Compare AI reception costs using the same call volume and scope of work. A subscription alone does not tell you whether telephony, practice management system integration, scenario updates and ongoing support are included. Use this checklist to request comparable quotes without assuming prices.
Request eight items in the quote
- Setup: phone configuration, scenarios, testing and team training.
- Subscription: included services and whether the fee covers a location, number or organization.
- Calls: included minutes, rounding and charges after the allowance.
- Telephony: number rental, forwarding, outgoing calls and transfers to reception.
- SMS: messages, reminders and messages spanning multiple segments.
- PMS integration: setup, maintenance and the specific operations available to your practice.
- Support: information updates, fixes after errors and response times.
- Leaving the service: notice period, final charges and configuration handover.
Compare the same month of work
Prepare call counts, average duration, peak hours and the share of requests AI should handle. For example, 800 calls averaging 2.5 minutes means 2,000 minutes. This is a comparison assumption, not a forecast for your practice.
Request a quote for that volume and for a month with 50% more traffic. Check whether waiting, silence and the human part of a transferred call are charged. Do not equate calls with bookings: a patient may only need information.
For an annual comparison, add setup, 12 months of fixed fees and expected usage charges. Do not add costs already included in the allowance a second time. Use the same currency and tax treatment in both quotes.
A platform and a managed service may cover different work
Check who handles integration and testing. ElevenLabs lists language model and telephony costs as separately billed components. Fonio describes minute allowances and extra usage charges. These are examples of pricing structures checked on September 15, 2026, not a comparison of the complete cost of implementing either service in a practice.
Agree an exit before launch
- When can notice be given, and when do charges stop?
- Are there minimum fees, prepayment or automatic renewal?
- Who controls the number, and how can calls return to reception?
- How will agreed data and configuration be handed over, and access to the practice system ended?
FAQ
Does the lowest subscription mean the lowest total cost?
Not necessarily. Compare usage, telephony, integration and support charges at the same volume. Include the work that remains with your team.
Can I cancel at any time?
Terms depend on the specific contract and billing period. Request them in writing before launch. Agree separately when call handling stops and when billing ends.
Will a more expensive package pay for itself through more visits?
First measure correctly completed requests, bookings and attended visits. Answered call counts alone do not establish a return. Compare outcomes against service costs and work that still needs a person.
For a discussion about receptionOS, prepare your PMS, phone provider, number of locations and approximate call volume. Check the integration scope separately and use the implementation checklist to prepare your practice.


