The pricing models for medical answering services vary significantly depending upon several factors like call volume, duration, and the complexity of your business calls. While some customers will need the name, number, and a brief message, others will require more engagement, like scheduling appointments. All these factors highly influence the cost of the flat rate answering service companies. There are several billing models of medical answering services, which we will be discussing in this post.
Flat Rate Model
Some flat-rate answering service companies that provide this model can help you avoid an unaffordable monthly bill. The services offer outstanding support for a fixed flat rate, including unlimited calls in this model. However, your business must pre-purchase a package of calls or minutes each billing cycle. You need to know how many minutes each billing cycle will use. You will have to consistently use the same number of minutes to get the best value. Using additional minutes may result in high overage fees.
Per Call & Per Message
This model works by charging a certain amount per call or per message. All services have their definition of what a call or message is. This model allows you to pay a flat rate for each call received, and thus you will be billed not on how many minutes an agent is on the phone but on the volume of inbound/outbound calls per billing cycle. Some providers may also include a base price of a specific numeral of calls per billing cycle. This model also allows you to clarify what constitutes a connection. Make sure you ask about charges for wrong numbers, disconnected calls, and the add-on fees accrued with this plan. However, you will have to be cautious when using this model as the providers try to keep calls under a minute to boost products, which can affect your facility’s customer service experience and may also cost your business.
Pay as You Go
With this model, the call center or answering service will charge its client only for what each client has used. Most services that use this model set a low ‘base rate’ or ‘access fee’ and bill further only when the actual work is being performed on an account. Following this model, you do not have to forecast your changing and fluctuating usage to ensure you get the best monthly rate. When an invoice for use is generated, volume discounts will automatically apply. However, all answering services have their definition of what a minute is.
Pay by The Minute
This is the most common model of billing answering services, in which you pay only for what you use, and the company will bill you for any inbound and outbound call increments. In some cases, a base rate will be included that offers a set number of minutes per billing cycle, in which the accrued time will consist of any time an agent engages in some part of a call. However, you should ensure you know how the provider calculates the call time. Also, ask if they round up your call time and its overage fees. Again, this may vary depending on the allotted time and is often inversely correlated to the plan price.
Monthly Fees
Monthly billing, like fees or subscriptions, is preferred by many services. Such a model includes a set number of calling minutes per billing cycle, and you also pay a fixed price for each additional minute used. This can either be a cost-effective model or a budget-breaker, depending on how steady your monthly call volume is. The answering service providers may not charge overage fees with this model, but if you meet your plan’s threshold, it will be added to the next project. If you want to avoid the overage fees, you can opt for the pay-per-call or pay-per-minute model. The provider may also offer virtual receptionist services for appointment scheduling or call transfer using a subscription model. Review the monthly fee and compare how many phone calls or minutes are included in your plan before closing the deal.
Tiered Pricing
Some answering service providers also offer tiered pricing for different levels of service. The higher the quantity of service, the more the cost will be. However, this approach may vary with the provider offering model. The most common practice here is based on the number of monthly minutes you use.
To Conclude
Flat rate services are also entirely customizable and adaptable to suit any scheduling needs. As a result, the benefits can also handle a hectic schedule, whether it is night, weekends, or any other time.
