Patient scheduling software helps your front desk staff schedule patients for multiple providers, examination rooms and resources such as diagnostic equipment. Most physician practices deploy a scheduling system as part of their practice management and/or ERM software systems. However, on rare occasion, some practices do choose a stand-alone scheduling tool.

A typical scheduling system will provide an intuitive calendar view that is capable of showing multiple physicians in a single screen. The image below is the patient scheduling module in the iMedica PRM EMR and practice management system.

Some of the basic capabilities to look for in a patient scheduling system include:

• an intuitive user interface that will be easy-to-use for the entire staff;
• simple set-up of providers, locations, types of appointments, etc.;
• automated tools for re-calls and reminders; and,
• customization that allows you to configure the system to your preferences.

The more modern patient scheduling systems will make use of the Internet during the appointment scheduling and registration process. For example, the system could remind the patient of an appointment by email and link to a secure on-line registration page where the patient can complete required paperwork prior to the appointment.

Some scheduling systems are built on a web-based technology such that the entire system is accessed through a web-browser and the software server is hosted by the software vendor. Examples include:

OfficeEMR is one of the leading web-based, fully-integrated EMR and practice management solutions on the market today. It is one of the only CCHIT Certified SaaS EMRs.

AdvancedMD has an excellent SaaS system for practice managemt. The EMR is fairly new, but great for physicians that want to start with a simple EMR and grow over time.

Integration to other systems
There are strong benefits to having your scheduling system integrated to your other systems, such as EMR and billing systems. These benefits include:

• eliminating duplicate patient and encounter data entry;
• the ability to alert patients to outstanding balances during scheduling;
• reminders of information or preparation for their visit;
• collection of referral information during scheduling; and,
• scheduling at checkout based on doctor’s orders from the encounter.

Next Steps
View a free demonstration of one or more of the products above to better understand how they can meet the needs of your medical practice. From there, you can request a detailed price quote from the software vendors you like best.

FREE Consultation Still need help sorting through the options? Tap our expertise by calling for a FREE consultation. We don’t sell software and we don’t implement software, but we can save you weeks of research in one brief phone call: 1-800-918-2764.