I meant to say "patients." Yes, it is alienating. This weekend, I received a call from a parent (good insurance, etc.) whose page pertained to an infant with Sandifer's syndrome. To them it looked like a seizure with breathing issues. I couldn't get back to them, and an hour later they called back. Sure, my passive-aggressive gene took over and I wanted to not call. But, had I not, they would have left the practice, and besides I should call.
If they had acid reflux, they would get a Tums. If their first baby with Sandifer's, they are scared to death. It is just different. They would have been at PCHC at 8 am the next day.
I certainly wasn't putting down your system.
@Dave, I used to be in a five-physician group, and I had the same situation. We took call Friday through Sunday but had four weekends off. Given I was going to get 30 calls per day, I just showed up at the office and saw 15 and took the other 15. Had a nurse with me triaging the calls. So, I made $750 dollars and didn't fight it. Usually, went home at 2 pm, watched some football, took a nap and schedule a few more for 6 pm.
