Definition

What an AI receptionist is

An AI receptionist is software that answers inbound calls in natural language and completes the reason for the call, rather than taking a message. It books and reschedules appointments, answers routine questions, and routes anything clinical or urgent to a human.

In a medical office it works alongside the front desk: it absorbs the calls that come during lunch, after hours, and in surges, so no call rings out to voicemail and staff are freed for in-person patients. Because it handles patient information, it must operate under a signed HIPAA BAA.

A healthcare AI receptionist like Rivvi answers 24/7 from a branded number in the practice's area code, books directly into the schedule, and hands off cleanly to a person when a call needs one. It can be tried on a free 14-day trial, with the BAA included from day one.

Questions

AI receptionists, answered

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How does an AI receptionist work?

An AI receptionist answers the call, transcribes and understands the caller's intent with a language model, then acts: it books or reschedules an appointment, answers a routine question, or routes the call to the right person. It works 24/7 and handles many calls at once, with no hold time.

Is an AI receptionist HIPAA compliant?

It can be, but only if the vendor signs a Business Associate Agreement and runs on HIPAA-eligible infrastructure. Patient calls are protected health information, so a BAA is required. Rivvi includes a signed BAA on its free trial, e-signed during signup before any patient data moves.

Can an AI receptionist book appointments?

Yes. A capable AI receptionist books and reschedules in real time by writing directly to the practice's schedule or CRM, rather than just taking a message for staff to action later. It confirms the time with the caller and can send a follow-up text.

How much does an AI receptionist cost?

Pricing varies by vendor and volume. Rivvi lets you start a free 14-day trial: it includes 3 seats, 10,000 conversation credits, a signed HIPAA BAA, and a branded number. No card to start; add a card before go-live. Cancel anytime. Paid plans add seats and a monthly conversation-credit allowance.

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Rivvi's free 14-day trial includes 3 seats, 10,000 conversation credits, a signed HIPAA BAA, and a branded number in your area code. No card to start; add a card when you pick a plan. Cancel anytime.

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