Hello, Merry. No, he can't be paged nor emailed other than through the patient portal. On the portal the office gets the message. I do know he reads them himself, don't know how soon. The phone situation is ridiculous! It's been an increasing problem w/covid, but it has to be corrected. He must be able to receive information from patients. And I, as one who depends on getting timely info and guidance, must be able to get to his people before I have a serious after hours issues, as just happened. I'm very concerned.

The only option left was the Crucial Care not too far away, which closes at 7:00 p.m. and has regular hours during the week. Closed holidays. So, if I had been strong enough on Thursday night, I would have gone to the Mayo hospital. But, I wasn't and wasn't going to call 911.

I didn't understand how sick I was! I suppose it's telling the PCP was disturbed I hadn't been hospitalized.....

I honestly don't know what to do in this case. Mayo closes their phones at 5:00. I don't have a specialist in this field, so no one to contact via secure message. Troubling situation. I bet I'm not the only one to experience these issues. But, 911 next time. I hate it!! I hate going to hospital and hate calling rescue. But, guess I have to figure out something......

Thanks for your input. If you think of any solution, I'm all ears!

Blessings, Merry. Elizabeth