Basic Call Handling
- Managing inbound and outbound calls on behalf of the client/doctor – exchanging
communication over the phone
Goals
- Improve comfort and confidence over the phone
- Use strategies that get results
- Project a positive image
Tips
- Set yourself up and keep calm
- Identify yourself quickly
- Note what is gained and lost in a telephone call
- Use oral cues – listen not to respond, but to understand
- Slow down and lower your voice
- End strong
Phonetics
- Giving every letter distinction
Managing a call
- Answer promptly with a happy tone
- Listen and listen well
- Offer to help and provide solutions – put on hold or get a call back number if you’re not familiar
with the concern of the patient.
- Refrain from putting them too long on hold
- Be a good communicator – do what’s necessary
- Closing the call – is there anything else I may help you with? Thank you so much for calling,
have a great day?
Managing An Angry Caller
- Deal with the feelings first. Let them vent out. Listen and respond with empathy.
- Ask questions to get specifics about the complaint
- Summarize the caller’s problem to get confirmation
- Offer a choice of alternatives for solutions
- Follow through on what you agree to do. Are we good? Or is there anything I may help you
with?
How To Handle Them (Angry Clients)
- Stay calm. You are not the target.
- Give the caller a warning – I beg your pardon? |I don’t appreciate the language you are using.
| If you can’t talk to me without swearing, I will have to end this call.
Don’t Forget
- Always document calls/messages
- Proper documentation will always be your backup
- You won’t miss out any important detail
- Documentation will serve as your proof amidst the madness. Make it a habit.
When Leaving Voicemails
- Keep it short. Don’t leave to much information. Remember to be HIPAA compliant
- Repeat your name, phone number at the end.
- End the call with Thank You
Be POSITIVE!