamline their workflow. It offers free e-prescribing to numerous pharmacies, patient communication features including a medical translator, and access to a concierge service for pharmaceutical company interactions.

**Highlights:** Free e-prescribing to 65,000+ pharmacies, DocUpdate Concierge for sample requests, Medical translator in 20+ languages, Patient communication tools, Mobile-first tools for busy clinicians

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Convenient mobile prescribing
- 👍 Easy to use interface
- 🚀 Streamlined workflow
- 🚀 Time-saving
- 🚀 Reliable prescription delivery

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inconsistent prescription delivery
- 🐛 Unreliable call-in backup
- 🐛 Registration/verification issues
- 🐛 Limited pharmacy coverage
- 🐛 Poor communication with pharmacies

**Reported bugs**

- Registration process fails for some users
- Prescriptions not reaching pharmacies as expected
- Inability to prescribe to certain pharmacies or areas
- App crashes or freezes during use

**Requested features**

- Ability to customize prescription quantities
- Support for veterinarians and other non-physician prescribers
- Improved pharmacy search functionality
- Prescription database/formulary integration
- Ability to document prescription notes


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HCS eMR free?

HCS eMR is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is DocUpdate free?

DocUpdate is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, HCS eMR or DocUpdate?

DocUpdate is rated higher. HCS eMR averages 1.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while DocUpdate averages 4.8 from 2.8K ratings.

### Do HCS eMR or DocUpdate have ads?

DocUpdate shows ads; HCS eMR does not.

### Which is updated more often, HCS eMR or DocUpdate?

HCS eMR ships an update every 2 months, and DocUpdate fortnightly. Most recently, HCS eMR was updated on September 13, 2026 and DocUpdate on October 2, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*