July 14, 2025

#14: How to Handle After-Hours Calls: Your Practice, Your Rules

25 minutes

You didn’t start your private practice to be on call 24/7.

But when the clinic closes, the patient questions don’t stop—and if you don’t have a plan, your time and energy will suffer.

In this episode of Physicians Hanging a Shingle, we’re talking about how to handle after-hours patient communication in a way that protects your time, your sanity, and your standards of care.

We’ll explore several options—whether you're running an insurance-based, direct care, or concierge model—and how to set clear boundaries from the start.

You’ll learn:

Why your practice model impacts your after-hours approach

What to consider if you’re taking personal calls or texts

A smart (and underused) strategy: group call rotations with like-minded docs

How to train patients on what’s urgent vs. what can wait

When an answering service makes sense—and how to make it work for you

Private practice gives you the power to build your systems your way.

Let’s make sure they work for you—not against you.

Resources Mentioned:

Google Voice: https://voice.google.com

Spruce Health (for secure patient messaging): https://www.sprucehealth.com

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Podcast Episodes Mentioned:

#12: Navigating the Credentialing Process: What You Need to Know

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Make sure you download the FREE checklist I created to make sure you don't miss any important steps in the planning of your new medical practice.

Click here for The Ultimate Checklist for Starting Your Medical Practice

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Social Media Communities:

Private Facebook Group: Physicians Starting Private Practices

Instagram: @hanging_a_shingle

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drbrittneyanderson

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If you’re building your own private practice and want guidance from someone who’s done it successfully—I’d love to help.

Visit https://paperbell.me/theprivatepracticeblueprint to learn more about 1:1 coaching.

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By Brittney Anderson, MD, FAAFP | Physician and Practice Owner

4.9

2727 ratings

July 14, 2025

#14: How to Handle After-Hours Calls: Your Practice, Your Rules

25 minutes

You didn’t start your private practice to be on call 24/7.

But when the clinic closes, the patient questions don’t stop—and if you don’t have a plan, your time and energy will suffer.

In this episode of Physicians Hanging a Shingle, we’re talking about how to handle after-hours patient communication in a way that protects your time, your sanity, and your standards of care.

We’ll explore several options—whether you're running an insurance-based, direct care, or concierge model—and how to set clear boundaries from the start.

You’ll learn:

Why your practice model impacts your after-hours approach

What to consider if you’re taking personal calls or texts

A smart (and underused) strategy: group call rotations with like-minded docs

How to train patients on what’s urgent vs. what can wait

When an answering service makes sense—and how to make it work for you

Private practice gives you the power to build your systems your way.

Let’s make sure they work for you—not against you.

Resources Mentioned:

Google Voice: https://voice.google.com

Spruce Health (for secure patient messaging): https://www.sprucehealth.com

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