There are many ways to address your patients’ calls after hours, and not all of them work. For example, there are automated voice message systems that give patients directions to call 911 if they are experiencing an emergency. There are call-forwarding systems some physicians prefer to use that forward all after-hours calls to a cell phone or home number. There is also the traditional voicemail option. The end result of all of these options is either frustrated patients or a doctor who can’t get a moment’s peace. If you want to make sure your patients are taken care of in the off hours and you can get some needed rest and relaxation, consider hiring a physician answering service.

It isn’t realistic to ask a patient experiencing a lot of discomfort but not a true emergency to wait through the weekend for you to return his or her call. On the other hand, with a physician answering service, that patient can call in, speak to a trained medical professional, get advice and direction, and feel better faster. The personal service will make your patients feel more at ease, and you won’t have to sacrifice your off hours to every patient question that filters through your office.

A physician answering service is good for business, too. When your patients know that no matter when they call, they will come in contact with a live human being and not a voice recording and a beep, they will feel taken care of no matter what their issue is. That kind of reassurance means that they will be more likely to recommend your services to their friends and family. The professionals at your physician answering service can offer advice about symptoms and medication, suggest a course of action for your patients, and transfer any notes to you for your records so that nothing is lost, no matter what.