Best 5 Nookal Alternatives for NDIS Providers

Nookal is a well-regarded practice management platform, ideal for allied health clinics managing bookings, patient records, billing, and more. However, NDIS providers often require specialized tools, like compliance tracking, payroll, and mobile rostering that go beyond what Nookal offers.

This article explores the five best Nookal alternatives tailored specifically to meet the unique operational and regulatory demands of NDIS service providers in Australia.

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Why NDIS Providers Sometimes Look for Alternatives?

NDIS service delivery demands go beyond traditional clinic management. Providers typically need tools that offer:

• NDIS billing & compliance capabilities, including PRODA integration and automatic price guide updates.
• Advanced rostering, payroll, and staff management features.
• Stronger case management and documentation suited for in-home or community-based care.
• Secure mobile access for support workers in the field.
• Accurate staff time tracking to support payroll, invoicing, and compliance reporting.

While Nookal excels in clinic-based workflows, these additional needs often push providers toward specialized platforms.
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Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Alternative

When evaluating alternative solutions, NDIS providers should prioritize the following criteria:

• NDIS Readiness & Compliance (like PRODA integration and regular NDIS price guide updates).
• Scheduling & Rostering capabilities, including mobile access.
• Billing & Payroll Integration e.g., with Xero or MYOB.
• Client Records & Case Management - secure, searchable documentation.
• Mobile Accessibility - apps for both staff and, if needed, participants.
• Scalability - support for growth in staff or client base.
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Top 5 Nookal Alternatives for NDIS Providers

While Nookal is well-suited for clinic-based workflows, many NDIS providers require additional features to manage compliance, rostering, payroll, and mobile support for field staff. The following five platforms have been selected for their ability to meet these specific operational and regulatory needs in the Australian NDIS and aged care sectors.

1. imploy - The Best Nookal Alternative

imploy is an all-in-one care management platform built for Australian NDIS and Home Care Package (HCP) providers. Unlike many systems, it supports both funding streams, making it a versatile solution for diverse care organisations. Whether you deliver NDIS support, aged care, or private services, imploy makes it easy to run your business efficiently while staying compliant.

Key Features:

• Smart Rostering: Create and assign shifts, manage last-minute changes, and track availability with drag-and-drop simplicity.   
• Mobile App: Field staff can log shift notes, view schedules, and mark attendance in real time.
• Payroll & Invoicing: Integrated with STP, PRODA, and Xero for fast billing and payroll.  
• Compliance Tools: Auto alerts for document expiry, incident tracking, and worker screening.
• Care Management: Centralised client records, care plans, and progress tracking.
• CRM & Enquiries: Built-in tools for sales, lead tracking, and onboarding.
• Real-Time Reporting: Track budgets, funding utilisation, and service delivery with live dashboards.
• AI Features:
  - Smart Shift Matching: Automatically assigns the most suitable support worker based on client needs, location, skills, availability, and care continuity - reducing travel and improving consistency.
  - Intelligent Note Enhancement: Transforms rough shift notes into clear, compliant summaries by improving language and highlighting key observations.

Pros:

• AI-Powered Smart Matching.
• Modern, User-Friendly Interface.
• Direct PRODA Integration(Coming Soon).
• Mobile App with Geo-Attendance.
• Built-In HR & Recruitment Tools.
• Flexible Pricing and Support for Aged Care.
• Live Dashboards & Real-Time Reporting.
• Built for both NDIS and aged care (CHSP/HCP).
  

Cons:

• Feature-rich - some training needed for smaller teams.
• Newer platform, still expanding third-party integrations.

Pricing:

• Lite Plan: Free for up to 5 users - includes essential features like care management, rostering, and mobile access.
• Team Plan: $13 per user/month.‍
• Premium Plan: $15 per user/month.

2. Cliniko

Cliniko is a leading practice management software designed for allied health professionals, offering tools for scheduling, treatment notes, billing, and reporting in one platform. For NDIS providers, it streamlines participant care by simplifying appointments, invoicing, and documentation while supporting compliance and team collaboration.

Key Feature:

• Appointment Scheduling & Online Booking: Cliniko simplifies managing participant appointments with online bookings, recurring sessions, and SMS reminders, helping reduce no-shows and keep NDIS care plans on track.
• Customisable Health Records: It enables practitioners to securely store treatment notes, assessments, and progress reports with templates tailored to NDIS documentation requirements.
• Billing & Invoicing: Cliniko generates invoices, tracks payments, and integrates with Xero or Stripe, making it easier to manage NDIS-related billing and financial compliance.
• Reporting & Client Tracking: Providers can generate reports on participant sessions, funding usage, and practitioner performance, supporting both compliance and service quality monitoring.

Pros:

• Clean UI.
• Auto Generated Reports.
• SMS Appointment reminder for clients.
  

Cons:

• Not built specifically for NDIS.
• No AI Features.
• No Single Touch Payroll.

Pricing:

• Pricing starts at $45 per user/month for a single user.
• Pricing ranges up to $395/month for 200 users.
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3. HPA Plus

HPA Plus is an all-in-one business management system designed specifically for NDIS providers seeking an affordable and user-friendly solution. It’s an excellent alternative for providers transitioning from manual systems like spreadsheets, offering a straightforward and efficient way to manage daily operations.

Key Features:

• Client & Case Management: Keep all essential client information in one place, including care plans, progress notes, goals, and documentation.
• Smart Rostering & Time Tracking: Schedule shifts, manage staff expenses, and track time with ease through both web and mobile platforms.
• Automated Invoicing & Billing: Generate invoices across multiple devices, with full support for NDIS price guide updates and billing based on progress notes.
• Compliance & Document Management: Store and manage compliance documents securely for clients, staff, and operations with centralised uploads.
• Integrations & API Access: Integrates with Xero, HICAPS, and NDIA, with built-in API for custom system connections.

Pros:

• NDIS and aged care ready.
• Affordable and scalable for teams of all sizes.
• Fully cloud-based with multi-device accessibility.
• Helps automate routine workflows.

Cons:

• Interface can feel outdated.
• User experience is less intuitive.
• Onboarding and training may take longer.

Pricing:

• Unrestricted Features Plan: $5 per user/month for 41-80 users.
• Unrestricted Features Plan: $8.4 per user/month for 1-5 users.
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4. ShiftCare

ShiftCare is a well-known cloud-based software built for disability and aged care service providers. It offers comprehensive features for staff scheduling, NDIS billing, and team communication, all in one place.

Key Features:

• Smart Scheduling & Rostering: Easily manages shifts with drag-and-drop scheduling, recurring rosters, and staff-client matching to avoid overlaps and ensure compliance.
• Integrated Invoicing & Accounting: Automatically generates invoices linked to care delivery and sync with platforms like Xero, QuickBooks, and MYOB.
• Mobile Caregiver App: Care staff can access schedules, clock in/out with GPS, and submit care notes and expenses from their smartphones.
• Compliance & Documentation Tools: Records care note, track incidents, and manage staff credentials in real time with HIPAA-compliant templates.
• Client & Family Portal: Families can securely view care schedules, progress notes, and invoices through the ShiftCare Connect portal.

Pros:

• Strong rostering and scheduling.
• Dedicated mobile app.
• Seamless integration with Xero, MYOB.
• Affordable entry-level pricing.

Cons:

• Limited Custom Reporting & Analytics.
• Basic Incident & Compliance Tools.
• No Single Touch Payroll.
• No built-in PRODA Integration.

Pricing:

• Basic Plan: $8 per user/month.
• Professional Plan: $13 per user/month.
• Premium Plan: $20 per user/month.
  
  

5. CareMaster

CareMaster is an all-in-one care management solution built for NDIS and aged care providers. It delivers key features for managing staff, clients, billing, and compliance, all at a cost-effective price. Designed with small to mid-sized organisations in mind, CareMaster enables providers to maintain NDIS compliance without the high costs or complexity of large-scale enterprise platforms.

Key Features:

• Service Delivery Monitoring: Tracks hours of service delivered versus what was planned, helping providers stay on top of participant support plans.
• Smart Rostering: Matches clients with qualified workers and allows real-time shift tracking and updates.
• In-App Staff Messaging: Provides secure, real-time communication between coordinators and field staff.
• NDIS Compliance Support: Designed to align with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Framework, making audits and reporting more straightforward.

Pros:

• Cost-effective pricing, ideal for smaller providers.
• Built to support NDIS-specific workflows.
• Smart Rostering.
  

Cons:

• Interface and design are fairly basic.
• Limited options for workflow or dashboard customisation.
• No direct PRODA integration.
  

Pricing:

• Essential Plan: $16 per user/month.
• Standard Plan: $26 per user/month.‍
• Premium Plan: $36 per user/month
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Comparison Table

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Why imploy is the Best Alternative?

While all platforms have unique strengths, imploy stands out for several reasons:

1. Purpose-built for Australian care providers
imploy is designed specifically for NDIS, aged care, and community health providers in Australia, ensuring local compliance and seamless integration with PRODA and NDIS pricing updates. Unlike global systems that require customisation, imploy works out-of-the-box for Australian regulations.

2. AI-driven efficiency
imploy’s Smart Shift Matching and Intelligent Note Enhancement take automation further than Nookal, reducing scheduling errors and streamlining documentation so your team spends more time delivering care, not chasing paperwork.

3. All-in-one, no add-ons required
Instead of piecing together rostering, payroll, compliance, CRM, and reporting tools, imploy delivers everything in a single platform. This means fewer integration headaches, fewer logins, and a more consistent user experience across your team.

4. Transparent, scalable pricing
With a free Lite plan for up to 5 users and paid plans starting from AU$17 per user/month, imploy scales affordably with your business, avoiding the rising costs that some Nookal users face as their teams grow.

5. Local support that understands your sector
From onboarding to ongoing use, imploy’s Australian-based support team responds quickly and understands the unique challenges of local care providers.

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Final Thoughts

Choosing the right practice or care management platform is critical for NDIS providers who need more than standard clinic management tools. While Nookal offers excellent features for allied health clinics, providers delivering in-home, community-based, or aged care services often require specialized tools for compliance, rostering, payroll, and mobile access.

Among the top alternatives, imploy stands out as the most comprehensive solution for Australian NDIS and aged care providers. Its purpose-built design, AI-driven efficiencies, all-in-one functionality, transparent pricing, and local support make it a practical choice for organisations of any size. However, other platforms like Cliniko, HPA Plus, ShiftCare, and CareMaster may still suit providers with specific needs or budgets.

FAQs

1. Why might NDIS providers need an alternative to Nookal?
While Nookal is great for clinic management, NDIS providers often require advanced rostering, PRODA integration, compliance tracking, payroll, and mobile support for field staff, which some clinic-based platforms may not fully provide.

2. Which software is best for a provider delivering both NDIS and aged care services?
imploy is the most versatile option, supporting multiple funding streams, including NDIS and Home Care Packages, with all-in-one tools for rostering, compliance, billing, and mobile workforce management.

3. Are these platforms compliant with NDIS requirements?
Yes. All five alternatives - imploy, Cliniko, HPA Plus, ShiftCare, and CareMaster offer varying levels of NDIS compliance support, but imploy provides the most comprehensive compliance tools, including PRODA integration and automated price guide updates.

4. Do these platforms offer mobile access for field staff?
Yes, most platforms offer mobile apps, but imploy and ShiftCare provide the most advanced mobile features, enabling real-time rostering, shift notes, and communication directly in the field.

5. How do pricing plans compare?
Pricing varies: imploy offers a free Lite plan for small teams, with paid plans starting at AU$13-$15 per user/month. Other platforms like Cliniko, HPA Plus, ShiftCare, and CareMaster have tiered plans ranging from AU$5 to AU$36 per user/month, depending on features and team size.

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