After Hours Clinic Calls

Clinic After-Hours Calls

(Family Medicine Service after-hours pager, 2616 pager)

General Guidelines

1. The after-hours line should be an emergency line – do not feel obligated to refill non-emergency medicines or address non-emergency concerns (billing, scheduling non-urgent appointments, etc.)

2. Do not refill controlled substances.

3. Have patients call the clinic back the next morning if they need a follow-up appointment.

4. If you are unsure what to do about a patient’s complaint, you have options:

   • Ask your upper level

   • Ask your attending

   • Call the on call attending (if at night or over weekends)

   • Discuss what the patient feels most comfortable doing (i.e. OK for them to come to ED if they strongly desire this even if you aren’t sure it’s necessary)

5. Caution is advisable, so please send patients in for emergency care if you are concerned about their complaint.

Dotphrase

Use .BFMTELEPHONENOTE for documentation – great for our own patients and also when covering Seton calls on Family Med Friday. This ensures clear documentation across the board.

Updated May 2022