Ethanmama

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.