7 Best Hospital Scheduling Software of 2024

Introduction

Be it a newbie or a seasoned healthcare professional, everyone knows that efficient management of day-to-day hospital work is crucial when it comes to satisfying patients, and with the constantly evolving technological world, this problem faced by hospitals and healthcare professionals was acknowledged, and hence, in modern times, efficient scheduling software has become the backbone of the health care industry. The right hospital scheduling software can make a drastic difference between chaos and calm, along with ensuring that patients receive timely care and staff can easily manage their shifts.

What is Hospital Scheduling Software?

Hospital scheduling software is a tool that is specifically designed to operate and manage appointment scheduling, staff shifts, and medical resources in a healthcare facility. Though it is named as hospital scheduling software its scope is not only limited to scheduling it has extensive features that can also manage the day-to-day operations of the whole healthcare facility.

7 Best Hospital Online Booking Systems

1. Emitrr
2. Simple Practice
3. Acuity Scheduling
4. Mend
5. Thryv 
6. Weave
7. NexHealth

Must-Have Features to look for in Hospital Scheduling Software

Two-Way Calendar Sync

When it comes to hospital scheduling software, there is no debate that it offers patients a hassle-free and seamless appointment booking experience. If you are also looking for a hospital online booking system, then hospital scheduling systems should be user-friendly and easy. However, there are more hospital appointment scheduling software features, such as calendar sync, which allows you to sync the hospital scheduling software with your calendar, as this feature minimizes issues like double booking. So before opting for hospital patient scheduling software, it is necessary to ensure that it has a Two-Way calendar sync feature.

HIPAA Compliance

HIPAA compliance is indeed non-negotiable for any hospital appointment software. This ensures that the patient’s data is secure and their privacy is respected. All in all, hospital scheduling systems are all about keeping patient information safe and secure, which in turn enhances patient satisfaction and builds a long-lasting relationship. It is a win-win situation where you can offer top-notch care without worrying about data breaches and patients can rely on you knowing that all the rules and regulations are followed by you. 

Notifications and Reminders

As discussed earlier, hospital scheduling solutions make appointment scheduling seamless for patients, but one thing you need to keep in mind while searching for an online hospital appointment booking system is the feature of notifications and reminders related to upcoming appointments. The hospital scheduling system is not only good for the patients but also for the hospitals, as patients will not forget about their appointments. On the other hand, the hospital scheduling app will help in reducing no-shows. So get the hospital appointment scheduling software, which also offers notifications and reminders. 

Online Appointment meetings

In today’s fast-paced world, telemedicine is something that is gaining popularity rapidly, and at some point in time patients also prefer consultation from their home. Adding this feature to your hospital is going to give it a drastic boost; it is indeed a vital component for you to grow in the healthcare industry. Hence, be it any hospital appointment scheduling software you choose, make sure that hospital scheduling systems are offering a solution that is capable of offering telemedicine. 

Integration with Other Apps

Juggling between multiple apps can be quite a big task; hence, it is important to opt for hospital appointment scheduling software that offers seamless integration with other applications and also with your existing EHR/PMS. This feature helps you not only keep track of everything related to patients but also reduces manual work and saves time. Moreover, such smooth integration makes appointment scheduling and overall management way more convenient and effective. 

Team Scheduling 

If you want to reduce your day-to-day workload and focus more on patient care, then an online hospital appointment booking system can be a game changer for you. The toughest task is assigning patients to staff and doctors, but not anymore. If you are opting for hospital scheduling software that has the capability to automate the tasks assigned to the different staff members as per their work timings and availability, that sounds great, isn’t it?  So never compromise on that hospital appointment scheduling software that is not offering you this feature, as this can help boost productivity as well.

Payment Options 

Payment options are one of the key aspects of the hospital’s online booking system as many patients face issues related to payments and delays. Simplifying the payment process makes patients feel at ease without any hassle which in turn enhances the patient experience and streamlines the billing process.

Ability to reschedule and cancel appointments

Yes, hospital appointment scheduling software helps streamline appointment scheduling, but it is way more than that. While looking for an online hospital appointment booking system, you need to ensure that the hospital scheduling system has the feature to reschedule and cancel appointments, as sometimes patients are not always available for the consultation or have some urgent work; hence, this feature is beneficial for both patients and staff, as hospital scheduling app helps maintain a flexible yet organized schedule.

Booking options for patients

Giving patients the ability to book their appointments online adds a level of convenience that many now expect. User-friendly booking options empower patients to take control of their healthcare journey, reducing the workload on administrative staff and enhancing the overall patient experience.

Detailed Analysis of 7 Best Hospital Appointment Scheduling Software 

Emitrr

Emitrr is one of the best hospital scheduling software that is specifically curated for the healthcare industry by simplifying the complex arena of healthcare. Emitrr centralizes the health records of the patients, manages the revenue cycle, allows for self-scheduling, enhances patient engagement, and a lot more!! Emitrr stands out the best among the rest due to its extensive features and its integrated approach to management. Apart from this, Emitrr’s online hospital appointment booking system has basic as well as advanced features that cover a vast care management landscape. Let’s explore this hospital scheduling system a little more – 

Emitrr Features

• Online Appointment Scheduling
• Patient Intake Forms
• Bulk SMS Scheduling
• Webchat to Text
• Missed call to text 
• Online Patient Surveys
• Patient Reviews And Reputation Management
• 2-Way Messaging
• AI/Machine Learning
• Appointment Management
• Automated Responses
• Automated Scheduling
• Campaign Management
• Message Personalization
• Patient Engagement
• Review Request
• SMS Reminders
• Scheduled Messaging
• Queue Management
• Surveys & Feedback
• VoIP Connection
• Real-Time Analytics
• Customer Experience Management
• Customizable Templates
• Call Disposition

Emitrr Pros

• Intuitive interface
• Excellent customer service
• Wide range of features
• Flexible pricing
• Seamless integration
• Easy to set dashboard 

Emitrr Cons

• More features are coming soon! 

Emitrr Pricing

• It starts at $30 per month

Emitrr Ratings

• Capterra: 4.8/5
• G2: 4.7/5

SimplePractice

SimplePractice is an all-in-one hospital appointment software that is specially built to cater to the healthcare industry. This online hospital appointment booking system not only helps the hospitals but also the patients by giving them the ability to book directly with their practices. The hospital scheduling solutions indeed sets itself apart from others by maintaining a fair balance between a wide range of features and a user-friendly interface. Let’s dive deep into its features and offerings:

Simple Practice Features

• Appointment Management
• Appointment Scheduling
• Audit Management
• Authorization Tracking
• Care Plan Management
• Compliance Management
• Confirmation/Reminders
• Customizable Templates
• Data Security
• EMR/EHR
• Electronic Payments
• HIPAA Compliant
• Healthcare Compliance
• Patient Engagement
• Patient Intake
• Patient Management
• Real-Time Data
• Video Consultations
• Workflow Management

Simple Practice Pros

• Ease of use
• Robust Customer Support

Simple Practice Cons

• Complex Features 
• Non-Intuitive Settings Menu
• Weak Reporting and Practice Management Tools

Simple Practice Pricing

• It starts at  $29 (Starter) per month

Simple Practice Ratings

• Capterra –  4.6/5
• G2 – 4.1/5

Acuity Scheduling

Acuity Scheduling is a hospital online booking system that also offers extensive features. The online hospital appointment booking system primarily follows a patient-centric approach, integrating patient communication tools into the mix. Be it scheduling, patient experience or real-time availability, this online medical appointment system offers an extensive solution for the healthcare industry. Let’s have a quick overview of it: 

Acuity Scheduling Features

• Appointment Management
• Appointment Scheduling
• Automated Scheduling
• Billing & Invoicing
• Booking Management
• CRM
• Calendar Sync
• Client Management
• Communication Management
• Confirmation/Reminders
• Customizable Templates
• Data Security
• HIPAA Compliant
• No-Show Tracking
• Patient Records Management
• Reporting/Analytics
• SMS Reminders
• Template Management

Acuity Scheduling Pros

• Extensive Integrations
• User-friendly interface

Acuity Scheduling Cons

• Confusing Availability Settings
• Need for Multiple Management Software
• Terrible Customer Support
• Limited Features

Acuity Scheduling Pricing

• Acuity Scheduling pricing plan starts at $16 (Emerging) per month per user. 

Acuity Scheduling Ratings

• Capterra –  4.8/5
• G2 – 4.7 /5

Mend

Mend is a flexible hospital appointment software, that is specially designed for hospitals and their needs. The hospital scheduling system is easily adaptable and its easy-to-use interface offers seamless support in patient management, appointment scheduling, and communication. This online medical appointment system has a comprehensive pack of features, including telehealth services, automated appointment reminders, patient intake forms, and communication tools to improve the patient experience and their satisfaction, along with boosting operational efficiency.

Mend Features

• Automated Scheduling
• Appointment Management
• Bill Payment
• Call Reminders
• Care Plan Management
• Care Summaries
• EMR/EHR
• Electronic Signature
• Email Reminders
• One-to-One Messaging
• Online Booking
• Online Forms
• Patient Education
• One-to-One Messaging
• No-Show Tracking

Mend Pros

• Easy-to-use application
• Different communication options

Mend Cons

• Expensive pricing
• Technical problems
• Delayed communication
• Issues with link delivery
• Frequent disconnections
• Time-consuming processes

Mend Pricing

• Mend has a pricing plan starting at $59 per month per user. 

Mend Ratings

• Capterra –  4.5/5
• G2 – 4.7/5

Thryv 

Thryv is an all-in-one comprehensive platform that is known for hospital appointment software. This online medical appointment system is much more than just scheduling; it automatically sends reminders, which helps in reducing no-shows. Its comprehensive set of features, such as customer relationship management, and automation, helps the healthcare industry manage its schedule and day-to-day activity effectively. Let’s get started with its detailed analysis. 

Thryv Features

• 2-Way Messaging
• Accounting Integration
• Activity Tracking
• Appointment Management
• Appointment Scheduling
• Automated Responses
• Billing & Invoicing
• Booking Management
• Confirmation/Reminders
• Contact Management
• Customizable Branding
• Customizable CTAs
• Interaction Tracking
• Live Chat
• Marketing Automation
• CRM

Thryv Pros

• Intuitive user interface
• Comprehensive Features 

Thryv Cons

• Failure to Deliver Services
• Contractual Dispute
• Technical Incompatibility
• Integration Failures
• Poor Customer Support

Thryv Pricing

• NA

Thryv Ratings

• Capterra –  4.2/5
• G2 – 4.6/5

Weave

Weave is a hospital appointment software that combines patient scheduling, telehealth, and customer relationship management. This online medical appointment system also offers features such as text messaging, surveys, reputation management, review management, invoicing, social media posting, and a lot more. The hospital scheduling system is dedicated to streamlining the day-to-day functions of hospitals and also enhancing the patient experience. Here are some more details about Weave’s hospital appointment scheduling software:

Weave Features

• Appointment Management
• Appointment Scheduling
• Availability Management
• Billing & Invoicing
• Patient Intake
• Performance Metrics
• Personalization
• Calendar Management
• HIPAA Compliant
• Online scheduling
• Digital forms
• Analytics 
• 2-way Texting
• Patient Reviews
• Payment Processing

Weave Pros

• User-friendly
• Excellent customer support

Weave Cons

• Technical challenges
• Issues with message transmission
• Restricted functionalities

Weave Pricing

• Weave pricing plan starts at $399 per month.

Weave Ratings

• Capterra –  4.8/5
• G2 – 4.5/5

NexHealth

NexHealth stands out as the best hospital scheduling software, as it is dedicated to streamlining the scheduling process. The features of this online medical appointment system allow patients the convenience of online booking, reminders, and the flexibility of virtual meetings. NexHealth offers an array of features, including automated scheduling, billing & invoicing, E-Prescribing, video visits, and a lot more. Let’s have a look at its features, ratings, pricing and more:

NexHealth Features

• Appointment Scheduling
• Availability Management
• E-Prescribing
• Electronic Payments
• Email Reminders
• HIPAA Compliant
• Marketing Automation
• Multiple Appointment Types
• No-Show Tracking
• One-to-One Messaging
• Patient Communications
• Real-Time Data
• Remote Treatment Planning
• Reporting/Analytics
• Self Service Portal
• Surveys & Feedback
• Third-Party Integrations
• Virtual Meetings

NexHealth Pros

• Effective Patient Communication 
• Comprehensive Service Integration

NexHealth Cons

• Schedule Synchronization Issue
• Appointment Reminder Errors
• Time-Consuming
• High Cost

NexHealth Pricing 

• It starts at $350 per month

NexHealth Rating

• Capterra –  4.8/5
• G2 – 4.8/5

Benefits Of Hospital Patient Scheduling Software

Improved Patient Experience

When it comes to the healthcare industry, patient experience is indeed everything. Hospital scheduling software helps patients book appointments effortlessly from the comfort of their homes. Now say goodbye to endless phone calls and waiting on hold. Who does not like it if the work is done instantly? Yes,  that is what the hospital online booking system does. This type of smooth experience makes patients feel valued and cared for, which is what healthcare is all about.

Minimized Patient Wait Times

In a fast-paced world, no one likes waiting, at times, it gets a bit frustrating as well, which in turn negatively impacts their overall experience. The hospital booking system not only minimizes the wait time but also sends reminders and confirmations, which also help the patient remember their appointment and show up on time, which is indeed a win-win for both. 

Prioritized Care for Urgent Needs

Emergencies are part of the healthcare industry, and not all medical needs can wait. The hospital appointment booking system gives your hospital the priority of urgent cases and ensures that those who are in urgent need should get immediate and proper attention. The hospital booking system helps healthcare providers manage their schedules more effectively along with ensuring that critical cases are given the attention they need without disrupting the entire day’s schedule.

Reduced Cancellations & No Shows

As we all already know, a hospital appointment booking system is not only for appointment scheduling; it’s a very comprehensive platform that helps in running day-to-day management with ease. One of the main problems in the healthcare industry is missed appointments, which also cause a loss of time and resources as well. Here is when hospital scheduling solutions come into play, as hospital scheduling systems have an array of features such as automated reminders and easy rescheduling options, which in turn reduces no-shows and cancellations as the hospital booking system keeps sending timely reminders to them and also helps them in rescheduling it. 

More Efficient Resource Management

Hospitals are a bit complex facilities where everything needs to be done on time, which also involves juggling numerous resources—staff, rooms, equipment, and more—but with a hospital appointment booking system by your side, it can be done with ease. Yes, this is what the hospital scheduling app is made for!! hospital booking system makes sure that resources are allocated efficiently, reducing downtime and maximizing productivity. The hospital scheduling systems indeed make everything very smooth and seamless.

Improved Billing and Payment Processes

One of the key benefits of hospital scheduling software is that it can be linked to the billing system. This way, patients can make online payments for their appointments, and staff can manage billing and insurance claims easily. This integration not only offers a streamlined workflow but also reduces the manual labor involved in it. It’s indeed a win-win for both patients and the healthcare facility.

HIPAA messaging

The healthcare industry and HIPAA compliance go hand in hand, and if the rules are broken, it can break the bank, but opting for hospital appointment software comes at a rescue and saves you from any kind of penalty as hospital scheduling solutions are HIPAA compliant. HIPAA-compliant hospital appointment booking system not only ensures that the patient’s privacy is respected but also builds trust among the patients, which results in a loyal relationship between patients and hospitals.

Use Cases of Hospital Appointment Scheduling Software

Patient Appointment Scheduling 

The most authentic feature of the hospital appointment scheduling tool, well-recognized far and wide, is appointment booking, as it makes booking, rescheduling, and canceling appointments very easy and effortless. The hospital appointment booking system automates the whole process, along with making it possible for patients to book appointments online and control and manage them on their own. The hospital booking system sends automated reminders via email, SMS, or phone calls, which in turn results in reduced no-shows and on the other hand, patients don’t forget their important dates.

Staff Scheduling

With hospital patient scheduling software, say goodbye to the hustle of managing staff schedules manually. The hospital patient scheduling software excels in planning and managing staff schedules and their work, ensuring every department is adequately covered. Not only this, hospital scheduling solutions also monitor shifts, timing and staff allocation to prevent burnout and ensure a balanced workload for everyone.

Resource Allocation  

The online hospital appointment booking system excels in this area when it comes to the efficient allocation of resources, as it is an uphill task for hospitals to juggle operating room schedules and diagnostic equipment availability. With the best hospital scheduling system by your side, say a big yes to resource allocation with ease. By tracking utilization, it helps identify bottlenecks and optimize resource usage, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and efficiently.

Patient Flow Management  

The management of patients’ admissions and discharges is indeed a tough task, but with the hospital booking system, not anymore!! The hospital appointment booking system has the function of setting up patient arrivals so that bed occupancy is maximized, ensuring that patients are promptly admitted and discharged. In terms of solid tracking as well as reporting elements, hospital administrators can study the data of patient flow and then make operations better by making data-driven decisions.

Billing and Financial Management

We all know that billing can sometimes be the most boring thing, but with this hospital patient scheduling software, everything will be simplified. The online medical appointment system does the insurance verification during appointment scheduling automatically, which ensures that everything runs smoothly even before the patient is admitted to the clinic. Then, the hospital booking system links up with the billing systems to manage all the procedures more easily, thus resulting in a decreased number of errors and improved accuracy. Therefore, this provides very fast payments and much less hassle for both the hospital and the patients.

Telehealth Integration

In the world of digitalization, telehealth is penetrating rapidly. This online medical appointment system, which is telehealth-integrated, allows patients to book and virtually meet with their doctors the same way as they do when coming in person. The hospital scheduling app connects appointments with electronic health records (EHR), which means that all patients’ information is always kept up to date and available, enhancing the patient experience.  

Comparison: Zocdoc vs SaaS Platforms

Purpose and Functionality

Zocdoc –  It specializes in connecting patients with healthcare providers, allowing users to book medical appointments online.. It includes features like appointment scheduling, patient reviews, and provider profiles. Whereas healthcare providers can list their practice on Zocdoc’s marketplace to reach out to patients seeking care and who want to book an appointment.

Healthcare SaaS Platforms – They are more extensive as compared to Zocdoc, as they offer a wide range of services tailored to the healthcare industry, such as electronic health records (EHR), practice management, telehealth, patient management systems, billing, and compliance solutions. SAAS platforms focus on the entire patient experience, from appointment booking to confirmation and rescheduling, along with managing their experience.

Target Audience

Zocdoc – Zocdoc provides a networking service that makes it easy for patients to find a provider based on their needs and for healthcare providers looking to manage their appointments efficiently. It is an extensive platform specifically designed for patients. Zocodc does little to address the entire patient journey or improve the actual patient experience. 

Healthcare SaaS platforms – They serve a broader range of healthcare entities, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, and other healthcare organizations seeking comprehensive hospital scheduling solutions for managing their operations. It is specially designed to enhance patient engagement and satisfaction.

Features Offered

Zocdoc – It does not offer extensive features to enhance engagement; it is only restricted to appointment scheduling, provider profiles, patient reviews and information related to insurance.

Healthcare SaaS Platforms – It offers a comprehensive solution, from comprehensive patient records and tools for managing administrative tasks such as scheduling, billing, and reporting to tools to ensure compliance with healthcare regulations and standards. as well as automated billing and coding solutions to streamline the revenue cycle.

Benefits 

Zocdoc – It enhances patient access to healthcare services, improves provider visibility, and streamlines the appointment booking process.

Healthcare SaaS Platforms – They improve overall efficiency in healthcare delivery by automating administrative tasks, ensuring compliance, enhancing patient care through better data management, and enabling remote care options.

Service Model

Zocdoc – It primarily acts as a marketplace connecting patients and providers, with features focused on appointment scheduling and patient-provider interactions. It is only limited to appointment booking and consultation. Zocdoc can be beneficial for expanding the reach of your practice and helping you get new patients

Healthcare SaaS Platforms – Offers comprehensive hospital patient scheduling software that is accessible via the internet, often offering integrated systems for EHR, billing, patient management, and more, on a subscription basis. It also has features such as recall, reporting and analytics, which help practices retain patients and build a lasting relationship with them.

Pricing and Charges

Zocdoc – It is free for patients, but practices need to pay a fee each time they get a new patient. 

Healthcare SaaS platforms – They typically charge subscription fees which are based on the number of users, features, or volume of usage.

Why Emitrr is the Best Hospital Appointment Software

Converting Phone Calls to Texts

Emitrr excels in modernizing communication. Imagine how much easier it is when patient phone calls can be seamlessly converted to texts. This feature allows for quick, efficient, and accessible communication. Patients can get their queries answered without having to wait on hold, and staff can manage communications more efficiently. It’s a win-win that keeps everyone connected and informed.

Schedule Management  

One of the notable features of Emitrr is its schedule management capabilities. The hospital scheduling systems provide an extensive overview of each appointment, which makes appointment booking, rescheduling, and managing way more efficient and easier, along with ensuring that slots are not overbooked. This approach of schedule management allows more control and less chaos related to the appointment, which in turn also helps hospitals focus on patient care.

User-Friendly Interface 

Be it tech-savvy hospital staff or a newbie to the technological world, we understand the problem of each section; hence, we have designed the hospital online booking system, which is way too easy to navigate as well as operate. It’s designed with the user in mind, ensuring that both staff and patients can easily navigate the system. Simple, intuitive, and efficient—just the way hospital patient scheduling software should be.

Customizable Scheduling 

Every hospital has its unique needs, and Emitrr recognizes that with its customizable scheduling options. Whether you need to accommodate different types of appointments, set specific time slots for various services, or manage multiple practitioners’ schedules, Emitrr can be tailored to fit your specific requirements. It’s like having a bespoke suit for your scheduling needs!

Offers Seamless Integration  

We know the value of integration, as nothing works in isolation; hence, Emitrr is designed keeping in mind the integration feature; the hospital scheduling system is specifically tailored to go well with others. A hospital online booking system offers seamless integration with other essential systems like EHRs, billing, and communication tools.

Advanced Analytics and Reporting 

Be it any industry, regular analytics and insights are something that keeps you going; hence, Emitrr provides advanced analytics and reporting features, allowing you to track key metrics like appointment trends, patient no-shows, and resource utilization. These insights enable healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions that enhance overall efficiency and patient care.

Excellent Customer Support

The great hospital online booking system is backed by even better support. Emitrr’s customer support team is always ready to help, ensuring that any issues or questions are addressed promptly. Whether it’s a technical glitch or a simple query, their support team is there to ensure everything runs smoothly. It’s like having a safety net that guarantees a smooth experience.

HIPAA Compliant

As already discussed, security and privacy are paramount in healthcare, and HIPAA compliance is a must. Emitrr ensures that all patient data is handled in accordance with the rules and regulations set by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This means robust data encryption, secure storage, and stringent access controls are in place to protect patient information. So if you want a secure platform that adheres to established guidelines, then look no further, as Emitrr is your only hospital scheduling solution. 

Conclusion

If you are also struggling to manage appointments, staff, and day-to-day activities of your hospital, then hospital appointment software can be a savior for you. Our in-depth examination of Emitrr, along with the various options to go with, points to Emitrr being the best one. Emitrr not only meets these requirements but also impresses with a simple hospital scheduling solution and extensive features for both patients and practices to witness the outstanding results from your healthcare organization, which will be seen not only in the operations but also in the quality of patient care.

Hospital Scheduling Software FAQ