ARTICLES

The Hidden Costs of Missed Calls

Feb 5, 2025

Every time a clinic misses a call, it’s not just a minor inconvenience—it’s lost revenue, frustrated patients, and a growing reputation problem.

📉 Up to 80% of patients won’t leave a voicemail if their call goes unanswered.

📅 Missed appointments cost clinics between $150–$200 per slot.

💬 Patients who struggle to reach a clinic are more likely to switch providers.

Receptionists are stretched thin, juggling in-person patients, administrative work, and constant phone calls. But missed calls don’t just disappear—they turn into lost opportunities.

How Missed Calls Impact Clinics

Lost Revenue from Unbooked Appointments

Patients calling to schedule appointments may not try again if they can’t get through. Some will move on to a competitor.

Frustrated Patients and Bad Reviews

Long wait times and unanswered calls create a poor patient experience, often leading to negative online reviews and lower retention rates.

Overworked Staff and Lower Productivity

Receptionists handling high call volumes can’t always prioritize in-person care, leading to stress, errors, and inefficiencies.

How Heron Solves the Problem

24/7 Availability – No More Missed Calls

AI-powered assistants answer every call instantly, ensuring patients get the information they need—even after hours.

Seamless Appointment Scheduling

Patients can book, reschedule, or cancel appointments without waiting on hold, reducing scheduling errors and increasing efficiency.

Multi-Language Support

AI can handle calls in multiple languages, ie: Spanish, while summarizing call details in english on the clinic dashboard, making communication seamless for both patients and staff.

Happier Patients, Stronger Reputation

Quick, professional responses mean higher patient satisfaction, better retention, and positive online reviews.

The Bottom Line

An AI phone assistant pays for itself by reducing missed calls, increasing bookings, and improving patient experience. Clinics that embrace automation stay ahead—offering better service while reducing staff stress.

Reference: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/is-it-time-to-hang-up-on-voicemail/

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