Getting started
How long does it take to set up an AI receptionist?
By the Recepta Desk team · Reviewed 2026-07-03
Key takeaways
- Staff-decision mode is live the same day, with no integration to install and no phone number to port.
- Connecting Google Calendar for direct booking is a standard sign-in; Cliniko is an API key you paste once, a few minutes either way.
- Jane and ChiroTouch clinics stay in staff-decision mode, since those systems do not open scheduling to outside software.
- The only step outside the setup wizard is optional call-forwarding, with a per-carrier guide for each provider.
Less time than most owners expect, because there is nothing to install and no phone number to port. Recepta Desk works on top of the system you already use. In staff-decision mode, where the AI runs the full text conversation and hands your front desk a ready-to-book case, a clinic can be live the same day it signs up.
If you want the AI to book directly, connecting Google Calendar takes a standard sign-in and Cliniko takes an API key you paste once. Either way it is a few minutes, and the setup wizard walks you through it. Jane and ChiroTouch clinics stay in staff-decision mode, since those systems do not open scheduling to outside software.
The one step outside the wizard is call-forwarding, if you want missed calls to reach the agent. That is a short change on your phone carrier, and Recepta Desk has a step-by-step guide for each major provider.
Sources
Last reviewed 2026-07-03 by the Recepta Desk team. Spot an error? Tell us and we'll correct it.