There will be times when you must call your doctor or other health care provider. Find
these things out in advance:
When is the best time to call?
What is the doctor's rule for returning
calls?
Who should you speak with (i.e.,
physician's assistant, nurse, etc.) if the doctor can't come to the phone?
What is the phone number for emergency
calls or calls when the office is closed?
Who can you call if your doctor is out of
town?
When you reach your doctor or other health care provider by phone, be prepared
to:
Get to the point of your call
quickly, especially if you've phoned after hours. (Have someone else call the doctor for
you if you are unable to talk.)
Define your problems and symptoms. Write
these down and keep them by the telephone so you can report them quickly and completely.
Report results of self-tests and things you
have been keeping track of, such as temperature of 101oF for 2 days, diarrhea
that has lasted for 48 hours, etc.
Ask the doctor what you should do. Write it
down.
Have your pharmacist's phone number handy
in case the doctor needs to prescribe medicine.
Ask if and when you should call back, or if
you should come to the office.
Ask what things might occur which would
require you to go to the emergency room.
Thank the doctor for talking to you on the
telephone.
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 1999 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 02/01/99