subject: An Answering Service Could Be the Solution [print this page] An Answering Service Could Be the Solution
Though it may not initially be a problem, many businesses have a hard time keeping up with customer's calls as the business grows - Particularly when running a business in the medical field such as a doctor's practice or dentist's office. This is because when someone has a problem dealing with their or a loved one's health, they'll want immediate assistance, and aren't always willing to wait over long weekends or until the office opens again.
A simple solution to this problem is to enlist the help of a quality answering service. When a patient calls and your office is closed or simply already tied up with other callers, their call will be forwarded to the answering service to be taken care of. This way, instead of a patient calling only to find your office is closed (and thereby getting frustrated) they'll have someone to talk to who will have immediate access to all of the important information about your business. Very few businesses will have the resources to hire more receptionists in order to handle calls, and an answering service can help. Instead of paying hourly wage to one employee, having to deal with scheduling or worry about call-ins and no-shows, using an answering service means that you'll always have a professional available to handle your patients, and for a fraction of the cost.
However, while having an answering service to handle calls from patients can be a lifesaver, it can also be a nightmare if you choose the wrong provider. Some answering services handle calls from an array of different businesses, so the operators would be switching from calls as important as medical emergencies to answering calls about fixing home appliances. If you're running a medical related business, you'll want the operators from the answering service to be well-trained in the medical area, and for them to be solely focused on offering services to calls relating to health problems and emergencies.
Also, it's essential that the operators work in a professional environment (some call centers allow operators to work from home) so that there are no distractions, and for them to posses the perfect balance of professionalism and friendliness. This way, any patients redirected to the answering service will receive the same undivided attention and amicable interaction that they would receive had your own office been able to take the call.
Overall, an answering service could be the answer to your prayers when it comes to callers after business hours or caller overflow. Just make sure to choose a quality service, and you'll find that your business will continue to grow and your customers will continue to be satisfied for many years to come.
