receptionist or call answering service

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Hello

Receptionist or Call Answering service

How do users on the arena take phone bookings? I currently use a diary management system but they are getting very expensive and they are not always accurate, appointments are often booked in on the wrong day etc
What call answering company is best for a podiatrist working alone or would you recommend employing a member of staff? I receive in the region of 250 to 30 calls a month. Any suggestions?

 

30 calls a month is nothing. How about a cell phone dedicated to your practice only so you can carry it wherever you go? Have a detailed message for them to leave their name and number as your on the phone with another patient It is best to have one full time or at least part time employee to be cross trained in all areas of your practice.

I know a Podiatrist here in Florida that sees 15-20 patients a day and has NO employees, he does everything himself. He keeps his overhead low and does mainly routine care.

Steven

 

Sorry typo error 250 to 300 calls a month! Call centres are good but they lack the personal touch and the initiative of a trained receptionist. I have had experience of running practices where they ask their clients to call during a dedicated 2 hourly slot but is this practical and good for business?

 

300 calls a month? You should have your own employee that cares about building up your practice. Call services are impersonal and not motivated to make appointments and this will cost you money. A good employee that cares about you and the practice will pay their salary due to more appointments they will book for you.

The receptionist is a reflection of you so you want to make sure you choose the best person possible to be the first contact of your practice.

Steven

 

I use a locally based company that does virtual reception. They only get my calls on the days i'm not in clinic with my receptionist there. They make bookings, answer simple questions, and send me a email if the patient has any queries they cant answer.

If you use a local company, you can meet the staff who will be taking your calls and get a good thing going on.

 

Hi Lottie,

Some of our customers have sought out the skills of a Virtual PA who can answer calls for you and take enquiries. Most will allow you to specify a price based on your exact needs, a cost to suit you with no long term contracts. A quick google search should pop up some in your area, so give them a call and discuss your neeeds.

Many of these can also book directly into WriteUpp, the simple Practice Management software for which I am one of the developers. They can create Patient Records for you and book Appointments directly into your Diary.

You may also find that if you have a website or social media profiles that you can direct patient to book directly into your diary using a service like select+book, reducing the number of telephone enquiries you get overall.

I hope this is helpful!

Regards,

Nat
www.writeupp.com