Have you ever had to call your traditional primary care doctor's office for a general question? It probably goes something like this:


Patient calls at 9am, and before getting a word out:


Receptionist: “Thanks for calling Slow Family Practice, please hold.”


10 minutes later: “How may I help you?”


Patient at 9:10am: “Hi, I have a question for Dr. Too Busy and was hoping to speak with him.”


Receptionist: “Let me check with his nurse to see if he’s available.”


10 minutes later: “Dr. Too Busy is currently with patients, but I can have him call you back when he’s available.”


Patient at 9:20am: “Ok, please have him do that.


Several hours later:


Nurse: “Hi this is Dr. Too Busy’s nurse returning your phone call.”


Patient at 12:30pm: “Oh hi, I had a question about a rash that I’ve had and my blood sugars today.”


Nurse: “Ok, well why don’t we schedule an appointment for you.”


Patient: “That would be fine, though Dr. Too Busy can probably help me over the phone.”


Nurse: “Well we really need to see you in the office. He has an opening 2 weeks from today!”