AI receptionist for physios and clinics in NZ (2027)
Bookings, ACC questions and health privacy, for physios, osteos and allied health clinics in New Zealand.
What callers ask a clinic
Most calls are one of a handful of questions. An AI receptionist handles these well because the answers come from facts you’ve written down once:
| The caller says | What Ora does |
|---|---|
| “Can I get in this week? I’ve hurt my back.” | Books a free appointment time, or takes details for a call back |
| “Do I need a referral for ACC?” | Gives the answer you’ve approved for your clinic |
| “How much is a first visit?” | Gives your approved prices |
| “I need to move my appointment.” | Takes the details and creates a task for your team |
| “Is this a real person?” | Says it’s an AI |
What to give it before the first call
- Appointment types, lengths and prices you’re happy to share.
- Your ACC wording, checked by you, so it’s right for your clinic.
- Practitioners and hours.
- A clear line on advice: it never gives clinical advice, and tells anyone with an emergency to call 111.
Ora only states facts you’ve approved. When a caller asks something that isn’t covered, it says it isn’t sure and takes the details for you, instead of guessing.
Booking the job
Ora checks Google Calendar and books into free appointment times. If you use a separate practice management system, keep Ora to new bookings and messages, and have your team confirm them in your system.
Health information and privacy
Callers may share health details. The Health Information Privacy Code 2020 applies to health information, so ask Ora to collect only what you need for the booking (name, number, the reason in a few words) and keep clinical details for the appointment. Read using AI tools under the Privacy Act 2020 before you start.
What it costs in 2027
| Ora plan | Price (plus GST) | Call minutes a month |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | NZ$149 a month | 100 |
| Growth | NZ$349 a month | 400 |
| Team | NZ$790 a month | 1,000, up to 3 businesses or branches |
There are no extra-minute charges: you get an email at 80% and 100% of your minutes, and answering carries on for 20% more. You connect your own phone number through Twilio. Prices are as at 3 November 2026; we’ll recheck them in January 2027. Full detail on the pricing page.
Will customers mind?
Some will want a person, and that’s fine: Ora says it’s an AI on every call and takes a message for you. Most callers care more that someone picked up and their job got booked. Read why an AI caller should say it’s an AI, and compare Ora with voicemail or other AI receptionists in NZ.
Short on time? Read Bjorn’s short version on LinkedIn.
Questions
Can an AI receptionist book physio appointments?
Yes. Ora books into free times in your Google Calendar and sends your team the details.
Will it give health advice?
No. Set it to take details only, and to tell anyone with an emergency to call 111.
Is it OK under NZ privacy rules?
Collect only what the booking needs and keep clinical details for the appointment. The Health Information Privacy Code 2020 applies to health information.
Try Ora on your own business.
Free to set up and practise calls in your browser, no card. Or ring Veronica, our own Ora, on 09 873 4723.