Technology

ReferralMD Launches Autonomous Voice AI Agent for Patient Scheduling by Phone

Published

3 months ago

August 11, 2026

AI-powered voice agent schedules appointments using customer-defined scheduling rules and real-time provider availability from ReferralMD, or your EHR, PMS, or scheduling system.

MT. PLEASANT, S.C., Aug. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — ReferralMD, the industry’s leading AI-first referral management and provider orchestration platform, today announced the launch of Voice AI Scheduling Agent, an intelligent voice assistant that autonomously sends and receives phone calls with patients to schedule appointments. The ReferralMD scheduling agent uses real-time provider availability and customer-defined scheduling rules from your EHR, PMS, or other scheduling software systems.

“Appointments get scheduled within minutes instead of days, in the patient’s preferred language, and staff can focus on higher-value care instead of repetitive outbound calls.”

Unlike traditional outbound scheduling systems that simply ask patients to call the office back, ReferralMD’s Voice AI Scheduling Agent completes the entire scheduling conversation. The AI agent verifies the patient’s identity, understands the reason for the visit, offers available appointment times based on customer-defined scheduling rules, answers common scheduling questions, and books the appointment directly into the provider’s EHR, PMS, or scheduling system.

The Voice AI Scheduling Agent continuously retrieves real-time provider schedules from integrated EHR, PMS, and scheduling systems, ensuring every appointment offered to patients is accurate and available. Organizations define their own rules by visit reason, provider preference, appointment type, location, specialty, insurance requirement, and other business logic, so the AI agent schedules exactly as staff would.

“Healthcare organizations continue to struggle with staffing shortages while patients wait days or weeks to receive a scheduling call,” said Rick Hammer, CPO of ReferralMD. “Our Voice AI Scheduling Agent eliminates those delays by engaging patients immediately after referrals are received. Appointments get scheduled within minutes instead of days, in the patient’s preferred language, and staff can focus on higher-value care instead of repetitive outbound calls.”

The Voice AI Scheduling Agent communicates with natural language over the phone, making scheduling accessible to every patient regardless of age or technical ability. Upon completion of scheduling, the autonomous AI agents continue to guide the patient journey with AI-powered conversational patient intake, reminders, and post-visit surveys.

The ReferralMD AI Agent supports incoming and outgoing calls, enabling patients, guardians, and providers to call the practice directly to schedule, refer, or complete workflow tasks.

Key Capabilities

Autonomous scheduling agent that sends and receives calls with patients and providersReal-time provider availability pulled directly from your EHR, PMS, or other scheduling systemCustomer-defined scheduling rules specifying appointment type, provider preference, location, specialty, insurance requirements, configurable workflow, and moreConversational voice AI agent that completely replaces a live scheduling coordinatorMultilingual conversations with automatic language detectionPatient identity verification before scheduling beginsDirect appointment booking into the organization’s scheduling system without manual intervention

The Voice AI Scheduling Agent is designed to help healthcare organizations improve patient access while significantly reducing scheduling workloads and call center costs. By automating routine scheduling conversations and connecting directly to existing scheduling systems, organizations can increase scheduling capacity without adding staff, reduce patient wait times, improve referral conversion rates, and deliver a more convenient patient experience.

The Voice AI Scheduling Agent is part of ReferralMD’s AI-first portfolio of autonomous agent solutions, including SmartFax© AI fax automation, Reports AI virtual reporting assistant, Patient Intake AI, SmartMatch© AI provider matching, and other intelligent workflow automation tools that automate the patient journey and synchronize patient data across healthcare networks.

Availability

Voice AI Scheduling is available today, with no startup cost, low pay-as-you-go pricing, and low-cost bidirectional EHR integrations configured for your workflows. Schedule a demonstration or contact sales@referralmd.com.

About ReferralMD

ReferralMD is the leading referral management and provider orchestration platform connecting healthcare organizations, physicians, and patients with AI-powered workflow automation. The platform streamlines referrals, scheduling, fax management, provider communications, analytics, patient access, and care coordination while leveraging artificial intelligence to eliminate manual administrative work. ReferralMD helps health systems, medical groups, Accountable Care Organizations, clinically integrated networks, and specialty practices improve patient access, increase referral conversion, and strengthen provider collaboration.

Media Contact

Elisabeth Buford, ReferralMD, 1 (800) 343-3729, elisabeth@referralmd.com, ReferralMD

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/referralmd-launches-autonomous-voice-ai-agent-for-patient-scheduling-by-phone-302848766.html

SOURCE ReferralMD

Technology

Veterans Guardian Receives 2026 Gold HIRE Vets Medallion Award

Published

38 seconds ago

November 12, 2026

PINEHURST, N.C., Nov. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Veterans Guardian VA Claim Consulting is honored to announce that the U.S. Department of Labor has awarded us the 2026 Gold HIRE Vets Medallion Award. This distinction celebrates our demonstration of patriotism, and our recognition of the immense value veterans bring to the workplace. The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is the only federal award that honors organizations for their outstanding commitment to recruiting, employing, and supporting America’s veterans.

Veterans Guardian has proudly earned the HIRE Vets Medallion Award every year since 2019. The Gold HIRE Vets Medallion is awarded to companies that not only hire veterans but also actively support a workplace that honors their service, supports their career development, and appreciates the strength and leadership veterans offer. We remain committed to creating an inclusive, empowering environment where veterans’ patriotism, experience, and contributions are acknowledged and honored.

“Receiving the 2026 Gold HIRE Vets Medallion Award is a tremendous honor and a reflection of our firm commitment to those who have served our nation,” said Scott Greenblatt, LTC (RET), US Army, CEO and Founder of Veterans Guardian VA Claim Consulting. “Our veterans have dedicated themselves to protecting our freedoms, and we believe that dedication deserves to be met with meaningful opportunities, continued support, and a workplace where their service and sacrifices are truly valued. Since 2019, we’ve remained committed to empowering veterans as they transition into civilian careers, recognizing the extraordinary leadership, resilience, and experience they bring to our organization. Supporting veterans isn’t simply part of what we do—it’s the foundation of who we are and the mission that guides us forward every day.”

Veterans Guardian’s dedication to veterans goes beyond employment. Through its mission of helping veterans navigate the VA disability claims process and pursue the benefits they have earned, the company continues advocating for those who have served. This acknowledgment reflects Veterans Guardian’s commitment to creating meaningful career opportunities while fostering a workplace where veterans can thrive, contribute, and build successful futures beyond military service.

“Our veterans possess a unique strength, resilience, and skill set that greatly improves our workforce,” Greenblatt added. “Our mission and values drive our commitment to hiring and supporting veterans, and it’s gratifying to recognize the positive impact we’ve made on their lives, as well as the impact they continue to make within our organization.”

The HIRE Vets Medallion Award recognizes organizations nationwide that show outstanding commitment to veteran employment and professional development. Veterans Guardian VA Claim Consulting is deeply honored to be named a 2026 Gold Medallion recipient, reaffirming our ongoing pledge to honor, support, and encourage those who have bravely served our nation.

About Veterans Guardian VA Claim Consulting
Veterans Guardian VA Claim Consulting is a leader in assisting veterans with VA claims, providing expertise and dedicated support to help veterans secure the benefits they deserve. Founded by Scott Greenblatt, Veterans Guardian is deeply committed to supporting the veteran community through advocacy, employment, and outreach. Learn more about Veterans Guardian at vetsguardian.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/veterans-guardian-receives-2026-gold-hire-vets-medallion-award-302938288.html

SOURCE Veterans Guardian

Technology

HitPaw Black Friday 2026: Save Up to 60% on AI Creative Tools

Published

41 seconds ago

November 12, 2026

NEW YORK, Nov 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HitPaw, an AI-powered multimedia platform specializing in video, image, and audio enhancement, generation, and editing solutions, today announced its 2026 Black Friday Mega Deal. Running from November 10 to December 7, the campaign offers savings of up to 60% OFF on a wide range of AI-powered creative tools, giving creators, businesses, and everyday users an opportunity to upgrade their creative workflows at exceptional prices.

Explore HitPaw’s AI Creative Tools

HitPaw offers specialized AI solutions for multimedia enhancement, generation, and editing, covering a wide range of creative needs:

HitPaw VikPea (AI Video Enhancer): Upscale videos to 4K, restores damaged footage, and enhances clarity, details, and colors by reducing blur and noise.HitPaw FotorPea (AI Photo Enhancer & Generator): Enhance image quality, restore old photographs, sharpen portraits, remove unwanted objects, and create AI-generated artwork.HitPaw Edimakor (AI Video Generator & Editor): Combines AI video generation with video editing capabilities, helping users create and edit engaging videos more efficiently.HitPaw VoicePea (AI Voice Changer): Transform voices in real time with realistic AI voice effects for streaming, gaming, content creation, and online communication.HitPaw Univd (AI Video Converter & Compressor): Convert and compress videos without sacrificing quality for seamless sharing across devices and platforms.HitPaw Watermark Remover (AI Watermark & Object Remover): Remove unwanted watermarks, objects, and distractions from photos and videos with ease.

From restoring cherished memories and producing social media content to creating product visuals and promotional videos for e-commerce, HitPaw’s tools support a variety of creative needs.

Unlock Exclusive Black Friday Discounts

During the Black Friday Mega Deal, customers can enjoy special discounts across HitPaw’s product lineup:

60% OFF 5-in-1 Ultimate Bundle: Get VikPea, FotorPea, Edimakor, Univd, and Watermark Remover in one package. Ideal for creators seeking an all-in-one toolkit for AI creation, video and image enhancement, editing, and file management.50% OFF 2-in-1 Bundles: Choose from two combinations: VikPea + FotorPea or VikPea + Edimakor. The first pairs video and photo enhancement, while the second offers a one-stop workflow for AI video creation and enhancement.40% OFF Individual Products: Save 40% OFF on HitPaw VikPea and HitPaw FotorPea, ideal for users focused on improving video and image quality.30% OFF Individual Products: Get 30% OFF on HitPaw Edimakor, HitPaw VoicePea, HitPaw Univd, and HitPaw Watermark Remover, catering to video creators and users looking for flexible editing and media utilities.20% OFF HitPaw Online AI Credits: Save on AI credits for browser-based tools, including video enhancement, AI image generation, photo restoration and more. A convenient option for users who prefer online creative tools without installing software.

How to Get HitPaw Black Friday Deals

HitPaw’s 2026 Black Friday Mega Deal runs from November 10 through December 7, 2026. Customers can visit the official campaign page to explore participating products, compare available plans, and claim discounts of up to 60% OFF.

For more information checking, you may visit: HitPaw Black Friday 2026: Save Up to 60% OFF, Best Deals

ABOUT HITPAW

HitPaw is a leading AI-powered multimedia platform offering video, image, and audio generation, enhancement, and editing tools. It helps millions of creators worldwide easily produce high-quality content, from transforming media to creating new visual and audio works. Learn more at: [OFFICIAL] HitPaw – AI Video, Photo & Audio Enhancer Solutions

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This release was issued through Send2Press® on behalf of the news source. For more information, visit Send2Press Newswire at https://www.send2press.com/.

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SOURCE HitPaw. Co., Ltd

Technology

California Supreme Court to Decide Whether Insurers Can Hide Illegal Overcharges Behind Approved Rates, Says Consumer Watchdog

Published

42 seconds ago

November 12, 2026

Ruling Will Impact Millions of State Consumers

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The California Supreme Court will decide whether consumers can sue insurance companies for overcharges that are illegal under Proposition 103, the insurance reform enacted by the voters 38 years ago.

The case before the court concerns a class action lawsuit brought by enlisted policyholders who are good drivers. They allege that USAA, a military insurer, charged them a higher price for auto insurance than it charged officers. Proposition 103 mandates a 20% Good Driver Discount for qualified drivers and state law requires an insurance company to offer good drivers the lowest rate available, regardless of military rank.

Proposition 103 authorizes consumers to challenge violations like that in court. However, some courts have ruled that those lawsuits cannot be brought if the insurance company can argue that the Insurance Commissioner approved the rates being charged.

About 200,000 enlisted USAA customers were overcharged. However, the Supreme Court’s decision will ultimately affect millions of Californians who buy insurance for their autos, homes and businesses.

Ninth Circuit Asks California Supreme Court to Address Pocketbook Issues

The case began in federal court in San Diego, the home of many people in military service. The United States District Court for the Southern District of California ruled that after the passage of Proposition 103, the California legislature passed a bill exempting companies that only insured military personnel from the application of Proposition 103’s protections for good drivers. The plaintiffs appealed to the Ninth Circuit, pointing out that under California’s Constitution the Legislature cannot undermine laws passed by the voters through a ballot initiative.

Before the 9th Circuit, USAA made a second argument, which had been rejected by the District Court: that other state insurance laws shield insurance companies from consumer lawsuits seeking refunds, notwithstanding Proposition 103. Plaintiffs noted that Proposition 103 specifically authorizes lawsuits under the state’s consumer protection laws.

Noting that California courts have adopted conflicting interpretations of Proposition 103, the Ninth Circuit of the United States Court of Appeal then asked California’s Supreme Court to decide these issues of state law.

Representing the enlisted military in the litigation are Consumer Watchdog, the California based non-profit that defends and enforces Proposition 103; Mehri & Skalet, a Washington, D.C.-based law firm specializing in class actions and complex litigation; Mason & Perry LLP, a class action and complex litigation firm also based in D.C., Matthew Seligman, of Grayhawk Law, [more], is leading the plaintiffs’ team before the Supreme Court.

The case is Coleman v. United Services Automobile Association, No. S298496. Review the complaint in the lawsuit. The Ninth Circuit’s certification to the California Supreme Court is available here. (Coleman v. United Services Automobile Ass’n, No. 25-793, slip op. at 3–15 (9th Cir. Sept. 10, 2026)).

Consumer Watchdog is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that advocates for taxpayer and consumer interests, with a particular focus on insurance, health care, privacy, energy, and corporate accountability. Consumer Watchdog represents consumers in proceedings enforcing Proposition 103’s protections.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/california-supreme-court-to-decide-whether-insurers-can-hide-illegal-overcharges-behind-approved-rates-says-consumer-watchdog-302938290.html

SOURCE Consumer Watchdog