Our AI Assistant
She answers, so you never wait.
Penny is the AI assistant who answers our phones at (708) 499-9800. She is a computer program, not a person — and we will never pretend otherwise. This page explains exactly what Penny does, what she will not do, and how to reach a person the moment you would rather talk to one.
Penny is artificial intelligence. She tells you so at the start of every call. Every call is answered honestly, handled privately, and — whenever you ask during business hours — handed to a person.
We added Penny because patients deserve an immediate, unhurried answer — day or night. She handles the logistics so our clinical team can focus on your care the moment you walk through the door.
A Note From Dr. Johnson
I added Penny for one reason: so no patient ever has to work up the courage to call twice. She answers on the first ring, she is never hurried, and she never judges. She can get you registered, verify your insurance, and book your visit at any of our three offices. What she cannot do is practice medicine — that is my job, and it stays with me. And if at any moment you would rather speak with a person, just ask her. During business hours, my team will pick up.
— Lisa L. Johnson, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., U.R.P.S.
Capabilities
Limits
Languages
You do not need to do anything special. Just begin speaking in your preferred language and Penny will follow your lead — no menu prompts, no transfer, no waiting.
Always Your Choice
Any time you would rather talk with a member of our team, just tell Penny. During business hours, she transfers you right away — no menus, no codes, no convincing required.
After hours, Penny can still help you schedule and will take a message for our team. A person follows up the next business day.
Your Information
Everything you tell Penny is protected health information, handled under HIPAA — the same federal privacy law that protects everything you tell our staff. Calls are recorded so our team can review them for accuracy and quality, and Penny tells you this at the start of every call. The technology behind Penny operates under a signed Business Associate Agreement, and your information is never used to train outside AI systems.
Honestly Speaking
Some of my patients waited years to say these words out loud. If it is easier to say them to Penny first, that is completely okay. She has heard it all, she does not judge, and she does not flinch. Some people find that a relief. Others would rather start with a person — and any time that is you, just ask. We will be right there.
— Lisa L. Johnson, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., U.R.P.S.
Accuracy
Penny is very good at her job, and she is not perfect. Our team reviews her scheduling and intake work, and anything she gets wrong, we make right. If a conversation ever feels off — she misheard you, misunderstood you, or you simply want a human ear — ask for a person, or call us directly at (708) 499-9800 during business hours.
Honestly Asked, Honestly Answered
Yes. Penny identifies herself as an AI assistant at the beginning of every call. We will never let a computer pass itself off as a person in this practice.
— Lisa L. Johnson, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., U.R.P.S.
No, and she will tell you so. She can schedule the visit where I answer them — and if your symptoms sound urgent, she flags it so we triage you the same day.
— Lisa L. Johnson, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., U.R.P.S.
Yes. It is protected health information under HIPAA, exactly as if you had said it to my staff. It goes into your chart for your care, and nowhere else.
— Lisa L. Johnson, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., U.R.P.S.
Penny still answers. She can help you schedule and will take a message, and a person follows up the next business day. For emergencies, always call 911.
— Lisa L. Johnson, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., U.R.P.S.
Ask for a person. During business hours she transfers you immediately, and you will not have to repeat everything — she passes along what you have already shared.
— Lisa L. Johnson, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., U.R.P.S.
Penny speaks English, Español (Spanish), and Polski (Polish). You do not need to select a language or press any number — just begin speaking in your preferred language and Penny will respond in kind.
— Lisa L. Johnson, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., U.R.P.S.
Call (708) 499-9800 and Penny will answer — or ask her for a person, and we will.
