Choosing Your Practice Management Software (PMS)

Selecting the right Practice Management Software (PMS) is essential for managing your allied health practice effectively. It streamlines tasks such as appointment scheduling, client records, invoicing, and compliance, saving you time and improving client care. Here’s a guide to help you make the best choice for your business, with a focus on PMS options widely used in Australia.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a PMS

  1. Australian Compliance:
    Ensure the software supports Australian healthcare regulations, including Medicare, NDIS billing, and privacy laws (e.g., compliance with the Privacy Act 1988).

  2. Features and Functions:
    Look for features such as online bookings, client notes, automated reminders, invoicing, and telehealth integration.

  3. Ease of Use:
    A user-friendly interface is crucial to minimise training time for your team and avoid workflow disruptions.

  4. Scalability:
    Choose a system that can grow with your business, accommodating additional practitioners, locations, or services.

  5. Integrations:
    Check for compatibility with Australian accounting software (e.g., Xero, MYOB) and healthcare systems like Medicare, WorkCover, or HICAPS.

  6. Data Security:
    Ensure the system is cloud-based or offers secure local hosting with encryption to protect sensitive client data.

  7. Support and Training:
    Reliable customer support and training resources are invaluable, particularly during onboarding or troubleshooting.

Popular Practice Management Software in Australia

Here’s a list of PMS options commonly used by allied health professionals in Australia, along with their pros and cons:

1. Cliniko

Overview: A cloud-based PMS designed for allied health clinics. It’s simple to use and supports various disciplines like physiotherapy, exercise physiology, and occupational therapy.

Pros:

  • Highly user-friendly interface.

  • Includes telehealth features and online bookings.

  • Supports secure, cloud-based data storage.

  • Transparent pricing with a 30-day free trial.

Cons:

  • Limited advanced reporting features compared to other systems.

  • Pricing may be higher for larger teams.

Website: Cliniko

2. Nookal

Overview: A powerful PMS designed for multi-disciplinary clinics, with robust reporting, scheduling, and invoicing tools.

Pros:

  • Excellent reporting capabilities for financials and performance.

  • Integrates with Xero, HICAPS, and Medicare.

  • Scalable for single and multi-location clinics.

Cons:

  • Slightly higher pricing, which may be a barrier for small practices.

  • Initial learning curve for new users.

Website: Nookal

3. Power Diary

Overview: A flexible PMS built for allied health professionals, offering robust scheduling and client communication tools.

Pros:

  • Affordable plans, making it ideal for small to mid-sized clinics.

  • Intuitive interface with excellent appointment scheduling.

  • Integrates with SMS reminders, Xero, and HICAPS.

Cons:

  • Limited advanced analytics compared to other platforms.

  • May require additional setup for integrations.

Website: Power Diary

4. CorePlus

Overview: A comprehensive PMS that supports NDIS compliance, secure client management, and remote access.

Pros:

  • Strong focus on Australian compliance, including NDIS and Medicare.

  • Cloud-based platform for easy access anywhere.

  • Affordable pricing with no hidden fees or lock-in contracts.

Cons:

  • May lack some advanced features for large clinics.

  • Users report the interface is not as modern as some competitors.

Website: CorePlus

5. Halaxy

Overview: A free PMS with paid add-ons, ideal for start-ups or solo practitioners.

Pros:

  • Free to use for basic features, with optional paid add-ons.

  • Supports Medicare and NDIS billing.

  • Simple and easy to navigate.

Cons:

  • Limited features in the free version.

  • Paid add-ons can add up for larger practices.

Website: Halaxy

6. Bp Allied

Overview: A highly customisable PMS designed for allied health professionals, offering extensive templates and integrations.

Pros:

  • Tailored for allied health, with discipline-specific templates.

  • Integrates with Medicare, Xero, and other systems.

  • Option for cloud-based or desktop installations.

Cons:

  • The desktop version may require manual updates and backups.

  • Initial setup can be time-consuming.

Website: Bp Allied

By choosing a PMS tailored to your clinic’s needs, you’ll save time, improve client experiences, and ensure your business runs smoothly. Take advantage of free trials and demos to find the perfect fit for your practice.It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.