Why should you use a live answering service when there are cheaper options out there?  You may be wondering if a medical answering service is really worth purchasing, especially when compared to a voice recorder or standard call center service.  Let us first consider these cheaper alternatives.

A voicemail service or an answering machine does not give your patients any one on one attention.  Many people refuse to talk to a machine, while others will skimp on details.  The simple reason is that these people want to speak to a live human being—one that seems concerned about their problem.  A voice recording system is a lot cheaper, but this will not endear your patients to you at all.  In the end, keeping your business is all about accommodating your patients.  

Why use a live answering service when you can just hire another secretary?  Because paying salary is expensive.  Using an answering service is actually much cheaper than increasing your staff because you only pay for the services you use.  You cannot very well tell a staff member to go home on a slow day.  However, you can easily cut down on a live answering service in the slow season and save big money.  

Lastly, why not simply use a substandard call center service like the phone companies and cable companies use?  One, because you actually care about your patients and would not purposely subject them to inferior service.  Two, because even conscientious call center workers outside the medical field could not be expected to take a medical call.  Employees for a medical live answering service are taught how to respond to medical emergencies and other situations that involve medications and patient symptoms.  

Using a superior live answering service reduces the risk of your patients waiting a long time or injuring themselves because of faulty advice.  In short, this option lets your patients know that you care.