How an AI agent differs from a chatbot or virtual assistant
A traditional chatbot responds inside a script. A virtual assistant extends that script with FAQs. An AI agent decides what to do, executes the action and coordinates work with the team. The difference shows up when a patient wants to reschedule a complex appointment, ask about their treatment and request an invoice in the same message. An agent understands the three blocks, executes what it can and hands the rest to the right team with context.