When it comes to medical call centers, you might assume that it’s best for your patients to always speak to a live person rather than leave a message on a machine. However, live operators come with their own set of cons, and you might be surprised to find that a virtual answering service might actually be the superior choice. There are many reasons you’ll want to consider when it comes to making the switch – privacy, efficiency, and cost, to name a few. Read on for a closer look at some of the benefits that virtual phone systems can have over live operators.
Accuracy and Privacy
Unfortunately, a live operator might present a challenge for some patients. They may not want to reveal sensitive or private information about the health problems they are experiencing. Additionally, HIPAA compliance may be a concern when live operators are involved. They may take messages that are viewable by others, or they may share patient’s personal information in other ways, either accidentally or deliberately. A virtual service allows patients to leave their own message for you and only you to hear.
Cost Savings
A virtual service will often charge you a flat monthly fee for the service. This is a big difference from the potentially high costs of call centers that can often charge by the message in addition to regular fees. In some cases, a virtual service can offers you all of the same conveniences and perks of a live call center – if not more – with half of the monthly cost.
Quick and Customizable
Your virtual service is customizable, and your patients will never have to worry about waiting on hold for long amounts of time, or listening as the phone rings and rings endlessly without their call being answered. They’ll have the option to flag their call as an emergency, or to listen to whatever information you choose to have available. If the call is flagged as an emergency, you can have the information sent to you in whichever way you choose – even transcribed.
In conclusion, there are very clear advantages to choosing a virtual answering service. When it comes to the satisfaction and care of your patients, your answering service should be as high quality as the rest of the services and care that your practice provides. Both you and your patients can enjoy the mutual benefits and convenience of a virtual answering service.
No More Phone Tag offers virtual answering services for medical practices. Contact us today for more information.
