TM3 (Blue Zinc) and PPS (Rushcliff) are two of the most established UK-focused systems for private physiotherapy practices. They have strengths in UK workflows and insurance billing, but like all off-the-shelf platforms they have limitations on customisation, per-clinician pricing, and exercise prescription depth. This article gives an honest view of their pros, then looks at Cliniko, WriteUpp, Jane, Nookal and the bespoke option for clinics that need something that fits exactly.
TM3 is a UK-developed cloud system with a strong physiotherapy and MSK user base. It includes appointments, clinical notes (with sketchpad and customisable templates), billing, online booking, embedded payments (ClearAccept) and reporting. It is positioned for UK private practice workflows and is trusted by many physiotherapists for its MSK clinical records capabilities.
Insurance billing support is present; clinics should confirm the current depth of Healthcode integration for their specific insurers (Bupa, AXA, WPA etc.). Exercise prescription is typically handled via integration rather than a core module. Pricing is subscription-based, often quoted per user or site; it is one of the platforms UK physios mention alongside Cliniko and WriteUpp when looking for UK-focused options.
PPS (Private Practice Software from Rushcliff) is a UK system used by physiotherapy and other private practices. It offers appointment scheduling, treatment notes (SOAP), client and insurance billing, online booking, KPI reports and database auditing. It has a documented integration with Rehab My Patient for exercise prescription and explicit Healthcode Electronic Billing support.
Pricing starts from around £15-£60+/mo depending on package and users. Some professional associations have offered extended trials or discounts. It is one of the more customisable UK options, which is a strength for clinics with specific billing or notes requirements. The interface can feel more traditional than newer cloud platforms.
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| Platform | Type | UK Support | Lab Integration | Multi-Site | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ezyVet | Cloud | Yes (24/7) | IDEXX, Zoetis | Strong | Most comprehensive feature set |
| Merlin | Cloud/Server | Yes (UK team) | UK labs | Moderate | UK heritage, familiar to UK vets |
| RoboVet | Cloud/Server | Yes | Covetrus supply chain | Strong | Dispensing and pharmaceutical management |
| VetIT | Cloud | Yes | Major UK labs | Basic | Mobile app, offline capability |
| Shepherd | Cloud | Yes | Building | Basic | AI automation, modern interface |
| Bespoke (ESRE) | Cloud | Yes (UK-based) | Any (built to spec) | Built to spec | Ownership, no per-vet fees |
For clinics using TM3 or PPS that want stronger native Healthcode, better exercise integration without a second subscription, or a more modern interface, the other common options are Cliniko (tiered pricing, no native Healthcode), WriteUpp (native Healthcode, per-user pricing), Jane (strong notes, Healthcode support), and Nookal (native Healthcode at 0.3% per claim).
Each has trade-offs on UK billing depth, exercise prescription, and per-clinician costs. The pattern is familiar: off-the-shelf platforms are functional but force workarounds for the specifics of UK private physio (insurer billing, exact notes templates, built-in exercise, reporting on DNA/utilisation/revenue per clinician).
For clinics that want insurance billing for the exact insurers they see, exercise prescription as part of the clinical record (not a separate login and fee), and reporting that matches their contracts without per-clinician subscriptions, a bespoke system removes the friction. You own the code outright. The system is built around how your clinic actually runs, with HCPC/CSP record-keeping, audit trails and retention logic in the architecture.
If you want to see what a unified system looks like, ESRE's live physiotherapy demo opens without a login. Sign in as a physio and write up a treatment with an exercise plan, or as the patient and see it on your phone. See the physiotherapy software hub for the demo and more.
Speak to us about physiotherapy software · +44 7494 618 651 · Mon to Fri, 9am to 6pm