10 Best Patient Scheduling Software for 2024

Introduction

Patient scheduling software puts the onus in the hands of patients and empowers them to schedule appointments through various available methods. Patients can easily choose the type of appointment, whether it be an annual visit, a regular checkup for some chronic condition, or an urgent sick visit. 

Furthermore, patients are choosing appointment days and times that are comfortable to them hence effectively reducing the likelihood of no-shows on the day of the appointment. 

 As healthcare organizations find themselves on the receiving end of growing clinical and administrative tasks it’s necessary that they find opportunities to streamline operations.

 Patient scheduling software allows the operational and administrative processes in healthcare settings to operate smoothly and efficiently without interruption. 

Let’s have a look at popular scheduling software across different industries. 

Top 10 patient scheduling software 

Here is a list of the top 10 patient scheduling softwares: 

1. Emitrr
2. Acuity Scheduling 
3. SimplyBook.me
4. Mend
5. Weave
6. Nexhealth
7. LumaHealth
8. SolutionReach
9. Klara
10. Phreesia

Top 10 Patient Scheduling Software: A quick glance 

Key Highlights: 

• Emitrr stands out as the best overall performer with the highest ratings in features (4.8/5), value for money (4.9/5), ease of use (4.8/5), and customer service (5/5). It is also relatively affordable with a starting price of $99/month.
• Emitrr is versatile and suitable for all healthcare sectors including dental, optometry, and chiropractic.
• Emitrr scores the highest in value for money (4.9/5), suggesting it provides the most bang for the buck.
• Emitrr and LumaHealth have high ease-of-use ratings (4.8/5 and 4.7/5), making them user-friendly options for healthcare providers.
• The higher-priced options like Weave and Nexhealth (at $350) tend to have lower value-for-money ratings compared to more affordable options.
• SolutionReach has the lowest ratings in features (3.8/5), value for money (3.5/5), and customer service (3.6/5), suggesting it might be less competitive compared to other options.
  

 Emitrr is the best overall choice for a wide range of healthcare providers due to its excellent ratings and affordability.

Benefits of patient scheduling software 

Reduces Patient Call Volume 

Since a patient scheduling software allows the patient multiple ways to schedule an appointment along with multiple time options, it provides patients complete autonomy. They will no longer feel the need to call practices to book appointments and tweak their schedules for an appointment. This will effectively reduce the volume of incoming calls to a practice. 

Improves patient experience and satisfaction 

With complete ease in scheduling appointments through self-scheduling links, and choosing date and time slots that patients prefer, the patient scheduling software helps create a smooth experience. Since there are virtually no hurdles while scheduling an appointment, it will inadvertently result in increased patient satisfaction. The ease of scheduling is an important factor that plays into creating a great patient experience. Apart from scheduling capabilities, these softwares also provide 2-way communication through SMS, making connection with providers more accessible. Other important features such as digital intake forms allow patients to submit intake forms online from the comfort of their homes, effectively reducing the wait time during the visit. All these features in tandem work to provide an improved patient experience.

Reduces staff workload 

With patients taking care of their own appointment schedules, the staff is now freed up from bearing the responsibilities of scheduling. They no longer need to manually check for available slots, report back to the patient, and then schedule the appointment. The load of calling and reminding patients of upcoming appointments is also reduced with the introduction of automated reminder features of the scheduling software. The patient scheduling software can effectively save up to 2-3 hours of staff time that would have otherwise been spent attending calls. The staff is now free to direct their efforts to more important tasks like patient care. 

Is cost-effective 

The biggest cost-saving benefit of a patient scheduling software is that it helps reduce no-shows. Studies show that no-shows alone cost the healthcare industry over $150 billion per year. The patient scheduling software’s self-scheduling feature along with automated reminders, do a great job of ensuring that patients turn up to their appointments. 

Allows patients to book 24/7 without human involvement

The ease of scheduling allows patients to book appointments by themselves without any human involvement. They can book appointments as and when they please, by simply visiting the practice’s website. Scheduling links are available 24×7 making it easily accessible. 

Features to look for in patient scheduling software

Automated reminders 

Through the automated reminder feature practices can send appointment reminders to patients. You can also set up the cadence for these reminders whether you wish to send the reminders days 2 days before, 1 day before, or 1 hour before the appointment. Automated reminders take the burden away from the staff to manually send reminders. 

Two-way Calendar Sync 

The two-way calendar sync allows the EMR and PMS to sync their calendars with the scheduling software. This sync limits the possibility of double booking and ensures only available slots are displayed when a patient schedules an appointment. 

Integration with EHR / EMR

As discussed above, integration of a patient scheduling software with an EHR/EMR will ensure that necessary data such as appointment bookings are synchronized between both platforms. Here’s a list of things an integration with your PMS and Scheduling software should allow you to do: 

• An appointment made through the scheduling software should also be reflected in the PMS. This helps maintain an up-to-date record of patients and their recent/upcoming visits. The integration would also make sure that the scheduling software does not display slots that are not available for booking. 

• Building on the above-mentioned point, the practice’s appointment booking link present all through the web (on the website, social, and Google Business) should sync in real-time with the PMS so that it does not show slots that are booked. 

• If a recurring patient is booking an appointment, they must not become a new record in the PMS. Instead, the new information should be updated in the existing patient record. 

• One way the integration can counter it is by pre-filling patient information such as while they book an appointment.
  
• Omni-channel scheduling

Users may seek to book an appointment from any channel of their preference. This is why practitioners need to be proactive and have scheduling options available in all relevant places. Some channels where you should place scheduling links or prompts without fail are:

– Practice Website 

– Social Media channels like Instagram, Facebook and X (Twitter)

– Google Business Profile 

Therefore when you are choosing a patient scheduling software make sure it allows you to have multiple scheduling options.

Automated recall 

The patient scheduling software’s integration with the PMS allows the sending of automated recall messages to patients who are due for an appointment. 

Digital Intake forms 

Digital intake forms allow patients to pre-fill necessary forms before reaching their appointment. Digital intake forms make operations easy at the office and help patients save time they would otherwise spend filling paper intake forms at the practice. Scheduling software’s can have the ability to send and receive these digital forms in a secure manner adhering to the HIPAA guidelines. 

Secure Messaging

The secure messaging feature allows the secure exchange of protected health information or PHI. If you wish to send and receive patient records, digital intake forms, etc, you need a software that would provide end-to-encryption. End-to-end encryption is provided through secure messaging. With secure messaging, a secure link is sent to the customer, which upon opening leads to a secure portal where patients and providers can communicate in a HIPAA-compliant manner. Learn more about how secure messaging works on Emitrr below:

24×7 customer support 

The healthcare industry is vast, and robust and provides a very important service that is never-ending. Such a fast-paced and important industry requires software’s that have easily reachable customer support that functions 24×7. Thus it is a good idea to look for software’s that have stellar customer support across various channels such as chat, phone, email, forum, etc.

Detailed analysis of top 10 patient scheduling software

Emitrr

Emitrr is a scheduling software specifically designed for the healthcare industry. Hence, Emitrr boasts deep integrations with popular PMS such as Dentrix, OpenDental, Denticon, Chirotouch etc. Emitrr isn’t limited to scheduling features as it also offers features for engaging patients for the entire journey. 

Emitrr Features

• Appointment scheduling 
• Appointment reminders
• Digital Forms 
• Calendar management and calendar sync 
• Personalizations 
• Review Requests 
• Automated recall
• Real-time Scheduling 
• Reporting
• SMS Messaging 
• 2-way communication
• Secure Messaging
• Conversation Management

Emitrr Support

• Emitrr has a stellar support rating of 5/5 on Capterra. 
• Emitrr offers the following support channels: Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, 24/7 (Live rep), Chat

Emitrr Reviews

Here is what Emitrr customers have to say about the product:

Emitrr Pricing

Starts at $99

Emitrr Integrations

• AthenaHealth
• Denticon
• Curve Hero
• Dentrix
• Dentrix Ascend
• Dentrix Enterprise
• DrChrono
• Dolphin
• Eaglesoft
• eClinicalWorks
• Orthotrac
• OpenDental
• Practiceworks
• Kareo
• Acuity Scheduling
• HousecallPro
• Zapier
• HubSpot
• Mailchimp
• And more

Acuity Scheduling

Acuity Scheduling is a popular scheduling software used across various industries. It allows you to offer appointment bookings directly through your website. 

Acuity Scheduling Features 

• Appointment scheduling 
• Appointment reminders
•  Digital Forms 
•  Calendar management and calendar sync 
•  Personalizations 
•  Review Requests 
•  Real-time Scheduling 
•  Reporting 

Acuity Scheduling Support  

• Acuity Scheduling has a customer support rating of 4.7/5 on Capterra. 
• It offers the following support channels: Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Chat

Acuity Scheduling Reviews

Here is what Acuity Scheduling customers have to say about the product:

Acuity Scheduling Pricing 

Acuity Scheduling pricing plan starts at $16 per month per user. 

Acuity Scheduling Integrations 

• Zoho
• Zapier
• Salesforce
• Gmeet 

SimplyBook.me

SimplyBook.me is an online appointment booking system for small businesses to enterprises across all service-providing industries. 

SimplyBook.me Features

• Appointment scheduling 
• Reminders 
• Booking Management 
• Form Management 
• SMS Messaging 
• Team Calendar  

SimplyBook.me Support

• SimplyBook.me has a customer support rating of 4.5/5 on Capterra.
• It provides support in the following formats: 24/7 (Live rep), FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Email/Help Desk, Chat

SimplyBook.me Reviews

Here is what SimplyBook.me users have to say about the product: 

SimplyBook.me Pricing 

Free to $83 per month 

SimplyBook.me Integrations

• Salesforce
• Google Calendar
• Zapier
• API integrations

Mend

Mend is a healthcare communication platform that offers appointment scheduling options as well. Mend specializes in medium to large healthcare organizations of 20 or more providers.

Mend Features

• Automated Scheduling
• Appointment Management
• Bill Payment
• Electronic Signature
• One-to-One Messaging
• Online Booking
• Online Forms

Mend Support

• Mend has a customer support rating of 4.5/5 on Capterra. 
• It offers the following support options: FAQs/Forum, Email/Help Desk, Phone Support, 24/7 (Live rep), Knowledge Base, Chat

Mend Reviews 

Here is what customers have to say about Mend:

Mend Pricing 

• N/A

Mend Integrations 

• OpenDevOps
• EchoVantage

Weave

Weave is a customer engagement platform that also offers scheduling features. Weave is used by small and medium businesses, as well as by healthcare providers. 

Weave Features 

• Appointment scheduling 
• Appointment reminders
• Digital Forms 
• Calendar management and calendar sync 
• Personalizations 
• Review Requests 
•  Reporting 

Weave Support

• Weave has a customer support rating of 3.8/5 on Capterra
• Weave offers the following support channels: Phone Support, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Email/Help Desk, Chat

Weave Reviews

Here is what Weave users have to say about the product: 

Weave Integrations 

• Athenahealth
• DrChrono
• DentrixAscend 
• ezyVet

Nexhealth 

NexHealth is a patient engagement and experience management platform for medical and dental practices that integrates practically in real-time with your health record system.

Nexhealth Features

• Online Scheduling
• Automated Scheduling 
• Online Intake Forms 
• SMS Messaging 
• Appointment Reminders 
• 2-way messaging
  

Nexhealth Support 

• Nexhealth has a customer support rating of 4.1/5 on Capterra. 
• NexHealth offers the following support options: Email/Help Desk, Chat, Phone Support
  

Nexhealth Pricing 

Nexhealth starts at $350 per month 

Nexhealth Reviews

Here is what customers have to say about the product:  

Nexhealth Integrations 

• Swell 
• Curve Dental 
• Dentrix Ascend 
• Eaglesoft 
• Dentrix Enterprise
• eClinicalWorks

Lumahealth 

Lumahealth is a patient success platform that offers patient scheduling options. 

Lumahealth Features

• Appointment Scheduling 
• Reminders
• 2-way messaging 
• SMS 
• Online Forms 

Lumahealth Support 

• Lumahealth has a customer support rating of  4.7/5 on Capterra. 
• It offers the following support options: Knowledge Base, Chat, Email/Help Desk, Phone Support, FAQs/Forum

Lumahealth Pricing

Starts at $250 per month.

Lumahealth Reviews

Lumahealth Integrations 

• NextGen Office
• MindBody
• Tebra
• WebPT
• Valant EHR Suite
• CureMD
• AdvancedMD for Mental Health

SolutionReach 

Solutionreach is a patient engagement platform designed for healthcare practices of all sizes that also offers patient scheduling capabilities. 

SolutionReach Features

• Appointment Scheduling
• SMS Messaging 
• 2-way communication
• Review Request
• Recall Tracking
• Rescheduling 
• Forms Management

SolutionReach Support

• Solutionreach has a customer support rating of 3.6/5 on Capterra. 
• It offers the following support options: Chat, Phone Support, Knowledge Base, Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum

SolutionReach Pricing

Solutionreach pricing starts from $329 per month. 

SolutionReach Reviews

Here is what customers have to say about the product: 

SolutionReach Integrations 

• CurveDental 
• Nextech EHR and PM 
• Medgen 
• Denticon 
• Dentrix 
• EasyDental 
• And more

Klara 

Klara’s patient engagement platform helps medical practices consolidate multiple patient outreach tools into one platform while automating key touch points throughout the patient journey.

Klara Features 

• Appointment Scheduling 
• Calendar Sync
• Broadcast Messaging
• SMS Reminders
• Two way communication
• Surveys and Feedback 

Klara Support

• Klara has a customer service rating of 4.4/5 on Capterra

Klara Pricing 

Starts at $12 per month per user

Klara Reviews

Here is what customers have to say about Klara:

Klara Integrations 

• Nextech EHR & PM
•  Intergy
• Veradigm Practice Management
• Veradigm EHR
• athenaOne
• ModMed
• AdvancedMD EHR

Phreesia 

Phreesia gives healthcare organizations a suite of applications to manage the patient intake process. This SaaS platform provides a modern experience while enabling healthcare organizations to optimize their staffing and enhance clinical care. 

Phreesia Features 

• Appointment Scheduling
• Calendar Sync
• Automated Responses
• Patient Intake
• Reminders
• SMS Messaging
• Two Way Communication

Phreesia Support

• Phreesia has a customer service rating of 4.4/ 5 on Capterra. 
• It offers the following support options: Phone Support, Email/Help Desk, Chat

Phreesia Pricing 

Starts at $250 per month

Phreesia Reviews

Here is what customers have to say about the product: 

Phreesia Integrations

• Azalea Health 
• AdvancedMD
• AthenaHealth
• Compulink
• eClinicalWorks
• eMDs
• Epic
• Greenway Health
• Meditech
• Modmed

Why is Emitrr the best patient scheduling software?  

As you can see from the section above Emitrr is the only software that provides the entire range of essential scheduling features, has a customer support rating of 5/5, and scores the highest in value for money with a rating of 4.9/5. Aside from that, other factors that make Emitrr stand out include: 

Easy Integrations

Import your entire contact list with just a few clicks. At Emitrr, our technical support team helps you with super quick integration solutions so that you can have all your contacts on one platform without any data inconsistencies. 

Emitrr offers more than 500 integrations. Emitrr supports integrations with all important PMS such as Dentrix, Denticon, OpenDental, and more. Emitrr is built for dentists and is not a horizontal scheduling platform, hence boasting the deep integrations with the PMSs

Affordable Pricing 

Emitrr offers Scheduling services along with features that complement the entire length of the patient journey., Emitrr offers all these services at a super affordable rate. 

Features complementing the entire patient journey

Emitrr’s features are not limited to scheduling. Emitrr offers features that complement the entire length of the patient journey starting from appointment scheduling to bringing patients back for hygiene recall. Some of these features include:

• Sending appointment reminders (Automated or Manual)
• Sending Patient intake forms digitally in a secure manner 
• Syncing form data to PMS 
• Updating the status of appointments in the PMS
• Requesting Reviews once the appointment is completed
• Getting patients back for an appointment for a hygiene check-up when due. 

Additionally, you can view and send appointments based on different filter criteria right from your calendar itself. Filter criteria include: 

• Appointment based on provider
• Appointment based on visit type 
• Appointment based on the Patient
• Appointment based on date range  

FAQs

Conclusion

A patient scheduling software allows patients to book appointments according to their preferences by showing available provider time slots. It reduces the load on staff and frees up their time ti focus on important tasks such as patient care. Online Patient scheduling also reduces the call volume at practice and helps reduce no-shows through its appointment reminder features, These softwares usually integrate with EHR/EMS systems and help providers keep track of all patient updates in a HIPAA-compliant manner. 

Book a demo with Emitrr today to start patient scheduling at your practice today!