AI vs VAs vs Call Centers
AI vs VAs vs Call Centers: The Smartest Option for Tebra, eClinicalWorks, and ModMed Clinics
Why This Decision Matters More Than Ever
Whether your clinic uses Tebra, eClinicalWorks, ModMed, or another EHR platform, your patient communication challenges probably look the same: high call volume, after-hours demand, and patient frustration when they can’t get quick answers.
The solution you choose to handle inbound calls directly affects patient experience, clinic efficiency, and bottom-line revenue.
Most clinics today rely on one of three approaches:
Hiring a virtual assistant (VA)
Outsourcing to a call center
Some combination of in-house reception and #1 or #2
But there is another, more efficient, less expensive way. By leveraging the power of AI, MedCalls can transform the patient experience, increase appointment bookings, and improve care. Here’s a clear, comparison to show what separates MedCalls from the rest.
1. Virtual Assistants (VAs): Flexible Hours, Limited Capacity
Virtual assistants are popular because they seem practical and affordable. Many clinics bring on VAs for overflow or after-hours call handling. But they have structural limitations:
Pros:
Lower cost than a full in-house employee
Flexible hours
Can help with administrative tasks
Cons:
Require onboarding & ongoing oversight
Inconsistent patient experience
Time zone issues
HIPAA risk unless formally certified
Limited scalability — one VA can only answer one call at a time
Patients often sense when they’re speaking with a VA instead of someone in-clinic. For growing clinics, VAs can be a temporary patch, but they rarely scale.
2. Call Centers: Reliable Coverage, Weak Experience
Call centers have been the traditional fallback for clinics like yours. They offer 24/7 coverage, which solves the after-hours gap. But at a cost.
Pros:
24/7/365 human availability
Can handle high call volume
Familiar option for clinics
Cons:
Expensive monthly contracts
Impersonal, scripted patient interactions
Long wait times
No insight into your clinic’s workflows
High churn and variable training quality
Patients hate repeating themselves. Call centers often force that — collect info → send message → your staff follows up later → patient delays care.
It’s coverage, but not care.
3. AI Reception (MedCalls): Modern, Integrated, and Built for Your EHR
This is where automation changes the game.
MedCalls is not a generic AI tool — it’s a healthcare-focused receptionist that integrates with your clinic’s workflows. It’s specifically built to work with EHRs like Tebra, ModMed, and EclinicalWorks, allowing it to:
What MedCalls Can Do
Answer every call instantly, 24/7
Schedule, reschedule, and cancel appointments directly inside your EHR
Route urgent calls to the correct provider
Send reminders and follow-ups
Handle high call volume simultaneously
Provide consistent, friendly patient communication
Maintain full HIPAA compliance
Unlike VAs or call centers, MedCalls updates your actual schedule in real time — no manual entry, no lag, no messages lost.
That creates a seamless experience that feels “in-house” to patients.
Experience the difference yourself. Book a free consultation and see how MedCalls AI can help you cut costs and improve patient care.
