Last Reviewed: November 27th, 2024

Best Physician Scheduling Software Of 2024

What is Physician Scheduling Software?

Physician scheduling software, a pivotal part of modern healthcare management systems, provides a flexible solution for hospital administrators and healthcare providers to manage physicians' schedules. It helps address challenges of medical staffing, such as unexpected absences, ensuring high-quality care isn't compromised. Its importance lies in ensuring seamless workflow; by allowing real-time schedule updates and putting an end to human-led scheduling errors. Advanced features that raise its appeal include AI-enabled shift-optimization, mobile accessibility, and seamless integration with existing Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems. Industries that benefit most include healthcare, telemedicine, emergency services, and hospital chains. However, it may present limitations, such as steep learning curves for non-tech savvy individuals. In summary, physician scheduling software propels efficient personnel management, thereby enhancing patient care quality. It's a strategic investment where the benefits clearly outweigh the limitations, making it a core element in healthcare service delivery.

What Are The Key Benefits of Physician Scheduling Software?

  • Enhances patient care quality
  • Reduces scheduling errors
  • Eases shift management
  • Improves workflow efficiency
  • Facilitates real-time updates
  • Aids in absence management
  • Ensures fair shift distribution
  • Enables mobile accessibility
  • Integrates with EHR systems
  • Supports telemedicine delivery
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Overall

Based on the latest available data collected by SelectHub for 49 solutions, we determined the following solutions are the best Physician Scheduling Software overall:

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Why We Picked Optum

Optum, a prominent player in the healthcare software arena, has attracted a range of user feedback over the past year, offering valuable insights into its strengths, weaknesses, and overall suitability for different user groups. Optum's users frequently highlight its comprehensive suite of features, encompassing mental health management, appointment scheduling, and medication tracking, as a key strength. This all-in-one approach simplifies healthcare management for individuals juggling multiple health concerns or those seeking a centralized platform. However, some users note that the extensive features can lead to a steeper learning curve, potentially posing challenges for individuals less comfortable with technology or those preferring simpler interfaces.

Optum distinguishes itself through its robust mental health support features, including mood tracking, journaling tools, and access to mental health professionals. This focus on mental well-being caters to a growing demand for integrated mental health solutions within healthcare platforms. Users appreciate the convenience and accessibility of these features, particularly in the context of rising mental health awareness. Conversely, some users mention occasional technical glitches or slow loading times as areas for improvement. Optum's emphasis on mental health support, coupled with its comprehensive features, makes it well-suited for individuals seeking a holistic healthcare management platform that prioritizes both physical and mental well-being. It is particularly beneficial for those with complex healthcare needs or those actively engaged in managing their mental health.

Pros & Cons

  • Extensive Network: Optum boasts a large network of mental health professionals, increasing the likelihood of finding a suitable therapist or psychiatrist in terms of location, specialty, and insurance coverage.
  • Care Coordination: Optum facilitates communication and collaboration among healthcare providers, ensuring a holistic approach to mental health care. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with complex needs or multiple diagnoses.
  • Virtual Care Options: Optum offers telehealth services, providing convenient access to mental health care from the comfort of home. This can be especially helpful for individuals with mobility issues, busy schedules, or those residing in underserved areas.
  • Limited In-Network Options: Finding mental health professionals within Optum's network can be challenging, especially for specialized care or in underserved areas. This limitation can force individuals to choose between paying out-of-pocket for preferred providers or settling for less suitable options within the network.
  • Preauthorization Requirements: Optum often requires preauthorization for certain mental health services, such as therapy sessions or medication. This process can be time-consuming and may delay access to necessary care, potentially exacerbating symptoms or hindering progress.
  • Claims and Billing Issues: Navigating the complexities of claims and billing processes with Optum can be frustrating for users. Issues such as denied claims, incorrect billing, or difficulty reaching customer service can create additional stress and financial burdens for individuals seeking mental health support.

Key Features

  • Pharmacy Care Services: OptumRx helps physicians improve their prescribing and helps patients receive the most effective medication at the best possible cost. Physicians can also precheck and authorize medications in real time. 
  • Healthcare Delivery: Provide quality primary care, specialty care and post-acute care by focusing more on treating the patients while also optimizing efficiency and lowering costs. 
  • Data and Health Analytics: Automate recognition of high-cost and high-risk patients with data-driven assistance at the point of care. Acquire patients by linking consumer and clinical data and access insights based on patient results. 
  • Population Health: Improve health outcomes and lower costs by using insights from data and analytics. A connected network of over 800 Centers of Excellence enables treatment with greater knowledge from the get-go. 
  • Advisory Services: Insights help healthcare providers against their biggest challenges so they can and empower the health system, increase revenue, engage customers and improve the quality of care.nbsp;
  • Individual and Family Solutions: Individuals can save money while having a greater part in their overall health with different solutions for healthcare, prescriptions and spending. 
  • Claims Administration: Promotes payment integrity with features to edit inaccurate claims, appropriately price bills, assess bill details, recover overpayments and prevent inaccurate billing. 
  • Optum Bank: Makes paying for treatment easier and more efficient with innovative payments solutions, leading to reduced costs without compromising on healthcare quality. Includes: 
    •  Health accounts for employees. 
    •  Hassle-free payment solutions for better healthcare. 
    •  Health account education with courses to educate employees to become better healthcare consumers. 
  • Optum360: Examine opportunities across the revenue cycle to increase margins and prepare for value-based reimbursement. Offers: 
    •  A patient financial experience that places them in the center of the revenue cycle. 
    •  A/R recovery and denial management to improve payment recovery. 
    •  Claims integrity and processing for quick and efficient claims and reimbursement. 
    •  Document and coding to help staff drive financial results proactively. 
  • Risk and Quality Solutions: Driven from the largest Medicare Advantage database in the industry. 
    • Retrospective Solutions: Improves accuracy and completeness with industry analytics. 
    • Prospective Solutions: Standardizes processes on behalf of multiple payers for better patient treatment. 
    • Improving Outcomes: Drives outcomes while reducing costs with people, technology and clinical insights. 

    Limitations

    User feedback at the time of this review indicates that some of the product limitations include:

    •  Not cost-effective for the features offered. 
    •  Runs slower for larger practices. 
    •  Lack of helpful customer support. 

    Suite Support

    mail_outlineEmail: [email protected].
    phonePhone: A list of phone numbers for support are available on the website.
    schoolTraining: Optum offers a training curriculum to help users get the most out of the software.
    local_offerTickets: Sign in to Optum online to submit help requests.
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Why We Picked WebPT

WebPT has made a significant impact on the physical therapy software landscape, offering a comprehensive suite of tools designed to streamline workflows and enhance patient care. Users consistently highlight its user-friendly interface, robust features, and exceptional customer support as key strengths. One reviewer emphasized the ease of transitioning from paper-based systems to WebPT's cloud-based platform, appreciating its accessibility from any web-enabled device. The software's scheduling capabilities have also received praise, with users noting improvements in patient retention and the ability to synchronize appointments with digital patient records.

While WebPT garners positive feedback, some users mention the learning curve associated with its extensive features. However, the company's commitment to customer support is frequently commended, with users citing responsive and helpful assistance. WebPT distinguishes itself by catering specifically to the needs of rehabilitation therapists, offering specialized documentation, billing codes, and compliance tools. This focus on the therapy sector sets it apart from more generic practice management software. WebPT is ideally suited for physical therapy practices of all sizes seeking an integrated platform to optimize front- and back-office operations. Its comprehensive features, user-friendly design, and industry-specific focus make it a valuable asset for therapists looking to enhance efficiency, improve patient care, and grow their practices.

Pros & Cons

  • User-Friendly: All users mentioning this aspect noted that the solution’s ease-of-use is a key benefit.
  • Accessibility: The platform is web-based, making it highly accessible according to over 95% of users who mention this aspect.
  • Scheduling: About 75% of users who mention scheduling noted that it’s convenient to schedule appointments.
  • Speed: All users referring to speed reported that the product is slow and includes redundant check boxes, which further reduce the speed of working.
  • Functionality: The product is filled with glitches and the site is often down for maintenance, according to 88% of users who mention functionality.

Key Features

  • Analytics and Reporting: Access and work on detailed data tables from a main reporting dashboard. Use easy graphs and charts for valuable business insights. 
  • Interoperability: Facilitates a secure transfer of information between systems, enabling greater efficiency and data unity. Key integrations include Cerner, Epic, McKesson and athenahealth. Includes 24/7/365 monitoring from WebPT. 
  • Web-Based: Users can access the platform from any browser, anywhere. There’s no deployment costs or loss in productivity while the software is installing. 
  • Continuous Updates: Because the software is web-based, it frequently refreshes with new studies, formulas and testing criteria. 
  • Simplified Interface: Built around an intuitive workflow and offers features for a hassle-free experience such as dropdown checklists, auto-completing text boxes and much more. 
  • Home Exercise Program: Engage patients in video exercises with patient-facing functionality and design. Tap into a library of evidence-based therapy exercises available in up to eight different languages. 
  • Listing and Review Management: Improves online presence with a robust facility profile that provides automatic review updates, offers direct responses to reviews and analyses review trends. 
  • Billing: Maximize revenue and save time for quality healthcare with minimum claim errors using Therabill. Includes real-time analytics, detailed activity logs and one invoice from one company. 
  • Patient Outcomes Tracking: Drive faster recovery for patients with a built-in patient outcomes tracking system. Includes a library of industry-accepted tests for concrete performance goals and tracking therapists’ progress. 
  • Scheduling: Manage appointment calendars that sync with patient records and reduce no-shows by 30% by sending automatic reminders. Book remote appointments and launch live two-way video for virtual therapy using Virtual Visits. 
  • Revenue Cycle Management: Submit claims and expedite payments with high first-pass acceptance rate. Offers two RCM options: 
    • RevServe: Completely outsourced service. WebPT handles all billing responsibilities, including A/R management, reporting, collections benchmarking and medicare compliance. 
    • RevEquip: Hybrid model, allowing practices to control things like A/R management, credentialing, case management and more. WebPT offers management of outgoing claims, patient statement submissions, payment EDI management, workflow consultations and more. 
  • Patient Relationship Management: Increase engagement and reduce dropout rates by sending automated email campaigns to past patients and receiving actionable feedback indicating potential dropouts. 
  • Client Mobile App: Clients can access and manage their health data conveniently from a mobile app. 
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Why We Picked FollowMyHealth

FollowMyHealth receives mixed reviews from businesses, with praise for its streamlined communication and patient empowerment features, but criticism for limited customization and occasional technical glitches. Users appreciate the platform's ease of use for both patients and staff. One doctor commented, "FollowMyHealth has been a game-changer for our practice. Patients love being able to schedule appointments and refill prescriptions online, and it's saved us so much time on administrative tasks." However, some businesses find FollowMyHealth lacks flexibility. A clinic manager remarked, "The interface feels generic and doesn't allow us to customize it much to match our brand or cater to specific patient needs. Compared to [competitor product], which offers tailored modules for different specialties, FollowMyHealth feels a bit one-size-fits-all." Integration with existing EHR systems can also be challenging, leading to data silos and frustrated staff. "Setting up FollowMyHealth with our EHR was a nightmare," shared a medical assistant. "The data transfer wasn't seamless, and we still have to manually update some things in both systems, which is inefficient." Despite these drawbacks, many businesses recognize FollowMyHealth's potential for improved patient engagement, citing it as a step up from basic patient portals. As one nurse put it, "While it's not perfect, FollowMyHealth is definitely better than just sending appointment reminders by email. Patients are more proactive about their health now, and we can track their progress more easily." Ultimately, the decision to use FollowMyHealth depends on individual business needs and priorities. Those seeking a user-friendly platform for basic patient engagement may find it a good fit, while those requiring extensive customization or seamless EHR integration might need to explore other options.

Pros & Cons

  • Improved Patient-Provider Communication: Streamlines communication through secure messaging, appointment scheduling, and test results sharing.
  • Enhanced Patient Engagement: Empowers patients with self-service tools like appointment booking, medication reminders, and personalized health education.
  • Reduced Administrative Burden: Automates tasks like appointment reminders and prescription refills, freeing up staff time for patient care.
  • Increased Care Coordination: Facilitates collaboration between providers through shared care plans and secure patient data exchange.
  • Improved Clinical Outcomes: Promotes preventive care, medication adherence, and early disease detection through patient engagement tools.
  • Limited Customization: Interface lacks flexibility for branding and tailoring to specific patient populations.
  • Integration Challenges: Can be difficult to integrate with existing EHR systems, leading to data silos.
  • Technical Glitches: Users report occasional bugs and technical issues that disrupt workflow.
  • Cost Concerns: Subscription fees can be perceived as high for some healthcare organizations.
  • Limited Adoption by Patients: Not all patients are comfortable using technology, hindering platform adoption.

Key Features

  • Patient portal: A secure online platform for patients to access their medical records, communicate with providers, schedule appointments, and manage their health data.
  • Secure messaging: Patients can securely message their providers with questions and concerns, and receive timely responses.
  • Appointment scheduling: Patients can easily schedule and reschedule appointments online, 24/7.
  • Medication management: Patients can view their medication lists, refill prescriptions, and receive medication reminders.
  • Health tracking tools: Patients can track their health data, such as blood pressure, weight, and blood sugar levels, and share this information with their providers.
  • Telehealth integration: Patients can connect with providers for virtual visits through the FollowMyHealth platform.
  • Patient education resources: Patients can access a library of educational resources on a variety of health topics.
  • Customizable care plans: Providers can create personalized care plans for their patients, which can be accessed and tracked through the FollowMyHealth platform.
  • Population health management tools: Healthcare organizations can use FollowMyHealth to track and manage the health of their patient populations.
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Why We Picked Nextech

Nextech, a comprehensive practice management solution designed to streamline workflows for specialty practices, has elicited a range of feedback from users over the past year. While opinions on the platform's efficacy vary, several recurring themes emerge from user reviews, shedding light on its strengths, weaknesses, and ideal user base.

Nextech's robust features and customizability are frequently cited as major advantages. Users appreciate the platform's ability to adapt to the specific needs of different specialties, with tools for appointment scheduling, billing, and electronic health records (EHR) management. The platform's integration with other software systems is also highlighted as a strength, enabling seamless data exchange and reducing manual data entry. However, some users find the extensive customization options overwhelming, leading to a steep learning curve and implementation challenges.

Nextech's EHR functionality receives mixed reviews. Some users praise its comprehensive features, such as charting, e-prescribing, and patient portal access. Others express concerns about the EHR's user interface, citing issues with navigation and data entry. Additionally, while Nextech offers a mobile app, its functionality is limited compared to the desktop version, which can be inconvenient for users who require on-the-go access.

In comparison to similar products, Nextech stands out for its specialization in serving the needs of specialty practices. Its features and workflows are tailored to address the unique challenges faced by these practices, such as complex billing requirements and specialized clinical documentation. This focus on specialty practices differentiates Nextech from more generic practice management solutions.

Considering its strengths and weaknesses, Nextech appears best suited for larger specialty practices with dedicated IT resources and a willingness to invest time in implementation and training. The platform's extensive features and customizability can provide significant value to these practices, but may overwhelm smaller practices with limited resources.

Pros & Cons

  • Intuitive Interface: Users appreciate the clean and modern interface, finding it easy to navigate and locate desired features. The system's layout is logical and contributes to a smooth user experience.
  • Specialization for Ophthalmology: Nextech is specifically designed for ophthalmology practices, offering features and tools tailored to their unique workflows and needs. This specialization eliminates the need for extensive customization or workarounds, enhancing efficiency.
  • Comprehensive Functionality: The platform provides a wide range of features, including appointment scheduling, patient records management, e-prescribing, image management, and billing tools. This comprehensive suite of functionalities streamlines operations and reduces the need for multiple software systems.
  • Steep Learning Curve: The software's interface can be overwhelming for new users due to its complexity and lack of intuitive design, leading to a prolonged onboarding process and potential disruptions to workflow.
  • Customization Challenges: Tailoring the software to specific workflows or specialties can be difficult, as customization options are limited and often require advanced technical knowledge or assistance from Nextech support, potentially hindering efficiency and user satisfaction.
  • Integration Issues: Seamless integration with other healthcare systems or software can be problematic, leading to data silos and inefficiencies in information exchange, potentially impacting care coordination and patient management.
  • Reporting Limitations: Generating custom reports or extracting specific data for analysis can be cumbersome, as the reporting functionality may lack flexibility and user-friendliness, potentially hindering data-driven decision-making and performance tracking.

Key Features

  • Scheduling Capabilities: View and schedule all providers, procedure rooms, equipment or any combination of resources. Includes multi-provider, multi-location and multi-resource scheduling capabilities, along with limit or warning settings for multiple appointments. 
  • Appointment Tools: Move appointments by cutting and pasting, copying, or dragging and dropping. A first available appointment finder saves time. Automated text messages remind patients of their appointments, and responses automatically update the scheduler. 
  • Charting Capabilities: Quick charting with adaptive templates for different specialties simplify the process. Users can review charts, notes and refill prescriptions from anywhere. 
  • Billing: The revenue cycle management solution streamlines claims management, patient access, and denials and appeals. 
  • Patient Portal: Patients are able to make payments as well as view medical history and insurance information. 
  • Analytics: Access patient data such as demographics and practice performance trends to understand the overall health of the practice and maximize profitability. 
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Why We Picked TriZetto

TriZetto garners praise for its comprehensive suite of features that streamline medical billing processes, from patient registration and insurance verification to claim submission and payment processing. Users appreciate its ability to automate tasks, reducing manual effort and the potential for errors. The software's scalability makes it suitable for healthcare organizations of all sizes, accommodating the needs of both small practices and large enterprises. Additionally, TriZetto's analytics and insights empower healthcare professionals to make data-driven decisions, improving patient care and optimizing revenue cycles.

However, some users note that TriZetto's robust functionality comes at a cost, as it can be more expensive than some competing solutions. The software's complexity may also present a learning curve for new users, requiring additional training and support. Despite these drawbacks, TriZetto remains a popular choice for healthcare organizations seeking a comprehensive and scalable medical billing solution. Its ability to automate tasks, improve efficiency, and provide valuable insights makes it particularly well-suited for large organizations with complex billing needs.

Pros & Cons

  • Cost Savings: Electronic documentation decreases paperwork, enhances employee efficiency, and leads to reduced office supply and operational costs in the long term.
  • Patient Engagement: Patient portals empower individuals to access their health information, schedule appointments and communicate with healthcare providers.
  • Patient Safety: Features like medication alerts and allergy notifications help prevent errors and improve patient safety.
  • Learning Curve: Staff may require time and training to adapt to new technology, potentially affecting productivity during the transition phase.
  • Data Security Concerns: EHRs are vulnerable to data breaches and cybersecurity threats, requiring robust security measures and ongoing vigilance.

Key Features

  • Claims Processing: Automatically verify insurance and sweep claims, scrubbing them of any mistakes or coding errors, which often lead to denials or delayed reimbursement. This speeds up the process of submitting claims while helping improve first-time acceptance rates.  
  • Claims Reconciliation: Automate claims tracking throughout the reimbursement cycle. Monitor and convert EOB information into 835 remittance files to reduce errors and time spent reconciling claims. 
  • Rejection Prevention: Apply coding edits to insurance claims prior to submission. Receive error messages to identify rejections before they happen, reducing claims rejections. 
  • Eligibility Checks: Directly connect to insurance providers for real-time validation of patient eligibility. Integrate with practice management systems to seamlessly update patient insurance information. 
  • Patient Responsibility Estimation: Generate patient cost estimates in real time to improve client satisfaction and likelihood of payment. 
  • Prior Authorization: Automatically send prior authorization requests for treatment to patient insurance providers. Communicate with payers and track authorization requests within the provider portal. 
  • Patient Payments: Provide patients with a selection of payment options, including credit card processing, a payment portal and text-to-pay processing, to improve patient experiences. 
  • Denials Management: Receive claims denial notifications, along with causes and potential for appeal. Monitor error, edit and payer trends to reduce future denials. 
  • Contract Management: Audit payments against contractual agreements with payers. Automatically generate documents and track efforts to dispute underpaid obligations. 
  • RCM and Coding Services: Outsource revenue cycle management and coding processes, such as billing, patient statements, registration and insurance claims coding, to focus more on patient care and less on administrative tasks. 
  • Credentialing: Check and manage employee credentials against payer requirements to ensure maximum reimbursement. Store employee documentation to remain up-to-date on expired credentials. 
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Why We Picked Quickbase

Quickbase is a user-friendly platform suited to help businesses optimize project management with custom applications, workflow automation and data-driven insights. Its no-code structure and intuitive interfaces to develop applications and reports quickly, even with minimal coding experience, are often mentioned by users.

Users can centralize data from multiple sources and access advanced data insights on key project metrics to improve decision-making, save time and optimize resource allocation. Extensive customization options are another reviewer favorite, enabling users to build solutions tailored to their specific needs.

Integration with third-party applications adds to Quickbase's appeal by enhancing productivity and streamlining operations. Additionally, reviewers consistently highlight the abundance of training resources and documentation available, including guides, video courses and a supportive user community.

Despite high customization and ease-of-use, reviewers note a learning curve to optimize adoption and performance. Quickbase’s “reads”-based cost structures are also a barrier for smaller businesses with limited budgets.

Overall, Quickbase is an excellent option for businesses who require extensive customization to optimize their project management, offering ease-of-use with data accessibility and custom apps for task management.

Pros & Cons

  • Ease of Use: Use a no- or low-code structure to easily input and access data. Speed up application development and report creation with easy navigation and intuitive interfaces.
  • Workflow Automation: Streamline processes and task management using workflow emails, notifications and live data views through charts and graphs.
  • Customization: Build customized applications for unique business processes using AI, pre-built templates and no code software. Access custom portals for teams and clients, define personalized user roles and permissions and utilize dynamic dashboards.
  • Data Accessibility and Data Analysis: Eliminate date silos by consolidating information from multiple sources into a centralized view. Generate custom reports to visualize data intuitively, track key metrics, and identify trends and patterns.
  • Integration: Enhance productivity and streamline operations by integrating with third-party applications and using API access to build custom extensions.
  • Training Resources and Documentation: Access training resources and documentation in the form of guides, video courses, certifications, online help and a strong user community to help users learn the intricacies of the solution.
  • Learning Curve: New users may face a steep learning curve and adoption can be challenging for those unfamiliar with programming principles.
  • Cost: The pricing can be a barrier for some organizations, especially smaller ones or those with limited budgets.

Key Features

  • No-Code Builder: Create custom project management applications with minimal coding experience. Use AI, drag-and-drop tools and pre-built templates to design custom applications for your team's needs and workflows.
  • Integrations: Use pre-built integration channels to unify existing business systems, data sources and workflows with third-party tools. Eliminate manual data entry and ensure all project information is centralized and up-to-date using APIs to develop custom extensions.
  • Automated Workflows: Use automation features to streamline repetitive tasks and processes within your projects. Set up automated triggers and actions based on specific events, such as sending notifications when a task is completed or automatically generating reports when deadlines approach.
  • Dashboards: Use interactive dashboards to gain a real-time, centralized view of all your projects. View key project metrics, resource allocation, task statuses and overall progress to identify potential issues early on and make informed decisions to keep projects on track. Filter, group, modify and search dashboards to improve project analysis. Design highly personalized, role-based dashboards with simple drag-and-drop functionality.
  • Mobile Apps: Build and access mobile-ready applications, monitor projects securely and remotely, and view mobile dashboards.
  • Customizable Reporting: Create custom reports and dynamic dashboards tailored to your specific needs. Analyze project performance, identify trends and make data-driven decisions by intuitively visualizing project data using charts, graphs and tables.
  • Role-Based Security: Improve data security and access control with role-based permission to ensure only authorized personnel can view or modify sensitive project information. Define user roles and assign specific access levels to different team members based on their needs.
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Why We Picked AdvancedMD

AdvancedMD is an intuitive cloud-based tool. While some users were happy with the system’s integration and customization capabilities, far more users were extremely dissatisfied with other aspects of the system. There were mixed reviews on its reporting capabilities. A significant number of reviewers felt that the sales representatives misled customers noting that they lost money after implementing AdvancedMD and commenting that many features lacked the functionality that they required. Though the add-ons allow users to customize the system, many users complained that the add-ons come at a steep price, making them prohibitive to many users. Users also complained that they were surprised by hidden fees after implementation and felt that customer service was rude and unwilling to help when they called for support. A small number of reviews also noted that upgrades to the system frequently caused downtime and reported discrepancies in their billing that affected customers. While many of the reviews were negative, AdvancedMD remains a popular EHR solution. Due to its high price and difficulty to learn, it is best suited to large practices with the budget for necessary add-ons and internal technical support that is available to help ensure everyone who needs to can use the system.

Pros & Cons

  • Customization: Of the reviews that mentioned the system’s customization, more than 70% were happy with the customizations available as add-ons to the system.
  • Integration: Though only mentioned in 10% of reviews, 85% of those reviews felt the system successfully integrated with their other medical software.
  • User-Friendly: About 55% of users who mentioned its user-friendliness found it easy to use and navigate.
  • Implementation: The vendor does not offer sufficient implementation support, and the system has a steep learning curve, as noted by more than 80% of user reviews that discuss getting the system up and running.
  • Functionality: Though the system offers a robust list of features, 66% of reviews that discuss features felt that the features’ functionality was lacking in some aspects.
  • Price: Of the users who mention price in their review, more than 90% were upset with hidden fees and felt that the system’s high price was not worth the money.
  • Customer Support: Of the reviews that discuss customer service and support, 65% felt that customer support was difficult to contact, rarely had sufficient answers to their questions and often failed to resolve the issues users reported.
  • Performance: About 94% of reviewers that mentioned performance said that the system is slow and buggy, with recurring crashes and connectivity issues.

Key Features

  • Scheduling: Medical scheduling tools allow users to quickly view appointments and patient information by hovering their mouse over the calendar. Additionally, patient visits can be tracked, and recurring appointments can be set while automated patient reminders are sent out, reducing no-shows. 
  • Billing: In addition to collecting patient payments, it is able to verify insurance eligibility automatically while providing users with all the necessary medical billing information in one centralized location.  
  • Clearinghouse: Sweep claims of any coding errors to ensure an accurate claim submission. Any copays, deductibles and additional coverage can be automatically verified prior to a patient’s visit, while on-the-spot insurance checks are also efficient. 
  • Patient Portal: Patients can view lab results, pay bills, message their physicians and request office appointments online using its patient portal. Providers can use the portal to exchange messages with a patient, manage prescription renewal requests and send out alerts and notifications. 
  • E-Prescribing: Electronically prescribe medications — including controlled substances — quickly and easily. Connects facilities to a variety of pharmacies around the US, while users can request refills and access a patient’s medication history anywhere. It uses a combination of personal passphrases and secure tokens to complete DEA-required, two-factor authentication. The AdvancedEPCS system maintains a full DEA audit history. 
  • Telemedicine: Telemedicine features facilitate face-to-face conference conversations and secure transmissions of still images or high-resolution video conference screenshots, and stores them to patient files with HIPAA compliance. Schedule telemedicine appointments and view them in one dashboard calendar. 
  • Smart Dashboard: Automatically prioritize and manage frequent tasks using this role-based dashboard. In addition to health analytics, get alerted on any urgent issues, like abnormal lab results or pending prescriptions and drill down or up into tasks. 
  • Configurable Templates: It can be tailored to a variety of specialties, with note and sub-note templates designed by physicians to optimize workflow while fitting in with a facility’s pre-existing style. 
  • Physician-Oriented Dashboard: It enables physicians to view and schedule appointments, staff and patient messages, referral letters, test results and to-do lists in one location. The physician and their staff can respond to patient appointments or prescription renewal requests, reply to questions or send clinical reports. Its interoffice messaging center also allows physicians to send messages to the staff. 
  • Patient Communication Tools: Select which patients would receive either text or email by choosing from existing criteria or creating a new set. Segment patient lists and send specific messages to enhance patient engagement. It also supports sending sales promotions to patients. 
  • Patient Kiosk Mobile App: Complete intake and consent forms on an iPad. The information is automatically captured and passed to relevant staff to facilitate a faster check-in process for patients. 
  • Health Watcher: HealthWatcher offers auto-alerts and custom healthcare plans to enable patients to follow treatment plans. Its interoperable platform allows it to monitor and trend patient population health. It also allows building custom healthcare plans to manage specific conditions based on factors like age, sex, lab results and diagnosis. 

Pricing

License/Subscription Cost
  • Subscription fee is paid monthly based on the number of users
  • Offers standard plans and pre-configured pricing plans
Maintenance Cost
  • Cost is included with the subscription, covering ongoing upgrades and 24/7 customer support
Installation/Implementation Cost
  • Installation cost is included with the subscription fee
Customization Cost
  • Not included in the subscription cost
  • Cost varies depending on the type of custom service chosen
Data Migration Cost/Change Management/Upfront Switching Cost
  • Depends on the amount of data needed to be migrated as well as the complexity and accuracy of that data
Recurring/Renewal Costs
  • Recurring monthly fee is charged based on the subscription model selected
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Why We Picked DrChrono

So, I got the chance to get a free trial access to DrChrono, and here are the key highlights:

  • The platform stands out for its intuitive design, extensive features and customization capabilities.
  • The software is accessible on any device with internet connectivity.
  • Data import from other EHR systems is supported but with certain limitations.
  • It offers four pricing plans and a free trial is available for potential users.

It's a cloud-based system, which means you can access it from anywhere — your laptop, tablet, even your phone! And it covers everything from electronic health records and patient scheduling to billing and telehealth.

One of the things that really impressed us was how customizable it was. You can create your own templates for notes, forms and even entire workflows. This means you can really tailor it to fit your specific needs and preferences, which can save a ton of time.

And speaking of saving time, they've put a lot of thought into their billing features. They have tools to help you code things correctly, submit claims electronically and even track your payments. Anything that helps you get paid faster and with less hassle is a win, right?

However, learning to navigate the billing and insurance modules could take time. It’s a bit confusing to understand how the billing workflow works and how to set one up. Also, you can’t import billing data from your old EHR system.

If you're looking for a comprehensive, user-friendly system that can be customized to your practice, we'd definitely recommend taking a closer look.

They offer four different pricing plans, so you can find one that fits your budget, and they have a free trial so you can test it out and see if it's a good fit for you. It's always good to try before you buy, right?

We’ve discussed more about the features in the See It in Action section. Do check it out to know how the system works in different scenarios.

Pros & Cons

  • Ease of Use: Navigate patient charts, create shortcuts and access billing info without a steep learning curve.
  • Customization: Tailor the system to your specific needs and preferences like customizing templates, workflows and reports.
  • Easy Medical Coding: Find and assign ICD, CPT and HCPCS codes to patients' bills to save time and reduce coding errors.
  • Contractual Obligations: Canceling subscriptions can be challenging, potentially leading to early termination fees. Automatic renewals may also catch you off guard.
  • Subpar Customer Support: Long wait times, unhelpful responses and unresolved issues from customer representatives might disrupt your processes.
  • Occasional Glitches: System crashes, slow navigation and difficulties with scheduling and other functionalities can cause frustration.

Key Features

  • EHR: Provide better care with features like free draw for visual explanations, custom vitals tracking and access to immunization registries
    • Custom Templates: Tailor forms with specific fields, drop-down menus, checkboxes and even add your practice's logo. This ensures your documentation is consistent, efficient and specialized for your needs (e.g., cardiology forms with specific heart diagrams).
    • Electronic Prescriptions: Send prescriptions electronically to pharmacies directly from the patient chart. Access the drug's formulary tier, prior authorization requirements and alternative medications if the prescribed drug isn’t covered. Access patient PDMP data directly within the EHR to identify potential abuse, misuse or doctor shopping.
    • Free Draw: Upload images (x-rays, scans, photos) or use pre-loaded anatomical diagrams within the patient chart and draw directly on them.
    • Custom Vitals: Create vitals specific to your needs including things like blood glucose and oxygen saturation levels. Capture data in various formats: text, numbers or predefined options using dropdown lists. Access the flowsheet to visualize trends in custom vitals over time.
    • Prior Authorizations: Initiate the ePA request directly from the prescribing workflow. Automatically populate the prior authorization request form with relevant patient information (demographics, insurance details, medication prescribed) pulled from the patient's chart.
    • Lab Orders: Integrate with national, regional and specialty labs like Quest Diagnostics and Labcorp. Create predefined lab panels for common tests or specific conditions. For example, you could create a "lipid panel" or a "prenatal panel" with a single click. View lab results within the patient's chart, organized by date, test type and ordering provider.
    • Medical Speech-to-Text: Use voice to input clinical notes, patient histories and other information. See your spoken words appear as text in real time within the EHR to review and edit the transcription as you go.
    • Immunization Registries: Automatically send your patients' vaccination details to the state IIS, ensuring that records are up-to-date and complete. Retrieve immunization records from the IIS, even if your patient received vaccinations elsewhere to avoid unnecessary duplicate vaccinations and identify potential gaps in their immunization schedule.
  • Practice Management: Save time and reduce errors with appointment management tools, including appointment profiles, insurance eligibility checks, online scheduling and automated reminders.
    • Appointment Profiles: Instead of manually entering the same details (length, reason, etc.) for every appointment of the same type, you create a profile once and it auto-fills the details (duration, reason for visit, exam room and billing codes).
    • Eligibility Checks: Verify your patients’ insurance eligibility in real time — check what services are covered under the plan (e.g., office visits, labs, specialists) and any limitations or exclusions.
    • Online Scheduling: Set specific days and times when each provider is available for appointments. Offer different appointment types online (e.g., new patient, follow-up, consultation) with varying durations. Add buffer time between appointments to prevent scheduling conflicts and allow for patient check-in/check-out.
    • Patient Reminders: Send automated appointment reminders via email, text or SMS. Configure reminders to be sent at various intervals before the appointment like — a few days before, the day before or a few hours before.
  • Medical Billing: Improve your revenue cycle management with tools like billing profiles, medical coding and automated claims submission.
    • Billing Profiles: Combine frequently used CPT, HCPCS, custom codes and ICD-10 codes into a single profile. Attach common modifiers to the codes within the profile (e.g., modifier 25 for a significant, separately identifiable E/M service).
    • Medical Coding: Easily search and select the appropriate codes within the EHR using keywords, code numbers or descriptions. Perform basic code checking to identify potential errors such as invalid codes or missing modifiers.
    • Good Faith Estimates: Generate good faith estimates to help patients understand costs upfront and avoid surprise bills.
    • Claims Submission: Submit electronic claims to insurance companies within the system. Track claim statuses in real time. Scrub claims for errors like missing information or formatting mistakes before submitting them to payers to avoid denials and claim rejections.
    • Denial Resolution: Generate denial analysis reports to identify denial patterns. Edit and submit corrected claims directly within the system. If you disagree with a denial, generate appeal letters and track their statuses.
    • Patient Statements: Generate statements for individual patients or groups of patients based on various criteria (e.g., date range, insurance status, outstanding balance).
  • BI Tools: Get a visual summary of key metrics and performance indicators. Generate customizable reports to:
    • Track revenue, expenses and profitability
    • Analyze claim submission, acceptance, denial and reimbursement rates.
    • Track patient demographics, appointment history and billing information.
    • Analyze appointment scheduling and no-show rates.
  • Mobile Capabilities: Schedule appointments, send patient statements, bill insurance, document patient encounters, access lab results and more from iOS devices like iPad, iPhone and Mac.
  • Telehealth: Patients can join the telehealth visit from their computer, tablet or smartphone using the link provided in their email reminder. Providers can share their screens with patients to review medical records, lab results, X-rays or educational materials.
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Why We Picked TigerConnect

Can TigerConnect help your healthcare organization reach new heights, or will it leave you feeling like you're stuck in the digital jungle? User reviews from the past year suggest that TigerConnect is a roaring success for many healthcare organizations, but like any apex predator, it has its weaknesses.

Users consistently praise TigerConnect for its user-friendly interface and robust features, such as role-based messaging and real-time alerts. For instance, one user raved about how TigerConnect streamlined their STEMI call process, replacing outdated pagers with a more efficient and reliable system. This ease of use is critical in fast-paced healthcare environments where every second counts. Another strength is its HIPAA compliance, which gives users peace of mind knowing that sensitive patient information is protected. However, some users have reported challenges with integration and less-than-stellar tech support. Specifically, integrating TigerConnect with existing EHR systems has been a pain point for some, creating a roadblock to seamless communication.

What sets TigerConnect apart is its focus on improving clinical workflows and patient care. Features like team activation and the ability to attach patient references to messages enable faster decision-making and more coordinated care. Imagine a scenario where a nurse can instantly alert the entire care team about a patient's deteriorating condition, including relevant medical history, with a single message. This level of streamlined communication can be a game-changer for patient outcomes.

TigerConnect is best suited for healthcare organizations of all sizes looking to enhance communication, streamline workflows, and improve patient care. Its robust features, ease of use, and focus on security make it a valuable tool for hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare providers. However, organizations with complex IT infrastructures should carefully consider the integration challenges and weigh them against the potential benefits.

Pros & Cons

  • Seamless Communication: TigerConnect enables efficient communication among healthcare providers through features like secure messaging, voice and video calling, and real-time alerts.
  • Improved Workflow Efficiency: The platform streamlines workflows with automated physician scheduling, role-based messaging, and integration capabilities with EHR and other healthcare systems.
  • Enhanced Patient Care: TigerConnect facilitates care coordination, patient engagement, and faster decision-making, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes and satisfaction.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Users consistently praise TigerConnect for its intuitive and easy-to-use interface, requiring minimal training and onboarding efforts.
  • Robust Security and Compliance: As a HIPAA-compliant and HITRUST-certified solution, TigerConnect prioritizes data security and privacy, ensuring the safe exchange of protected health information.
  • Limited Texting Features: Users have expressed dissatisfaction with the platform's texting capabilities, citing the inability to tag colleagues in messages, lack of new message notifications, and automatic message deletion after 30 days as significant drawbacks.
  • Technical Issues: Some users have reported experiencing bugs and glitches, including abrupt logouts, system crashes, and slow performance, which can be disruptive to workflow.
  • Difficult Integration: Integrating TigerConnect with existing EHR systems has proven to be a pain point for some users, leading to delays and frustration.
  • Unhelpful Customer Support: Some users have reported negative experiences with TigerConnect's customer support, describing it as unresponsive and unhelpful.

Key Features

  • Secure Messaging: End-to-end encryption ensures that all communications remain confidential and compliant with HIPAA regulations.
  • Role-Based Messaging: Allows users to send messages to specific roles (e.g., "On-Call Cardiologist") rather than individual users, streamlining communication.
  • Priority Messaging: Enables urgent messages to be flagged, ensuring they are seen and addressed promptly.
  • Message Recall: Provides the ability to recall sent messages, reducing the risk of miscommunication or errors.
  • Read Receipts: Confirms when messages have been read, enhancing accountability and follow-up.
  • Voice and Video Calling: Facilitates real-time voice and video communication directly within the app, supporting telehealth and remote consultations.
  • File Sharing: Securely shares patient files, images, and documents, ensuring all team members have access to necessary information.
  • Broadcast Messaging: Sends important announcements to large groups or entire departments quickly and efficiently.
  • Integration with EHR Systems: Seamlessly integrates with electronic health record systems, allowing for easy access to patient data and streamlined workflows.
  • On-Call Scheduling: Manages and displays on-call schedules, ensuring the right personnel are contacted during emergencies.
  • Audit Trails: Maintains detailed logs of all communications for compliance and auditing purposes.
  • Customizable Workflows: Tailors communication workflows to fit the specific needs of different departments or teams.
  • Mobile and Desktop Access: Provides flexibility with apps available for both mobile devices and desktop computers.
  • Group Messaging: Facilitates team collaboration by allowing multiple users to participate in a single conversation thread.
  • Patient Communication: Enables secure messaging with patients, enhancing patient engagement and care coordination.
  • Analytics and Reporting: Offers insights into communication patterns and performance metrics, helping to identify areas for improvement.
  • Directory Services: Provides a comprehensive directory of all staff members, making it easy to find and contact colleagues.
  • Custom Alerts and Notifications: Configures alerts and notifications to ensure critical messages are not missed.
  • Compliance and Security: Adheres to industry standards and regulations, including HIPAA, ensuring data security and privacy.
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Why We Picked TherapyNotes

Stepping into the bustling world of mental health practice management software, TherapyNotes emerges as a prominent contender, lauded for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features. Feedback from users over the past year paints a picture of a platform that streamlines administrative tasks, allowing practitioners to dedicate more time and energy to their clients. The software's scheduling tools, billing features, and secure communication channels have received consistent praise for their ease of use and effectiveness in optimizing workflows.

While TherapyNotes shines in its core functionalities, some users have noted the absence of a reporting dashboard and limited third-party integrations as areas for potential improvement. However, the software's strengths in facilitating efficient scheduling, secure client communication, and streamlined billing processes appear to outweigh these limitations for many users. The platform's emphasis on ease of use and affordability further distinguishes it from competitors, making it an attractive option for solo practitioners and small to medium-sized practices seeking a comprehensive yet cost-effective solution.

TherapyNotes appears to be an ideal fit for mental health professionals who prioritize a user-friendly experience and value a robust set of features that address the essential aspects of practice management. Its intuitive design and focus on core functionalities make it particularly well-suited for those who prefer a streamlined approach to managing their practice, allowing them to focus on what matters most—providing quality care to their clients.

Pros & Cons

  • Streamlined Notes: The platform offers multiple note templates, which can be customized to fit individual workflows and preferences. This feature can save clinicians time and effort when documenting sessions.
  • Integrated Billing: TherapyNotes includes features for managing billing tasks, such as generating invoices and processing payments. This can simplify the billing process for mental health professionals.
  • Appointment Scheduling: Users can manage their schedules and appointments directly within the platform. Clients can also request appointments online, which can streamline the scheduling process.
  • Client Portal: TherapyNotes provides a secure client portal where clients can access their records, schedule appointments, and communicate with their therapists. This can improve communication and engagement between therapists and clients.
  • Telehealth Capabilities: The platform offers telehealth features, allowing therapists to conduct virtual sessions with clients. This can be a convenient option for clients who are unable to attend in-person appointments.
  • Limited Customization: Users have expressed frustration with the lack of flexibility in tailoring the platform to their specific workflows and preferences. For example, customizing intake forms or treatment plans to align with unique practice needs can be challenging.
  • Billing Challenges: Several users have reported encountering difficulties and a learning curve associated with the billing features, particularly electronic claim submission and managing insurance reimbursements.
  • Customer Support Concerns: Some users have shared feedback regarding occasional delays or challenges in obtaining timely and effective assistance from TherapyNotes customer support, especially during peak hours or with complex technical issues.

Key Features

  • Calendar: Schedule one-time or recurring appointments, access appointment-related notes and send automated reminders to patients. Organize the calendar according to clinicians, specific clients or certain practice locations. Offers a personal to-do list with treatment plans, notes, administrative documents and more. 
  • Electronic Records: Enables quick documentation and notes with speech-to-text software, built-in templates and searchable diagnosis codes. Also gives physicians immediate access to patient records and notes. 
  • Billing: Handles every step of the billing process, including insurance eligibility verification, claim submission and payments. Claims can be automatically swept of any mistakes or coding errors. Supports generating superbills with all necessary information for prompt reimbursement. 
  • Credit Card Processing: Deposit funds automatically to a bank account with the integrated payment processing system. Keeps cards on file for any missed appointment fees or future transactions. 
  • Client Portal: Patients can manage appointments themselves using TherapyPortal on their mobile device. Physicians can communicate with their clients remotely by exchanging messages, video chatting, adding notes and more. Includes configuration of color scheme, logo and welcome message. 
  • Telehealth: Physicians can meet clients online for convenient video sessions. Sessions are encrypted and integrated into TherapyNotes and the patient portal. 
  • Scheduling: Schedule appointments and manage tasks on the to-do list for higher efficiency by connecting the to-do list to records, notes and billing. With quick appointment scheduling, it also allows customization of the calendar view and mobile calendar sync. 

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All Physician Scheduling Software (49 found)

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FollowMyHealth

by Allscripts
FollowMyHealth
FollowMyHealth is a patient engagement software designed to empower patients to take an active role in their healthcare. It offers a suite of features that enable patients to access their medical records, communicate with providers, schedule appointments, and manage their health data. FollowMyHealth is most suited for healthcare organizations of all sizes, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Key benefits of FollowMyHealth include improved patient engagement, increased patient satisfaction, and enhanced care coordination. Popular features include secure messaging, appointment scheduling, medication management, and health tracking tools. User reviews indicate that FollowMyHealth is generally easy to use and navigate. However, some users have noted that the software can be slow at times. Pricing for FollowMyHealth is typically based on the number of patients and providers using the system, and can range from a few thousand dollars per year to hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. Pros Easy access to records Secure messaging Appointment scheduling Medication management Health tracking tools Cons Can be slow at times Limited customization Lacks some advanced features Mobile app could be better Customer support can be slow
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: poor
Cost Breakdown
$10 or less
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Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
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DrChrono

by drchrono
DrChrono
DrChrono is a cloud-based EHR and medical billing solution that replaces the chaos of paper charts and separate systems with a single, easy-to-use platform for managing all aspects of a medical practice.For doctors, this means: Effortless Access to Patient Information: Imagine having a patient's medical history — allergies, medications, past visits — at your fingertips. Simplified Appointments and Prescriptions: Schedule appointments and send prescriptions electronically in just a few clicks.For patients, it means: Taking Control of Their Health: Book appointments, communicate with their doctor and access their own records through the patient portal. Staying on Track: Receive automated reminders for appointments and medication refills.And for the practice as a whole, the system helps: Get Paid Faster: Automate billing and insurance claims to reduce errors and speed up payments. Improve Financial Health: Track outstanding payments and identify potential billing issues. Negotiate Better Rates: Gain insights to negotiate more effectively with insurance companies.We tested the system to see how it works in real-world scenarios. Here’s what we think: while mastering the billing module may require some effort and billing data import has limitations, the system’s intuitive interface and accessibility from any device make it a user-friendly option.A free trial and flexible pricing plans allow you to explore its potential and determine the right fit for your practice.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$100 - $500
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Buyer's Guide

Physician Scheduling Software Is All About Managing Patient and Staff Schedules 

Physician Scheduling Software BG Intro

Physician scheduling software are easy-to-use applications that simplify clinical workflows to reduce burnout and improve patient access. It plays a crucial part in creating and optimizing employee schedules, saving time and extra effort. The solutions help clinics strike a balance between organizational needs and managing growing patient needs. Health care organizations worldwide adopt scheduling applications to streamline appointment bookings, manage resources, account for scheduling and boost employee morale. These software form a bridge between patient and provider by allowing appointment booking only in available slots.

However, the challenge that plagues physicians, doctors, dentists, clinicians and all other types of health care providers in the 21st century is patient no-shows. An effective scheduling solution can not only manage your patient appointments but also drive patient engagement. With a myriad of medical software vendors in the market, we have penned down this buyer’s guide to help you choose the right software for your clinical needs. Let’s get into it.

Executive Summary

  • Physician scheduling software automates appointment and staff scheduling processes and saves time.
  • The software can help arrange doctor visits and patient appointments.
  • Physician scheduling software helps eliminate scheduling challenges, account for irregularities and boost employee morale.

What This Guide Covers:

What Is Physician Scheduling Software?

Physician scheduling software plays a crucial role in helping clinics manage and organize patient and staff schedules. Their features include appointment scheduling, physician management, patient record management, billing and invoicing, and more. These applications digitize your clinic and eliminate long waiting times, poor communication and inadequate use of resources. A scheduling solution makes a clinic more efficient and cost-effective, driving better patient outcomes.

The software provides the capability of arranging doctors’ visits and tracking home consultations. It also acts as an assistant and automates communication between your staff and patients. In addition, an efficient solution readily notifies the clinical staff about new bookings or any change in the existing ones. During the COVID-19 pandemic, video consultation has emerged as a must-have for all medical software. Scheduling applications integrate with Zoom and other online video platforms to provide video calling features. Having said that, you need to be careful while purchasing physician scheduling software. Scope the infrastructure thoroughly to pinpoint your requirements and then take the next step.

Primary Benefits

Benefits of Physician Scheduling Software

A physician scheduling software will help your clinic reach new heights of productivity and efficiency. It takes the burden of scheduling off staff shoulders and allows them to focus entirely on caregiving. While buying scheduling software, you should know about the benefits it offers.

Automate Appointment Scheduling

The key to efficiency in health care is appointment management. It enables a clinic to avoid long hold times, reduce inadequate capture of eligibility and prior authorization requirements, and deliver high-quality care. Opting for a physician scheduling software automates your patients’ appointment scheduling process and takes the heavy lifting off the staff’s shoulders. Further, the solution also ensures that appointments don’t exceed the doctor’s consultation time.

Increase in Productivity

Bid farewell to manual management and appointment scheduling. With physician scheduling software, administrators can breathe easily as the tedious tasks such as record-keeping, rescheduling, cancellations and sending reminders will not take their precious time and effort anymore. Instead, it will automate these tasks and increase the overall productivity of the clinic.

Efficient Resource Allocation

Along with appointment scheduling, the software provides customizable calendars that update doctors and staff about upcoming appointments and available slots. This will help you stay updated with both doctors’ and patients’ schedules and allocate staff properly to provide an optimum experience for patients.

Self-Help Patient Portal and Streamlined Workflows

With physician scheduling applications, you provide an option for patients to take part actively in the treatment life cycle. To that end, self-help portals and mobile apps offer patients access to the clinic’s services 24/7. They can avail of services at their will and change booked appointments easily without having to call the clinic’s front desk. Staff and doctors can stay updated about the upcoming appointments easily.

Key Features & Functionality

Appointment Scheduling

Streamline appointment booking and modification according to the needs of both doctors and patients. Update the reserved slots for appointments on a centralized calendar accessible by both doctors and staff.

Charting

Keep a complete record of a patient’s key clinical data and medical history, including laboratory and test results. This systematic documentation of patients’ medical histories helps doctors to make appropriate decisions for their care. Ensure the charts are complete and accurately updated from time to time.

Patient’s Record Management

Maintain patient records in a secure and centralized location accessible to all. Enable doctors to avail patients’ medical records quickly to provide better care. An efficient consultation will also increase patients’ satisfaction, which leads to retention. Further, automating essential and time-consuming processes can improve overall efficiency and quality of caregiving.

Calendar Sync

Sync the accepted, delayed and changed appointments in the digital calendar. Ensure that all changes in appointment timings update automatically in the calendar. Advise doctors and staff to check the calendar daily. Doctors can also make changes to the appointment schedules.

Billing and Payments

Automate billing and invoice processes to ensure that the heavy lifting is off the staff’s shoulders. With the administrative process freeing up, allocate them to more pressing matters like caregiving. Keep track of all invoices and payments received and made to third parties and stay on top of the finances.

Staff Management

Create schedules and solve communication issues to ensure every staff member is correctly utilized and the team is working with maximum efficiency. Place staff members in their specific roles to get the most of them. In addition, place better attention on the well-being of the staff and monitor their effort. Promote and move staff around to increase productivity.

Physician Management

Free up physicians’ time by taking the burden of administrative duties away from them. Automate appointment scheduling and billing. In addition, sync calendars to keep physicians updated with their schedules and allow them to change or cancel appointments in case of emergencies.

Recurring Appointments

Automate the process of appointment scheduling for future appointments. Automatically notify doctors and staff when there is a new appointment or any changes in existing ones. Further, text notifications are sent to patients to alert them of appointment booking confirmation, timings and cost of the visit.

Software Comparison Strategy

After covering features and learning the benefits of the software, it’s time to draw out a plan to compare the available products. With the growth of the medical industry, the software markets are fast reaching the tipping point. With multiple vendors in the market, selecting the best software can be a daunting task for you. However, there are ways you can get certain insights that will help you in the selection journey. The first and foremost consideration you need to make is how big your organization is. Each organization has specific requirements, and usually, there are different versions of the applications to fit individual needs. You can also opt for an expert opinion for better guidance.

The second consideration you need to make is how the software will integrate with your current infrastructure. Though most software has integration features that make them compatible with existing hardware and software, you need to ensure that it sets in the workflow properly.

Then comes what type of application you ought to opt for, on-premise or cloud. While on-premise systems can be beneficial for small and medium sized businesses for its capability of storing data in one place, it is costly. The up front costs associated with these systems are huge which might be a roadblock for small time companies to bear. Furthermore, the company needs to pay for additional IT support to keep the system running.

On the other hand, cloud-based products offer much needed flexibility to large firms to communicate and share information across large geographical distances. However, they lack security. As data travels over from one location to another, oftentimes the information can get hacked. Cloud services also often require you to pay monthly fees per user which can really add up for a large organization with a lot of employees.

Choose the one most appropriate for your needs and facility.

Cost & Pricing Considerations

According to the current analysis of Reports and Data, the global medical scheduling software market was valued at $234.8 million in 2018 and is expected to reach $612.5 million by the year 2026, at a CAGR of 12.7%.

Medical Scheduling Software Market Growth

With the physician scheduling software market growing at a rapid pace, several vendors are joining in with their attractive solutions and service offerings. In this situation, you need to conduct detailed planning to get your hands on the perfect solution for the clinic.

Features Required

The first and foremost thing to consider is the features you require in the software to streamline clinical workflows. Carefully scope the entire facility and pinpoint the glaring gaps in the infrastructure and processes which are slowing you down. Post this, you need to decide if you want to go for cloud-based or on-premise software.

Budget

It is needless to say that budget is one of the main points that need your consideration while beginning the purchase journey. Set your budget ahead of time so you can determine the product that best covers your requirements without breaking the bank. Purchasing software is not a daily or monthly affair, so you need to get your hands on an application that works long-term. Carefully go through each and every software available in the price range and select the one best suited for your needs.

The Most Popular Physician Scheduling Software

Now that you’ve gone through all the specifications and requirements of software purchase, it’s time to look at some of the most popular physician scheduling software that is creating a buzz on the market. We’ve taken the liberty to put forth a list of the applications that are standing out from the rest in terms of price and offerings.

Note: The products are the most popular overall medical products, not specifically just physician scheduling software.

Optum

Optum leverages local medical groups and ambulatory care systems to provide direct care to patients. It helps clinics scale up their care delivery by providing them with a myriad of features, including billing, appointment scheduling, physician management and notification alerts. Driven by innovation at the core, the software compiles medical delivery, reporting technology and services with an elaborate database and expertise to accelerate care delivery while increasing the quality of care. In addition, it is improving access and expanding resources to achieve medical equity in the world. It is one of the few applications that are able to combine all the aspects of health care and provide a comprehensive overview to patients.

Optum

Optum’s physician scheduling software.

WebPT

A web-based physical therapy EMR solution, WebPT helps clinics attract more customers with its all-in-one outpatient therapy tools. With features like scheduling, documentation, billing, outcomes tracking and business reporting, the software enables interoperability by integrating with existing frameworks. Created by therapists for therapists, it optimizes patient care with customization options to align with the therapist’s will. It also takes care of administrative and official tasks like appointment scheduling and allows clinicians to dedicate most of their time to patients. With more than 43,000 rehabilitation professionals using WebPT, it is clear how efficient the software is.

WebPT

WebPT’s appointment scheduling feature.

athenahealth

A cloud-based clinical and financial solution, athenahealth helps clinics alleviate the burden of administrative tasks with the power of automation. The solution helps them move from a closed system to a data-driven ecosystem to improve patient care services. Its features include medical billing, patient engagement, telehealth capabilities and EHR. Clinicians can control costs and maximize productivity by leveraging the most adaptable, network-enabled suite of services. In addition, it combines insights with deep industry knowledge to automate administrative tasks while delivering exceptional patient and provider experiences.

WebPT

athenahealth’s treatment assessment planner.

 

 

Questions To Ask

There are countless ways to go about software selection. One of the successful ones is to ask internal questions. Go through the infrastructure and the existing processes, pinpoint the gaps and shortlist a handful of efficient physician scheduling solutions to fill it. You might start with the following questions:

  • Do I own a small, medium or large-sized clinic? How many users will need access to the software at a time?
  • Should I go for an on-premise system or cloud application?
  • Do I have enough budget to procure all the necessary features I require?
  • Are my requirements industry-specific?
  • How will I accommodate the new software?

Physician Scheduling Key Questions To Ask

After you answer all the internal questions, you must visit vendors to ask them questions about the services and software they provide. Make a list of questions you need insight on. You can start with these:

  • How many users can access it at the same time?
  • Does the software have all the capabilities that I need to streamline my workflows?
  • What kinds of support do you offer?
  • Is your service team online 24/7?
  • Is there any training that comes with the software?

In Conclusion

Purchasing a scheduling solution is not an easy task. A physician scheduling software will not only automate management processes but also play a key role in providing high-quality patient care. It will automate your appointment scheduling processes, freeing up time for you to focus on better care delivery. Understanding the difficulty that might come with purchasing scheduling software, we have put forth this buyer’s guide to help you gain a deeper understanding of the software available on the market.

About The Contributors

The following expert team members are responsible for creating, reviewing, and fact checking the accuracy of this content.

Technical Content Writer
As a technical writer and market analyst at SelectHub, Samikshan creates content for construction takeoff, medical EMR, EHR and ambulatory niches. He is a bibliophile and an ardent football fan with an unquenchable thirst for adventure. Outside business hours, one can find him on the football pitch or in his room, listening to metal music and patting his cat, Newton.
Edited By Ryan McElroy
Content Editor
Ryan McElroy is a Content Editor and Senior Market Analyst at SelectHub who writes and edits content on various software types, along with their broader concepts and the industries they serve, including medical, construction, CMMS, supply chain management and legal. He studied at the University of Missouri (Mizzou) and earned his BA in Journalism in 2016. During his free time, you’ll find Ryan playing video/card/board games, sipping coffee and reading speculative fiction, or listening to music his loved ones often describe as “headache-inducing.”