When a user answers a coverage call, the user can communicate with the called user without the caller hearing the conversation. This is called private consultation. To consult privately with the called user, the covering user presses the Transfer button, and then the Consult button. When the covering user presses the Transfer button, and then the Consult button, the system places the caller on hold. The system then establishes a connection between the called user and the covering user.

The covering user can create a conference call between the called user, the covering user, and the caller.

The covering user can transfer the call back to the called user.

The system maintains a Consult call at a Temporary Bridged Appearance, if a Temporary Bridged Appearance is available. If a Temporary Bridged Appearance is unavailable, the system uses any idle call appearance for the Consult call. If an idle call appearance is unavailable, the system denies the Consult call.