Whether or not a doctor gives out his/her cellular phone number is apparently a plus or a minus as far as the patient is concerned.  Being a doctor myself, I was initially reluctant to give out my cell phone number, since it does give patients the license to call or text any time they want to.  My POV as a doctor here.

However, I do understand why patients would want the reassurance they can somehow reach the doctor whenever they can.  I, too, am a patient.  I’m also a mom, wife and daughter, so I’d want the same reassurances regarding the well being of my loved ones.

The PRO of having a doctor’s cellphone number is, of course, the ability to contact the doctor anytime!  This is especially convenient for the following situations:

• When you want to confirm or reschedule appointments.
• So you can keep in touch with a favorite doctor even if he/she has changed clinics or schedules.
• When you find that the medications prescribed are out of stock, so that your doctor can give you advise on what alternative to buy.
• When you want to confirm the dosage of a medication.
• When you want your doctor to know that you’re on your way to the hospital or emergency room in times of emergency.
• To check where you can be seen by the doctor during an emergency situation.

I cannot truly see any CON for patients.  But of course it’s a different story for doctors.  You see, it is subject to abuse by SOME patients. In fairness to the patients who call, I hardly had any incident wherein somebody texted me at an unholy hour for something really trivial.  So I try NOT to do that to my doctors too.

So, how to use the cell to keep in touch through the cell phone YET not annoy your doctors?  Click here.

Tags: cell phone, cellular phone, doctor