Three ways to get a virtual receptionist
Practices usually choose between a live human answering service, an AI receptionist, and a hybrid. Each has a different cost shape and a different failure mode.
- Live answering service: a person takes calls from a script. Strong on empathy, usually priced per call or per minute, and limited to what the script allows.
- AI receptionist: software answers every call, books against your schedule and escalates. It scales without queues, and its quality depends on how well it is configured.
- Hybrid: AI first, humans for exceptions. Often the most practical for clinics with a small team.
Questions to ask any virtual receptionist vendor
- Will you sign a BAA before we forward our main number?
- What counts as a call for billing, and what happens past the included amount?
- Can we keep our number, and how do we leave if we want to?
- Do fax, texting and extra staff users cost extra?
- How are urgent calls identified, and who gets them after hours?
- Can we read transcripts of what was said on our behalf?
What a medical practice needs that a generic one does not
A medical practice needs a BAA, a clear rule for urgent calls, scheduling that respects provider templates, and a record of every call. Ask any virtual receptionist vendor each of those questions before you forward your main number. Our guide on the cost of AI receptionists compares published prices.
Setting expectations with patients
Patients care less about whether a person or software answers than whether they get help quickly and reach someone when it matters. Greet callers by clinic name, make the path to a human obvious, and keep the call script short.
What FrontDeskClinic includes
FrontDeskClinic is an AI virtual receptionist bundled with the clinic's own phone, fax and text line.
- A dedicated local phone, fax and SMS line on every plan.
- An AI receptionist that books, routes and triages calls, 24/7.
- Unlimited staff users on every plan.
- Voicemail with AI summaries.
- A BAA on every plan, no setup fees and cancel anytime.
- Forward your existing number or have us port it at no charge.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between a virtual receptionist and an answering service?
- An answering service typically takes messages from a script. A virtual receptionist, especially an AI one, can also answer questions and book appointments against your schedule.
- Do I need to change my phone number?
- No. You forward your existing number, or we can port it at no charge.
- Is there a contract?
- Our pricing copy states no setup fees and cancel anytime.