We use a message on the office voicemail that states the office hours, that you may leave a message to answered in the morning. The emergency pager number is listed and it is stated ONLY for problems LESS than 24 hours and that we do NOT refill routine medicines. If you cannot wait 30 minutes for a call back call 911 or go to the emergency room.
If they call the pager (which has an attached voicemail) they receive a message that states DO NOT leave a message (we will not check it). It reiterates that we do not make appointments or routine refills. It actually sends text message to both my and my NP's phones. From my iphone I only need to press the number to dial it back (I have my number blocked.)
Rarely do we get a call about an appointment or routine refill and I will chastise the parent and let them know to call the office.
This works well for us.
