Why I Give My Cosmetic Surgery Patients my Cell Phone Number
Providing exceptional cosmetic surgery patient care is a top priority for me. Since I started my practice in 2015, it has been my routine to provide my cell phone number to my cosmetic surgery patients. While many things have changed in my practice over the past 9 years, providing my cell number has not. As I reflect on this habit, there are several reasons why I continue this practice: First of all, I know my patients will have questions. There is a benefit to safety. Lastly, my patients are extremely respectful and treat access to my personal cell phone with care.
Patients Will Have Questions after Surgery
I typically will see my patients twice before surgery in my office. Then I will discuss the surgery a third time the morning of the procedure. My office provides detailed aftercare instructions. The recovery room nurse goes over these instructions again with the patient and a family member. Even then, patients will still have questions. Often patients seek a simple confirmation such as, “Is really true that I can shower the day after my surgery?” Other times, patients have questions about activity, dressing care, or just how they should be feeling. I find these questions easy to answer directly. Furthermore, I use these questions as feedback to improve my future discussions with patients and my office’s instruction forms.
A Benefit to Safety
If plastic surgery was easy, anybody could do it. One of the keys of plastic surgery is safe, reproducible results. If a patient is not feeling well after surgery, I want to know. Often there are simple recommendations I can provide to stave off more serious issues. Alternatively, if there is a problem that must be dealt with, the sooner I know, the easier it is to create a plan with the patient for how to address it.
My Patients are Extremely Respectful
When I was starting, I was concerned that if I gave out my personal cell phone to patients, someone may abuse it. I was worried that somebody may post it online, or that a patient would call me unnecessarily at all hours of the day. Over 9 years in clinical practice, I can say that has never happened. I think this may say something about human nature in general. If we seek to treat others with respect and care, those attributes are afforded back to us. Perhaps this is easier to accomplish with a one-to-one relationship than in a group. Certainly, there are scores of online marketers that do not mind spamming my cell phone with harassing text messages about car insurance policies or questionable amorous solicitations. However, those people are not my patients.
Why I Want my Cosmetic Patients to Continue to get My Cell Number
Over the past 9 years, there are some things I have not changed. I am proud that I will continue to provide my cosmetic surgery patients with my personal cell phone on the day of surgery. I know my patients will have questions. I believe there is a safety benefit. Finally, I am grateful that my patients are respectful of the trust I afford them.
Deciding to undergo a plastic surgery procedure is a very important decision, as is choosing the right plastic surgeon. Always stay informed! Read the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) tips on choosing a qualified doctor and patient safety recommendations. Cosmetic surgery patient care is a crucial factor to consider when making your decision.
