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Cornerstone Software
What is Cornerstone Software?
Cornerstone from IDEXX is versatile, feature-rich practice management software that can be customized to meet your every need. Cornerstone is used by over 125,000 professionals at the leading veterinary hospitals, specialty referral hospitals, and corporate groups. It is backed by in-depth training (virtual or onsite) and expert support. Simple subscription pricing and flexible programs make Cornerstone affordable for your growing practice.
Who Uses Cornerstone Software?
The choice for veterinary practitioners who seek versatile, feature-rich software they can grow into as their practice and business evolve.
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Reviews of Cornerstone Software
Best Veterinary Software hands down.
Comments: Cornerstone is very user friendly and well-organized. I have been using this soft ware for the past 7 years and have loved it more than the other two softwares I used at other clinics before this. There are so many easy to learn shortcuts that make daily medical record keeping easier. I
Pros:
My favorite feature is the integration between their labwork machines and outside Idexx labs straight into patient files.
Cons:
There are a few features that require a right click and drop down menu that I feel would be better set to just a double click. My complaints are few!
Idexx Review
Comments: overall very good veterinary diagnostics system
Pros:
very efficient to enter patients details easy to use
Cons:
the pipets and the display as well as the syncronizing
CornerStone
Comments: Awful from the price to the product. I wouldn't recommend this product for anyone.
Pros:
Nothing. I find this software archaic and out of date. I do not find any features useful with this product
Cons:
The reports. There is no way to specify the dates you would like to run reports for. This is a huge problem when it comes time for accounting to be done.
Great program, need better customer service
Comments: We have been a CS client since 1999 and while we love it, we have hated it at times. The system itself is great, customer service can be lacking. It has so many wonderful features but until recently they were like easter eggs and you had to find them and teach yourself how to use them. It is a great program with lots of functionality to improve daily workflow.
Pros:
Very robust system that can really help work flow if you use all of its features.
Cons:
While it is a robust system, Idexx doesn't do a great job at showing you all of their features and training how to use them. Especially for existing clients.
Cornerstone is a must have
Comments: My overall experience with Cornerstone has been nothing but exceptional, from customer service to technical support and everything in between!
Pros:
Cornerstone is very easy to work with compared to other veterinary software databases.
Cons:
Sometimes there are glitches and software will freeze.
Cornerstone, Adapt or Abandon Ship.
Comments: It was a good run! I learned a lot, I was frustrated a lot. Really, who uses TAB? I would have to print out a giant picture of the soda for new employees who were unfamiliar with the program. I can't say I miss the program and transitioning into a brand new PIMS isn't the most fun experience out there, but overall we are quite satisfied with letting Cornerstone go.
Pros:
In the nearly 10 years I used Cornerstone I found reporting and boarding/scheduling features to be the best aspect of the program. Newer PIMS could definitely learn a thing or two from those designs.
Cons:
Invoice mistakes, server issues, and LONG wait times for customer service eventually led to us terminating out contract with IDEXX and moving over to a new PIMS. We needed something more reliable that didn't go offline when the power went out. Cornerstone is a massive program and for the price and what we utilized of it, the cost didn't work for us. Cloud based PIMS are the future.
Cornerstone Review
Comments: Once you get the hang of cornerstone, it is easy. It is a outdated slower software program.
Pros:
I loved that it directly integrates with IDEXX diagnostic tools and lab services, streamlining lab test submissions and results retrieval.
Cons:
Slow performance, especially during peak usage hours. Less user friendly.
Visually appealing, great reports
Comments: Worked as interim HM at clinic that had cornerstone, took awhile to learn even basic thinga within system. Hard to schedule training
Pros:
Visually appealing, robust reporting system makes figuring out doctor production easier
Cons:
Doesnt allow corporate to access reports, have to physically send of month reports which adds time to month end
Great Diagnostic tool/great support options
Comments: Used daily and for many different reasons, great diagnostic tool with fast reporting
Pros:
Integrates seamlessly with PIMS, great support system, many different labwork options
Cons:
System seems to go down occasionally and needs to be reset
Cornersrone use in ER Vet Specialty Setting
Comments: Overall cornerstone is basically all I've ever known so I give it at 7 and a half out of 10
Pros:
Cornerstone manager's patient files quite well it's easy to find as long as you learn the KEY strokes the program Needs you to learn in order to make the use of it easier
Cons:
Having to attach records from another hospital and how they're presented and how you have to access them is kind of difficult but it's manageable once you get used to the program
An Old Stanby
Comments: As a relief vet, I use this software from time to time and the practices that have it rarely switch.
Pros:
You know what you're going to get from Cornerstone. Great accounting on the back end.
Cons:
There are a few other options out there that are more streamlined.
Swapping from Cornerstone. Used for 12 years
Comments: Support has been good, but IDEXX acounts are always a pain to deal with. So, for the money we wil swap to a more up to date program
Pros:
Fairly easy to use and navigate for new staff. The colour coding of appointment s and conult notes is good. It has been a stable program on the in house server for 12 years.
Cons:
Cant search for patients or clients easily. Reports for things like breeds are impossible and clients address cannot be searched. Old fashioned - can't do on line bookings, SMS remnders and now can't email from the program. Need to upgrade to a subscription basis and the cost of that there are much better programs out there. Can not set up your own health care program. Does not confirm appointment.
Our practice runs smoothly with Cornerstone. Everything is at our fingertips and so easy to use.
Comments:
I could go on and on. It makes my life so much easier as the office manager. As I said in the review from making and confirming appointments, to controlling inventory, managing the Petly Wellness Plans, compliance of clients using medications to include heartworm and flea preventions, to vaccines, to spay and neuters. Even using the callback lists daily to check on our patients, e have built such trust in our clients that we truly care about our patients. It is extremely easy to close our the end of day with the software and print reports to see how we are doing as a practice. I have used Cornerstone since 2006 and have experienced it grow and evolve in to the premium management software that it is today. It is always improving and the IDEXX team listens to what the practice owners need and want.
They make it happen! Thank you.
Pros:
Integration of Petly Wellness Plans in the patient's CS file. This is awesome being able to see what plan they have and what items they have used and have remaining. Inventory control keeps us on track. It lets us know when to order items and even where we order them from. We can prevent overstocking and running out of things. Automatic reminders and appointment confirmations are truly a timesaver. Processing payments through Cornerstone for credit cards and even excessing CareCredit are so quick that it minimizes our client's wait time at check out. And now being able to see vaccine history of each patient all under one tab is awesome. Printing vaccine certificates couldn't be easier. The whiteboard is great so everyone knows at a glance from any terminal why a pet is in the hospital and what is being done for them. Cornerstone has certainly changed over the years!
Cons:
We haven't had much success using the boarding module to fit our needs and the way we reserve boarding space for our pets, because you can't schedule 2 pets for the same cage on the same day if one is leaving in the morning and the other is coming in the afternoon. We need to play with it more I guess.
IDEXX Response
6 years ago
Hi Gretchen, thanks for letting us know how Cornerstone is making life easier for you and your team. That's why we do what we do!
Alternatives Considered:
Incredible Software To Manage Your Veterinary Practice To Success
Comments: My overall experience has been incredible. After working with many other softwares hands down I would pick Cornerstone over and over.
Pros:
Cornerstone is so robust and has features that make managing your practice easy. The reporting capabilities are unlike any other practice management software on the market - sooo many options, easy to use. The inventory portion of the software is second to none - you can manage inventory seamlessly and right down to the last penny. I also like the lodging module as well. The improvements they continue to make to the software will continue to keep them at the top of their game.
Cons:
Since there are so many ways to get to the same outcome, training can be a challenge. The product is also on the more expensive side, but it is worth it. Support is sometimes hit-and-miss - there have been occasions when I call for help and end up figuring out what I need on my own and teaching the support. The amount of report options can be overwhelming if you are not familiar with them.
IDEXX Response
3 years ago
Hi Emily, thanks so much for your feedback on Cornerstone, and for recommending it so strongly to others!
The Thrill is gone!
Comments: Hardware support is now $250 for the first 15mins and 50 per minute. I have loved this system for over a decade but now I am jaded. I am looking for a more economical system for my practice.
Pros:
Initially the product was intimidating but once you learn to right click and tab, its easy. If have many reports and data that can be created for comparative analysis. It is moderately simple to use but it is a definite learning curve to master. I do not use have of the features that are available. It is fully functional for a CPA. Anything they want, Cornerstone can create it for you!
Cons:
What I do not like is the constant nickel-n-diming of all features and any software/hardware support that is needed. The used to be really reasonable but now, if you cannot be charged they do not help you. Software support for a server is now over $700.00 a month. That does not include hardware support. The system is good but if you are not a corporation practice, You can certainly find something cheaper.
IDEXX Response
4 years ago
Hi Dr. Hyde-Nance, thank you for taking the time to share your feedback on Cornerstone, always good to know where we are hitting the mark and where there is room for improvement. One of our software experts is going to be in touch with you to discuss your options and current needs!
Customizable operating software with AMAZING customer support
Comments: I use it heavily for inventory tracking, ordering, scheduling, medical record keeping, financial tracking, employee time clock, and customizing client education that you don't have to remember to print - it can be set to automatically print on their invoice, on their prescription label, etc.
Pros:
I like that you can easily costumize the software with automatic options to help staff with their workflow, everything connects back to something else for easy access to information. Their customer support is fantastic. They are available by phone, cornerstone chat, and you can allow them remote access into the system to resolve issues and do quick visual training.
Cons:
It can be a little daunting to get started, but their customer service is fantastic, so there is always support to get through it.
IDEXX Response
5 years ago
Hi Jessica, thanks very much for your feedback! Great to hear about all the ways you've customized Cornerstone so your team can work more effectively. We're proud of our support team, and we'll share your compliments with them. By the way, we've got lots of free Cornerstone training resources available at cornerstonehelp.com and on the IDEXX Learning Center, pleas check them out!
Love CORNERSTONE
Comments: Accountability is what I love most about Cornerstone
Pros:
We have been using Cornerstone since 2014. Implementation was not easy and our client base did not merge very well. But all in all, I love Cornerstone support is great I love that everything is accountable and your security for staff access is great
Cons:
Ease of locating a client. Notice of duplicates.
IDEXX Response
3 years ago
Hello Susan, we love hearing that the security and accountability made possible by Cornerstone is so helpful for you and your staff! We will pass on your compliments to the Cornerstone Customer and Technical Support team. Thank you for your business!
Very robust software with nice features
Comments: Cornerstone is a solid product. It has a few drawbacks but its a pretty good top contender in the Practice Management Software category
Pros:
I really like Cornerstone. It's our current practice software at the time. We really like the whiteboard and the lab module. We like how easy it is to make and create medical notes. The reference lab and the telemedicine integration are quite good. The ability to add charges from almost every window is a good feature as well. Cornerstone is a pretty good almost complete package for any multi doctor or multiple location practice.
Cons:
It could use a face lift. Cornerstone still looks like its a windows 98/XP product. It could definitely benefit from a better User interface. Inventory module could use another look since there is some issues with it. Updates should be a bit more frequent in my opinion
IDEXX Response
6 years ago
Hi Roberto, thanks for the compliments about Cornerstone's versatility and ease of use; we really appreciate hearing that from IT professionals. You'll be pleased to know that the next version of Cornerstone is coming in spring of 2019, and it's got a fresh new interface. Please let us know how you like it!
Cornerstone review
Comments: Easy to store and find client and patient information and alerts. Helps keep track of reminders.
Pros:
Ease of finding clients or patients by many routes: name, number, microchip, breed etc. The ease of storing, and locating bloodwork.
Cons:
The ability to email records directly from software would help. Its difficult to store and search for images( xrays, ultrasound)
IDEXX Response
3 years ago
Hi Brittany, thank you so much for recommending Cornerstone to other practices who are shopping for new software! Great to hear that you and your team like how easy it is to store and access patient and client information--we will pass your compliments on to the Cornerstone product team.
Cornerstone is robust
Comments: Having all your notes and ability to attached images is super important in this day of standard of care. Wouldnt use this product without the support feature agreement. Hoping they will be able to stay relevant and take this to a cloud platform. We have been very happy with this for the past 11 years.
Pros:
Cornerstone is a one stop shop to ensure all your practice info is in one spot and the smart service of linking all the labwork to the medical notes. A number of tools available to extract information and one stop shop for financial and medical. Support is unbelievably great!
Cons:
Becoming antiquated due to the issues associated with Windows platform integration. Reports are not as accurate as they should be.
IDEXX Response
6 years ago
Hi Ericka, thanks for the shout out regarding Cornerstone's versatility and the Customer and Technical Support Team. We could not be more proud of their knowledge and can-do spirit. Our development team is working on updating the technology that runs Cornerstone to address the issues you mention. We're also giving Cornerstone a fresh new look in spring of 2019. Watch for that and more improvements to come!
Cornerstone review
Comments: Overall I have been happy. Have used several PM software and find they all have things that I love and don't love. Cornerstone is no different. Have great customer support service and usually can find the answer to problems quickly.
Pros:
Multiple templates available for use, fairly easy to use and learn, easy search feature, like that it integrates nicely with lab work and radiographs
Cons:
Crashes regularly and needs to be restarted. Have been using the software for 5 years and still HATE that you have to use "tab" instead of "enter". Would like a way to delete a medical note once saved in case 2 exams opened for same client etc.
IDEXX Response
6 years ago
Hi Jacquelyn, thanks for letting us know your team finds Cornerstone easy to use and that the integration with your diagnostics is helpful. About those restarts; we constantly monitor error logs to identify just these types of issues and find ways to address them. If you notice that this occurs at specific times, Cornerstone Customer and Technical Support can assist in determining whether there already is a resolution that can solve it. You also mentioned wanting to be able to delete a medical note. Once you've saved an Enhanced Medical Note it can in fact be voided. If you're still using Classic Medical Notes contact Support about converting over. Sounds like this could solve your problem. Good luck!
Cornerstone
Comments: Far from being the best practice management system I've used. When I knew it, I knew it but even then there were always little tips and tricks I still didn't know, even after using it for 6 years.
Pros:
Able to to multitask easily, having several pages open at once so that you can be serving a client and have something else working in the background. Idexx reps actually show up in the clinic to help with training, issues etc. and many of those reps have used Cornerstone on the shop floor so they know what I am talking about vs speaking to an IT person on the phone who doesn't get the issues I am having.
Cons:
You have to click through lots of steps before you get where you want to be. There are so many ways to do the same thing you find that no two staff members are doing it the same way - difficult for training/SOP's.
IDEXX Response
4 years ago
Hi Kerrie, glad to hear that Cornerstone supported your need to multi task, and that having our team members visit your practice was so helpful.
Outdated
Comments: Over all it is an ok program it just needs to be simplified.
Pros:
I like that the scheduler is customizable.
Cons:
It is a very time consuming program that makes you complete several steps just to do one task. It will alert you if someone is working on the same chart as you but not for the physical exam module. So if 2 people are writing exam notes on the same patient, the one who opened it second will have everything disappear when it is reopened.
IDEXX Response
5 years ago
Hi Max, thanks for the feedback on the Cornerstone scheduler, glad to hear that the ability to customize it is helpful to you and your team. Regarding editing medical records, we specifically designed Cornerstone's Medical Notes function so that concurrent users can't cancel out each others work, in order to maintain the integrity of the record. If a second user opens the same Medical Note, they see a warning that another user is already editing the patient's Medical Notes, and are granted read only access.
Good and bad are equal
Comments: I can’t imagine any other program more designed to work with vet practices. The ease of ordering lab tests and it’s connection IDEXX lab is fantastic. The results sent from IDEXX is a tad redundant but you def cannot say you did not receive lab results. That feature is reliable. Custom forms are useful too. Overall I like the product a lot. It just takes a bit to learn it.
Pros:
Once you learn the software, navigation gets easier. The side panel window gives a great snapshot of client files and their type while also being able to view selected files. The ability to assign employee codes and auto population of corresponding names on documents are fantastic.
Cons:
Sometimes printing auto generated templates get wonky. The software crashes a lot. Always seems like updates and troubleshooting are needed. Every day. Since I am not on management side I can not determine if this software error or user. Management is always confused.
IDEXX Response
6 years ago
Hi Alana, really appreciate hearing your feedback on what you like about Cornerstone and where you could use some assistance. Definitely contact Cornerstone Customer and Technical Support, they're ready to help!
Gold Standard
Comments: We have been so impressed with Cornerstone Practice Management that we have been part of their beta test group for the last 2 years. Unlike most software upgrades, Cornerstone upgrades actually make our jobs easier. As I posted earlier, the ease and intuitive nature of the software gives me and our staff more time to do different things, whether better care for our patients and clients or simply a time for staff to take a break from their day because they are not immersed in a software that doesn't work for them.
Pros:
What we like about Cornerstone the most is the ease and intuitive nature of the software. This cuts down on training time and allows staff to fully use Cornerstone regardless of what task they are performing, from inventory management, incorporating pictures and reports into client files to something as easy as scheduling an appointment.
Cons:
There was an issue with a cosmetic screen color change a while back......
IDEXX Response
6 years ago
HI Chris, thanks for letting us know you and your team find Cornerstone easy to use and intuitive. Feedback like yours--including as a beta participant--is critical to making sure Cornerstone grows with your team.
