The decision
Ask the candidate or service to handle a realistic booking scenario in each required language. Assess clear explanations of non-clinical office policies, accurate capture of names and dates, and the ability to recognise when a request needs escalation.
What to compare
Clarify whether bilingual coverage is available for every shift or only by arrangement. For shared services, confirm how the call reaches an appropriately skilled receptionist. For dedicated staffing, include the language requirement in the candidate brief.
Before you commit
Distinguish administrative bilingual support from clinical interpretation. If a conversation requires qualified interpretation or medical advice, the receptionist should follow the practice's approved process instead of improvising.