A new phone number is not a prerequisite for AI reception. One connection method forwards calls to a number handled by the assistant. Keeping the current carrier and deciding when calls transfer depend on your phone service, PBX and the AI provider’s connection method.

Forwarding and porting are different

Forwarding sends a call to another number. Porting changes the provider responsible for your existing number. Before changing anything, also check voicemail, queues and numbers used by different practice locations.

Who answers first?

Choose a route that fits how the team works. Your carrier or PBX must support it, and the supplier should test it on your number.

  • Reception first: AI takes over after an agreed period without an answer.
  • When busy: AI handles calls the team cannot take.
  • After closing: a schedule routes calls to the agreed service.
  • AI first: separately agree when and where it transfers a caller to a person.

Five checks before switching

Agree a quiet test window. Save the current configuration so it can be restored. Make each test call from an external phone.

  • Reception answers: the call should not also go to AI.
  • Nobody answers: check actual waiting time and voicemail.
  • Two simultaneous calls: check the busy-line or queue behaviour.
  • Practice closed: test the schedule, including a holiday exception.
  • AI unavailable: check the agreed fallback number or announcement.

FAQ

Is forwarding free?

Do not assume so. Charges depend on the tariff and destination. Ask the carrier about your specific number, and ask the AI provider about call-handling charges.

Will patients see a different number?

For incoming calls, patients still dial the published practice number. Check caller ID for outbound callbacks separately.

Can reception continue answering first?

This can use no-answer forwarding or a PBX queue. Check whether existing voicemail answers before the AI would take over.

Orange explains forwarding types, and Twilio documents ring timeouts. For a receptionOS discussion, bring your carrier, number type, PBX name and preferred call order. Next: the onboarding checklist.