subject: Doctors Answering Service - Steps Involved In Selecting One [print this page] Engaging a doctors answering service is probably the best way to ensure that your patients are being provided with all the information they need, round the clock. However, engaging one could warrant a fair amount of preparation. Especially, if it happens to be the first time you are engaging telephone answering services, it would warrant some acclimatization. You should know how an answering service company works and what the modalities of operation are. You should also be aware of the established standards with respect to service quality, so that a well assessed choice can be made. Besides, the selection of a doctors answering service must also be a well planned procedure. You must be aware of the sequential steps to be undertaken for an appropriate choice.
Selection Procedure for a Doctors Answering Service
Listed below are some steps that are undertaken so that you can arrive at the right doctors answering service for catering to the needs of your patients:
Evaluate Your Needs: To begin with, you must know exactly what your requirements are. Some questions to put forth for a complete need assessment would include:
Do I need a 24 hour answering service or would restricted timings suffice?
Is there a need for adding personalized messages for patients? Would I like to change these messages from time to time?
Do I need a call escalation service where the calls would be automatically diverted to another doctor in case the first one is unavailable?
Am I ready to establish long term contracts or would short term alliances offer me the flexibility I desire for my business?
Will there be a need of prompt delivery mechanisms for urgent queries?
Decide on a Price Point: Once the specifications have been decided, it is time to finalize the amount you are willing to shell out towards engaging a doctors answering service. Before you make a call on this, ensure you have a fair idea of the market rates applicable for the same. Once the rates are at your disposal, chalk out a rough budget as to how much you can possibly spend.
Start Looking for Options: Now that you have the specifications and the price points in mind; its time to start looking for options. The aim is to land a choice thats a happy confluence of moderate prices along with excellent service that encompasses unmatched value. One of the best places to look is the internet. Consider scouring through as many service providers as possible, before arriving at a choice worth selecting. Go for services with substantial experience in the local markets and an impressive clientele to boast of. The prices charged must be competitive too.
Check upon the Service Document: Check the service contract document in great detail before signing. Make sure all the clauses are suitable for you and there arent any loopholes anywhere. Remember, the terms must be best suited to the needs of your business in every possible way.
Following these steps could easily ensure the right selection of a doctors answering service. Planned choices are certainly the more suitable ones.
