In the fast-paced healthcare environment, choosing the right practice management system (PMS) is crucial for the success and efficiency of allied health clinics such as physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic, psychology and occupational therapy services. It not only simplifies day-to-day operations but also plays a pivotal role in enhancing organisation, patient experience, and overall profitability.
The significance of selecting the best PMS cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts everything from appointment scheduling to billing and beyond.
The Allied Health Software ‘Cost-Efficiency Equation’
We know the health and medical industry well, and this is one equation we can say we’ve solved with confidence. When contemplating the selection of a practice management system, it's essential to recognise that the fees associated with such software are a small investment compared to the substantial costs of wages and time expended by healthcare professionals.
A well-designed software system will pay for itself through improved team efficiency, streamlining the patient experience, expediting payment processing, data insights, and a whole lot more.
Key Features to Consider with Allied Health Practice Management Systems
To make an informed decision when choosing practice management systems, it's important to evaluate several critical features and functionalities. Let's explore these essential elements that can elevate your practice to new heights.
Cloud-Based Solution
If you have multiple practice locations, deliver telehealth or home visits consider a cloud-based solution for easy access and synchronisation of data.
Mobile Functionality
Opt for software with mobile functionality to manage your practice on the go. Software that allows the loading of images taken from mobile phones enhances convenience and accessibility.
Ease of Diary Management
Efficient scheduling and diary management are the lifeblood of any allied health clinic. Look for software that offers intuitive and customisable scheduling tools to manage appointments seamlessly, maximise the billable hours of health professionals and utilise your treatment rooms efficiently.
Medicare, NDIS Support and other Third Party Payers
Ensure the software integrates smoothly with third party payers such as Medicare, National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), WorkCover, Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) and the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) for hassle-free claims processing and billing.
Private Health Insurance Claims & Payment Services
Robust billing and private health insurance payment services that automate the claims through HICAPS and Tyro healthpoint and can save time and reduce errors, ultimately boosting revenue.
Online Patient Bookings and Payments
Enable patients to book appointments online, enhancing convenience for both patients and health professionals. Practice management systems with online payment solutions will also help to reduce cancellations and missed appointments, which can increase clinical occupancy and improve cash flow.
Electronic Pathology & Radiology
Integration with electronic pathology and radiology systems facilitates quick access to diagnostic reports and results.
Seamless Communication
Effective communication with other medical practitioners, such as Medical Objects, HealthLink, Eclipse, and Argus, is vital for coordinated patient care.
MIMS Pharmaceutical Information
Access to pharmaceutical information from MIMS helps in informed decision-making for prescriptions and medication management.
Online Patient Registration Forms
Simplify patient registration with online forms, reducing paperwork, streamlining the reception experience, and improving data accuracy.
Online Prescriptions
Streamline the prescription process by allowing electronic prescriptions, increasing convenience for patients and minimising errors.
Easy Letters and Quoting Templates
Generate letters and quotes effortlessly, removing the need to duplicate clinical notes and letter content, enhancing communication with patients and referring physicians, and ultimately save time.
Patient Records and Photo Storage
Store patient records and photos securely and make necessary adjustments for medical records.
Cybersecurity and Auditing Compliance
Prioritise software that ensures the highest levels of cybersecurity and compliance with auditing requirements to protect sensitive patient data, including compliance with the AES-256 standard during transmission and storage of data and encryption using HTTPS (end-to-end encryption).
Stability of Software Updates and Uptime Availability
Regular software updates and reliable uptime are essential to keep your practice running smoothly.
Reporting & Graphing Results
Comprehensive reporting and graphing tools provide insights into practice performance and patient outcomes.
Training & Support
Assess the availability of training and support resources to ensure your health professionals can maximise the software's potential.
SMS Messaging Capability
Improve patient communication, attendance and retention, and save time and prevent lost revenue with SMS messaging for appointment reminders and notifications.
Image Comparison
The ability to compare patient photo images can be valuable for tracking progress and treatment outcomes.
Online Eligibility Checking
Utilise online eligibility checking for health fund coverage, streamlining the billing process.
Best Practice Management Systems for GPs & Allied Health Businesses
When it comes to practice management systems for allied health clinics in Australia, there are several reputable options that have gained popularity within the health community. These software solutions are designed to streamline operations, enhance patient care, and improve overall practice efficiency. Below, we'll explore some of the most popular practice management software options for allied health businesses in Australia.
1. Cliniko
Cliniko is a popular practice management system catering to a wide range of clinics, from small scale clinics with a few health professionals right through to large multidisciplinary practices.The software is simple to set up and has everything you need to run your practice online; calendar, invoices, templates, patient data, reports, etc. It offers a clean interface to make it easy to use for patients booking online and efficient to train new practitioners joining your clinic The team at Cliniko are always making improvements, offer unlimited chat and email support and are responsive to feedback.
2. Nookal
Nookal is an excellent choice for clinics with multiple locations and/or multidisciplinary practices. It is a one-stop shop for scheduling, billing, day-to-day practice management, reporting and patient communication. Offering a wide variety of integrations with other applications such as Xero Accounting software, Medicare and the NDIS allows for efficient billings and payments. It also excels at reporting, providing business owners with valuable insights on financials, profitability and health professional performance.
3. Best Practice (BP)
Best Practice is a trusted choice for allied health businesses in Australia. It excels in handling the administrative workload, allowing healthcare professionals to concentrate on what matters most – their patients. Best Practice offers comprehensive training, ensuring that your team can make the most of the software's capabilities. Additionally, it provides local support and fosters community engagement among its users. This software's user-friendly features make it a valuable asset for allied health practices looking to enhance their operations.
4. Zedmed
Zedmed is a versatile practice management software platform that caters to the needs of allied healthcare businesses and medical practices alike. While it can be hosted traditionally, Zedmed truly shines as a cloud-based remote solution. With its local design and customer-driven approach, Zedmed offers end-to-end support, data migration, and facilitated training. This flexible and scalable solution receives regular updates, ensuring that it remains aligned with the evolving needs of modern healthcare practices.
5. Pracsoft
Pracsoft , offered by Medical Director, is another top-notch practice management software designed to meet the specific needs of allied health practitioners. With a focus on efficient patient management and administrative tasks, Pracsoft streamlines your practice's operations, allowing you to deliver high-quality care without the hassle of extensive paperwork.
6. Powerdiary
Powerdiary is particularly popular among allied health groups like psychologists, physiotherapists, and speech pathologists. This software streamlines appointment scheduling, patient records, and billing processes, enabling allied health professionals to provide exceptional care while maintaining a well-organized practice.
7. PPMP
PPMP is one of Australia's leading practice management solutions, designed for both patient and practice administration needs. Offering a range of features not commonly found in other systems, PPMP caters to a wide spectrum of users, from individual practitioners to larger multi-disciplinary clinics and national networks. The system provides two primary options: PPMP Cloud for access anywhere with an internet connection and PPMP On-Premises, installed on an existing PC within the practice without the need for a server.
8. CorePlus
CorePlus , a versatile digital health practice management software, offers accessibility and convenience, allowing practitioners to manage their health practices effortlessly. The system emphasizes flexibility by being accessible anytime and anywhere, supporting practitioners' compliance with the Privacy Act without hidden fees or contracts. It also boasts responsive customer service.
Get Help Implementing Your Allied Health Practice Management Software
Selecting the best practice management software is a crucial decision for allied health businesses in Australia. The software you choose can significantly impact the efficiency of your operations, the quality of patient care you provide, and your overall success. Each of the mentioned software options offers unique features and benefits, so it's essential to carefully evaluate your practice's specific needs and preferences before making a decision. Get in touch with BlueRock’s Digital Transformation experts . They’ll help your business implement software solutions to modernise systems and automate processes.
