Medical chart audit: A complete guide for healthcare practices
What is a medical chart audit and why it matters? A medical chart audit is a sys...
Last Updated: July 30, 2026
Key takeaways
Software covered: 1. Pabau, 2. doxy.me, 3. SimplePractice, 4. AdvancedMD, 5. Zoom for Healthcare, 6. Teladoc Health
Standalone telemedicine tools like doxy.me and Zoom for Healthcare need separate scheduling, billing, and EHR systems. All-in-one platforms handle these natively.
HIPAA compliance is self-attested in the US. Look for a signed Business Associate Agreement (BAA), end-to-end encryption, and audit logging rather than a ‘certified’ badge.
Pabau brings telehealth consultations, clinical notes, digital intake forms, and automated follow-up into one clinic management platform.
What is telemedicine software?
Most clinics don’t switch telemedicine platforms because they chose badly. They switch because they outgrew what they picked. A tool that works for solo video calls breaks when you add scheduling logic, insurance billing, or multi-practitioner workflows on top of it.
Telemedicine software lets healthcare providers run virtual consultations, manage patient records remotely, and in many cases handle scheduling and billing from the same platform. According to HHS, telehealth adoption jumped sharply after 2020 and has stayed well above pre-pandemic levels across most specialties. The real question for most clinics is which platform can handle virtual care without adding a fragmented software stack.
Six names come up most often in this search: Pabau, doxy.me, SimplePractice, AdvancedMD, Zoom for Healthcare, and Teladoc Health. Each fits a different practice type, so match the platform to your workflow, not the other way around.
How the six leading telemedicine platforms compare at a glance
See how the six platforms stack up on what matters most to clinic buyers: pricing, HIPAA compliance, EHR integration, and review ratings. Compare clinic software options across all categories to find the best fit for your practice.
Six things that separate a good telemedicine platform from a bad one
Every telemedicine tool claims HIPAA compliance and HD video. The real differences show up in the workflow layers around the call. That means what happens before the patient joins, during documentation, and after the visit when billing and follow-up need to happen.
- HIPAA compliance with BAA: HIPAA compliance is self-attested in the US, not government-certified. What matters is whether the vendor will sign a Business Associate Agreement (BAA). Without a signed BAA, the platform is not HIPAA-compliant for covered entities, regardless of marketing claims.
- EHR integration or native records: Standalone video tools require a separate EHR. Every note, photo, consent form, and prescription then lives in a different system. Native EHR integration (or a built-in records module) eliminates that split.
- Scheduling: Can patients self-book telehealth appointments, or does the clinic have to manually create each session link? Automated booking saves significant admin time at volume.
- Billing: According to CMS, telehealth visits can be billed under CPT codes 98000-98016 (audio-only E/M, CPT 2025) and 99202-99215 (video E/M), subject to current policy. Your platform needs to either handle billing natively or pass structured data to your billing system.
- Patient experience: Does the patient need to download an app? Create an account? A high-friction onboarding flow increases no-shows and abandoned appointments.
- Pricing model: Per-visit, per-user, or subscription? Per-visit pricing looks cheap at low volume but gets expensive fast. All-in-one subscriptions spread cost across your full software stack.
1. Pabau – Best clinic telemedicine software for multi-specialty practices
Pabau is an all-in-one clinic management platform built for aesthetics, dermatology, wellness, and multi-specialty practices. Telemedicine isn’t a bolt-on here. Online consultations sit inside the same platform as scheduling, clinical notes, digital forms, prescriptions, and patient billing. A virtual visit creates a full patient record automatically, with nothing to copy between systems.
The patient experience is clinic-branded and mobile-optimized. Patients receive a branded booking link, complete pre-consultation intake forms and consent digitally before the call, and get automated aftercare instructions once the consultation closes. Practitioners access the video call, the patient’s full history, and their clinical notes template from one screen.
Key features
- Integrated online consultations: Video visits built into the platform with no separate app for patients
- Digital intake forms and consent: Patients complete digital intake forms before the call; results attach to the patient record automatically
- Clinical notes and EMR: Practitioners document during or after the call; notes, photos, measurements, and prescriptions all saved to the patient file
- Automated scheduling and reminders: Patients book telehealth slots through online booking; the system sends automated SMS and email reminders
- Billing and payment processing: Invoices generated from consultation records; card payments processed in-platform
- Pre-care and aftercare automation: Automated pre-consultation instructions and post-visit follow-up messages sent without manual effort
- Multi-location support: Practitioners can conduct telehealth from any location; records centralized across sites
- Compliance management: Audit trails, consent records, and documentation support GDPR and HIPAA-aligned workflows
Where Pabau shines
- End-to-end clinical workflow: From the booking link to the aftercare email, every step runs inside Pabau. No context switching, no data re-entry.
- Aesthetics and specialty clinic fit: Built-in injection plotting, before-and-after photo management, and treatment-specific consent forms make Pabau well-suited to aesthetic and dermatology practices. Other telemedicine tools don’t address these needs.
- Replaces multiple point solutions: Practices replace separate scheduling, EHR, billing, and telehealth subscriptions with one platform, reducing total software cost significantly.
- Branded patient experience: The patient-facing journey carries the clinic’s branding, not the software company’s name, which matters for premium aesthetic and wellness practices.
Where Pabau falls short
- Learning curve: The breadth of features means onboarding takes time. Reviewers note this upfront investment, though Pabau provides structured onboarding support.
- Not optimized for US insurance billing: Pabau’s billing is designed for self-pay aesthetics and wellness clinics. Practices that rely heavily on US insurance claims will find AdvancedMD a better fit.
- No free tier: Unlike doxy.me, Pabau is a paid subscription from the start. Practices that want to pilot telemedicine at zero cost will need a different starting point.
Customer reviews
According to Capterra reviewers, Pabau earns 4.7 out of 5 from over 600 verified reviews. Positive themes include the reduction in software tools needed, strong onboarding support, and the integrated scheduling and billing workflow. Reviewers flag the initial learning curve as the main adjustment period.
Who Pabau is best for
- Aesthetics and med spa clinics offering video consultations alongside in-person treatments
- Dermatology, wellness, and functional medicine practices wanting an all-in-one platform
- Multi-location clinic groups needing centralized records and standardized telehealth workflows
- Private practices replacing multiple point solutions with a single subscription
Pricing
| Plan / Tier | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | From $65/month | Per practitioner; billed monthly |
| Team / Group | Scales by location and user count | Volume-based pricing |
| Enterprise | Custom pricing | Contact sales for a quote |
Every Pabau plan includes the full platform, so the price scales with your location and user count rather than which features you can unlock.
2. doxy.me – Free telemedicine for individual providers
doxy.me built its reputation on one thing: the simplest possible path to a HIPAA-compliant video call. Patients receive a link, click it in their browser, and join. No download, no account creation, no friction. For solo practitioners or small practices testing telemedicine for the first time, that zero-friction access is genuinely valuable.
Key features
- Browser-based video: Patients join via a link with no app or download required
- Virtual waiting room: Patients check in and wait; the provider sees when they’re ready
- HIPAA compliance with BAA: BAA available on all tiers including free
- Screen sharing and file transfer: Available on paid tiers
- Branded waiting room: Customize the patient-facing room with clinic logo on paid plans
Where doxy.me shines
- Zero patient friction: The browser-based join flow is the lowest-barrier entry point in the market.
- Free HIPAA-compliant tier: Solo practitioners can start conducting HIPAA-compliant telehealth at no cost, which is genuinely uncommon.
- Immediate setup: Providers can be running video visits within minutes of signup.
Where doxy.me falls short
- No native scheduling or billing: Every booking, note, and invoice requires a separate system. As visit volume grows, this gap becomes expensive and time-consuming.
- Limited free plan features: Group calls, branding, and advanced tools require paid upgrades.
- Not built for clinical workflows: doxy.me is a video infrastructure tool. Clinical documentation, prescriptions, and patient records sit entirely outside it.
Customer reviews
According to Capterra, doxy.me earns 4.6 out of 5. Reviewers consistently praise the ease of use and the no-download patient experience. Common criticisms focus on the limited feature set on the free plan and the lack of integrated scheduling or billing.
Who doxy.me is best for
- Solo practitioners or small practices running low telehealth volumes
- Providers who already have a separate EHR and billing system and need only a video layer
- Clinics piloting telehealth before committing to an all-in-one platform
Pricing
doxy.me’s free tier covers solo providers, while the paid Professional and Clinic tiers add branding, screen sharing, and multi-provider support as visit volume grows.
3. SimplePractice – Telehealth for mental health practices
SimplePractice is purpose-built for mental health clinicians: therapists, counselors, psychologists, and social workers. It combines telehealth video with scheduling, clinical notes, and insurance billing in one platform. The workflow logic is tuned to private therapy practice rather than general medicine or aesthetics.
Key features
- Integrated telehealth video: Built-in video visits accessible via the SimplePractice client portal
- Appointment scheduling and client portal: Clients self-book, complete intake paperwork, and access session notes
- Insurance billing: Claims submission and ERA (electronic remittance advice) processing included
- Customizable clinical notes: SOAP note templates, progress notes, and treatment plans
- Client-facing mobile app: Telehealth and messaging accessible via the SimplePractice Client Portal
Where SimplePractice shines
- Mental health workflow depth: Progress notes, treatment plans, and outcome measures are built into the workflow in ways general platforms don’t match.
- Polished client portal: The patient-facing experience is well-designed and consistent across mobile and desktop.
- Insurance billing integration: Claims handling is native, which is important for insurance-based therapy practices.
Where SimplePractice falls short
- Limited outside therapy: The platform’s workflows are optimized for weekly therapy sessions. Aesthetic, dermatology, or multi-treatment clinics won’t find the right clinical tools here.
- Pricing increases at higher tiers: Reviewers note that costs escalate when moving to higher plans or adding practitioners.
- Support response times vary: Several reviewers mention slower-than-expected customer support responses during busy periods.
Customer reviews
According to Capterra reviewers, SimplePractice earns 4.6 out of 5. Positive themes include the intuitive scheduling interface, reliable telehealth video, and strong client portal. Reviewers in non-therapy specialties report limited customization options.
Who SimplePractice is best for
- Mental health clinicians: therapists, psychologists, counselors, and social workers
- Insurance-based private therapy practices needing integrated claims submission
- Solo and small group practices in the therapy and behavioral health space
Pricing
| Plan / Tier | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | $49/month | Promo $24.50/mo first 3 months; 30-day free trial |
| Essential | $79/month | Promo $39.50/mo first 3 months |
| Plus | $99/month | Promo $49.50/mo first 3 months |
| Add-on: ePrescribe | $49/month | + $89 one-time setup fee |
SimplePractice’s plans scale with client volume and add-ons like insurance billing. The right tier depends on how much of that workflow you want built in.
4. AdvancedMD – Full EHR with integrated telemedicine software
AdvancedMD is a comprehensive EHR, practice management, and billing platform for US medical practices. Telemedicine is integrated natively into the EHR, so practitioners can conduct video visits, document in the same system, and submit insurance claims without switching tools. The platform targets mid-to-large medical practices with complex billing needs.
Key features
- Native telemedicine in EHR: Video visits launch from within the clinical record with no separate tool
- US insurance billing: Full claims management, ERA processing, denial management, and clearinghouse integration
- Scheduling integration: Appointment management connected to the clinical and billing workflow
- Reporting and analytics: Practice performance reporting, provider productivity, and financial dashboards
- Patient portal: Online scheduling, bill pay, and telehealth access for patients
Where AdvancedMD shines
- US insurance billing depth: The claims management and denial workflow is one of the most comprehensive in the market for US medical practices.
- All-in-one EHR + telemedicine: Everything from the clinical record to the video visit to the claim is native to one system.
- Reporting: Financial and clinical reporting capabilities are robust, useful for larger practices tracking provider productivity and revenue cycle metrics.
Where AdvancedMD falls short
- Steep learning curve and complexity: Reviewers consistently flag the platform as difficult to configure and learn. Implementation timelines are longer than lighter-weight alternatives.
- High cost: AdvancedMD is priced for larger medical practices. Small clinics or solo practitioners are likely to find it cost-prohibitive.
- Customer support issues: Multiple reviewers report inconsistent support quality and slow resolution times.
Customer reviews
According to Capterra reviewers, AdvancedMD earns 3.6 out of 5. Positive reviews cite the billing depth and EHR integration. Critical reviews focus on the steep learning curve, complex configuration, and high cost relative to simpler alternatives.
Who AdvancedMD is best for
- US medical practices with complex insurance billing workflows
- Mid-to-large group practices needing a comprehensive EHR with native telehealth
- Practices with dedicated billing staff who can manage a complex system
Pricing
AdvancedMD’s published rate is a starting point, and larger practices with complex billing needs should expect a custom quote from the vendor.
5. Zoom for Healthcare – HIPAA-compliant video infrastructure
Zoom for Healthcare is the HIPAA-compliant version of Zoom, available to covered entities that sign a BAA with Zoom. It gives practices access to Zoom’s familiar video interface with the compliance layer required for healthcare use. The trade-off is that Zoom is video infrastructure, not a clinical workflow tool.
Key features
- HIPAA-compliant video with BAA: Zoom signs a BAA with eligible healthcare organizations, making the platform usable for telehealth under HIPAA
- Familiar video interface: Practitioners and patients already know Zoom, reducing the adoption barrier
- Screen sharing, breakout rooms, and recording: Standard Zoom features available within the healthcare plan
- Integration via API: Can be connected to EHR and practice management systems, though this requires technical implementation
Where Zoom for Healthcare shines
- Familiar to everyone: Most practitioners and patients have used Zoom, which reduces the onboarding barrier significantly.
- Reliable video quality: Zoom’s underlying infrastructure is proven at scale.
- Flexible for practices already using Zoom: If the clinic is already on a Zoom Business plan, upgrading to BAA eligibility is a low-friction step.
Where Zoom for Healthcare falls short
- No clinical workflow integration: Zoom is video only. Every clinical note, prescription, and billing action requires a completely separate system.
- Integration requires technical work: Connecting Zoom to an EHR or scheduling system requires API integration, which is not a self-serve process for most clinics.
- Not purpose-built for healthcare: The platform was built for business video conferencing. The healthcare BAA layer enables compliance, but doesn’t create a clinical workflow.
Customer reviews
According to Capterra, Zoom earns 4.6 out of 5 from more than 14,500 reviews. Healthcare reviewers praise the video reliability and familiarity. Critical reviews consistently note that Zoom alone doesn’t create a clinical workflow, and integration with EHR or billing systems requires significant additional effort.
Who Zoom for Healthcare is best for
- Practices already using Zoom Business who need to add HIPAA compliance
- Health systems or larger organizations with IT resources to handle EHR integration
- Providers who need a video layer only and have clinical workflows managed elsewhere
Pricing
Zoom’s HIPAA-eligible Business and Enterprise tiers are quote-only now, so confirm current pricing and BAA eligibility directly with Zoom’s sales team.
6. Teladoc Health – Enterprise virtual care at scale
Teladoc Health is a different category of product from the others on this list. It’s an enterprise virtual care network, not practice management software with a telehealth module bolted on. Health systems, large employers, and health plans use it to route patients to available providers. Independent clinics are not the primary audience.
Key features
- Enterprise virtual care routing: Connects patients to available providers across a large network
- Multi-specialty coverage: Mental health, primary care, dermatology, and other specialties available through the network
- Health system integration: Designed to integrate with hospital EHR systems at enterprise scale
- Data and analytics: Population health reporting for employer and health plan clients
Where Teladoc Health shines
- Enterprise scale: Designed for health systems and large employers managing virtual care access for thousands of patients.
- Large provider network: Patients can access a wide range of specialists through the Teladoc network, not just their assigned practice.
- Population health capability: Analytics and reporting are built for health plan and employer-level oversight.
Where Teladoc Health falls short
- Not suitable for independent clinics: The platform is designed for enterprise buyers, not private practices or small clinics.
- Limited customization for individual practices: Clinics cannot configure workflows or branding in the way that practice management software allows.
- Patient experience varies: Reviewers note inconsistent patient-side experiences depending on the specialty and routing logic.
Customer reviews
Teladoc Health earns 4 out of 5 from more than 42,000 reviews on Trustpilot. Positive reviews highlight the convenience and the breadth of specialist access for patients. Critical reviews note the enterprise orientation, and that the platform doesn’t give individual clinics control over their own workflows.
Who Teladoc Health is best for
- Health systems and hospitals offering virtual care to existing patient populations
- Large employers providing telehealth benefits as part of employee health packages
- Health plans needing a virtual care network with population health reporting
Pricing
Teladoc Health doesn’t publish set pricing, since contracts are negotiated individually with each health system, employer, or health plan.
Pro Tip
Before shortlisting platforms, map out which workflow steps you need the telemedicine software to handle directly. Draw a line from the patient booking the appointment to the invoice going out. If a platform covers fewer than three steps in that chain, you’re building a software stack, not using a single platform.
How to match a telemedicine platform to your practice type
The right choice comes down to how much of the clinical workflow you want the software to own. These five criteria consistently separate a good fit from a bad one for most practices.
- Workflow integration depth: Do you need scheduling, documentation, billing, and telehealth in one system, or just a video layer? All-in-one platforms cost more but replace multiple subscriptions. Standalone video tools are cheaper upfront but require separate systems for everything else.
- Billing model: US insurance billing requires a different toolset than self-pay aesthetics billing. AdvancedMD is built for the former. Pabau is built for the latter. Know which model your practice runs before choosing.
- Specialty fit: Mental health practices will find SimplePractice a better fit than a general clinic platform. Aesthetics and dermatology clinics need treatment-specific tools like photo management, injection documentation, and consent forms that general telemedicine software doesn’t provide. Pabau covers medical spa software workflows specifically.
- Patient volume and growth: Free tools work at low volume. At 50+ telehealth appointments per month, the admin overhead of managing disconnected systems starts to cost more than the subscription savings.
- HIPAA compliance requirements: For US practices, confirm that your vendor will sign a BAA. For UK practices, confirm GDPR data processing agreements. Both are non-negotiable compliance requirements, not optional extras. The AMA’s telehealth implementation playbook offers a useful framework for evaluating platform compliance before you sign a contract.
How Pabau turns a video visit into one complete patient record
Many clinics still run virtual visits through a standalone video tool, then copy the details into a separate calendar, EHR, and invoicing system by hand. That extra step costs staff time, and it’s where records tend to fall out of sync between systems.
Practice management software like Pabau keeps the video call, the clinical note, and the invoice on the same patient record. A telehealth visit books through the same calendar as an in-person appointment. The consultation note, prescription, and payment attach to that visit automatically. Video visits run through Pabau’s simple credit system, so a practice only pays for the consultations it actually holds.
The result is one record per patient, whether they were seen in person or over video, with nothing to reconcile between systems afterward.
See how Pabau handles telehealth from booking to aftercare
Pabau connects your online consultations to clinical notes, billing, and automated follow-up in one platform. Book a demo to see it in action for your clinic type.
Conclusion
Standalone telemedicine tools solve one problem. As soon as you need scheduling, clinical notes, billing, or automated follow-up, you’re adding systems on top. For aesthetics clinics, med spas, and multi-specialty practices, that fragmentation is the real cost of choosing the wrong platform.
Pabau’s telehealth software handles the complete consultation workflow from intake form to aftercare message inside one platform. If you’re evaluating telemedicine software for a clinic that does more than video calls, it’s worth seeing how that works in practice. Book a demo and we’ll walk you through how it fits your specific clinic type.
Continue your research
Need a deeper checklist for vetting telehealth vendors on HIPAA? HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms breaks down what a signed BAA should actually cover.
Running a general or family practice instead of a specialty clinic? Telehealth in GP clinics covers the workflow questions specific to primary care.
Treating mental health clients alongside other specialties? Top mental health software ranks the tools built specifically for therapy practices.
Want a wider view of clinic software beyond the telehealth layer? Best medical software compares platforms across EHR, billing, and scheduling.
Losing patients to no-shows on virtual appointments? Patient communication strategies covers the reminder and follow-up tactics that cut down missed visits.
Frequently asked questions
Do telehealth parity laws affect what a practice can charge for a virtual visit?
Yes. Most states now require insurers to reimburse a virtual visit at the same rate as an equivalent in-person visit. The exact rules vary by state and payer, so check your state’s parity law before setting billing policy.
Does a provider need a license in the patient’s home state to hold a telemedicine visit?
In most cases, yes. Medical licensure follows where the patient is physically located, not where the provider is based. A visit across state lines usually needs a license in both states. The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact speeds up that process for participating states.
How long does it take to roll out telemedicine software inside an existing practice?
Video-only tools can go live the same day, since there’s little to configure. All-in-one platforms with scheduling, forms, and billing typically take two to four weeks of onboarding to set up properly.
Can telemedicine software handle e-prescribing during a virtual visit?
Many platforms connect to pharmacy networks, so a provider can send a prescription electronically right after the call. Controlled substances need extra identity verification under the Ryan Haight Act, so confirm your platform supports that step.
