A Review of the Best Practice Management Software (PMS)
Healthcare centers usually have many activities requiring efficient management to ensure maximum patient satisfaction. Whether it’s a large medical center or a single specialty practice, innovative technological tools are needed to ensure workflow efficiency, resulting in sustainable growth.
From capturing and reporting patient demographics to scheduling appointments online and providing billing solutions, the importance of Practice Management Software (PMS) in the health industry cannot be overstated.
PMS optimizes healthcare administration, managing appointments, patient data, and insurance claims. It simplifies financial processes, reduces errors, and aids in compliant decision-making, improving patient care communication. Its scalability fosters practice growth, elevating patient satisfaction and referrals while lessening administrative duties, allowing providers to focus more on patient care and their own development.
The ability to automate patient care activities and improve practice operations are reasons why these tools hold the potential to advance the way healthcare is provided. If your practice is in need of medical practice management software, then your choice of PMS will depend on the features you desire to have in your software.
- Online Appointment Scheduling
- A Patient Portal
- A Colour-Coded Calendar
- Automated Reminders and Notifications
- Telehealth Appointments
- Online Patient Check-Ins
This article aims to assist healthcare practitioners and large medical centers in their search for software solutions to streamline their operational processes.
Our top picks for healthcare practice management software
- Nextech
- CareCloud
- AthenaHealth
- NextPatient
- DrChrono
- Aesthetic Record
- PatientNow
Nextech
Nextech is a cloud-based practice management software that has been around for nearly three decades, serving healthcare practices in the US. This PMS is designed for plastic surgeons, ophthalmologists, dermatologists, orthopedics, and medical spas.
Nextech helps healthcare providers streamline their processes, increase efficiency, and improve patient care. The company’s products and services include
- Electronic Medical Records (EMR)
- Practice Management (PM)
- Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) software.
Nextech’s EHR software is cloud-based and Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) certified. It provides a comprehensive suite of features to manage patient records, such as scheduling, billing, and reporting.
More than 100,000+ healthcare providers use Nextech solutions in more than 50 countries.
Ease of use
The Nextech practice management software offers a user-friendly platform that is easy to implement and operate but may have a steep learning curve. With features that are updated to the latest trends in the industry and simplified updates, you can conveniently access any part of the platform. The software is also optimally functional across different operating systems. At first glance, the software interface looks straightforward, and the front-end appointment scheduling and billing features are also structured for flawless operation.
Being a software that allows customizations, you can structure the interface to suit your operating model.
Pricing
$500+ per month, per provider.PMS + EMR = $2160 per month
| Pros | Cons |
| Cloud-Based | Cost |
| Integration Capabilities | Long Learning Curve |
| Comprehensive Patient Management | Occasional Technical Glitches |
| Increased revenue | Limited Customization |
| Security and Compliance with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) regulations | Customer support can be slow |
Integrations
Nextech’s open Application Programming Interface (API) enables users to integrate with third-party applications. It allows connection with Substitutable Medical Applications, Reusable Technologies (SMART) on Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) apps, allowing developers to extend the platform’s capabilities with 3rd party applications. Also, you must have the proper authenticated credentials before accessing Nextech API integration. Various software integrates with Nextech, including Birdeye, Stripe, Podium, DoctorConnect, Abyde and more.
For a more comprehensive review of Nextech’s features, read our comprehensive Nextech PMS software review.
CareCloud
Carecloud is a practice management software solution that helps healthcare practitioners maintain work efficiency. Carecloud is an integrated EMR and PMS software solution that gives you everything you need to run your medical practice efficiently.
On its PMS front, you can customize the features and use colour-coding attributes to mark your calendars and charts. Its patient engagement solutions allow you to communicate with your patients and transmit information in real-time.
Ease of use
With its logical interface arrangements, the CareCloud software provides an outstanding user experience with well-designed workflows. This platform’s workflow is designed to replicate the physical process of a healthcare center with extra functionalities that make it uniquely efficient. It’s easy to navigate, and its “Breeze” appointment scheduling software is user-friendly on both the patient and practitioner ends of the system.
Pricing
$628 per month, per provider
| Pros | Cons |
| Cloud-Based | Limited Customization |
| Easy To Use | Limited Integrations |
| Scalable | Occasional Technical Glitches |
| Affordable Pricing | Slow Performance and Downtime |
| Telemedicine Integration | Limited Customer Support |
Integrations
CareCloud has an open, developer-friendly REST API functionality that allows easy integration with apps and service software. Its integration with DrChrono’s electronic prescribing platform ensures secure and error-free medication prescriptions.
The BirdEye tool enhances patient engagement, allowing practices to gather and manage feedback effectively, thus improving the patient experience and online reputation. Additionally, ChartLogs integration streamlines patient record management, and the Virtual Interaction feature enables real-time virtual patient visits, facilitating convenient remote care and efficient information synchronization.
Read more on CareCloud Practice Management Software Review
AthenaHealth
AthenaOne by AthenaHealth is an all-in-one EHR and practice management solution enhances clinical workflow and patient care with its comprehensive suite of tools. Renowned for efficient front desk operations and patient management, AthenaOne offers features like streamlined workflows, fast claim processing, and enhanced patient engagement.
Its modern scheduling, telehealth, and electronic prescribing capabilities, alongside robust billing functions, empower practices to make data-driven decisions for improved efficiency and patient care.
Ease of Use
The AtheneOne software reporting features are customizable and allow you to tailor its functions to your preferences. However, it presents a little less seamless navigation around the interface, as users will always have to return to the homepage before proceeding to any other interface. However, the appointment calendar is easy to access, and you can also set up reminders to reduce no-shows.
Pricing
$140 per month, per provider
| Pros | Cons |
| User-friendly Interface | High-cost |
| HIPAA Compliance | Customization Limits |
| Integrated EHR | Limited Integration with Other Software |
| Regular Updates | Technical Glitches |
| Real-time Data and Insights | Poor Customer Support |
Integrations
Athenahealth provides an extensive suite of proprietary APIs, from HL7® to Certified FhIR, facilitating standardized data exchange and robust security with OAuth authentication. These Certified APIs, available at no extra cost, enable seamless integration and data sharing, fostering an environment of innovation and enhanced care quality.
The platform’s RESTful FHIR APIs further revolutionize data interoperability, supporting the development of secure, scalable healthcare applications.
Read more on AthenaHealth Practice Management Software Review
NextPatient
NextPatient offers an intuitive solution for managing front desk activities in medical practices, facilitating smooth appointment scheduling and reminder management.
Handling more than 400,000 appointments monthly, it’s equipped with features for virtual check-ins, reputation management, and more aimed at improving patient satisfaction and practice expansion. While it doesn’t cover billing and claims, its integration with Stripe for payment management underscores its commitment to improving patient care with modern online booking systems.
Ease of use
The NextPatient practice management software is easy for patients and practitioners, with a user-friendly interface requiring little to no training. The online scheduling feature is customizable, and the patient engagement and messaging tool allow practitioners to interact with patients and share medical information seamlessly.
Pricing
$300 per month per provider
| Pros | Cons |
| Customizable Dashboards | Limited functionality |
| Affordable pricing | Potential for bugs and glitches |
| Telehealth capabilities | Limited integration options |
| Improved scheduling and patient flow | Poor customer support |
| Cloud-based and scalable | Limited Integrations |
Integrations
NextPatient seamlessly integrates with leading platforms like AthenaHealth, Nextech, and Modernizing Medicine, enhancing patient scheduling and record management. It’s also compatible with Allscripts for improved patient record access and CureMD for simplified administrative tasks.
Furthermore, the integration with DrChrono and AdvancedMD offers robust EHR solutions and customizable clinical tools, while CareCloud compatibility streamlines appointment scheduling, optimizing overall patient flow and care efficiency.
Read more on NextPatient Practice Management Software Review
DrChrono
Dr. Chrono streamlines healthcare practice management by integrating Electronic Health Records, Practice Management, Telehealth, and Medical Billing with RCM. Targeting various medical practices, especially new ones, provides free setup, flexible pricing, and an open API for customization.
Key features include patient chat, reporting, reminders, e-prescribing, and comprehensive revenue cycle management, complemented by a convenient web-based patient portal.
Ease of use
The DrChrono practice management software is customizable, and medical practitioners find it easy to use due to its user-friendly interface and functions, which can be understood without prior experience. Its laid-out functions are easy to navigate with no redundant information and require minimal training.
Pricing
Starts from $249 to $1200 per month, per provider
| Pros | Cons |
| Cloud-based and mobile-friendly | Limited customer support |
| Integrated e-prescribing | High-cost |
| Comprehensive reporting and analytics | Data security concerns |
| Patient self-service portal | Lack of transparency |
| Online patient scheduling | Technical glitches |
Integrations
DrChrono’s integration capabilities are extensive, featuring an open-source API compatible with all programming languages for diverse integrations. It supports Box for secure patient record storage, Square POS for financial transactions, and AmbraHealth for medical image management.
The platform enhances functionality with Grow for customized reporting and Rater8 for online review management, and its API integrates smoothly with various analytics and marketing tools, including CMS and CRM systems like ZOHO, Google Analytics, and Mailchimp.
Read more on DrChrono Practice Management Software Review
Aesthetic Record
Aesthetic Record is a versatile practice management software tailored for aesthetic medical practices, suitable for both large and small medical spas and plastic surgery clinics. It effectively streamlines appointment scheduling, billing, and patient communication and is adaptable to varying practice sizes.
The software also encompasses a comprehensive EMR and office management system, offering features like customizable treatment templates, e-consents, and integrated POS and inventory management, catering to the diverse needs of medical clinics.
Ease of use
Practitioners can quickly learn the Aesthetic Record software with its Learning Lab Feature. Aesthetic Record’s software can transform the patient experience and practice management with features enabling task automation.
Aesthetic Record’s software interface is comprehensively arranged to allow users to access its functions easily. The software boosts patient confidence by displaying a visible look at what stage they are in their treatment. They can also digitally submit images and sign waivers. The patient portal also allows for the transfer of medical records and the scheduling of appointments.
Pricing
Starts at $12 per user per month to $16 per user per month.
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to use and navigate | Limited reporting and analytics |
| Automated tasks and reminders | Customer support issues |
| Mobile app for patient access | Occasional technical glitches |
| Cloud-based storage and accessibility | Not suitable for large practices |
| Comprehensive and user-friendly interface | Pricing Structure |
Integrations
Aesthetic Record enhances its practice management capabilities with a comprehensive suite of integrations, including ZOHO, Mailchimp, Google Analytics, Zapier, and Hubspot. These integrations streamline customer information management, email marketing, and CRM workflows, with Hubspot specifically enhancing marketing data flow. Together, they significantly elevate the efficiency and productivity of Aesthetic Record’s system.
It integrates with Cherry Finance, providing up to $10,000 in approvals for patient financing. When activated, the software’s integrated point-of-sale system gives you access to the patient wallet, recurring income, appointment booking deposit and cancellation policy, and other revenue management capabilities on the platform for a $10 monthly connection fee.
Read more on Aesthetic Record Practice Management Software Review
PatientNow
Offering an all-in-one Med Spa software solution, PatientNow’s cloud-based system is ideal for healthcare practices seeking advanced and user-friendly features in EMR, patient engagement, and payment tools.
The software caters to a broad spectrum of healthcare practices, including Med Spas, plastic surgery, and dermatology. PatientNow enhances practice management with its mobile and web applications, enabling remote access to profile management, appointment scheduling, and insightful performance tracking.
PatientNow has its own inbuilt marketing, analytics and data reporting functions such as RX Marketing, RXPhoto, EMR and payment tools.
Ease of use
PatientNow’s user interface is beginner-friendly and requires minimal training or experience to navigate. Users can quickly and easily navigate to any feature or feature of the site. Providers have access to the same user-friendly and adaptable interface as their patients.
While the platform can be modified, only the brand logo area can be changed on the patient appointment booking interface. The input fields for patient details and the page colour are fixed. As a result, medical facilities may be unable to tailor the platform to their specific requirements.
Pricing
Starts at $249/month to $349/month, highest package is available upon request.
| Pros | Cons |
| Cloud-based storage and accessibility | Limited customization options |
| Integrated Electronic Health Records (EHR) | Integration challenges |
| Workflow Automation | Customer Support Issues |
| Customizable Templates | Compatibility Issues |
| Mobile app for patient access | Scalability Challenges |
Integrations
PatientNow’s comprehensive software solutions encompass in-house marketing, analytics, and data reporting, including tools such as RX Marketing and RXPhoto.
The platform selectively integrates with third-party software like Nextech and includes advanced features like ANN for marketing strategy refinement, Pettigrew for improved billing and online reputation, and Cherry Financial for accessible patient financing. Open to custom integration requests, PatientNow continuously adapts to meet diverse healthcare needs.
Read more on PatientNow Practice Management Software Review
Comparison of our top picks
| PMS | Nextech | CareCloud | AthenaHealth | DrChrono | PatientNow | Aesthetic Record | NextPatient |
| Medical billing tool | Available, No staff needed | Requires staffing | Requires staffing | Available, No staff needed | Requires staffing | Requires staffing | Not available |
| Appointment reminders | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing | $500+ per month, per provider.PMS + EMR = $2160 per month | $628 per month, per provider | $140 per month, per provider | Starts from $249 to $1200 per month, per provider | Starts at $249/month to $349/month, highest package is available upon request. | Starts at $12 per user per month to $16 per user per month. | $300 per month, per provider |
| Integrations and Open API | Yes | Yes | Certified API Access | Yes | Yes | Yes | Integrations available but no open API |
| E-prescribe | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Setup or implementation time | 48 hours | 90 days | 4-6 weeks; with dedicated account manager | 4-8 weeks | 60 days | 30 to 45 days | 10 days |
| Patient engagement tool | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Reputation management | Not Inbuilt, but available via partner software | Available | Not Inbuilt, but available via partner software | Not Inbuilt, but available via partner software | Available | Available | Available |
| Practice charting | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Clinical notes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Final Verdict
Although each healthcare practice management software reviewed above comes with its unique benefits, medical practices should be looking for software with features that are tailored to their needs. Customizable practice management software like CareCloud and AthenaHealth has features that can be easily structured to meet specific practice needs.
Next Patient, which offers online scheduling, digital check-in, advanced reminders and texting, and reputation management features, is ideal for small and new medical practices. If your practice only needs the previously mentioned features but does not require medical billing, open API, revenue cycle management, or charting and reporting functions, then NextPatient may be a good choice. It also has a modern look combined with a user-friendly interface.
Open API and easy integration make it possible for practices to improve the relevance of the PMS. CareCloud offers the most openly accessible API that integrates with plugins and software, while AthenaHealth software also has an accessible FHIR API.
Also, If you are looking for a tool to effectively handle your billings and claims without needing to hire a billing staff, then Nextech has its own internal billing and claims management tool that processes all your payments without the help of physical staff or third-party services.
To choose the right practice management software for your healthcare practice, you need to look at the software that offers the best-suited functionalities for your workflows while considering the cost. We hope that this article, which compares these practice management software, will help you make the right choice.