Comparison
SlotFill vs SimplePractice Waitlist
Already using SimplePractice? Its waitlist feature is manual and limited. Here's how SlotFill automates what SimplePractice can't.
SimplePractice Waitlist Is Manual — You Still Have to Call
SimplePractice lets you maintain a waitlist, but when a cancellation happens, you still have to contact each client yourself. There's no SMS broadcasting, no automated claiming, and no first-come-first-served system. It's a list — not a recovery tool.
SlotFill is purpose-built for cancellation recovery. One click broadcasts to your waitlist, and the first client to respond claims the slot automatically.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | SlotFill | SimplePractice |
|---|---|---|
| Waitlist Notifications | Automated SMS Broadcast One click sends SMS to your entire waitlist. Clients claim instantly via link. | Manual Outreach You still have to call or email each client individually from the waitlist. |
| Slot Claiming | First-Come-First-Served Clients tap a link to claim. First response wins. No phone tag. | No Claiming System No automated claiming. You manually coordinate who gets the slot. |
| Pricing | $39/month Waitlist-focused tool. 300 SMS included. No EHR commitment required. | $49–99/month Full EHR platform. Waitlist is a secondary feature buried in the system. |
| Client Experience | No Account Required Clients receive SMS and claim via web link. No app, no portal, no login. | Client Portal Required Clients need a SimplePractice client portal account to interact. |
| Setup & Commitment | Standalone Tool Add SlotFill alongside your existing EHR. No migration needed. | Full EHR Platform Waitlist only available as part of the full SimplePractice EHR suite. |
| HIPAA Compliance | HIPAA-Conscious Scheduling data only, encrypted, US servers. BAA available on request. | HIPAA Compliant Full EHR with signed BAAs. Strong compliance for clinical data. |
| Delivery Tracking | Full Analytics Track SMS delivery, open rates, claim rates, and conversion funnels. | No Tracking No way to know if your manual outreach reached the client. |
| Time to Fill | ~30 Seconds Create opening, broadcast, done. Clients self-serve. | 20–30 Minutes Review waitlist, call each client, wait for callbacks, coordinate. |
Which is Right for You?
Add SlotFill if you...
- •Use SimplePractice but want better cancellation recovery
- •Are tired of manually calling through your waitlist
- •Want clients to claim openings without needing a portal account
- •Need delivery tracking and analytics on your fill rate
- •Want a dedicated tool that does one thing exceptionally well
SimplePractice waitlist might be enough if you...
- •Rarely have cancellations (1-2 per month)
- •Have a very small waitlist (under 5 clients)
- •Don't mind spending 20-30 minutes per cancellation on phone calls
- •Want everything in one platform even if individual features are basic
Ready to automate your cancellation recovery?
Keep SimplePractice for your EHR. Add SlotFill for your waitlist. Free 30-day trial, no credit card required.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use SlotFill alongside SimplePractice?
- Absolutely. SlotFill is a standalone tool that works alongside any EHR. You keep SimplePractice for clinical notes, billing, and scheduling. When a cancellation happens, you use SlotFill to fill the slot. There's no conflict or overlap.
- Why not just use SimplePractice's built-in waitlist?
- SimplePractice's waitlist is essentially a contact list. When a slot opens, you still have to manually call or email each person. There's no SMS broadcast, no automated claiming, and no tracking. SlotFill automates the entire process — from notification to claiming — in about 30 seconds.
- Do my clients need a SimplePractice account to use SlotFill?
- No. SlotFill works independently of SimplePractice. Clients receive a standard SMS with a link. They tap the link, see the appointment details, and claim with one tap — all in their mobile browser. No app download, no portal account, no friction.
- Is $39/month worth it if I already pay for SimplePractice?
- If you lose even one session per month to a cancellation you can't fill, that's $150-250 in lost revenue. SlotFill pays for itself by filling just one extra slot. Most practices recover 3-5 cancellations per month, making it a significant return on a $39 investment.