Practice Better Review

Practice Better is an all-in-one practice management and electronic health record (EHR) solution designed to streamline administrative tasks, enhance client engagement, and support business growth. Its cloud-based nature allows practitioners to access client data, schedules, and resources from any internet-connected device, making it ideal for both solo practitioners and group practices. The platform caters to a wide range of professionals, from mental health practitioners to functional medicine doctors, offering tools to manage scheduling, billing, telehealth, charting, and client communication in a secure, HIPAA-compliant environment.

The goal of Practice Better is to save time and money by automating repetitive tasks and providing a centralized hub for client management. With features like customizable protocols, food and lifestyle journaling, and seamless integrations with third-party apps, it aims to empower practitioners to focus on what matters most: their clients’ health and wellness outcomes.

Key Features of Practice Better

1. Scheduling and Appointment Management

Practice Better’s scheduling feature is a cornerstone of its functionality, allowing practitioners to create a seamless booking experience for clients. Practitioners can set daily, weekly, or monthly limits for each service type, preventing overbooking and maintaining work-life balance. Clients can book appointments online through a branded portal, reducing no-shows with automated reminders. The platform supports both in-person and virtual appointments, with integration for telehealth sessions via its built-in video platform or Zoom (with a signed Business Associate Agreement).

User feedback highlights the ease of use, with one practitioner noting, “The scheduling tool makes it easy for clients to book their own appointments, and I can coordinate multiple office locations as well as online sessions.” However, some users have reported issues with the scheduling feature, such as occasional glitches or limited customization options for complex scheduling needs.

2. Client Management and EHR

Practice Better provides robust client management capabilities, allowing practitioners to maintain detailed, organized records for each client. The client portal enables practitioners to view and edit basic information, medical history, allergies, medications, and lab results. The platform supports around 50 lab markers, which can be entered manually and stored in a historical record. However, the lack of automated lab data uploads and the table-only format for viewing results have been cited as limitations, as they hinder trend analysis and comparison.

The platform also offers customizable intake forms, which clients can complete online, even on mobile devices. These forms are instantly added to the client’s file, streamlining the onboarding process. Practitioners can add private notes, pin key responses, and send forms or waivers for electronic signatures, ensuring secure and efficient documentation.

3. Telehealth and Group Sessions

In an era where remote consultations are increasingly common, Practice Better’s telehealth capabilities are a significant advantage. The platform offers a HIPAA-compliant video platform for secure virtual consultations, eliminating the need for external tools in many cases. For practitioners with Zoom accounts, integration is available for both individual and group sessions. The group session feature allows practitioners to conduct webinars, workshops, or group coaching, expanding their reach and diversifying service offerings.

Users appreciate the convenience of telehealth, with one reviewer stating, “The telehealth feature is a game-changer, opening up services to clients who can’t meet in person.” However, some clients have reported technical difficulties, and practitioners are encouraged to consult troubleshooting resources provided by Practice Better.

4. Billing and Payment Processing

Practice Better simplifies financial management with an integrated billing and invoicing system. Practitioners can set prices for services, packages, programs, and subscriptions, with options for prepayment or post-session invoicing. The platform supports online payments via Stripe and Square, as well as contactless payments through Apple or Google Pay. Automated payment plans and unified reporting for online and terminal payments save time and reduce manual follow-ups.

One user praised the system, saying, “The ability to process payments directly through the dashboard is a major time-saver, presenting a polished front to clients.” However, pricing has been noted as a drawback, with some users finding it higher than alternatives like IntakeQ, especially for larger practices.

5. Client Engagement Tools

Practice Better enhances client engagement through features like secure messaging, food and lifestyle journaling, and customizable protocols. The secure chat feature allows one-on-one or group communication, with options for auto-responders and scheduled messages to set boundaries. The food and mood journal enables clients to track meals (with a database of over 600,000 foods), upload photos, and monitor nutrient intake, while practitioners can review entries and provide feedback.

The protocol feature allows practitioners to create personalized recommendations for food, supplements, and lifestyle changes, which can be saved as templates for reuse. However, recommendations must be entered manually, and supplement brands are limited to a dropdown menu, which may require adjustments for each client.

6. Programs and Courses

Practice Better supports the creation of online courses and programs, offering fixed-date or self-paced options. Practitioners can bundle group sessions, include lead magnets, and sell memberships, making it a versatile tool for scaling a practice. One user highlighted, “I’ve built several programs to onboard and offboard clients, keeping everything in one place.” However, some users have requested more advanced program layout options, which are currently limited.

7. Integrations and Customization

Practice Better integrates with a variety of tools to enhance functionality, including That Clean Life for nutrition planning, Apple Health, Cronometer, Fitbit, and diagnostic services like Evexia Diagnostics and Rupa Health. Financial integrations with Stripe and Square, as well as Google Calendar, Drive, and Zapier, streamline workflows. The platform also supports branding customization, allowing practitioners to create a professional, cohesive client experience with custom URLs, email templates, and forms.

8. Reporting and Analytics

Practice Better provides detailed reporting and analytics to track practice performance, client progress, and financial metrics. Practitioners can monitor appointment trends, revenue, and client engagement, enabling data-driven decisions to optimize their practice.

Pricing Structure

Practice Better offers four pricing plans, with a free trial available for up to three clients:

• Starter Plan: $25/month, suitable for new practitioners with up to 10 clients.
• Professional Plan: $89/month, offering unlimited clients, fixed-date and evergreen programs, and one admin assistant.
• Plus Plan: Includes a custom branded URL and advanced features.
• Team Plan: $145/month, supporting two practitioners and two admins, with the option to add up to 100 practitioners for an additional fee.

While the pricing is competitive for solo practitioners, some users find it expensive for larger practices or those with extensive client bases. The lack of an API may also limit integration options for advanced users.

Usability and Customer Support

Practice Better is praised for its user-friendly interface and intuitive design, with many users describing it as “slick” and “intuitive.” The platform offers extensive help articles, tutorial videos, and webinars to support onboarding and ongoing use. Customer support is highly rated, with quick and friendly responses via email, help desk, and an interactive Facebook group.

However, some users have noted a learning curve, particularly for new practitioners unfamiliar with practice management software. Occasional software glitches and complex navigation for certain features, like document sharing, have also been reported.

Benefits of Practice Better

1. Time Savings: Automation of scheduling, billing, and reminders reduces administrative workload.
2. Enhanced Client Experience: The branded portal, secure messaging, and journaling tools improve engagement and accountability.
3. Scalability: Features like programs, group sessions, and integrations support business growth.
4. HIPAA Compliance: Ensures secure handling of client data, a critical factor for health professionals.
5. Comprehensive Features: Combines EHR, telehealth, billing, and client management in one platform.

Drawbacks of Practice Better

1. Limited Customization: Some features, like scheduling and program layouts, lack advanced customization options.
2. Manual Data Entry: Lab data and protocols require manual input, which can be time-consuming.
3. Pricing Concerns: Higher tiers may be costly for larger practices or those with extensive client lists.
4. Occasional Glitches: Users have reported technical issues, particularly with telehealth and scheduling.
5. No API: Limits integration with custom or niche tools.

User Reviews and Feedback

User reviews on platforms like G2, Capterra, and GetApp highlight Practice Better’s strengths and areas for improvement. Positive feedback emphasizes its all-in-one functionality, ease of use, and excellent customer support. One user stated, “Practice Better has transformed the way I manage my clients and educational programs. Its comprehensive features and exceptional support make it an essential tool.”

Criticisms include the high cost for larger practices, limited customization, and occasional technical issues. A reviewer noted, “The system keeps failing repeatedly, and there’s no human support to help with numerous issues.” However, such negative experiences appear less common, with most users reporting satisfaction with the platform’s performance.

Comparison with Alternatives

Practice Better competes with platforms like SimplePractice, Healthie, and Jane, each offering similar practice management features. SimplePractice is popular among therapists for its customizable therapy notes and AutoPay feature, while Healthie offers robust telehealth and insurance billing capabilities. Jane is noted for its user-friendly interface but may lack some of Practice Better’s advanced client engagement tools.

Practice Better stands out for its focus on nutrition and wellness professionals, with unique features like food journaling and protocol templates. However, its pricing and limited API may make alternatives more appealing for some practitioners.

Who Should Use Practice Better?

Practice Better is ideal for:

• Solo Practitioners: New or established health professionals seeking an affordable, all-in-one solution.
• Nutrition and Wellness Professionals: Dietitians, nutritionists, and health coaches benefit from specialized features like food journaling and protocol creation.
• Growing Practices: The Professional and Team plans support scaling with programs, group sessions, and admin features.
• Tech-Savvy Practitioners: Those comfortable with cloud-based platforms and integrations will maximize its potential.

It may be less suitable for:

• Large Practices with Complex Needs: The pricing structure and lack of API may limit scalability for enterprise-level practices.
• Practitioners Requiring Advanced Customization: Limited options for scheduling and program design may frustrate some users.
• Budget-Conscious Users: Alternatives like IntakeQ may offer lower costs for basic functionality.

Conclusion

Practice Better is a powerful, user-friendly practice management platform that delivers significant value to health and wellness professionals. Its comprehensive features, including scheduling, telehealth, billing, and client engagement tools, streamline operations and enhance client care. The platform’s HIPAA compliance, seamless integrations, and customization options make it a versatile choice for solo practitioners and growing practices alike.

However, its pricing, manual data entry requirements, and occasional technical issues may pose challenges for some users. Practitioners must weigh these drawbacks against the platform’s benefits and consider their specific needs, budget, and client base. For those seeking a robust, all-in-one solution tailored to nutrition and wellness, Practice Better is a compelling option that can elevate practice efficiency and client outcomes.