Can I leave messages on a patient’s answering machine at home? What about work?
Yes; provided you have the patient’s permission. See our Tools section for a sample communications consent form. The permission should include whether the patient is granting permission to leave a message on an answering machine or voice mail, whether permission has been granted to leave a message with a person who answers the phone and whether permission has been granted to leave a message at the workplace. You should limit the amount of information disclosed to leaving your name and request that the patient return your call. You should be aware that phone messages left at work may not be confidential.
