Head-to-head · Substance Abuse EMR Software
Kipu EMR vs Lightning Step
Kipu EMR leads on 0 checks, Lightning Step on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreKipu EMR · 9.2/10
- Most featuresKipu EMR · 4 of 4
Kipu EMR scores higher on our rubric for substance abuse emr software: 9.2 against 8.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #7.
On mobile access, Kipu EMR gives you Web where Lightning Step offers Ios.
Kipu EMR is the better fit for treatment programs needing multi-level care workflows. Lightning Step is the better fit for programs needing clinical and billing workflows together.
- Kipu EMR fits best
Treatment programs needing multi-level care workflows
- Lightning Step fits best
Programs needing clinical and billing workflows together
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Side by side
| Feature | Kipu EMR 9.2/10 Visit ↗ | Lightning Step 8.2/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.2 | 8.2 |
| Ranking | #1 in Substance Abuse EMR Software | #7 in Substance Abuse EMR Software |
| Best for | Treatment programs needing multi-level care workflows | Programs needing clinical and billing workflows together |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | Pricing on request | Pricing on request |
| Free plan | Not checked yet | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web | Web, iOS |
| Support | Email, Live chat, Phone, Tickets · 24/7 | Phone |
| Compliance | ISO 27001, PCI DSS, 2FA | HIPAA, ISO 27001, PCI DSS |
| Integrations | 3 integrations | 6 integrations |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Kipu EMR 4/4 · Lightning Step 3/4 | ||
| Treatment planning | ✓ | ✓ |
| E-prescribing | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Telehealth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Claims and billing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Care settings | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Mobile access | Web | Ios |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Kipu EMR is a cloud-based, web-accessible electronic medical record for addiction treatment and behavioral health providers. Its stated care settings include outpatient, residential, detox, and opioid treatment, with support also described… Read the review → |
Lightning Step brings electronic medical records, customer relationship management, and revenue cycle tools into one cloud platform for behavioral health and addiction treatment providers. Its clinical workflow covers patient records,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Kipu EMR — where it wins
- Supports outpatient, residential, detox, and opioid treatment workflows
- Links treatment plans to episodes of care with Golden Thread
- Combines MAT, e-prescribing, telehealth, labs, and facility management
Where it doesn't
- Pricing requires contacting sales
- Claim information is transferred to Kipu RCM or other billing solutions
- Its workflows are centered on addiction treatment and behavioral health
Lightning Step — where it wins
- Combines patient records, assessments, treatment plans, and clinical notes
- Connects telehealth, medication management, scheduling, and client messaging
- Supports claims, eligibility checks, referrals, and AI-generated notes
Where it doesn't
- Pricing is sales-led, with prospective customers directed to book a call
- Mobile access is listed for iOS
- Phone is the listed support channel
- Kipu EMR9.2/10 · Pricing on request
A broad care-workflow EMR for addiction treatment programs across multiple settings.
Visit Kipu EMRFull verdict → - Lightning Step8.2/10 · Pricing on request
A cloud EMR connecting behavioral health care workflows with referrals and billing.
Visit Lightning StepFull verdict →
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- Ease Health vs Lightning Step
- CurerTech vs Lightning Step
All substance abuse EMR software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update