Leaving Messages

When leaving a message for a patient, it is important to effectively communicate the nature of the call without violating the patient's privacy. Some of the do's and don'ts of leaving messages for patients are:

For instructional messages only:

• Provide general instructions. For example, "Do not eat or drink for 12 hours prior to your appointment".

For more detailed instructions other than fasting:

Use the following messages:

• "There are important instructions that you must follow [# of] hours prior to your appointment. It is important that you call us to receive these instructions to ensure that you can be seen at your scheduled appointment time."

It is important that you adhere to these guidelines. If you are not speaking directly with the patient or the patient's legal representative, do not leave ANY clinical information.

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