Message from doctor’s office makes for scary weekend

Dear Heloise: In regard to following up a lab test: My wife had a biopsy. The receptionist called our home phone on a Friday and left an urgent message to call the doctor’s office about the results. When my wife got home (around 7 p.m.) and played the message, she nearly panicked. There was no way to contact the doctor’s office after hours, so she had a very scary three days ahead of her, as it was a holiday weekend. Finally, on Tuesday, she called for the results, and it was benign.

My suggestion for doctor’s offices: Never call on a Friday and leave a message unless it includes a way to easily contact someone for the results. Larry in California

Oh my! How scary for all of you! Yes, that wait would be excruciating, and should not happen to anyone! I hope when your wife finally got the doctor’s office, she let the office staff (and the doctor) know that this was totally unacceptable!

Here is another comment, from Melissa S. of Irvine, Calif. She says: “One of the many reasons that I love my doctor is because of her method of relaying medical test results. When test results are sent to the doctor’s office and reviewed, she records a message to me. An automated call is sent to me, and I call the phone number required. She has a secure phone message system that requires the patient to verify who he or she is by recording his or her name or a special number. After verifying who I am, I can then hear my results directly from the doctor. I get my test results quicker, and I can then proceed with whatever procedure the doctor suggests. This method is very effective, and takes the guesswork out of whether a patient has received his or her results.”

Many sides to the story! Heloise

Dear Heloise: I bought a new car with velour seats, which I preferred in the summer. Now that winter is here, with low humidity, I get a shock every time I get out of the car. The cure: I put a dryer sheet on my seat and leave it there. No more shocks! Kathie in Ohio

Dear Heloise: When shopping at garage sales, consider buying the clothing there in order to purchase the fabrics. Garments in good condition made of velvet, silk or pure wool can contain enough material to complete a craft or a pillow, and can be purchased at a fraction of the cost of fabric off the bolt. Jane in Texas

Fabric artists know this secret — now we all do. It’s a wonderful way to find unusual fabrics at a very low cost. Heloise

Dear Heloise: When I get a card, I cut off the left side, which isn’t written on. I can use it as a postcard. That way, I save paper and money on stationery. Naomi, via e-mail

SBlt Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.

King Features Syndicate