GNUmed review
A self-hosted EMR for practices that want longitudinal records without a license fee.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
GNUmed is a free, open-source electronic medical record system for ambulatory practices and clinics. Its focus is longitudinal patient care, making it relevant to clinicians and other health professionals who need to document ongoing records. A client-server application stores records in a PostgreSQL database, with desktop clients for Windows, macOS and Linux. Its breadth suits cost-conscious solo, small and mid-market practices that are comfortable running their own system; it is less suited to teams seeking a browser-based or mobile-first service.
The recordkeeping scope covers progress notes, patient demographics, record editing and merging, medication and allergy management, test results, and vaccination history. GNUmed also supports HL7 lab results import, document archiving, form-based document creation, and vaccination history handouts. Appointment and waiting-list management extend it into day-to-day practice administration, while billing items, bills and invoices cover patient billing. Statistical reports, an audit log and CSV export provide additional record and data-management functions. Integrations listed include Clinica EMR, ARRIBA risk calculator, FreeDiams and the German MMI/Gelbe Liste drug database, as well as DICOM viewers.
GNUmed is available at no charge, and its open-source model avoids a software license fee; operating and maintaining a local client-server installation is still part of the deployment choice. The reference client is desktop software, and the product information does not list mobile access. It also does not list e-prescribing, a patient portal or telehealth, so practices that need those workflows should consider another EMR. Support channels include community resources, documentation and email. Billing documentation covers patient bills and invoices rather than medical claims submission, an important distinction for practices evaluating its administrative fit.
GNUmed pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Tracks longitudinal records, medications, allergies, tests and vaccinations
- Includes appointments, waiting lists, billing items and invoices
- Free, open-source desktop clients for Windows, macOS and Linux
- Where it doesn't
- Requires local installation and a PostgreSQL database
- No mobile access is listed
- No e-prescribing, patient portal or telehealth is listed
GNUmed fact sheet, pricing and score →
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