Zanda Health

PPM vs. Zanda

The Best PPM Alternative for Allied Health Practitioners

Why practices look for a PPM alternative

PPM and Zanda are both practice management options, but the feature gap is significant. Zanda delivers more at a lower price, with a client portal for online bookings and payments, two-way SMS, robust integrations, and full cloud access from any device. If you're on PPM and hitting limitations, Zanda is built to fill those gaps.

PPM vs Zanda: Top highlights

1

More affordable at every practice size

More affordable at every practice size

Zanda's pricing is based on the number of practitioners, with each tier working out lower per diary as you grow. A single-practitioner PPM account starts at significantly more per month than Zanda's largest plan. Every Zanda account includes all features.

2

Client portal for online bookings and payments

Client portal for online bookings and payments

PPM has no client portal and does not support online bookings. Zanda's portal lets clients view availability, book, reschedule or cancel appointments, and pay at the time of booking via Stripe. You can brand the portal with your logo, colors, and personalized instructions.

3

Two-way SMS and email communication

Two-way SMS and email communication

Both systems send automated reminders, but only Zanda processes client responses by automatically updating appointment status in your calendar. Zanda also supports full two-way SMS conversations with clients, colleagues, and third parties, all within the app.

4

Integrations: Xero, Stripe, and Mailchimp

Integrations: Xero, Stripe, and Mailchimp

PPM does not appear to support any integrations. Zanda connects with Xero for invoicing, Stripe for online payments, and Mailchimp for automated client marketing emails.

5

Full cloud access — any device, anywhere

Full cloud access — any device, anywhere

Zanda is entirely web-based. Access your full account from any computer, tablet, or smartphone with an internet connection. PPM requires a desktop installation, and remote access is limited to devices that support their remote desktop app. Mobile phones and tablets are not supported.

See why health practices love Zanda

Zanda is purpose-built for allied health. Whether you're running a solo clinic or a multi-location practice, Zanda gives you everything you need to manage clients, notes, billing, and communications without the limitations of legacy desktop software.

40k+

Users

100k+

Invoices per month

650k+

Client notes a month

PPM vs Zanda: Side-by-side comparison*

Here's how Zanda and PPM compare across the features that matter most.

Getting started
Zanda
PPM
Free trial
Yes
Yes
Money-back guarantee
Yes
No
Scheduling & bookings
Calendar management
Multiple appointment types with color coding. Appointment flags for booking status. Supports multiple locations and flexible recurring availability.
Yes, but very limited functionality compared with Zanda.
Online bookings
Bookings via the portal update the calendar automatically. Brandable portal with logo, header image, and colors. Add a booking link to your website or Facebook page.
Online bookings do not appear to be supported.
Waitlist
Yes
No
Communication
SMS & email reminders
Send up to 3 SMS and email reminders per appointment with flexible timing. Responses automatically update the appointment status in the calendar.
Yes, but responses do not update the booking status in the calendar.
2-way SMS chat
2-way SMS supported with clients, colleagues, and third parties. Messages are grouped into conversations within the app.
No
Clinical tools
Online forms
Send forms before appointments via email or SMS link. Collects data and signatures. Set notifications when forms are completed.
No mention of online forms on the PPM website.
Treatment notes
Over 100 specialized, fully customizable templates. Create as many as needed. Duplicate previous notes and view full edit history.
Ability to scan or import documents and imaging, but treatment notes do not appear to be supported.
Telehealth
Yes
No remote video consultation system.
Payments & billing
Invoices & payments
Fully integrated invoicing. Calendar alerts for outstanding payments. Block clients from booking when they have unsettled invoices. Integrates with Xero and Stripe.
Yes, but very restricted. Invoices must be downloaded as a PDF and sent manually via email. No integrations with external invoicing or payment programs.
Credit card processing
Accept payments at the time of online booking, during home visits, and via the client portal.
No
Client management
Client management system
Yes
Yes
Reports & analytics
Yes
Yes, but limited reporting options compared with Zanda.
Support & onboarding
Data import service
Comprehensive data import service, free of charge.
No
Practice Operations Manual
An in-platform library of 100+ policies and procedures, ready to use and easily adapted to your practice.
No

*This comparison article reflects information available as of April 2020.

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What Practitioners Are Saying

Lots of automations that make admin easy. Lots of developments over time that continue to improve the software. Lots of engagement with users to figure out what people want and need out of the software.
Joel Moffat
Zanda gave me a fully usable account for about a month to play with. I could immediately see how easy it was calendaring, customer info, templates, everything seamlessly integrated.
Vanessa Grimes, Owner
Acupuncturist
I like the notes feature, which is why I was interested in the first place, but being able to send forms and clients having the option to use the client portal is a great tool. No shows have stopped, the text reminder gives them the option to confirm or cancel. I don't need to carry a bunch of heavy paper notes with me all the time now.
Samantha J.
It streamlines my whole practice. From booking sessions, invoicing, sending online forms to clients and note taking. It makes everything look very professional compared with my competitors.
Kim M.
Previously it was very time consuming, and I often struggled to find time in between patients to write notes. Now it is much faster and also very thorough.
Erone Voigt
Zanda is more flexible than your other dental softwares especially for mobile.
Nateenee Langsanam, Founder & Oral Health Therapist
Dental on Wheels

Professions we serve

Ready to Switch from PPM?

Switching from PPM is straightforward. Zanda offers certified ISO compliance, lower costs, full migration support, and functionality that works the way you do. Try it free and experience the best alternative to PPM for allied health professionals who want more control and less admin in their day.