When live staff is not available, most patients would prefer to have their needs met by an automated system that can immediately perform the task at hand. Rather than have to wait to call during office hours, a patient can schedule an appointment over the Web or on the phone with a 24/7 backup receptionist. But, you may ask, what if there is an emergency? Surely, it must be irritating to be unable to reach a live medical staff member. Many virtual receptionists are able to route urgent phone calls to a live staff member. In the case of a dire emergency, the patient can even be connected directly to the doctor.