Quick Overview
- 1#1: AdvancedMD - Comprehensive cloud-based practice management software with advanced appointment scheduling, patient reminders, and EHR integration for medical practices.
- 2#2: athenahealth - Integrated EHR and practice management platform offering intelligent scheduling, revenue cycle management, and patient engagement tools.
- 3#3: Kareo - Billing and practice management solution with intuitive online scheduling, telehealth support, and patient portal features.
- 4#4: eClinicalWorks - Cloud-based EHR system featuring robust appointment scheduling, population health management, and mobile access for providers.
- 5#5: NextGen Healthcare - Enterprise-grade EHR and practice management software with flexible scheduling templates and interoperability capabilities.
- 6#6: Practice Fusion - Free web-based EHR with built-in scheduling, charting, and e-prescribing tailored for independent medical practices.
- 7#7: DrChrono - Mobile-first EHR platform providing customizable scheduling, iPad-based check-in, and real-time availability management.
- 8#8: CharmHealth - Affordable EHR and practice management tool with patient self-scheduling, reminders, and telehealth integration.
- 9#9: Elation Health - Clinician-focused EHR emphasizing efficient scheduling, clinical workflows, and team collaboration for primary care.
- 10#10: Weave - Patient communication platform with integrated scheduling, text reminders, and call management for medical offices.
We ranked these tools based on key factors including functional depth (e.g., integration, customization), user experience (ease of use, intuitiveness), and overall value, ensuring each entry delivers measurable benefits to medical practices.
Comparison Table
Medical scheduler software is a critical tool for optimizing healthcare practice workflows, and this comparison table explores top options including AdvancedMD, athenahealth, Kareo, eClinicalWorks, NextGen Healthcare, and more. Readers will discover key features, usability, and integration strengths to find the best fit for their operational needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AdvancedMD Comprehensive cloud-based practice management software with advanced appointment scheduling, patient reminders, and EHR integration for medical practices. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | athenahealth Integrated EHR and practice management platform offering intelligent scheduling, revenue cycle management, and patient engagement tools. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 3 | Kareo Billing and practice management solution with intuitive online scheduling, telehealth support, and patient portal features. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 4 | eClinicalWorks Cloud-based EHR system featuring robust appointment scheduling, population health management, and mobile access for providers. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | NextGen Healthcare Enterprise-grade EHR and practice management software with flexible scheduling templates and interoperability capabilities. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Practice Fusion Free web-based EHR with built-in scheduling, charting, and e-prescribing tailored for independent medical practices. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 7 | DrChrono Mobile-first EHR platform providing customizable scheduling, iPad-based check-in, and real-time availability management. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | CharmHealth Affordable EHR and practice management tool with patient self-scheduling, reminders, and telehealth integration. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 9 | Elation Health Clinician-focused EHR emphasizing efficient scheduling, clinical workflows, and team collaboration for primary care. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | Weave Patient communication platform with integrated scheduling, text reminders, and call management for medical offices. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based practice management software with advanced appointment scheduling, patient reminders, and EHR integration for medical practices.
Integrated EHR and practice management platform offering intelligent scheduling, revenue cycle management, and patient engagement tools.
Billing and practice management solution with intuitive online scheduling, telehealth support, and patient portal features.
Cloud-based EHR system featuring robust appointment scheduling, population health management, and mobile access for providers.
Enterprise-grade EHR and practice management software with flexible scheduling templates and interoperability capabilities.
Free web-based EHR with built-in scheduling, charting, and e-prescribing tailored for independent medical practices.
Mobile-first EHR platform providing customizable scheduling, iPad-based check-in, and real-time availability management.
Affordable EHR and practice management tool with patient self-scheduling, reminders, and telehealth integration.
Clinician-focused EHR emphasizing efficient scheduling, clinical workflows, and team collaboration for primary care.
Patient communication platform with integrated scheduling, text reminders, and call management for medical offices.
AdvancedMD
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based practice management software with advanced appointment scheduling, patient reminders, and EHR integration for medical practices.
Seamless all-in-one integration with EHR and revenue cycle management for end-to-end practice efficiency.
AdvancedMD is a comprehensive cloud-based medical scheduling software designed for healthcare practices, offering robust appointment management with drag-and-drop calendars, recurring appointments, and multi-provider/provider group scheduling. It includes patient self-scheduling via a portal, automated SMS/email reminders, waitlist management, and real-time availability syncing across locations. Seamlessly integrated with its EHR, billing, and practice management modules, it ensures HIPAA-compliant workflows and reduces no-shows. As a top-tier solution, it scales for solo practitioners to large enterprises.
Pros
- Powerful scheduling tools with drag-and-drop interface, online booking, and waitlists
- Deep integration with EHR, billing, and telehealth for streamlined workflows
- Automated reminders and reporting reduce no-shows and improve efficiency
Cons
- High cost may deter small practices
- Initial setup and learning curve for advanced features
- Custom pricing lacks transparency
Best For
Medium to large medical practices needing integrated scheduling with EHR and billing capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $400-$700 per provider/month for core scheduling, higher with full suite.
athenahealth
enterpriseIntegrated EHR and practice management platform offering intelligent scheduling, revenue cycle management, and patient engagement tools.
AI-powered scheduling optimizer that predicts demand, suggests slots, and maximizes provider utilization
athenahealth's athenaOne platform offers robust medical scheduling as part of its comprehensive cloud-based EHR and practice management suite, enabling efficient appointment booking, management, and optimization across multiple providers and locations. Key features include patient self-scheduling via a secure portal, automated reminders through SMS/email/voice, and real-time eligibility checks to streamline workflows. It integrates seamlessly with clinical documentation, billing, and revenue cycle management, reducing no-shows and improving practice efficiency.
Pros
- Deep integration with EHR, billing, and patient engagement tools
- Advanced automation like AI-driven scheduling and no-show predictions
- Scalable for multi-location practices with mobile access
Cons
- High cost with custom enterprise pricing
- Lengthy onboarding and learning curve
- Limited flexibility for highly customized scheduling rules
Best For
Mid-sized to large medical practices needing an all-in-one integrated EHR and scheduling solution.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing, typically $300-$500 per provider per month including EHR and scheduling features.
Kareo
enterpriseBilling and practice management solution with intuitive online scheduling, telehealth support, and patient portal features.
Integrated revenue cycle management that automatically links scheduled appointments to claims processing and payments
Kareo is a cloud-based medical practice management platform with robust scheduling features designed for independent practices and small to mid-sized clinics. It offers an intuitive drag-and-drop calendar, online patient self-scheduling via a portal, and automated appointment reminders through SMS, email, or voice to reduce no-shows. The software integrates scheduling seamlessly with EHR, billing, and telehealth, streamlining administrative workflows for healthcare providers.
Pros
- Seamless integration of scheduling with billing and EHR for efficient revenue cycle management
- Patient self-scheduling portal with real-time availability and insurance eligibility checks
- Automated reminders and waitlist management to minimize no-shows and optimize provider utilization
Cons
- Pricing scales per provider and can be expensive for solo practitioners or very small practices
- Learning curve for advanced customization and reporting features
- Occasional user reports of slow performance during peak hours
Best For
Small to mid-sized independent medical practices needing an all-in-one scheduling tool integrated with billing and clinical workflows.
Pricing
Starts at ~$140/provider/month for Billing + Scheduling; full suites with EHR from $300+/provider/month (billed annually, custom quotes available).
eClinicalWorks
enterpriseCloud-based EHR system featuring robust appointment scheduling, population health management, and mobile access for providers.
Healow Open Access patient portal for 24/7 self-scheduling and real-time slot availability
eClinicalWorks is a comprehensive EHR and practice management platform with integrated medical scheduling capabilities designed for healthcare providers. It offers features like multi-provider scheduling, online patient self-booking through the Healow portal, automated reminders, and real-time availability management. The system supports recurring appointments, waitlists, and seamless integration with clinical workflows, making it suitable for busy practices handling high patient volumes.
Pros
- Robust integration with EHR and billing for streamlined workflows
- Patient self-scheduling and automated SMS/email reminders reduce no-shows
- Scalable for multi-location practices with mobile access
Cons
- Steep learning curve and occasionally clunky interface
- Custom pricing can be expensive for small practices
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Mid-sized to large medical practices needing integrated scheduling within a full EHR ecosystem.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $400-$700 per provider/month including EHR and scheduling features.
NextGen Healthcare
enterpriseEnterprise-grade EHR and practice management software with flexible scheduling templates and interoperability capabilities.
Real-time eligibility checks and unified patient record access directly within the scheduler
NextGen Healthcare offers a robust practice management platform with advanced scheduling features integrated into its comprehensive EHR system, enabling efficient appointment booking, rescheduling, and resource allocation for medical practices. It supports multi-provider scheduling, patient self-booking via portal, automated reminders, and real-time eligibility verification to streamline workflows. Designed for scalability, it handles complex schedules across multiple locations while ensuring HIPAA compliance.
Pros
- Seamless EHR integration for complete patient context during scheduling
- Advanced automation including waitlists, recalls, and online patient booking
- Highly scalable for enterprise-level practices with multi-location support
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for new users
- High implementation costs and lengthy onboarding process
- Customization can be rigid without developer support
Best For
Mid-to-large medical practices or health systems needing integrated EHR scheduling with enterprise scalability.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically $300-$700 per provider/month plus implementation fees starting at $10K+.
Practice Fusion
specializedFree web-based EHR with built-in scheduling, charting, and e-prescribing tailored for independent medical practices.
Free patient self-scheduling portal fully integrated with EHR at no extra cost
Practice Fusion is a cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) platform that includes integrated medical scheduling tools designed for healthcare providers. It offers drag-and-drop appointment scheduling, color-coded calendars, automated patient reminders via text/email, and an online patient portal for self-scheduling. While not a standalone scheduler, its scheduling features streamline practice workflows by syncing seamlessly with charting and billing.
Pros
- Completely free core scheduling and EHR features with no upfront costs
- Seamless integration between scheduling, patient records, and e-prescribing
- Patient self-scheduling portal reduces no-shows with automated reminders
Cons
- Intrusive ads in the interface can disrupt workflow
- Limited advanced scheduling analytics and customization compared to dedicated tools
- Occasional sync delays and performance issues reported by users
Best For
Small to mid-sized medical practices seeking a cost-free, all-in-one EHR solution with reliable basic scheduling.
Pricing
Free for core features including scheduling; optional paid add-ons for advanced support, training, and integrations starting at $149/month.
DrChrono
specializedMobile-first EHR platform providing customizable scheduling, iPad-based check-in, and real-time availability management.
Native iOS apps enabling full scheduling functionality on iPhone and iPad
DrChrono is a comprehensive cloud-based EHR platform with integrated medical scheduling capabilities designed for healthcare providers. It offers drag-and-drop appointment booking, patient self-scheduling via a portal, automated SMS/email reminders, and waitlist management. The software seamlessly connects scheduling with patient records, billing, and telehealth for efficient practice workflow.
Pros
- Seamless integration with EHR, billing, and telehealth
- Mobile iOS apps for on-the-go scheduling
- Patient self-scheduling and automated reminders
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Pricing can be high for solo practitioners
- Limited standalone scheduling without full EHR commitment
Best For
Small to mid-sized medical practices seeking an all-in-one EHR with robust scheduling.
Pricing
Custom quotes; typically starts at $209 per provider per month for core plans, scaling with features.
CharmHealth
specializedAffordable EHR and practice management tool with patient self-scheduling, reminders, and telehealth integration.
Patient self-scheduling portal with real-time availability and secure video visit integration
CharmHealth is a cloud-based EHR and practice management platform with integrated medical scheduling tools designed for small to mid-sized practices. It offers multi-provider calendars, online patient self-scheduling, automated reminders via SMS/email, and waitlist management to optimize appointment flow. The system seamlessly connects scheduling with clinical documentation, billing, and telehealth for efficient operations.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with strong value for integrated EHR and scheduling
- Intuitive drag-and-drop calendar and patient self-booking portal
- Automated reminders and waitlist features reduce no-shows effectively
Cons
- Limited advanced customization options for scheduling templates
- Reporting on scheduling metrics could be more robust
- Occasional glitches in mobile app syncing for on-the-go scheduling
Best For
Small to medium-sized medical practices seeking an affordable, all-in-one solution with reliable scheduling and patient engagement tools.
Pricing
Starts at $25/provider/month for basic scheduling and EHR; premium tiers up to $55/provider/month include advanced features like telehealth.
Elation Health
specializedClinician-focused EHR emphasizing efficient scheduling, clinical workflows, and team collaboration for primary care.
Smart Waitlist that automatically matches and fills cancellations with suitable patients based on clinical needs
Elation Health is a cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) platform with integrated scheduling tools designed primarily for primary care practices. Its medical scheduling features include smart calendars, patient self-scheduling via a portal, automated reminders, waitlist management, and seamless syncing with clinical workflows. While not a standalone scheduler, it excels in embedding appointment management within comprehensive patient care operations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong integration with EHR for one-click patient data access
- Automated SMS/email reminders and patient self-booking portal
Cons
- Pricing reflects full EHR suite rather than scheduling alone
- Limited advanced analytics or reporting for scheduling metrics
- Best suited for primary care, less flexible for specialties
Best For
Independent primary care physicians or small practices needing integrated scheduling with EHR functionality.
Pricing
Starts at $349 per provider/month (billed annually) for core EHR including scheduling; additional fees for premium features or support.
Weave
specializedPatient communication platform with integrated scheduling, text reminders, and call management for medical offices.
Two-way SMS integrated directly into the scheduling dashboard for instant patient confirmations and rescheduling
Weave is an all-in-one patient engagement and practice management platform designed primarily for healthcare providers like dental, medical, and veterinary practices. Its scheduling software enables online appointment booking, automated reminders via text and email, and calendar syncing with popular practice management systems. Beyond core scheduling, it integrates payments, two-way texting, and reputation management to enhance patient retention and streamline workflows.
Pros
- Seamless integration of scheduling with patient communication tools like texting and calls
- User-friendly interface with mobile app support for on-the-go management
- Automated reminders and online booking reduce no-shows effectively
Cons
- Pricing is relatively high for small practices without full utilization of all-in-one features
- Less specialized for complex medical scheduling compared to dedicated EHR-integrated tools
- Customization options for scheduling rules and views are somewhat limited
Best For
Small to mid-sized medical and dental practices seeking an integrated communication and scheduling solution rather than a standalone scheduler.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at around $500/month per location, with tiers based on providers and features; no free trial but demos available.
Conclusion
The reviewed medical scheduler software varies in features but collectively address key practice needs. AdvancedMD leads as the top choice, offering comprehensive cloud-based tools, robust scheduling, and EHR integration. Athenahealth and Kareo follow closely as strong alternatives, with diverse strengths like integrated EHR systems or intuitive telehealth support to suit different workflows.
Explore AdvancedMD to unlock efficient scheduling, patient engagement, and streamlined operations—taking your practice to the next level.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison