Telephone switching system and method for alerting for priority calls

A method and apparatus are provided for providing a priority alert at a communication device for certain designated callers on a per call basis. Either a priority call is requested at call origination ( 302, 304, 306 ) or after a normal call is not answered ( 406 ). Where a priority call request is made at call origination, the caller must supply a valid identification designation that is verified before a priority alert is sent ( 312 ). A telephone switch ( 106, 110 ) that terminates services to the communication device determines whether the priority call is permitted and initiates the priority alerting at the communication device ( 316 ). Where a normal (non-priority) call is not answered ( 406 ), a terminating switch or voicemail system coupled to the terminating switch prompts the caller to make a priority request and enter a valid priority identification designation ( 410, 512 ). Where a priority call is requested ( 412, 514 ), the terminating switch or voicemail system then provides a priority alert to a communication device ( 418, 520 ), if the priority identification designation is valid and authorized. The priority alert is, alternatively, distinctive ringing, a visual display, a distinctive call waiting alert, a data message, or the like.