Quick Overview
- 1#1: Epic OpTime - Enterprise perioperative module that optimizes surgical scheduling, OR management, and patient flow in large hospitals.
- 2#2: Oracle Cerner SurgiNet - Integrated surgical scheduling solution within Cerner EHR for streamlining OR workflows and resource allocation.
- 3#3: SIS First OR - Specialized perioperative software for ambulatory surgery centers, focusing on scheduling, case management, and revenue cycle.
- 4#4: ORSOS - Dedicated operating room scheduling system that maximizes utilization through block time management and real-time analytics.
- 5#5: Nextech - Specialty-focused EHR with robust surgical scheduling for ophthalmology, dermatology, and plastic surgery practices.
- 6#6: Surgimate - Cloud-based platform for surgical scheduling, patient tracking, and OR coordination in ambulatory surgery centers.
- 7#7: athenahealth - Cloud EHR with intelligent scheduling tools tailored for surgical practices and outpatient procedures.
- 8#8: Veradigm - Enterprise platform offering surgical scheduling modules integrated with EHR for hospitals and health systems.
- 9#9: MEDITECH Expanse - Web-based EHR with perioperative scheduling capabilities for efficient OR planning and compliance.
- 10#10: AdvancedMD - Practice management software with scheduling features supporting surgical workflows for mid-sized practices.
These tools were selected based on a focus on key metrics: efficacy in addressing surgical workflows (including OR management and patient tracking), user experience (intuitive design and integration capabilities), and value across practice sizes, ensuring practicality and impact.
Comparison Table
Explore surgical scheduling software solutions with a comparison table highlighting key tools such as Epic OpTime, Oracle Cerner SurgiNet, SIS First OR, ORSOS, and Nextech. This guide compares critical features to help healthcare professionals identify software that aligns with operational needs, from integration to user experience. Readers will learn how each platform streamlines OR scheduling, enhancing efficiency and reducing delays.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Epic OpTime Enterprise perioperative module that optimizes surgical scheduling, OR management, and patient flow in large hospitals. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | Oracle Cerner SurgiNet Integrated surgical scheduling solution within Cerner EHR for streamlining OR workflows and resource allocation. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 3 | SIS First OR Specialized perioperative software for ambulatory surgery centers, focusing on scheduling, case management, and revenue cycle. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | ORSOS Dedicated operating room scheduling system that maximizes utilization through block time management and real-time analytics. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Nextech Specialty-focused EHR with robust surgical scheduling for ophthalmology, dermatology, and plastic surgery practices. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Surgimate Cloud-based platform for surgical scheduling, patient tracking, and OR coordination in ambulatory surgery centers. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | athenahealth Cloud EHR with intelligent scheduling tools tailored for surgical practices and outpatient procedures. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | Veradigm Enterprise platform offering surgical scheduling modules integrated with EHR for hospitals and health systems. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 9 | MEDITECH Expanse Web-based EHR with perioperative scheduling capabilities for efficient OR planning and compliance. | enterprise | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.5/10 | 6.8/10 |
| 10 | AdvancedMD Practice management software with scheduling features supporting surgical workflows for mid-sized practices. | enterprise | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.3/10 |
Enterprise perioperative module that optimizes surgical scheduling, OR management, and patient flow in large hospitals.
Integrated surgical scheduling solution within Cerner EHR for streamlining OR workflows and resource allocation.
Specialized perioperative software for ambulatory surgery centers, focusing on scheduling, case management, and revenue cycle.
Dedicated operating room scheduling system that maximizes utilization through block time management and real-time analytics.
Specialty-focused EHR with robust surgical scheduling for ophthalmology, dermatology, and plastic surgery practices.
Cloud-based platform for surgical scheduling, patient tracking, and OR coordination in ambulatory surgery centers.
Cloud EHR with intelligent scheduling tools tailored for surgical practices and outpatient procedures.
Enterprise platform offering surgical scheduling modules integrated with EHR for hospitals and health systems.
Web-based EHR with perioperative scheduling capabilities for efficient OR planning and compliance.
Practice management software with scheduling features supporting surgical workflows for mid-sized practices.
Epic OpTime
enterpriseEnterprise perioperative module that optimizes surgical scheduling, OR management, and patient flow in large hospitals.
Seamless real-time integration of surgical scheduling with Epic's unified patient record and intraoperative documentation
Epic OpTime is a leading perioperative module within the Epic EHR platform, specializing in surgical scheduling, operating room management, and perioperative workflows. It enables block scheduling, case coordination, staff assignments, and real-time OR tracking while integrating seamlessly with Epic's broader ecosystem for patient records, anesthesia, and inventory management. OpTime optimizes resource utilization, reduces scheduling conflicts, and supports advanced analytics for surgical performance.
Pros
- Unparalleled integration with Epic EHR modules for end-to-end perioperative care
- Advanced block management and predictive scheduling analytics for optimal OR utilization
- Robust customization and reporting tools tailored to complex surgical environments
Cons
- Steep learning curve and extensive training required for full proficiency
- High implementation costs and long deployment timelines
- Limited flexibility for organizations outside the Epic ecosystem
Best For
Large hospitals and multi-facility health systems requiring a fully integrated, enterprise-grade surgical scheduling solution.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing with implementation costs often exceeding $1M+ for large organizations; subscription-based with no public pricing tiers.
Oracle Cerner SurgiNet
enterpriseIntegrated surgical scheduling solution within Cerner EHR for streamlining OR workflows and resource allocation.
Seamless EHR integration providing real-time patient data and clinical decision support directly in the surgical scheduler
Oracle Cerner SurgiNet is a robust perioperative management platform focused on surgical scheduling, operating room coordination, and end-to-end case management within the Oracle Health ecosystem. It streamlines block scheduling, resource allocation, staff assignments, and real-time OR visibility while integrating deeply with Cerner's EHR for seamless patient data flow. The solution supports complex hospital environments with analytics for throughput optimization and compliance reporting.
Pros
- Deep integration with Oracle Cerner EHR for unified workflows
- Advanced scheduling tools with block management and predictive analytics
- Comprehensive perioperative support including inventory and documentation
Cons
- High implementation costs and lengthy deployment timelines
- Steep learning curve for non-Cerner users
- Less flexible for small practices due to enterprise scale
Best For
Large hospitals and health systems with high-volume surgeries and existing Cerner EHR infrastructure seeking enterprise-grade optimization.
Pricing
Enterprise quote-based pricing, typically starting at $500K+ annually for mid-sized implementations, scaling with modules and users.
SIS First OR
specializedSpecialized perioperative software for ambulatory surgery centers, focusing on scheduling, case management, and revenue cycle.
Orthopedic-specific preference cards with implant and instrumentation auto-population for precise surgical prep
SIS First OR is a perioperative software platform tailored for orthopedic ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), offering robust surgical scheduling, OR block time management, and case coordination tools. It integrates seamlessly with SIS's EHR system to provide real-time visibility into surgeon preferences, staff assignments, and resource utilization. The solution emphasizes efficiency in high-volume orthopedic environments through features like automated scheduling and analytics for optimizing OR throughput.
Pros
- Specialized orthopedic workflows with detailed preference cards and implant tracking
- Real-time block management and conflict resolution for efficient scheduling
- Strong integration with SIS EHR and comprehensive perioperative analytics
Cons
- Limited flexibility for non-orthopedic specialties
- Interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern SaaS platforms
- Pricing lacks transparency and is enterprise-oriented
Best For
Orthopedic ASCs needing integrated surgical scheduling and perioperative management optimized for high-volume joint replacements and sports medicine procedures.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on OR count and modules; typically annual subscriptions starting in the $50,000+ range for mid-sized facilities.
ORSOS
specializedDedicated operating room scheduling system that maximizes utilization through block time management and real-time analytics.
Intelligent Waitlist Engine that dynamically matches cases to open blocks in real-time
ORSOS is a specialized perioperative software platform focused on surgical scheduling, block time management, and operating room optimization for hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. It automates block scheduling, waitlisting, and resource allocation while providing predictive analytics to maximize OR utilization and reduce delays. The system integrates with major EHRs like Epic and Cerner to streamline workflows and support data-driven decision-making in high-volume surgical environments.
Pros
- Superior block time management with automated release and recapture
- Advanced analytics for utilization forecasting and performance insights
- Strong integrations with EHR systems for seamless data flow
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-technical staff
- High implementation and customization costs
- Limited native mobile app functionality
Best For
Large hospitals and multi-site surgery centers needing robust OR block optimization and analytics.
Pricing
Enterprise-level custom pricing; typically $100K+ annually based on facility size, modules, and users.
Nextech
specializedSpecialty-focused EHR with robust surgical scheduling for ophthalmology, dermatology, and plastic surgery practices.
Surgical Workflow Manager with automated block optimization and surgeon preference integration
Nextech is a specialty-focused EHR and practice management software that includes advanced surgical scheduling tools tailored for fields like ophthalmology, dermatology, and plastic surgery. It enables block scheduling, surgeon-specific templates, and seamless integration with operating room workflows and patient records. The platform supports multi-location practices and ambulatory surgery centers with real-time availability and automated notifications.
Pros
- Specialty-specific surgical templates and block scheduling
- Deep integration with EHR, billing, and revenue cycle management
- Robust support for multi-provider and multi-location practices
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive customization options
- Higher pricing with custom quotes required
- Limited flexibility for non-specialty surgical practices
Best For
Specialty surgical practices like ophthalmology or dermatology that need integrated EHR and scheduling for efficient OR management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $400-$700 per provider per month depending on modules and practice size.
Surgimate
specializedCloud-based platform for surgical scheduling, patient tracking, and OR coordination in ambulatory surgery centers.
AI-driven block optimizer that automatically reallocates unused time slots to maximize OR utilization.
Surgimate is a cloud-based platform specializing in surgical scheduling and OR block time management for hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. It enables centralized scheduling, surgeon preference tracking, waitlist automation, and real-time visibility into OR utilization to minimize conflicts and downtime. The software also provides analytics for performance insights and supports integration with EHR systems to streamline perioperative workflows.
Pros
- Visual drag-and-drop scheduler for intuitive block management
- Surgeon self-service portal reduces administrative burden
- Strong reporting and analytics for OR utilization optimization
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller practices
- Limited native mobile app functionality
- Integration setup may require IT support
Best For
Mid-sized hospitals and surgery centers seeking advanced block time optimization and surgeon collaboration tools.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on OR count and features; typically starts around $500-$1,500 per month.
athenahealth
enterpriseCloud EHR with intelligent scheduling tools tailored for surgical practices and outpatient procedures.
Integrated revenue cycle management that auto-verifies insurance and links surgical schedules to precise billing codes in real-time
athenahealth's athenaOne platform is a cloud-based EHR and practice management solution with robust scheduling capabilities, including support for surgical procedure booking, block scheduling for operating rooms, and coordination of multi-provider teams. It integrates scheduling directly with patient records, billing, and compliance checks to streamline perioperative workflows. While versatile for ambulatory surgery centers and specialty practices, it excels in ambulatory settings rather than complex hospital OR environments.
Pros
- Seamless integration with EHR, billing, and patient portal for end-to-end workflow
- Cloud-based access with mobile app for real-time scheduling updates
- Advanced rules-based scheduling and analytics for optimizing OR utilization
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation (often 3-6 months)
- High cost may not suit small practices
- Less specialized for hospital-level surgical coordination compared to niche tools
Best For
Mid-sized ambulatory surgery centers or specialty groups needing integrated EHR and scheduling without standalone OR systems.
Pricing
Custom subscription starting at $300-$450 per provider/month, plus one-time implementation fees of $10K+ and per-encounter billing.
Veradigm
enterpriseEnterprise platform offering surgical scheduling modules integrated with EHR for hospitals and health systems.
Enterprise-grade data analytics for predictive scheduling and no-show reduction
Veradigm, formerly Allscripts, offers a comprehensive healthcare IT platform with scheduling capabilities integrated into its EHR and practice management systems. For surgical scheduling, it supports block scheduling, OR resource management, and coordination with pre/post-op workflows, primarily targeting ambulatory surgery centers and larger practices. While versatile and interoperable, it functions more as a general scheduling module within a broader suite rather than a dedicated surgical tool.
Pros
- Strong integration with EHR and revenue cycle management
- Robust interoperability via FHIR and HL7 standards
- Scalable analytics for optimizing surgical block utilization
Cons
- Lacks deep surgical-specific features like advanced OR mapping or instrument tracking
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface
- Pricing opaque without custom quotes
Best For
Large hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers already invested in Veradigm's ecosystem needing integrated scheduling.
Pricing
Enterprise-level custom pricing; modular subscriptions typically $200-$500 per provider/month, quotes required.
MEDITECH Expanse
enterpriseWeb-based EHR with perioperative scheduling capabilities for efficient OR planning and compliance.
Real-time perioperative workflow integration across EHR, reducing scheduling errors and improving coordination
MEDITECH Expanse is a comprehensive electronic health record (EHR) platform with integrated surgical scheduling capabilities within its perioperative module, enabling efficient operating room (OR) block management, surgeon scheduling, and procedure coordination. It supports real-time updates, resource allocation, and seamless data flow from pre-op planning to post-op documentation. Designed primarily for acute care hospitals, it emphasizes interoperability and compliance with healthcare standards like HL7 and FHIR.
Pros
- Deep integration with full EHR for seamless patient data access
- Robust OR block time and resource scheduling tools
- Strong compliance and reporting features for regulatory needs
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface
- High implementation and customization costs
- Less intuitive for smaller practices compared to standalone tools
Best For
Large hospitals and health systems needing integrated EHR-based surgical scheduling.
Pricing
Enterprise licensing with custom pricing starting at $500K+ annually, depending on modules and users.
AdvancedMD
enterprisePractice management software with scheduling features supporting surgical workflows for mid-sized practices.
Integrated real-time insurance eligibility verification during scheduling to reduce no-shows and claim denials
AdvancedMD is a comprehensive cloud-based EHR and practice management platform that includes scheduling tools adaptable for surgical practices, enabling appointment booking, block scheduling for OR time, and integration with patient records and billing. It supports multi-provider calendars, automated reminders, and online patient self-scheduling to streamline surgical workflows. While versatile for general medical use, its surgical scheduling features are solid but lack deep specialization in areas like procedure-specific inventory tracking or advanced OR optimization.
Pros
- Seamless integration with EHR, billing, and revenue cycle management
- Customizable calendars with color-coding and recurring block scheduling
- Mobile app and patient portal for real-time access and self-scheduling
Cons
- Not specialized for complex surgical needs like OR suite management or supply chain integration
- Steeper learning curve for customization and reporting
- Pricing can be high for smaller surgical practices without full-suite needs
Best For
Mid-sized surgical practices seeking an all-in-one platform that combines scheduling with comprehensive practice management and EHR.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at ~$400-$600 per provider/month for core modules; custom quotes for full surgical scheduling suite.
Conclusion
The top 10 surgical scheduling tools reviewed cater to varied needs, but the leading choice is Epic OpTime, a standout enterprise solution that optimizes OR management and patient flow for large hospitals. Behind it, Oracle Cerner SurgiNet excels with EHR integration for streamlined workflows, while SIS First OR shines as a specialized pick for ambulatory surgery centers, focusing on scheduling and revenue cycle. Each tool offers value, but Epic OpTime leads as the most comprehensive option.
Ready to elevate your surgical scheduling? Epic OpTime’s robust features make it the ultimate choice—start exploring to enhance efficiency and patient care.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
