Best Patient Communication App? See Our Top 10

Introduction to Patient Communication Tools

In the high-stakes world of healthcare, seamless interaction is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. A robust patient communication app can bridge the gap, ensuring timely reminders, streamlined appointment scheduling, and enhanced patient engagement. 

And did you know that 80% of serious medical errors are linked to miscommunication during patient handovers? Inefficient communications may cost your practice valuable time and patient trust.  Moreover, practices with effective communication strategies see a 23% improvement in patient outcomes.

This is where a patient communication app comes in. These apps facilitate appointment scheduling, send reminders, and provide a secure platform for exchanging health information. With countless options available, how do you find the perfect fit for your practice? Let’s dive into the blog and explore solutions, examining the top patient communication apps designed to enhance healthcare delivery and boost patient satisfaction.

Top 10 Patient Communication Apps: A Quick Comparison

With so many patient communication tools available, choosing the right one for your practice can be overwhelming. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve put together a comparison table highlighting key features, ratings, and pricing information for some of the top patient communication apps.

Here are the top patient communication apps:

1. Emitrr
2. Dash by Relatient
3. Mend
4. Doximity
5. TherapyNotes
6. WebPT
7. RXNT
8. IntakeQ
9. Pabau
10. TimeTap

Software	Key Features	Rating	Price
Emitrr	– Appointment Scheduling – Patient Engagement – Secure Communication – Comprehensive Features	5/5	Starts at $99 a month
Dash by Relatient	– Self-scheduling – Secure Patient Messaging – Digital Registration – Payment Solutions	4.4/5	Starts at $99 a month
Mend	– Automated Patient Payments – Appointment Reminders – AI-Predicted No-Shows – Virtual Waiting Room	4.5/5	N/A
Doximity	– Video and Voice Calls – Office Number Display – Secure Collaboration – Mobile Accessibility	3.9/5	N/A
TherapyNotes	– Secure Notes – Billing Management – Scheduling – Administrative Efficiency	4.7/5	Starts at $49.00  a month
WebPT	– Practice Management – Performance Tracking – Education and Support – Innovation	4.3/5	Starts at $99 a month
RXNT	– Practice Management – EHR Solutions – Secure Data Handling – Transparent Pricing	4.3/5	Starts at $298 a month
IntakeQ	– Electronic Intake Forms – Practice Management – Telehealth Services – Affordable Pricing	4.6/5	Starts at $99 a month
Pabau	– Clinic Management – Automation – Paperless Operation – Data Management	4.3/5	Starts at $28.00 a month
TimeTap	– Customizable Scheduling – Secure Communication – Global Compliance – Client-Focused	4.3/5	Starts at $28.00 a mont

Features to look for in a Patient Communication Software

Let us look at some of the must-have features that you should look for in a Patient Communication Software:

Two-way texting

Your patient communication platform should allow your patients to text you back so that their queries can be easily resolved in case of anything. So your patient texting software should not only allow you to send reminders but also carry out HIPAA-compliant and secure two-way communication. 

Appointment reminders & confirmations

Look for a patient communication system that allows you to send automated appointment reminders with options for patients to confirm, reschedule, or cancel the appointment without needing to call you. Also, make sure that this feature is enabled for SMS, email, and phone so that you are able to engage your patients from their preferred channels. 

Broadcast patient messaging

Look for broadcast messaging features to segment your patients and send notifications to all of them at once (e.g., office closures and vaccine updates). This patient messaging feature can help front desk staff save a lot of time while ensuring all patients are notified of any kind of updates.

Digital forms & Intake

To boost patient engagement and reduce the no-show rate, look for a patient communication platform that offers digital forms and intake features. With this, patients can complete pre-visit registration and consent forms from their phone, helping you reduce patient wait time and improve their overall experience with your service. 

Patient self-scheduling

As per a survey by Business Wire, it was found that patient self-scheduling options improved patient appointment bookings by 30%. To attract more patients, make sure to look for a medical communication app that offers a patient self-scheduling option and allows the patient to view providers and their availability and make bookings as per their preference. 

Telehealth integration

If you wish to offer telehealth consultation, such as video visit scheduling and secure video calls to your elderly or remote patients, then having a telehealth integration feature can be a great add-on to your service. 

Integration with EHR/PMS tools

For handy access to all patient information, including their medical history, insurance details, past treatments, etc., you must ensure your patient messaging system integrates with your existing EHR/PMS tools. 

Multi-channel communication

To offer the best patient experience, you must be able to communicate with your patients from multiple channels, be it SMS, email, chat, phone, etc. So, while analyzing the best patient messaging services, do not forget to check all the patient communication channels they provide. 

Reporting & analytics

To analyze peak patient appointment time, high no-show rate days, total number of patient missed calls, and other such metrics, you should look for reporting & analytics features. This feature can give you an overview of all the patient communication happening in your clinic and can help you analyze room for improvement. 

HIPAA compliance & security

Always look for a HIPAA-compliant patient communication app that offers features like secure texting, end-to-end encryption, user access control, BAA agreement, and secure text and call recording storage, among others. 

Customizable templates

To save time in drafting individual and personalized messages to patients you should look for customizable template features. With this feature, you will be able to create branded messages and reusable templates for common scenarios.    

VoIP

Many patients prefer calling for booking or rescheduling appointments instead of texting. So, you may want to look for a hospital communication app that offers VoIP calling capability with features like call recording, call forwarding, call queue, IVR, and more.  

Learn more about what is VoIP in this video:

AI integration

A lot of doctor-patient communication apps these days are offering AI integration capability with tools like AI chatbots, AI text generators for drafting patient messages, website chatbots, IVR chatbots, and more. You may want to look for this advanced function in your patient platform to keep your patients engaged 24×7. 

Integrations Required for Patient Communication Solutions

Here’s a quick look at the integrations that you should look for when analysing the best patient communication solutions:

EHR or Practice Management Integration

Your patient texting software should pull patient names, contact info, and appointment data straight from your EHR. It should also update charts when patients reply, reschedule, or confirm. This avoids missed follow-ups and keeps documentation tidy.

VoIP or Phone System Integration

Missed calls are common in health clinics, and patients may call with anxiety, medication-related questions, or urgent follow-ups. If your phone and texting system work together, your team can see all calls, voicemails, and texts in one place. AI adds another layer by flagging urgent keywords in voicemails or texts, like “panic,” “medication,” or “can’t cope”, so your team knows what needs attention fast.

Calendar or Scheduling Tool Integration

Doctors often have tight, recurring schedules. Your doctor patient communication app should sync with your calendar to send timely reminders for weekly sessions or check-ins. Some tools even allow patients to book directly, which is useful if you manage a high volume of appointments.

Telehealth Integration

Many patient sessions are now virtual. Your doctor patient communication app should let you send video session links via SMS. It saves time and avoids confusion, especially for patients who get overwhelmed by too many emails.

Review and Feedback Tools

After a few sessions, it’s helpful to ask patients how they’re feeling about their care. A quick text with a feedback link works better than paper forms. AI-powered systems can even analyse responses and detect sentiment, helping you improve service quality.

Secure File and Email Integration

You might need to share treatment plans, progress notes, or self-assessment forms. Look for medical patient messaging system that lets you send secure links or documents without switching tools. If your patient prefers email, some platforms bring those messages into the same dashboard too.

Payment Integration

In many healthcare specialities, sessions are often billed individually. If your patient texting system supports text-to-pay, you can send invoice reminders right after a session. It’s easier for patients and smoother for your billing team.

A well-integrated patient platform makes life easier. One that uses AI smartly can take things even further. It can flag urgent messages, sync updates without manual work, and nudge patients at the right time.

How to Choose the Right Patient Communication Platform?

Choosing the right patient communication solution doesn’t have to be confusing. Just follow these simple steps to find a tool that works for both your team and your patients.

Step 1: List what you need

Think about how you’ll use the tool. Just for appointment reminders? Or also for check-ins, team coordination, or follow-ups? Make a simple list. That’ll help you compare patient texting systems that match your exact needs.

Step 2: Check for HIPAA compliance

The tool must protect patient information at all costs. Look for message encryption, secure storage, and a signed BAA. If these aren’t offered, it’s not built for patient messaging.

Step 3: Make sure your patient app is easy to use

Both staff and patients should be able to use it without any training. Patients shouldn’t need to download anything. It should just work clean, simple, and intuitively.

Step 4: See if your patient platform connects with your systems

The software should sync with your EHR or scheduler. This way, reminders and patient messages stay organised. If it doesn’t integrate directly, ask if it supports data import or API access.

Step 5: Look at support quality

Good support matters. If messages fail or some errors occur, you’ll need prompt help. So choose a patient platform with live support.

Step 6: Think about future growth

Planning to expand? Choose a medical communication app that can grow with your clinic. Look for features like multi-location support or user roles. Make sure the pricing still works as your needs grow.

Step 7: Understand the pricing model of medical communication app

Some platforms charge monthly, others by user or message. Make sure the plan fits your usage and budget. Avoid paying for tools you won’t use.

Step 8: Ask around and read reviews

Check what other healthcare practitioners say. Peer reviews often highlight pros and cons you won’t hear in a demo. If someone in your network is already using it, ask about their experience.

The right software should feel like it fits your practice, not add extra work. If it helps patients stay on track and supports your team, it’s the right choice.

Benefits of Patient Communication Apps

Patient communication apps offer numerous benefits that address common pain points in the healthcare system. Here are the key advantages:

Improving Patient Engagement and Satisfaction

• Enhanced Engagement: Patient texting systems should boost engagement by providing timely reminders for appointments and follow-ups.
• Informed Patients: Easy access to medical information helps patients stay informed and involved in their healthcare.
• Increased Satisfaction: Patients feel more connected and valued by their healthcare providers, leading to higher satisfaction.

Enhancing Convenience and Accessibility

• Online Scheduling: Patients can book, reschedule, or cancel appointments without needing to make a phone call.
• Real-Time Messaging: Features such as real-time messaging ensure that patients can easily communicate with their healthcare providers.
• Effortless Management: The level of accessibility ensures patients can manage their healthcare needs effortlessly.

Ensuring Data Security and Privacy

• End-to-end Encryption: Patient communication apps use advanced encryption methods to protect sensitive patient information.
• Regulation Compliance: These apps comply with regulations like HIPAA, ensuring secure communication.
• Peace of Mind: Patients have peace of mind knowing that their data is safe and secure.

Reducing Costs and Administrative Workload

• Automated Reminders: Automated appointment reminders and confirmations decrease the number of no-shows and administrative follow-ups.
• Efficiency: This efficiency allows staff to focus on more critical tasks, ultimately saving time and resources.
• Cost Reduction: Implementing a doctor patient communication app can significantly reduce costs for healthcare providers.

Improving Overall Healthcare Outcomes

• Proactive Approach: Patients are more likely to adhere to treatment plans and attend follow-up appointments when they receive timely text reminders and easy access to support.
• Early Detection: The proactive approach helps in early detection and management of health issues.
• Better Health: Streamlined communication and improved patient engagement lead to better healthcare outcomes.

Top Patient Communication Apps: A Detailed Analysis

Here’s a detailed look at some of the top patient communication software options available today.

1. Emitrr

Emitrr is a specialized scheduling software for the healthcare industry, with deep integrations with popular practice management systems like Dentrix, OpenDental, and Chirotouch. It supports the entire patient journey, from scheduling to engagement.

• Appointment Scheduling: Efficiently manages patient appointments with real-time scheduling.
• Patient Engagement: Provides tools for reminders, digital forms, and SMS messaging.
• Secure Medical Text Messaging: Emitrr’s HIPAA-compliant text messaging service ensures that customer data is secure and can only be accessed by authorized personnel.
• Comprehensive Features: Includes calendar management, reporting, and review requests.

Watch this quick video to understand how you can use Emitrr for doctor patient communication for different use cases:

2. Dash by Relatient

Dash® by Relatient® integrates with leading EHR and practice management systems to simplify patient scheduling, communication, and payment processes. It is one of the best patient texting systems that supports over 50 million patients annually, improving operational efficiency and patient satisfaction.

• Self-Scheduling: Allows patients to book their appointments online, reducing administrative workload.
• Secure Patient Messaging: Facilitates seamless & secure communication between patients and providers.
• Digital Registration: Streamlines patient onboarding with electronic forms and registration.
• Payment Solutions: Accelerates patient payments and reduces no-shows.

3. Mend

Mend is a HIPAA-compliant virtual patient communication app designed for behavioral and mental healthcare. It offers comprehensive digital management with features such as automated patient payments and appointment reminders.

• Automated Patient Payments: Simplifies payment processing through automation.
• Appointment Reminders: Reduces no-shows with timely reminders.
• AI-Predicted No-Shows: Utilizes AI to predict and manage appointment cancellations.
• Virtual Waiting Room: Enhances the patient experience with an online waiting room.

4. Doximity

Doximity is a professional medical network and a trusted patient communication software that supports video and voice calls between physicians and patients. It offers tools for secure collaboration and mobile communication.

• Video and Voice Calls: Enables direct, secure communication between doctors and patients.
• Office Number Display: Allows clinicians to call patients from their mobile devices while displaying their office number.
• Secure Collaboration: Facilitates confidential communication and collaboration on patient care.
• Mobile Accessibility: Provides tools that are optimized for mobile use.

5. TherapyNotes

TherapyNotes is a comprehensive practice management solution and one of the best patient messaging services trusted by mental health professionals. It offers secure and user-friendly tools for notes, billing, and scheduling.

• Secure Notes: Provides a secure platform for managing patient notes and records.
• Billing Management: Simplifies the billing process with integrated solutions.
• Scheduling: Offers tools to manage patient appointments and reminders.
• Administrative Efficiency: Reduces time spent on administrative tasks.

6. WebPT

WebPT is an end-to-end Practice Experience Management (PXM) platform tailored for rehab therapy professionals. It provides tools to enhance practice performance and patient outcomes.

• Practice Management: Includes features for scheduling, billing, and documentation.
• Performance Tracking: Helps track practice performance and patient outcomes.
• Education and Support: This patient communication system offers exceptional training and support for users.
• Innovation: Continuously updated to address industry challenges.

7. RXNT

RXNT delivers an integrated suite of medical software designed to optimize clinical outcomes and revenue cycle management. Its cloud-based platform ensures real-time data synchronization.

• Practice Management: Features for billing, scheduling, and EHR.
• Electronic Health Records: This patient communication system provides comprehensive EHR solutions.
• Secure Data Handling: Ensures data security with a centralized database.
• Transparent Pricing: Includes free setup and training with predictable pricing.

8. IntakeQ

IntakeQ is a patient communication app that offers secure electronic intake forms and comprehensive practice management features. It helps optimize patient onboarding and practice operations.

• Electronic Intake Forms: Provides secure and efficient patient onboarding.
• Practice Management: Includes scheduling, payments, and secure messaging.
• Telehealth Services: This patient communication system supports virtual consultations and telehealth appointments.
• Affordable Pricing: Offers a cost-effective solution with a free trial.

9. Pabau

Pabau is an all-in-one clinic management software that helps streamline appointment tracking, record-keeping, and billing. It is designed to save administrative time and improve clinic efficiency.

• Clinic Management: Manages appointments, records, and billing in one platform.
• Automation: Reduces administrative work with automated processes.
• Paperless Operation: Facilitates a transition to paperless operations.
• Data Management: Allows for easy migration of data and efficient management.

10. TimeTap

TimeTap provides a customizable online patient scheduling solution suitable for medium to large healthcare organizations. It supports secure scheduling with HIPAA and GDPR compliance.

• Customizable Scheduling: Offers extensive customization for appointment booking.
• Secure Communication: Ensures patient data security and privacy.
• Global Compliance: Meets HIPAA and GDPR standards for international use.
• Client-Focused: Tailored for organizations needing robust scheduling solutions.

Each of these patient communication apps has its unique strengths, catering to various needs within the healthcare sector. Let’s dive into the features and benefits of these solutions to find the best fit for your practice.

Why Emitrr Is The Best Doctor Patient Communication App

Healthcare clinics run on trust, timely responses, and clear communication. Emitrr makes all three easier. It’s not just a texting tool. It’s a complete communication platform built with healthcare practices in mind.

Here’s why Emitrr works so well for patient text messaging:

• Fully HIPAA-compliant: With encryption and a signed BAA, it keeps all messages secure and private, as they should be.
• Easy reminders and check-ins: Automate appointment reminders, follow-ups, or gentle wellness check-ins, especially helpful for medication compliance.
• Missed call follow-ups: If a patient calls and no one picks up, Emitrr sends them a text automatically. You can even flag messages based on urgency.
• Shared inbox for all messages: Handle texts, voicemails, and calls in one place. No need to switch between apps.
• Two-way texting that feels natural: Talk with patients over text the way they prefer. Share links, forms, or updates in just a few clicks.
• Works for all clinic sizes: Whether you’re solo or have multiple providers, Emitrr adjusts to your setup.
• Support that actually supports: The Emitrr team is quick to respond and always improving the product based on clinic feedback.
• Syncs with your EHR: This medical patient messaging system integrates with 1000+ systems like Athenahealth, DrChrono, and Kareo. It keeps schedules and patient records up to date, with no double entry.
• Simple to use from day one: Your staff won’t need training marathons. This medical patient messaging system is built to be easy.
• Meant for doctor patient communication: Patient communication needs to be calm, consistent, and confidential. Emitrr checks every box and saves your team hours each week while doing it!

In conclusion, Emitrr’s combination of comprehensive features, competitive pricing, and exceptional user support makes it the top choice for patient communication software.

Feature	Emitrr	Others
USPs	Comprehensive suite including appointment scheduling, patient engagement, secure communication, and patient management.	Strong core features but lack the breadth of Emitrr’s offerings.
User Satisfaction	Impressive 5/5 rating	Lower ratings (4.4/5 – 4.5/5)
Pricing	Affordable starting price of $99/month	Varying prices, with some competitors offering higher starting points  (up to $298/month)
Customer Support	Extensive support channels including email, phone, 24/7 live chat, and knowledge base.	Good support, but less comprehensive than Emitrr. Some competitors lack transparency in pricing and support options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Did you know that 75% of patients are more likely to choose healthcare providers who offer efficient communication channels? In an age where efficient communication is paramount, isn’t it time to revolutionize your patient interaction? 

Patient communication apps have become indispensable in enhancing patient engagement, reducing no-shows, improving healthcare outcomes, and ensuring data security. With features like secure messaging, appointment scheduling, and real-time updates, these apps streamline operations and elevate the patient experience.

After comparing key features and ratings of various patient communication software, Emitrr stands out as the superior choice. With its comprehensive features, top-rated support, and affordable pricing, Emitrr is designed to meet all your communication needs effectively. By adopting cutting-edge solutions like Emitrr, you’re not just keeping up with the trends—you’re setting new standards in patient care. 

If you are ready to transform your practice? Then book a demo call with Emitrr now.