Quick Overview
- 1#1: athenahealth - Provides intelligent appointment scheduling with automated reminders, online booking, and seamless integration with EHR and billing for medical practices.
- 2#2: Tebra - Offers comprehensive scheduling tools including online self-scheduling, waitlist management, and patient communication for independent doctor's offices.
- 3#3: AdvancedMD - Delivers robust practice management scheduling with recurring appointments, drag-and-drop calendars, and mobile access for medical providers.
- 4#4: eClinicalWorks - Features advanced scheduling capabilities with patient portals, automated notifications, and multi-location support for physician offices.
- 5#5: NextGen Healthcare - Supplies customizable scheduling workflows integrated with EHR, including rule-based booking and real-time availability for practices.
- 6#6: DrChrono - Mobile-first scheduling platform with iPad support, online booking, and telehealth integration for modern doctor's offices.
- 7#7: Practice Fusion - Free cloud-based scheduling tool with calendar views, reminders, and patient self-scheduling embedded in its EHR system.
- 8#8: CharmHealth - Cloud EHR with intuitive scheduling, group appointments, and automated SMS/email reminders for small to medium practices.
- 9#9: Elation Health - Clinician-centric EHR featuring streamlined scheduling, patient portal booking, and efficient calendar management.
- 10#10: SimplePractice - User-friendly scheduling with online booking, intake forms, and calendar syncing tailored for health professionals including doctors.
Tools were ranked based on robust feature sets, quality of integration with healthcare systems, ease of use, and overall value, ensuring they meet the unique demands of various medical practices
Comparison Table
Effective scheduling is key to optimizing operations and boosting patient satisfaction in medical practices, making reliable software an essential consideration. This comparison table explores top tools like athenahealth, Tebra, AdvancedMD, eClinicalWorks, NextGen Healthcare, and more, guiding readers to find the best fit for their office’s unique needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | athenahealth Provides intelligent appointment scheduling with automated reminders, online booking, and seamless integration with EHR and billing for medical practices. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | Tebra Offers comprehensive scheduling tools including online self-scheduling, waitlist management, and patient communication for independent doctor's offices. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | AdvancedMD Delivers robust practice management scheduling with recurring appointments, drag-and-drop calendars, and mobile access for medical providers. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | eClinicalWorks Features advanced scheduling capabilities with patient portals, automated notifications, and multi-location support for physician offices. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | NextGen Healthcare Supplies customizable scheduling workflows integrated with EHR, including rule-based booking and real-time availability for practices. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | DrChrono Mobile-first scheduling platform with iPad support, online booking, and telehealth integration for modern doctor's offices. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 7 | Practice Fusion Free cloud-based scheduling tool with calendar views, reminders, and patient self-scheduling embedded in its EHR system. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 8 | CharmHealth Cloud EHR with intuitive scheduling, group appointments, and automated SMS/email reminders for small to medium practices. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 9 | Elation Health Clinician-centric EHR featuring streamlined scheduling, patient portal booking, and efficient calendar management. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | SimplePractice User-friendly scheduling with online booking, intake forms, and calendar syncing tailored for health professionals including doctors. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
Provides intelligent appointment scheduling with automated reminders, online booking, and seamless integration with EHR and billing for medical practices.
Offers comprehensive scheduling tools including online self-scheduling, waitlist management, and patient communication for independent doctor's offices.
Delivers robust practice management scheduling with recurring appointments, drag-and-drop calendars, and mobile access for medical providers.
Features advanced scheduling capabilities with patient portals, automated notifications, and multi-location support for physician offices.
Supplies customizable scheduling workflows integrated with EHR, including rule-based booking and real-time availability for practices.
Mobile-first scheduling platform with iPad support, online booking, and telehealth integration for modern doctor's offices.
Free cloud-based scheduling tool with calendar views, reminders, and patient self-scheduling embedded in its EHR system.
Cloud EHR with intuitive scheduling, group appointments, and automated SMS/email reminders for small to medium practices.
Clinician-centric EHR featuring streamlined scheduling, patient portal booking, and efficient calendar management.
User-friendly scheduling with online booking, intake forms, and calendar syncing tailored for health professionals including doctors.
athenahealth
enterpriseProvides intelligent appointment scheduling with automated reminders, online booking, and seamless integration with EHR and billing for medical practices.
AI-driven scheduling intelligence that predicts no-shows and dynamically optimizes appointment slots for maximum efficiency
Athenahealth is a leading cloud-based EHR and practice management platform renowned for its comprehensive doctors' office scheduling capabilities. It features drag-and-drop appointment scheduling, automated reminders via text/email, patient self-scheduling through a secure portal, and real-time eligibility verification. The software integrates seamlessly with billing, clinical documentation, and population health tools to optimize workflows and revenue cycles in medical practices.
Pros
- Advanced scheduling automation including waitlists and recurring appointments
- Deep integration with EHR, billing, and patient engagement tools
- Robust analytics for no-show prediction and revenue optimization
Cons
- High subscription costs with custom enterprise pricing
- Steep learning curve for full customization
- Implementation can take several months
Best For
Small to mid-sized medical practices needing an all-in-one integrated scheduling and EHR solution.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at ~$419/provider/month; includes implementation fees and scales with users/features.
Tebra
specializedOffers comprehensive scheduling tools including online self-scheduling, waitlist management, and patient communication for independent doctor's offices.
Integrated patient acquisition tools with reputation management and automated review requests to fill schedules proactively
Tebra is an all-in-one practice management platform for independent medical practices, with robust scheduling tools that include online appointment booking, drag-and-drop calendars, and automated SMS/email reminders to reduce no-shows. It integrates scheduling seamlessly with EHR, billing, and patient engagement features for streamlined operations. Designed specifically for doctors' offices, it supports recurring appointments, waitlists, and mobile access to optimize daily workflows.
Pros
- Seamless online scheduling with patient self-booking and automation
- Deep integration with EHR, billing, and telehealth
- Advanced patient reminders and no-show reduction tools
Cons
- Higher pricing may strain small solo practices
- Steeper learning curve for full feature set
- Custom quotes lack upfront pricing transparency
Best For
Small to mid-sized doctors' offices seeking an integrated scheduling solution with comprehensive practice management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $300-$500 per provider/month depending on features and practice size.
AdvancedMD
enterpriseDelivers robust practice management scheduling with recurring appointments, drag-and-drop calendars, and mobile access for medical providers.
Integrated patient portal for self-scheduling and real-time availability, reducing no-shows by up to 30%
AdvancedMD is a comprehensive cloud-based practice management platform tailored for medical practices, with robust scheduling tools that enable online appointment booking, automated reminders via text/email, and multi-provider calendars. It integrates seamlessly with EHR, billing, and telehealth features to streamline doctors' office workflows. Designed for scalability, it supports single offices to multi-location practices with customizable scheduling rules and real-time availability updates.
Pros
- Seamless integration with EHR and billing for end-to-end practice management
- Advanced scheduling options including waitlists, recurring appointments, and patient self-scheduling
- Strong mobile app support for on-the-go access and notifications
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller practices
- Initial setup and customization require time and training
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Mid-sized to large medical practices seeking an all-in-one scheduling solution integrated with full practice management.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $399 per provider/month for core scheduling, scaling up with full suite features.
eClinicalWorks
enterpriseFeatures advanced scheduling capabilities with patient portals, automated notifications, and multi-location support for physician offices.
Healow Open Access patient portal for direct self-scheduling and real-time availability
eClinicalWorks is a comprehensive EHR and practice management platform that includes advanced scheduling tools tailored for doctor's offices, enabling efficient appointment booking, provider calendars, and resource management. It features patient self-scheduling via the Healow portal, automated reminders, and integration with telehealth and billing. The system supports multi-location practices with real-time availability and waitlist functionality.
Pros
- Seamless integration of scheduling with EHR, billing, and telehealth
- Healow patient portal for online self-scheduling and reminders
- Robust automation including waitlists and recurring appointments
Cons
- Steep learning curve and occasionally clunky interface
- Reports of system slowdowns during peak usage
- Customer support can be slow for non-enterprise users
Best For
Medium-sized doctor's offices needing an integrated EHR platform with strong scheduling and patient engagement features.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting around $449 per provider per month for EHR + practice management including scheduling; scales with users and modules.
NextGen Healthcare
enterpriseSupplies customizable scheduling workflows integrated with EHR, including rule-based booking and real-time availability for practices.
Intelligent scheduling with real-time eligibility verification and revenue cycle integration to minimize claim denials
NextGen Healthcare is a comprehensive electronic health record (EHR) and practice management platform that includes advanced scheduling tools tailored for doctors' offices. It enables efficient appointment booking, drag-and-drop calendars, recurring appointments, and integration with patient demographics and billing. The software supports online self-scheduling for patients, automated reminders, and waitlist management to optimize office workflows.
Pros
- Seamless integration with full EHR and revenue cycle management for streamlined operations
- Advanced scheduling features like online booking, automated reminders, and provider-specific templates
- Strong compliance tools (HIPAA, MIPS) and customizable reporting for regulatory needs
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for smaller practices
- High implementation costs and lengthy onboarding process
- Custom pricing lacks transparency, often expensive for solo providers
Best For
Mid-sized to large medical practices seeking an enterprise-grade, integrated EHR solution with robust scheduling capabilities.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $300-$600 per provider per month plus implementation fees; quotes required.
DrChrono
specializedMobile-first scheduling platform with iPad support, online booking, and telehealth integration for modern doctor's offices.
Native iOS and Android apps allowing providers to manage schedules on the go with full EHR access
DrChrono is a cloud-based EHR platform with integrated scheduling software tailored for medical practices, enabling online appointment booking, drag-and-drop calendars, and automated patient reminders. It supports multi-provider scheduling, real-time availability syncing across locations, and seamless linkage to patient charts, billing, and telehealth. As a comprehensive solution, it streamlines front-office workflows while ensuring HIPAA compliance for doctors' offices.
Pros
- Robust scheduling with online booking and waitlist management
- Deep integration with EHR, billing, and telehealth
- Native mobile apps for providers and patients
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Custom pricing can be expensive for small practices
- Occasional reports of sync delays or bugs
Best For
Small to medium-sized medical practices seeking an all-in-one EHR with advanced scheduling capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $199 per provider/month for basic plans, up to $439+ for enterprise tiers, with setup fees and add-ons.
Practice Fusion
specializedFree cloud-based scheduling tool with calendar views, reminders, and patient self-scheduling embedded in its EHR system.
100% free EHR-integrated scheduling with patient portal self-booking
Practice Fusion is a cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) platform that includes integrated scheduling tools tailored for medical practices. It offers features like online appointment booking, customizable calendars, automated reminders via text/email, and real-time availability checks synced with patient records. Designed primarily for small to mid-sized practices, it streamlines office workflows by combining scheduling with charting, e-prescribing, and billing capabilities.
Pros
- Completely free core platform including scheduling and EHR integration
- Patient self-scheduling portal with real-time availability
- Automated reminders and mobile-accessible calendar views
Cons
- Limited advanced customization for complex scheduling needs
- Occasional performance lags during peak usage
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Small to medium-sized independent medical practices seeking a cost-free, EHR-integrated scheduling solution.
Pricing
Free for all core features including scheduling; no subscription fees, with revenue from optional ads and partnerships.
CharmHealth
specializedCloud EHR with intuitive scheduling, group appointments, and automated SMS/email reminders for small to medium practices.
Integrated patient self-scheduling portal that syncs directly with EHR for real-time availability and record access.
CharmHealth is a cloud-based all-in-one EHR and practice management platform designed for medical practices, with robust scheduling tools that enable online appointment booking, multi-provider calendar management, and automated reminders. It supports patient self-scheduling through a secure portal, integrates seamlessly with electronic health records, and includes features like waitlist management and recurring appointments. This makes it a comprehensive solution for streamlining doctor office workflows beyond just scheduling.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with a free tier for basic use
- Intuitive interface and mobile app for easy scheduling on the go
- Strong patient engagement via self-scheduling portal and automated SMS/email reminders
Cons
- Limited advanced customization for complex scheduling rules
- Occasional reports of slow load times during peak usage
- Customer support response can be inconsistent for non-enterprise users
Best For
Small to medium-sized doctor's offices seeking an integrated, cost-effective EHR system with reliable scheduling capabilities.
Pricing
Free basic EHR plan available; paid plans start at $135 per provider per month for full scheduling and practice management features.
Elation Health
specializedClinician-centric EHR featuring streamlined scheduling, patient portal booking, and efficient calendar management.
One-click patient summary access directly from the schedule view, enabling quick clinical decisions without switching apps
Elation Health is a cloud-based EHR platform with integrated scheduling designed specifically for primary care practices, enabling doctors to manage appointments, patient records, and workflows in one intuitive system. Its scheduling tools allow for online booking, automated reminders, and customizable calendars that sync seamlessly with clinical documentation and billing. While not a standalone scheduler, it excels in embedding scheduling within a clinician-focused EHR to reduce administrative burden.
Pros
- Highly intuitive drag-and-drop calendar that's clinician-friendly
- Patient self-scheduling portal with real-time availability
- Seamless integration with EHR for one-click access to charts during booking
Cons
- Limited advanced scheduling automations like AI waitlist optimization
- Pricing scales per provider, which can be costly for small or solo practices
- Less robust reporting and analytics compared to dedicated scheduling tools
Best For
Small to mid-sized primary care practices needing integrated scheduling within a user-friendly EHR system.
Pricing
Starts at $349 per provider per month (billed annually), including EHR, scheduling, telehealth, and billing features.
SimplePractice
specializedUser-friendly scheduling with online booking, intake forms, and calendar syncing tailored for health professionals including doctors.
Integrated client portal for self-scheduling, portal-based payments, and secure messaging directly tied to the scheduling calendar
SimplePractice is a comprehensive practice management platform designed primarily for mental health and wellness professionals, offering robust scheduling tools tailored for doctors' offices in behavioral health. It enables online appointment booking, automated reminders, calendar syncing, and waitlist management to streamline patient scheduling. Additionally, it integrates telehealth, billing, and secure client portals, making it a versatile solution for solo practitioners and small practices.
Pros
- Intuitive calendar and online booking system with mobile access
- Automated SMS/email reminders and waitlist functionality reduce no-shows
- HIPAA-compliant with seamless telehealth integration for virtual appointments
Cons
- Pricing escalates quickly for larger practices or added features like insurance billing
- Less optimized for general medicine compared to behavioral health specialties
- Limited advanced reporting and customization options for scheduling workflows
Best For
Ideal for solo or small behavioral health doctors' offices seeking an easy-to-use, all-in-one scheduling and practice management tool.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month per user (Essentials plan) up to $99+/month (Enterprise), with add-ons for telehealth ($9.99/session) and insurance features.
Conclusion
After reviewing the top scheduling tools, athenahealth emerges as the clear choice, boasting intelligent automation, online booking, and seamless EHR integration that streamlines practice operations. Tebra and AdvancedMD provide strong alternatives, with Tebra’s comprehensive features and AdvancedMD’s robust management tools catering to different practice needs. All three options highlight the critical role of efficient scheduling in enhancing patient care and operational success.
Take the first step toward a more efficient practice—explore athenahealth today to leverage its intuitive, all-in-one scheduling capabilities.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison