Focusing on Quality When Hiring an Answering Service for Your Medical Practice

Everyone has been feeling the pinch for the last several years as costs rise and profits drop. However, there are places to scrimp and save every penny, and others where you have to spend a little more upfront while considering the overall return on your investment. Answering services certainly fall into the latter category, as spending a little more for a higher quality service can definitely pay dividends over the long term.

The impulse when comparing service providers is often just to jump on the lowest rate without taking the time to consider what that could really mean for your business. A very high percentage of your patients and clients could end up speaking to your healthcare answering service provider. Do you really want to select a primary point of contact with your client base solely on low prices? Or is a more careful examination warranted?

Price Sometimes Equates With Value

Typically, if you buy the cheapest product on the market, it will break or malfunction well before better-made alternatives. While this doesn’t mean that you should run out and by the most expensive product (high price is certainly no indicator of value either), it does mean that you need to look beyond the price tag when evaluating a purchase. The same principle applies when selecting an answering service provider.

Many companies that charge bargain basement rates are going to offer bargain basement services. Consider all the costs that go into providing a top tier answering service, such as an excellent facility to work in, modern technology, and quality training for the call agents. That kind of operation costs money, and as a result will likely cost a little more than those services who might cut corners in these important areas.

Drops in Price Can Mean Drops in Service

When you find what looks on the surface like a “great deal” remember that the drop off in price might also mean a drop off in service. Sometimes you need to take the long view when choosing your answering service. When you get a higher quality answering service, it means providing a better level of service to your clients and patients. This is a key component in ensuring return business, so you could be pinching pennies but losing dollars by going for the cheapest answering service on the market.

Remember Where Savings Truly Happen

When you go over your books, as long as your profit is consistent, or growing, you can count the month as a success. If you try and save money by cutting costs on your answering service, you could be very surprised when you start looking at the overall effect it has on your business. When investing in a higher quality service you will see higher client satisfaction. Return visits and word of mouth referrals will then encourage sustainable growth in your practice.

Checking Out the Bottom of the Barrel

If you’re really convinced that hiring the cheapest answering service is the way to go, you should find out what you’re paying for first and foremost. Actually take the time to visit a low-priced answering service yourself, and then book a consultation and visit with a quality service instead. When you see what your money buys you, it becomes a lot easier to make the best decision for your business.

Related:

Tips For Finding The Best Answering Service For Healthcare
Working With Answering Service To Lower Financial Costs