Almost....
If you call my office during closed hours you can hear my message. I change it as the need dictates (360-538-1800).
Basically, I just forward the office phone to the cell phone by hitting *72, listen for 3 beeps and then dial the cell phone number (the instructions are in the front of the phone book). Basically, it bypasses the office phone all together during closed hours. I/we just need to remember to "un-forward" the phones when we get in the office.
If I'm not on-call, I still leave the phone forwarded, but my message will state who to call.
Regarding having patients unblock their phone...they never do.
. Now when I call back, if it's blocked, I just use the cell phone - which I rarely answer anyway...I just pick up messages. I will sometimes answer it if I recognize the number...the ER or the lab for example, otherwise I let all calls go to voice mail.
Besides...it turns out that another family practice office has the exact phone number except for one digit. The same goes for the prison! Most calls do not leave messages.
Hope this helps, let me know if you have other questions.
