Reader confirms the need to follow up

Dear Heloise: I’ve worked for various doctors for more than 40 years. A recent reader was right about following up with the doctor’s office regarding lab test/biopsy results. Unfortunately, not all doctors run their offices the same when it comes to giving the results to the patient.

If I were a physician, I would initial the results and have the receptionist or nurse call the patient. Then I’d have my nurse/receptionist initial the paperwork with the date and time that the patient was called. This is critical when we’re talking about certain lab tests. Never should a doctor just “assume” that the staff called the patient. The information should be right in front of him! Diane H., Colorado Springs, Colo.

Diane, this is a very serious subject! If the results are “normal,” it’s one thing. If they are not (or if it’s extremely bad news), the doctor should deliver the message, not someone else. Heloise

P.S.: I’d love to hear from physicians and their office staff — what do you think about this issue? If you respond, please include a phone number, if possible.

Dear Heloise: Here is a surefire way to get your lost cell phone back. Because a cell phone’s contact list is in alphabetical order, enter the letter “A,” then type in the words “cell phone owner.” Enter your telephone contact numbers. This will be the first name to come up.

I dropped my cell phone in a parking lot, and when I returned home, there was a message from a store saying someone had turned my cell phone in.

The address label is a good idea, but it’s better not to give out more personal information than necessary. O.G.K., Omaha, Neb.

Dear Heloise: I have a good idea for saving the batteries in digital cameras. The power seems to drain from the batteries (even when the camera is off), especially when not used in a while.

I started opening the little latch of the battery compartment. All you have to do is quickly latch it shut, and you are good to go. This way, it’s not always drawing power out of the batteries, and they last a lot longer. Sharyn P., Mansfield, Ohio

Dear Heloise: As busy as life has become, ironing is now a thing of the past for me.

I keep a spray bottle of water on my dryer. As I take out the clothes to hang, I will give the wrinkled ones a good spray on both sides to dampen, flap several times quickly (so they snap), and the wrinkles are gone. I can hang and straighten, and the clothes are good to go. Works great on T-shirts, permanent press, jeans and knits. Fran Olmstead, Omaha, Neb.

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