
Running a successful practice—whether in healthcare, law, accounting, or another professional field—requires more than just expertise in your industry. You need efficient systems to manage appointments, billing, client records, and day-to-day operations. While there are nearly endless systems to choose from, many practices are turning to practice management software.
Practice management software is designed to streamline administrative tasks, improve workflow efficiency, and enhance client or patient experiences. These platforms typically include features like scheduling, invoicing, document management, and reporting, helping businesses save time and reduce errors.
Key Takeaways
- The top 5 practice management software solutions available are Knack, Tebra, Clio, TheraNest, and Athenahealth.
- The key features to look for in practice management software include appointment scheduling, billing and invoicing, client/patient management, document management, time tracking, task and workflow automation, compliance and security protocols, telehealth or remote functionalities (if applicable), and integration capabilities.
- Practice management software is typically priced using subscription, tiered, per-user, or per-feature models. Some options have one-time licensing fees.
Top Practice Management Software Solutions
Software Name | Pros | Cons | Pricing |
Knack | Fully customizable to specific business needsNot priced per userScalable for any business size | Requires setup time May have a learning curveSome integrations may require coding knowledge | Tiered subscriptions; custom enterprise pricing |
Tebra | User-friendly for healthcare providersStrong billing and claims managementIncludes telehealth features | Limited customizationLimited reporting toolsMay not scale well for large hospital systems | Tiered subscriptions based on practice size |
Clio | Cloud-based for easy remote accessIntegrates with legal research toolsEasily scalable | Some advanced features require higher-tier plansCan only be used by legal practicesSlow customer support response time | Tiered subscriptions |
TheraNest | Designed specifically for therapists and counselorsIntuitive interface for easy scheduling and note-takingBuilt-in note templates and DSM-5 diagnostic codes | Limited billing featuresMay not be ideal for multi-specialty clinicsLimited customization | Subscription-based |
Athenahealth | Ideal for large healthcare systemsComprehensive patient record managementStrong regulatory compliance features | Higher learning curveMay not be ideal for smaller practicesComplex implementation process | Custom |
Practice Panther | Intuitive and easy to set upStrong billing and client tracking featuresVery scalable | Some integrations require additional setupLacks advanced CRM featuresCustomer support may be limited on lower-tier plans | Tiered subscriptions |
SimplePractice | Excellent telehealth integrationUser-friendly scheduling and documentationHIPAA-compliant | Not ideal for non-healthcare industriesNo built-in marketing toolsMay not meet customization needs of larger practices | Tiered subscriptions |
Lawmatics | Helps improve client acquisition and retentionAdvanced automation featuresCustomizable workflows | Limited advanced case management featuresNot ideal for full-practice managementLearning curve for setting up automation sequences | Custom |
NextGen Healthcare | Suitable for hospitals and multi-location healthcare providersStrong regulatory compliance and data securityRobust EHR customization | High learning curveTime-intensive implementationMore expensive solution | Custom |
TimeSolv | Offline functionalityOffers batch billing Integrates with accounting tools | No built-in client communication featuresLimited case management for legal firmsLimited customization options | Tiered subscriptions |
CounSol.com | Fully customizable Secure and HIPAA-compliant User-friendly scheduling and documentation features | Limited billing and insurance claims processingLimited scalabilitySome features may require additional setup time | Subscription-based |
Top Practice Management Software
The best practice management software offers features tailored to specific industries and helps businesses manage scheduling, billing, document handling, and client interactions more effectively. Below, we explore some of the top practice management software solutions, detailing their standout features, pricing, and ideal use cases to help you choose the best fit for your business.
Knack
Knack is a highly customizable, industry-agnostic practice management solution that allows businesses to build tailored applications suited for legal, healthcare, accounting, and other industries. Its flexibility makes it ideal for businesses of all sizes, from solo practitioners to large firms.
Key Features:
- High-level security and compliance features
- No-code customization for unique workflows
- Integrates with other business applications for holistic management
Pros:
- Fully customizable to specific business needs
- Not priced per user
- Scalable for any business size
Cons:
- Requires setup time
- May have a learning curve
- Some integrations may require coding knowledge
Pricing: Tiered subscriptions; custom enterprise pricing
Best For: Businesses needing highly customized practice management solutions that integrate with existing tools and workflows.
Ready to get started? Sign up for Knack today. Or learn more about why you choose Knack for practice management.
Tebra (Formerly Kareo)
Tebra is a cloud-based practice management solution designed for small to mid-sized healthcare clinics, including private practices and specialty providers. It combines medical billing, electronic health records (EHR), and patient management tools.
Key Features:
- Billing automation and claims processing
- Appointment scheduling with reminders
- Telemedicine support for virtual care
Pros:
- User-friendly for healthcare providers
- Strong billing and claims management
- Includes telehealth features
Cons:
- Limited customization
- Reporting tools could be more robust
- May not scale well for large hospital systems
Pricing: Tiered subscriptions based on practice size
Best For: Independent medical practices looking for an affordable, all-in-one solution with strong billing and EHR features.
Legal Practice Management: Clio
Clio is a legal practice management platform that helps law firms streamline their case management, client interactions, and billing processes. Designed for solo attorneys and large firms alike, Clio offers a cloud-based solution that enables legal professionals to manage their cases from anywhere with secure, remote access.
Key Features:
- Case and document management
- Automated billing and invoicing
- Time tracking and client intake tools
Pros:
- Cloud-based for easy remote access
- Strong integrations with legal research tools
- Easily scalable
Cons:
- Some advanced features require higher-tier plans
- Can only be used by legal practices
- Slow customer support response time
Pricing: Tiered subscription pricing based on features and number of users
Best For: Solo lawyers and law firms looking for a comprehensive case management system.
TheraNest
TheraNest is a comprehensive practice management solution tailored for mental health professionals, including therapists, counselors, and psychologists. With built-in telehealth functionality and secure client communication tools, TheraNest helps mental health providers deliver high-quality care while managing their administrative workload more efficiently.
Key Features:
- HIPAA-compliant client notes and documentation
- Appointment scheduling and reminders
- Insurance billing and telehealth support
Pros:
- Designed specifically for therapists and counselors
- Intuitive interface for easy scheduling and note-taking
- Offers note templates and DSM-5 diagnostic codes
Cons:
- Limited billing features for large practices
- May not be ideal for multi-specialty clinics
- Customization options are limited
Pricing: Subscription-based pricing
Best For: Therapists, psychologists, and social workers needing a simple, therapy-focused solution.
Athenahealth
Athenahealth is a robust enterprise-level practice management and EHR solution designed for large healthcare organizations, hospitals, and multi-specialty clinics. It provides a cloud-based network that connects providers, patients, and payers to streamline everything from patient engagement to revenue cycle management.
Key Features:
- Integrated electronic health records (EHR)
- Patient engagement and communication tools
- Revenue cycle management
Pros:
- Ideal for large healthcare systems
- Comprehensive patient record management
- Strong regulatory compliance features
Cons:
- Higher learning curve
- May be too expensive for smaller practices
- Complex implementation process
Pricing: Custom pricing
Best For: Large healthcare organizations needing end-to-end practice management with EHR integration.
Practice Panther
PracticePanther is a user-friendly legal practice management software that enables law firms to streamline case management, time tracking, and billing. Whether serving solo practitioners or large firms, the platform provides intuitive automation tools that help legal professionals reduce administrative work and focus more on client advocacy.
Key Features:
- Automated invoicing and payments
- Case and document management
- Compliance tracking for legal firms
Pros:
- Intuitive and easy to set up
- Strong billing and client tracking features
- Scalable for solo attorneys and large firms
Cons:
- Some integrations require additional setup
- Lacks advanced CRM features
- Customer support may be limited on lower-tier plans
Pricing: Tiered subscription-based pricing
Best For: Law firms that need a modern, all-in-one case management solution.
SimplePractice
SimplePractice is an all-in-one practice management system designed for health and wellness professionals, including therapists, dietitians, and chiropractors. With a user-friendly interface and HIPAA-compliant security, SimplePractice simplifies the business side of private practice so professionals can focus on patient care.
Pros:
- Excellent telehealth integration
- User-friendly scheduling and documentation
- HIPAA-compliant
Cons:
- Limited customization for non-healthcare industries
- No built-in marketing tools
- May not meet customization needs of larger practices
Pricing: Tiered subscription model based on practice size and features
Best For: Therapists and wellness providers who need an integrated telehealth and scheduling solution.
Legal Practice Management: Lawmatics
Lawmatics is a legal CRM and practice management platform. Unlike traditional legal software that focuses on case management, Lawmatics specializes in streamlining client acquisition and engagement through automated communication and lead tracking.
Key Features:
- Automated client intake and lead tracking
- Email marketing and workflow automation
- Analytics and reporting for client engagement
Pros:
- Helps law firms improve client acquisition and retention
- Advanced automation features
- Customizable workflows
Cons:
- Lacks advanced case management features
- Best suited for client intake rather than full practice management
- Learning curve for setting up automation sequences
Pricing: Custom pricing based on firm size and feature needs
Best For: Law firms looking to automate client intake, marketing, and engagement.
NextGen Healthcare
NextGen Healthcare is an enterprise-grade practice management and EHR solution built for large healthcare organizations and multi-specialty providers. This comprehensive platform offers advanced clinical workflow automation, patient engagement tools, and revenue cycle management.
Key Features:
- Strong compliance and interoperability features
- Advanced reporting and revenue cycle management
- Secure patient portal and engagement tools
Pros:
- Scalable for hospitals and multi-location healthcare providers
- Strong regulatory compliance and data security
- Robust EHR customization options
Cons:
- High learning curve
- Implementation can be time-intensive
- One of the more expensive solutions
Pricing: Custom pricing based on the size and needs of the organization
Best For: Large healthcare organizations needing an all-in-one practice management and EHR solution.
Legal Practice Management: TimeSolv
TimeSolv is a practice management and billing solution designed for law firms, consultants, and professional service providers. This platform excels in helping firms streamline financial operations while maximizing billable hours.
Key Features:
- Advanced time tracking and invoicing
- Expense management and reporting tools
- Secure cloud-based access for remote work
Pros:
- Works offline and syncs automatically when reconnected
- Allows for batch billing to streamline invoicing
- Integrates with QuickBooks and other accounting tools
Cons:
- Lacks built-in client communication features
- Limited case management for legal firms
- Customization options could be more robust
Pricing: Tiered subscription pricing
Best For: Law firms and professional service providers looking for advanced billing and time-tracking capabilities.
CounSol.com
CounSol.com is a practice management platform for counselors and therapists that offers a customizable client portal and secure communication tools. This cloud-based solution ensures a secure and efficient workflow for mental health professionals.
Key Features:
- Secure messaging and client portal
- Appointment scheduling and automated reminders
- HIPAA-compliant documentation and telehealth integration
Pros:
- Fully customizable for individual therapy practices
- Secure and HIPAA-compliant client communication
- User-friendly scheduling and documentation features
Cons:
- Lacks robust billing and insurance claims processing
- Limited scalability
- Some features may require additional setup time
Pricing: Subscription-based pricing
Best For: Counselors and therapists needing a secure, customizable client management solution.
Features to Look for In Practice Management Software
Choosing the right practice management software isn’t just about picking a well-known brand—it’s about finding a solution that meets your practice’s unique needs. Whether you’re running a healthcare clinic, legal firm, or consulting business, the right features can streamline operations, improve efficiency, and enhance client or patient experiences. Below are the key features to look for when selecting a practice management system.
Appointment Scheduling
A strong appointment scheduling system helps businesses streamline bookings, reduce scheduling conflicts, and minimize no-shows. Features like automated reminders, calendar syncing, and self-service booking allow clients or patients to easily schedule and manage their appointments. Advanced scheduling tools also allow practices to optimize staff availability and resource allocation to improve efficiency.
Billing & Invoicing
Integrated billing and invoicing tools simplify payment processing, insurance claims, and financial tracking within your practice. Whether you need automated invoicing, payment reminders, or detailed financial reporting, a robust billing system ensures accuracy and reduces administrative work. To improve patient or client experiences, consider practice management software that supports multiple payment methods, including credit cards, ACH transfers, and online portals.
Client & Patient Management
Secure client or patient management is essential for organizing contact details, case histories, and treatment plans. The best practice management software solutions offer HIPAA-compliant encryption, customizable client records, and centralized data storage to protect sensitive information. For legal and consulting firms, robust CRM-style client tracking helps manage interactions, case progress, and follow-ups efficiently. Choose a platform that provides searchable records, custom fields, and permission-based access for enhanced security.
Document Management
Centralized document management allows practices to easily store, organize, and retrieve important files. Cloud-based storage with role-based access ensures security while enabling collaboration across teams. Features like OCR (optical character recognition), version tracking, and automated document tagging improve accessibility and efficiency. Look for software that integrates with existing file storage solutions like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive to match your workflows.
Time Tracking
Time tracking features are crucial for law firms, consultants, and professional services firms. They allow users to log billable hours, set project timers, and track time across multiple cases or clients. Automated tracking features reduce manual errors and ensure every minute of work is accounted for. Look for software that integrates directly with invoicing systems to effortlessly convert tracked time into client-ready invoices.
Task & Workflow Automation
Task and workflow automation helps practices manage follow-ups, assign casework, trigger reminders, and standardize processes without manual intervention. For healthcare, automated appointment reminders and insurance verification can streamline patient interactions. To maximize efficiency, choose a solution with custom workflow builders, notification triggers, and AI-driven task suggestions.
Compliance & Security
Compliance with industry regulations is critical whether you handle medical, legal, or financial data. Strong encryption, role-based access controls, and audit trails help protect sensitive client or patient data. To minimize risk and increase trust with your clients or patients, choose practice management software with regular security updates, two-factor authentication, and secure data backup solutions.
Telehealth or Remote Capabilities
Telehealth capabilities have become a necessity for medical, counseling, and mental health practices. Integrated video conferencing, secure messaging, and virtual appointment scheduling enable providers to deliver remote care while maintaining patient confidentiality. Telehealth-friendly practice management software should also support electronic prescribing (eRx), screen sharing, and mobile access.
Reporting & Analytics
A strong reporting and analytics dashboard helps practices track financial performance, client trends, and operational efficiency. Advanced platforms offer AI-powered insights, automated trend analysis, and KPI tracking to help businesses optimize their operations. Look for a practice management software solution with real-time reporting dashboards and exportable reports to keep leadership informed.
Integration Capabilities
The best practice management software should easily integrate with your existing tools, such as EHRs, CRMs, accounting software, and communication platforms. Strong integrations help businesses sync client data, automate workflows, and streamline collaboration across departments. No matter your industry, make sure your practice management software is API-supported and can adapt as your practice grows.
How to Integrate Practice Management Software
Whether you need to sync patient data, manage client relationships, simplify billing, or enhance communication, seamless integration ensures that information flows smoothly between the tools you use daily. Below are some ways you can integrate practice management software with other platforms to optimize your workflow.
With Electronic Health Records (EHR)
Integrating practice management software with EHR systems helps healthcare providers maintain accurate patient records, treatment plans, and medical histories. It allows practitioners to access patient data in real-time, reducing the need for manual data entry and minimizing errors. However, it’s crucial to ensure the practice management software you choose offers secure API connections and HIPAA-compliant data transfer to maintain patient confidentiality and data security.
With CRM Systems
For law firms, medical clinics, and consulting businesses, integrating practice management software with a CRM helps automate client follow-ups, track interactions, and manage case histories. This ensures that client details, communication logs, and appointment schedules are easily accessible in one place. Automation features can trigger email reminders, appointment confirmations, and personalized outreach based on client behavior. These capabilities enhance client engagement, retention, and overall service quality.
With Billing & Accounting Software
Integrating billing and accounting software such as QuickBooks, Xero, or specialized medical and legal billing platforms simplifies financial management. It enables automatic invoice generation, payment processing, and expense tracking directly within the practice management system. By syncing transactions, businesses can reduce manual bookkeeping errors and gain real-time financial insights. A well-integrated system also helps ensure accurate tax reporting, insurance claims processing, and revenue forecasting.
With Communication Tools
Connecting practice management software with email, SMS, and telehealth platforms improves client communication and engagement. Automated reminders can reduce no-shows, improve response rates, and inform clients about upcoming appointments. Telehealth integrations allow medical and counseling practices to seamlessly schedule and conduct virtual sessions within the same platform. Look for software that integrates with tools like Zoom, Twilio, or VoIP services for streamlined, secure messaging and video conferencing.
Mobile & Cloud Integrations
Cloud and mobile integrations ensure secure, anytime access to client or patient data. Cloud-based practice management systems allow professionals to schedule appointments, access case files, and process invoices from any location. Mobile-friendly platforms with HIPAA-compliant security enable practitioners to stay connected while on the go. Strong cloud integration also ensures automatic backups, real-time updates, and seamless multi-device synchronization.
5 Reasons to Choose Knack for Practice Management Software
Here are 5 reasons why you should choose Knack for your practice management software:
Build Custom Practice Management Software Without Coding
Knack’s no-code platform allows healthcare providers to design and implement tailored practice management solutions without the need for developers. Whether you need to create a patient portal, manage scheduling, track medical inventory, or streamline billing, you can build a solution that fits your exact needs—without the high costs of custom development.
Learn more about our AI-builder, which helps you build custom solutions with ease.
Seamless Access to Healthcare Data From Anywhere
With Knack, your team can securely access patient data, appointment schedules, and medical records from any location. Whether in-office or on-the-go, providers, administrators, and patients can collaborate in real-time, ensuring seamless communication, improved patient care, and efficient remote access—perfect for telehealth practices.
Learn more about our data management.
HIPAA-Compliant Security for Patient Data
Protect sensitive patient information with Knack’s built-in security features, including permission controls, authentication, bank-level encryption, and infrastructure redundancies. If your practice requires advanced compliance, Knack offers a HIPAA-Compliance package to ensure all patient data meets industry standards.
Learn more about our security and compliance.
Enterprise-Level Integration Across Departments
Knack helps practices go beyond patient management by integrating with other critical healthcare operations such as accounting, medical inventory tracking, clinical trials, and employee training. Whether managing a single practice or a multi-location healthcare system, Knack’s flexibility ensures seamless connectivity between departments.
Fast, Cost-Effective Software Development for Healthcare
Traditional practice management software can be expensive, rigid, and time-consuming to implement. Knack’s no-code approach allows practices to deploy powerful solutions at a fraction of the cost and time. With drag-and-drop functionality, pre-built templates, and easy customization, healthcare providers can quickly build and adapt software to improve operations and enhance patient care.
FAQs
Common questions and answers.
What is practice management software?
Practice management software is a digital solution that streamlines administrative tasks such as scheduling, billing, client management, and document organization. It is commonly used by healthcare providers, law firms, consultants, and other professional services to improve workflow efficiency.
Who can benefit from practice management software?
Any professional service provider that manages clients, appointments, and billing can benefit from practice management software. This includes medical practices, law firms, therapy offices, accounting firms, and consulting businesses. Small businesses, mid-sized firms, and enterprise-level organizations can all use it to improve efficiency and reduce administrative workload.
How does practice management software improve efficiency?
Practice management software improves efficiency by automating scheduling, billing, and client management. It also centralizes information, making it easier for teams to access client records, track case progress, and manage financials in one place.
Is practice management software secure?
Yes, most practice management software follows strict security measures, such as data encryption, role-based access controls, and compliance with regulations such as HIPAA and GDPR. It’s important to choose software with features like multi-factor authentication and advanced cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive client and patient data.
Can practice management software integrate with EHR systems?
Yes, many healthcare-focused practice management software solutions offer seamless integration with EHR platforms to sync patient records, treatment plans, and billing information. This eliminates duplicate data entry and ensures accurate, real-time access to medical histories. Look for software that supports API connections or direct integrations with your existing EHR system.
What’s the difference between practice management and case management software?
Practice management software focuses on administrative tasks like scheduling, billing, and client record management. Case management software tracks case progress, manages legal or healthcare documentation, and handles specific client matters. While they share some features, case management software is more tailored to law firms, social work, and claims management.
Are there industry-specific practice management tools?
Yes, some practice management software is built for specific industries, such as medical practices, legal firms, mental health clinics, and financial advisors. Industry-specific tools often include specialized compliance measures, billing formats, and workflow automations. However, many practice management platforms like Knack offer customization options to fit different business needs.
How do I choose the right practice management software for my business?
To choose the right practice management software for your business, identify your key needs, such as appointment scheduling, billing, compliance, or document management. To ensure long-term suitability, consider factors like integration capabilities, ease of use, security, and scalability. Before making a decision, it’s also helpful to request demos, read user reviews, and compare pricing models.
Is there free practice management software available?
Yes, some freemium or open-source practice management software options exist, but they often come with limited features or require paid upgrades. Free versions may lack advanced automation, integrations, or customer support, making them more suitable for small businesses or solo practitioners.
Does practice management software work for remote practices?
Yes, cloud-based practice management software allows businesses to access client records, schedule appointments, and process invoices from anywhere. Many platforms offer mobile apps, telehealth features, and secure remote access for fully virtual or hybrid practices.
Give Knack a Try
Choosing the right practice management software can transform the way your business operates. Whether you need appointment scheduling, billing automation, secure document management, or seamless integrations with other tools, there’s software that fits your practice.
With Knack, you don’t have to settle for a one-size-fits-all solution—you can build the perfect practice management system tailored to your specific needs. Ready to get started? Sign up with Knack and start building for free today!