Virtual & Phone appointments are rolling out gradually over the coming weeks
Do I need to buy anything else to use Virtual Appointments?
Yes. Boulevard doesn't include a video conferencing platform or phone service — this is a "bring your own link" model. Use your own video platform (such as doxy.me or Zoom for Healthcare) and add your meeting link to your staff profile, or use phone visits with your existing business phone line.
Do you recommend any specific video platforms?
Boulevard works with any video platform that gives you a reusable meeting link. Look for one that has:
A personal meeting room. Each provider needs one link they can save to their staff profile and use for all of their appointments. You can manually adjust appointment links if needed, but it'll be more efficient to use a personal room for most cases.
A waiting room. Clients wait until the provider lets them in, so no one joins while another client's appointment is still going.
HIPAA safeguards, if you're a HIPAA-covered business. Choose a plan where the platform will sign a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with you.
Examples of good fits for HIPAA-covered businesses: doxy.me, and paid Zoom plans that include a BAA (such as Zoom for Healthcare). The free doxy.me plan is built for a single provider, so teams with several providers may need a paid plan.
Not a good fit: FaceTime and WhatsApp, which don't offer a reusable room link or a waiting room. Tools that create a new link for every appointment, like the built-in telehealth in some practice management systems, won't work with a staff profile link either. Platform features and plans change, so do your homework before you choose.
What's the difference between a Virtual appointment and a Phone appointment?
A Virtual appointment is a video visit — the client joins using the meeting link and joining instructions saved to the staff member's profile. A Phone appointment is a voice call and doesn't require a saved link- service providers call the client at the number provided.
Can I offer a service as virtual-only?
Yes. When setting up the service in Manage Location > Services, you can restrict it to Virtual only, so clients can't book it as an in-person or phone visit.
What happens if I try to book a staff member for a video visit and they don't have a link saved?
You'll see an error and won't be able to complete the booking until a virtual link is added to that staff member's profile.
Can clients book a group virtual appointment?
No. Group appointments aren't supported for virtual or phone visits in this release.
Can I combine virtual, phone, and in-person services in the same appointment?
No. An appointment can only be one type — virtual, phone, or in-person — not a mix.
Do Virtual Appointments cost extra on Boulevard?
No — it's included on all plans. Standard text usage rates apply to any virtual visit reminders sent by SMS.
I offer Healthcare Services (like weight loss or hormone therapy) — does this replace my telehealth compliance requirements?
No. Virtual Appointments is a scheduling and notification tool, not a telehealth provider. You will still need a compliant telehealth provider and to adhere to HIPAA standards in your use of their product.
Who can set up virtual and phone appointments for my business?
Staff with the Services: View & Edit or Services: View, Create, & Edit permission can configure which services support virtual or phone visits.
Can one staff member join a video call hosted on someone else's link?
Yes, if they have permission to View Appointment Details for Everyone — useful when, for example, a medical assistant needs to join a medical director's video visit.
How does a client receive instructions to join a virtual appointment?
Clients receive virtual appointment reminders with a link to their joining instructions in client portal, alongside all other appointment details, intake forms, and membership information.
How does a client receive instructions to join a phoneappointment?
Clients receive phone appointment reminders with instructions to await a call from their provider at their appointment start time.