Importance

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Abstract

An integrated, electronic communications system and method for a service provider that provides an intelligent interface between a client, a service provider and a data network and/or a telephone network. The system includes a storage device for storing a schedule of the service provider and an interactive voice response unit ('IVR') for interfacing with the client. The client may call into the IVR and through a series of menus, select an available appointment from the schedule or submit his own appointment. The system then notifies the service provider that an appointment has been established. The system may also provide information about the client to the service provider for use during the appointment. In addition, the system allows the client to leave voice mail messages and/or retrieve messages from the service provider. The system also includes a time measurement device that records a length of time for an interaction between the client and service provider. The interaction may be a telephone appointment, an in-person appointment, or a voice mail transaction. The length of time is then available for such purposes as billing the client for the interaction.

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First Claim