Let's face it—managing patient calls while running a busy medical office can be overwhelming. You want every patient to feel heard, but there's only so much time in a day. If you've been thinking about finding the best answering service for medical offices to handle incoming calls without compromising patient care, you're right.

Medical answering services can manage your calls professionally, letting you focus on what truly matters—caring for your patients. So, let's dive into the top services that can help your practice, starting with GoodCall.

What Is a Medical Answering Service?

Think of a medical answering service as an extension of your practice, not just a call center. Staffed by trained agents, they handle patient inquiries, schedule appointments, manage after-hours calls, and ensure urgent matters get immediate attention. They also comply with healthcare regulations like HIPAA, keeping patient information secure.

What is HIPAA Compliance in Medical Answering Services

When it comes to handling patient information, confidentiality is paramount. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) sets the standard for protecting sensitive patient data. Choosing a medical answering service that is HIPAA-compliant ensures that all communications adhere to strict privacy regulations.

A HIPAA-compliant answering service will have secure systems in place to prevent unauthorized access to patient information. This includes encrypted messaging, secure data storage, and rigorous staff training on privacy protocols. By partnering with a service that prioritizes HIPAA compliance, you protect your practice from potential legal issues and build trust with your patients, assuring them that their personal information is safe.

Benefits of Using the Best Answering Service for Medical Offices

Using the best medical answering service brings several benefits that can improve how your office operates:

• 24/7 Availability: Your patients can reach a live person anytime, day or night.
• HIPAA Compliance: Patient privacy is protected, keeping your practice compliant with regulations.
• Improved Patient Satisfaction: Calls are answered promptly, enhancing the patient experience.
• Reduced Administrative Load: Your staff can focus on in-office patients without constant phone interruptions.
• Emergency Call Handling: Urgent calls are identified and routed appropriately, ensuring timely responses.

10 Best Answering Services for Medical Offices

MedConnectUSA

MedConnectUSA focuses exclusively on the healthcare industry, ensuring your patients receive expert attention.

Features

• 24/7 medical answering service with live agents trained in medical terminology
• HIPAA-compliant protocols to protect patient information, with regular compliance audits
• Bilingual support for English and Spanish-speaking patients, covering over 90% of patient inquiries
• Appointment scheduling and management compatible with popular practice management software
• Emergency call handling with an average escalation time of less than one minute
• Secure messaging and paging services for critical communication

Company Highlights

• Over 25 years of exclusive service to the healthcare industry
• Services over 3,000 medical practices across the United States
• 98% customer retention rate, reflecting high client satisfaction
• Accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating

Pricing

MedConnectUSA offers customized pricing based on your practice's needs.

Plans start at $150 per month, with comprehensive packages that can be tailored to your call volume and service requirements.

Contact them directly for a detailed quote to ensure you receive the most appropriate package for your practice.

Why Choose MedConnectUSA

With agents trained specifically for medical calls and decades of experience, MedConnectUSA ensures your patients are handled with professionalism and empathy. Their high customer retention rate and accreditation reflect their commitment to quality service.

GoodCall – Overall Answering Service for Medical Offices

If you're seeking an answering service designed specifically for medical practices, GoodCall is worth considering. They understand the unique demands of healthcare communication and offer features that align with your needs. Founded in 2024, and now available in California, Egypt, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Virginia.

Features

• 24/7 live answering by professional agents with an average response time of under 10 seconds
• HIPAA-compliant call handling ensuring patient confidentiality
• Appointment scheduling and patient intake support integrated with major EHR systems
• Bilingual receptionists fluent in English and Spanish to assist a diverse patient base
• Emergency call routing with customizable protocols to ensure urgent matters are addressed promptly
• Detailed call reports and analytics to monitor call volumes and patient interactions

Company Highlights

• Serving over 5,000 medical practices nationwide
• Over 10 years of experience in the healthcare communication industry
• Awarded "Best Medical Answering Service" by Healthcare Communications Association in 2022

Pricing

• Plans start at $99 per month for 75 minutes of call time.
• Additional minutes are billed at $1.25 per minute.

GoodCall also offers custom packages tailored to your practice's specific requirements, ensuring you only pay for the services you need.

Why Choose GoodCall

GoodCall goes beyond standard call answering by providing specialized features for medical offices. Their dedication to secure, professional patient communication, along with their extensive experience and recognition in the industry, sets them apart.

Answering Service Care

Answering Service Care provides professional call management to make your office's communication more efficient.

Features

• 24/7 live answering by skilled operators with an average of five years of experience
• Bilingual support to accommodate more patients, covering English and Spanish fluently
• Appointment scheduling to keep your calendar organized, integrating with systems like Google Calendar and Outlook
• Secure message delivery via email, text, or pager, ensuring prompt receipt of patient information
• HIPAA-compliant handling of patient information, with staff trained in compliance regulations
• Customizable scripts to ensure callers receive consistent information aligned with your practice's protocols

Company Highlights

• Established in 1974, bringing nearly 50 years of experience to call management
• Family-owned and operated, emphasizing personalized service
• Serves a wide range of medical professionals, including doctors, dentists, and clinics
• Recognized by the Association of TeleServices International (ATSI) for excellence

Pricing

Answering Service Care offers customized plans tailored to your call volume and specific needs. Prices typically start at $75 per month for basic services, with options to add additional features as needed. They provide flexible pricing structures to accommodate practices of all sizes. Contact them directly for a personalized quote.

Why Choose Answering Service Care

Their long-standing commitment to HIPAA compliance, personalized service, and extensive experience make them a reliable partner for your practice.

TeleMed Inc.

TeleMed Inc. offers medical answering services tailored to practices of all sizes.

Features

• 24/7 medical answering service with trained agents specializing in medical and dental calls
• Virtual office answering to extend your in-office capabilities, handling overflow calls during peak times
• HIPAA-compliant messaging to protect patient privacy, with secure text messaging options
• MyTeleMed mobile app for secure communication on the go, allowing providers to access messages and patient information securely
• Customized scripting and call protocols to reflect your practice's unique needs and preferences
• Reporting and analytics tools to track call volumes and patterns

Company Highlights

• Over 30 years in the medical answering service industry
• Serves over 45,000 healthcare providers nationwide
• Recipient of multiple industry awards for customer service excellence
• Offers services across various medical specialties, including family practice, dermatology, and mental health

Pricing

TeleMed Inc. provides plans tailored to your practice's size and requirements. Their pricing typically starts at $100 per month, with flexible options that can scale as your practice grows. They offer various packages based on call volume, services required, and any additional features you may need. Contact TeleMed Inc. for a customized quote.

Why Choose TeleMed Inc.

With decades of experience and a large client base, they offer secure and reliable communication solutions that integrate seamlessly with your practice. Their technology-driven approach ensures efficient call handling.

The Doctors Answer

The Doctors Answer specializes in the medical field, ensuring your patients receive attentive service.

Features

• 24/7 live answering by agents trained for medical calls, with extensive training in patient confidentiality and compassion
• Specialized services for various medical professionals, including physicians, clinics, and hospitals
• HIPAA-compliant processes to safeguard patient information, with regular training updates for staff
• Customized call handling to match your practice's protocols, including personalized greetings and instructions
• Emergency dispatching and on-call scheduling to manage urgent situations effectively

Company Highlights

• Over 20 years serving the medical community exclusively
• Handles thousands of calls daily with high accuracy and professionalism
• High client satisfaction rates with testimonials from various medical professionals
• Offers nationwide service across the United States

Pricing

The Doctors Answer offers competitive rates with customized plans to suit your practice's needs. Pricing typically starts at $140 per month, depending on the level of service and call volume. They provide flexible options, including pay-as-you-go and flat-rate plans. For exact pricing information, it's best to contact them directly for a quote tailored to your requirements.

Why Choose The Doctors Answer

Their exclusive focus on healthcare means they understand the nuances of medical communication better than most. Their dedicated approach ensures your patients receive the care and attention they deserve.

PatientCalls

PatientCalls is dedicated to providing secure and efficient communication solutions for medical offices.

Features

• HIPAA-compliant medical answering service available 24/7, with encrypted messaging services
• Live agents trained to handle medical inquiries, providing compassionate and accurate responses
• Secure messaging platform to protect patient data, including encrypted email and SMS options
• Integration with your existing systems for seamless operations, compatible with most EHR and practice management software
• Online portal for real-time access to messages and call records
• Customized escalation protocols for urgent messages

Company Highlights

• Over 15 years specializing in medical answering services
• Serves a diverse range of practices from small clinics to large hospitals
• Uses advanced technology to ensure rapid response and secure communication
• Committed to ongoing staff training in compliance and customer service

Pricing

PatientCalls offers customized plans based on your specific needs.

• Pricing starts at $85 per month for basic services, which includes a set number of call minutes.
• Additional minutes and services can be added based on your requirements. They also offer volume discounts for higher call volumes.

Contact PatientCalls for a personalized quote that fits your practice.

Why Choose PatientCalls

With a strong emphasis on patient privacy and data security, they ensure your practice remains compliant while delivering excellent service. Their technological integrations make them a flexible choice for modern practices.

PerfectServe

PerfectServe offers a modern approach to medical answering services, enhancing communication within healthcare practices.

Features

• Single communication platform for physicians and staff, streamlining all communication channels
• Protected caller ID to maintain privacy, keeping personal numbers confidential
• Customizable call routing based on your preferences, including on-call scheduling and escalation paths
• HIPAA-compliant messaging for secure patient interactions, with secure text messaging
• Integration with EHR and other systems, enhancing workflow efficiency
• Real-time alerts and notifications for critical updates

Company Highlights

• Trusted by over 500,000 clinicians across the United States
• Has improved communication workflows in over 250 hospitals
• Recognized for innovation in healthcare communication technology
• Provides extensive support and training for users

Pricing

Pricing for PerfectServe is customized to your practice's needs and the range of solutions you require. Because they provide a comprehensive suite of communication tools, pricing varies depending on the features and number of users. Contact PerfectServe directly to request a tailored quote that aligns with your specific requirements.

Why Choose PerfectServe

Their technology-driven solutions streamline communication, making it easier for your team to coordinate and respond to patients. Their extensive experience and large user base demonstrate their effectiveness in enhancing healthcare communication.

Sequence Health

Sequence Health goes beyond answering services by offering comprehensive patient engagement solutions.

Features

• Dedicated patient care coordinators to manage calls, providing a personalized experience
• Inbound and outbound call management for proactive communication, including patient follow-ups
• Appointment scheduling and reminders to reduce no-shows, integrating with scheduling software
• Insurance verification to streamline administrative tasks, improving revenue cycle management
• Patient outreach programs to enhance engagement, including wellness checks and satisfaction surveys
• Multi-channel communication options (phone, email, SMS)

Company Highlights

• Over a decade of experience in patient engagement and call management
• Helps increase patient acquisition and retention for medical practices
• Proven track record of reducing appointment no-shows by up to 30%
• Utilizes data analytics to optimize patient communication strategies

Pricing

Pricing is tailored to the services you select, such as patient coordination, insurance verification, and outreach programs. Due to the personalized nature of their services, it's best to contact Sequence Health directly for detailed pricing information and to discuss a package that fits your budget and requirements.

Why Choose Sequence Health

They help you streamline administrative tasks while improving patient engagement and satisfaction. Their proactive approach can enhance your practice's efficiency and patient relationships.

VoiceNation

VoiceNation provides professional answering services with competitive pricing, making it accessible for practices of all sizes.

Features

• 24/7 live answering services with U.S.-based agents
• Bilingual support for English and Spanish speakers, ensuring effective communication with a broader patient base
• Customizable scripts to reflect your practice's voice, providing consistent messaging
• Message delivery via email or text, keeping you informed in real-time
• HIPAA-compliant processes to safeguard patient information
• Free mobile app to manage messages and call data on the go

Company Highlights

• Established in 2002, bringing over 20 years of experience
• Named in "Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies"
• Supports thousands of businesses across various industries, including healthcare
• Committed to community service and environmental sustainability

Pricing

• Plans start at $56 per month for 20 receptionist minutes
• Additional minutes billed at $2.75 per minute.

VoiceNation offers various packages to suit different needs, including larger plans that provide a lower per-minute rate and additional features. They also offer a free trial so you can experience their service before committing. Visit their website or contact them directly to explore the pricing options that best fit your practice.

Why Choose VoiceNation

They offer reliable services at a competitive price point, making professional call handling affordable. Their commitment to quality and customer service makes them a trusted partner.

Call 4 Health

Call 4 Health specializes in healthcare call management, providing high-quality services to medical offices.

Features

• HIPAA-compliant call center services with strict security protocols
• Appointment scheduling and reminder services to improve patient attendance rates
• Medical answering services with trained agents experienced in handling sensitive patient information
• Nurse triage services for patient care guidance, staffed by registered nurses
• Customized reporting and analytics to provide insights into call patterns and patient needs
• Multi-language support to cater to diverse patient populations

Company Highlights

• Founded in 1997, with over 25 years of experience
• Employs over 300 healthcare-trained agents and nurses
• Received the "Best Medical Call Center" award from the Healthcare Insights Magazine
• Operates multiple call centers across the U.S. for redundancy and reliability

Pricing

Pricing for Call 4 Health is customized based on the services required. As they offer a wide range of services, including medical answering, appointment scheduling, and nurse triage, costs can vary significantly. They work closely with you to develop a package that meets your practice's needs while staying within your budget. Contact Call 4 Health directly for a personalized quote and to discuss the most suitable options for your practice.

Why Choose Call 4 Health

Their specialized services and commitment to quality patient interaction make them a valuable partner for your practice. The availability of nurse triage services sets them apart from practices needing advanced patient care options over the phone.

How to Choose the Best Answering Service for Medical Offices

Selecting the best answering service for your medical office is crucial for your practice's efficiency and patient satisfaction. Here's how to make an informed decision:

• Assess Your Needs: Identify what you require—24/7 answering, appointment scheduling, bilingual support, or specialized medical call handling.
• Ensure HIPAA Compliance: Verify that the service adheres strictly to HIPAA regulations to protect patient privacy.
• Check for Specialized Training: Choose a service where agents are trained in medical terminology and empathetic communication.
• Evaluate Technology Integration: Ensure the service can integrate with your existing practice management and EHR systems.
• Review Pricing Plans: Compare costs and services to find a solution that offers the best value without hidden fees.
• Read Reviews and Testimonials: Look for feedback from other medical professionals to gauge the service's reliability and quality.

Finding the best answering service for medical offices can make a significant difference in your day-to-day operations, allowing you to focus on patient care while ensuring every call is handled professionally.

Final Words

Investing in a medical answering service isn't just about managing calls—it's about enhancing the patient experience and streamlining your practice. With options like GoodCall and others tailored to meet the unique needs of medical offices, you can ensure your patients receive the attention they deserve, even when you're not available. Take the time to evaluate your options carefully and choose a service that aligns with your practice's goals and values.