Do not pick up during treatment
The patient in front of you comes first. Patients learn that you give them full attention too, and they respect it.
Give callers another way to book
Most calls are "can I get an appointment?" Put your online booking link on your Google profile, website and WhatsApp Business profile, so people can book without waiting for you.
Use WhatsApp Business auto-reply
Set an auto-reply: "Thank you for contacting us. I am with a patient now. You can book here, or I will call you back by 1 pm." Many Indian patients prefer WhatsApp to calls anyway.
Call back at fixed times
Keep ten minutes at the end of each session block to return calls and messages. Callers get an answer within a couple of hours, and treatment is not disturbed.
Message back missed calls
A quick WhatsApp after a missed call keeps the caller from moving on: "Sorry I missed your call, I was with a patient. You can book here."
Get help when you grow
A part-time receptionist for peak hours, or a family member who helps with calls in the evening, may be the next step. See when to hire.
Clear booking and reminders reduce calls in the first place. See WhatsApp reminders and running a solo clinic.
Frequently asked questions
Should a physio answer the phone during treatment?
No. Give callers other ways to book and call back at fixed times.
How do solo physios stop losing new patients to missed calls?
Online booking, a WhatsApp auto-reply, quick message-backs and fixed call-back times.
Is WhatsApp better than calls for booking?
Many patients prefer it, and it lets you reply between patients.