Teacher Phone Calls

[couponclary]

Former Sixth Grader Teacher Here...

Perhaps I have missed something, but have you emailed the teacher, explained your work situation and asked for a phone conference during the 1-2 window that the teacher said she is available? I agree that it is frustrating to modify your schedule for a call that might happen (although I would do so and have done so for my son), but if you make an "appointment" with her (and send her any and all number that she could possibly reach you at, just in case), and you were both expecting each other to be available, wouldn't that solve this entire problem? I would like to think that if she knew how difficult it is for you to make phone calls on this subject that she would side aside time during her free period to contact you if she knew you would be available to speak freely at that time. Of course, if you changed your schedule and didn't receive the phone call as promised, I would understand getting the administration involved...

I understand that sometimes it is frustrating to call a teacher when they say that they are "available" and not get through, but quite honestly we aren't tethered to our desks! We have duty positions, other parent phone calls to make, copies to make, curriculum meetings, grade level meetings, staff development, team meetings and other parent conferences during that "free" period. It was very rare to find a teacher in their classroom planning during this period at my school! We were fortunate enough to have phones in every classroom in my last school to make communication easier, but in the school I was at before that, all calls went through the office receptionist and we only received a paper phone message slip in our mailboxes (which we may not receive until the end of the school day or first thing in the morning, depending on when the call came in & when we last checked our boxes). We were only notified via the intercom for emergency phone calls.

 

[Jen414]

Those are all examples of doctor services and you are paying for them. As for the OB-they give out their private numbers all the time. They go into the profession knowing they are on call at all hours.

Teachers do not fall into that category. Who is willing to pay the teacher $40-$50 an hour to chat with them on their private time. They cannot bill you for that. If they could, then maybe it would be different.[/QUOTE]

No doubt I (and my health insurance) paid for them, but the only one that I would expect to drop everything would be my o.b. I don't think that every doctor drops what they're doing to meet a patient. They might suggest you come in the next day that they have doctor's hours. I think the good doctors will do their best to accommodate their patients.

Just like I think that everything that you need to get done as a teacher can't possibly get done between the hours of 8:05-2:25 (my school hours). For everyone here that said they never make phone calls after school hours--does that also mean you never correct after school hours? You never plan lessons after school hours? Aren't correcting and planning part of the teaching job? If you can get everything done during school hours, I applaud you and would like to know your secret. If you can't get everything done and must do part of your job after school officially is done and it's not your contracted hours, then why can't you call after school hours? Contacting parents is part of the job too, and sometimes it just doesn't fit in the contracted hours.

And it's not about whether I am making $30/hour, which is probably the bottom of my school's salary scale or $75/hour which is the top. It's the fact that sometimes things don't fit into a certain time frame and you have to be able to bend a little bit. Sometimes my private time has to be my school time. I would think there are lots of people who have to do a little bit of work not during their official work day.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

OP please don't take this the wrong way (and I am sure you will) but you can not take a few minutes out to call during her posted times (8:15-8:40am and 1-2pm school days) due to watching your child. However, you can post on this board 7 times in a little over 24 hours (that does not even include all the time it took you to read these posts).

You stated in your OP that during the above times your child demands your undivided attention (and I totally understand that) and you have no help. However, in the last month you have a number of post (on weekdays) on these boards during the above times - if you have time to post it seems you would have time to call it would seem.

Flame away!!!!!

fwiw, I work in mammography. When we don't have any patients esp in these days of snowy weather, we can quietly go online for a short time. (Although, yes, some ladies choose to go out in a blizzard for a screening mammogram!) As soon as a pt. comes in, we can shrink the window down and take care of her without losing what we're in the middle of, esp on Disboards.
Everything we do is timed, how long it takes the pt. to register at the front desk, how long the pt waited to get into the exam room, how long I spent with her in the room and what time she left, so we would not be able to have an extended phone call while a pt is waiting. Sometimes we might have a half hour of doing nothing, other days I don't even see my coworker it's so busy and no chance to pee for hours.

It's hard for me to get phone calls while I'm working in this particular building. There's only one phone at the desk and 2 xray rooms so if my coworker and I are each in a room, no one can hear the phone ring. Even if I could hear it, I would not leave a lady standing in a gown to go answer a phone. This is not a line pts. would call, btw. My kids and dh know to keep trying back and to let it ring for a really long time.

I'm not flaming at all but also I don't know OP's job either. If it's anything like mine, she could easily be playing phone tag with someone for days.

 

[disneyandme]

When my sister was in high school and hurt her eye during a soccer game, my mother called our family eye doctor's emergency number. She got the service and told them the issue. The doctor called back, talked with my mom and my sister, left a Red Sox game, and met them at the office."

AND IF HE HADN'T WOULD HE BE CALLED SELFISH-- DOUBTFUL, YOU WOULD HAVE GONE TO THE ER



"I do think there are many professionals who will go the extra mile. All 4 of the above professionals are excellent and have big practices. Well, actually not my o.b. as he died about 6 weeks after my girls were born. He was a SAINT, but that's another thread altogether.[/QUOTE]


I THINK YOU showed my point- dr's are saintly for going the extra mile after hrs, but teachers should do it all time as an expectation of their job.

 

[disneyandme]

Yeah I totally agree, and I'd also like to think that my kids' school would have the guts to do the right thing even if it meant having to put up with unreasonable parents who would throw a fit about it. I guess I'd like to think that most of the parents I know would never use 'special treatment' that a terminally ill student might receive, as a reason to cry discrimination. It's really hard for me to believe that there are parents like that...yuck

Sorry to burst your bubble, by there are many parents out there just like that ( and some worse).

 

[ckrum]

OP here- Oh, my- is this the 2nd, 3rd or 4th time I have said, we have had mult meetings, I have told her I am available M, W or F at 1, or whenever between 1 or 2, pick a date. Emails have been sent, she apparently did not understand. As I said, it would take pages to explain what has happened. As I said, my son has a prgogressive disease, on occ things come up that can't wait til a conference/meeting and if shes not available when I call during her hours there's not much more I can do. As stated mult times, we have met always during school hours, sometimes things come up that need attention sooner, sometiumes she does not answer the phone during her hours, etc. For some reason "on call" and calls at all hours keeps coming up, which I stated I would not be calling her. 2 different things- giving out a number and being on call at all hours and being willing to bend a little to help make a dying child's life a little less frustrating.
Other PPs -Thanks for helping to reexplain what I have said. I also think it is heartless when she knows this little boy is not expected to live, that she would not make the effort to connect that day to prevent the frustration related to staff not meeting his needs that have been explained at one of many meetings during school hours, from occurring the next day, or next, or next. I guess it comes down to a job is a job to some people. To some of us, the people we work with are humans. I have answered my cell phone on Sunday when a client has called and helped them- no I am not on the clock, just human.

As far as doctors, yes I have had several take 10 mins out of their personal life to call- guess my son is more than a number. Do I expect it legally? No.

Is it possible she didn't take your call during her scheduled time because she was taking another parent's call? If you truly think your child's teacher does not care and is not giving appropriate educational care then you should speak to the principal immediately.

BTW, I am a teacher (reg. ed now, but was spec. ed teacher for years). Some years, I had no problem making or taking a call in the evening. But, other years I would not make calls from my home phone or cell phone. I had parents who thought that once they had my personal number they could "give me a quick call" whenever they wanted to. It gets old very quickly and does infringe on my family time. No I am not uncaring and mean. I give each of my students everything I have all day long. So much so that many nights I have no patience for my own child. So when I'm having a tough day or year, I have to separate my work from my home life.

 

[Arabella1978]

Sorry to burst your bubble, by there are many parents out there just like that ( and some worse).

Well if our public schools have to be so careful and paranoid about parents like that, then it's really a sad reflection of the state of affairs in our country. If our teachers and administrators are not able to make good judgement calls, or look at each situation and child on a case by case basis, then I agree with the OP, our kids are just a number. If a teacher's hands are tied because another parent might cry foul if she/he had the nerve to call a terminally ill child's parent afterschool, or during a non publicly advertised calling time, then wow, that's scary. It's really really hard for me to believe that any teacher or principal would use that as an excuse. I ask again, how would the other parents even know? Wouldn't it be against school policy for another parent to even be privvy to that info?

I guess we are just extremely lucky to have had a great school district that doesn't seem to be tied up with worries about unequal treatment. In fact my son's first grade teacher called the day he had surgery to remove his appendix to see how he was, (And to give his class an update). The next day she came to the hospital after school and brought a packet of get well cards from his class. Did she have to do it? Of course not. But she did it anyway, she never told me to keep it hush hush or to not tell any other parents lest they would expect her to show up at THEIR child's hospital bedside!

But wow, if I was a teacher I can't imagine worrying that if I called a very sick child's parent outside of school hours that I would be accused of discriminating against other kids. I'm sorry it just seems like a stretch. And even if someone did say that, what legal ground would they have to stand on? Would a court really say that the school district was discriminating against other kids? I kind of doubt it.

 

[princessmom29]

Well if our public schools have to be so careful and paranoid about parents like that, then it's really a sad reflection of the state of affairs in our country. If our teachers and administrators are not able to make good judgement calls, or look at each situation and child on a case by case basis, then I agree with the OP, our kids are just a number. If a teacher's hands are tied because another parent might cry foul if she/he had the nerve to call a terminally ill child's parent afterschool, or during a non publicly advertised calling time, then wow, that's scary. It's really really hard for me to believe that any teacher or principal would use that as an excuse. I ask again, how would the other parents even know? Wouldn't it be against school policy for another parent to even be privvy to that info?

I guess we are just extremely lucky to have had a great school district that doesn't seem to be tied up with worries about unequal treatment. In fact my son's first grade teacher called the day he had surgery to remove his appendix to see how he was, (And to give his class an update). The next day she came to the hospital after school and brought a packet of get well cards from his class. Did she have to do it? Of course not. But she did it anyway, she never told me to keep it hush hush or to not tell any other parents lest they would expect her to show up at THEIR child's hospital bedside!

But wow, if I was a teacher I can't imagine worrying that if I called a very sick child's parent outside of school hours that I would be accused of discriminating against other kids. I'm sorry it just seems like a stretch. And even if someone did say that, what legal ground would they have to stand on? Would a court really say that the school district was discriminating against other kids? I kind of doubt it.

I don't think any teacher would use it as an excuse, but I fully believe many parents would use it as ammo against the school or teacher. Giving something to one parent/child that is not given to all is just asking for a lawsuit these days. Often time we don't have a choice in getting tied up in issues of equal treatment. Parents make complaints to the school board or file a lawsuit for some of the silliest things, and they all must be adressed. I can totally imagine being accused of discrimination if I called one child's parent out of school hours, but not another. We have parents who become angry when thier child is suspended for attacking a child, and the victim is not suspended. They accuse the school of discrimination, and there has to be an inquest. Regardless if they have a leg to stand on the school board is required to investigate, as is the DA if they file legal proceedings. Lots of resources are wasted, and lots of people are put under a microscope. We have had complaints over a child getting more food at lunch!!

 

[bwilcox]

There are a lot of people and teachers who live in their own little bubble and can't really see past it. So, I'd be interested to hear from someone who has a clue. There have been a couple PPs.

So, in other words, you are only wanting to hear from people who will support the opinion you already have? Because those of us who disagree are living in a bubble?
I can't even imagine the obstacles and heartache you have with your child. My heart breaks to hear about your son. While I won't be so ignorant as to say I know how you feel, I can sympathize and am not "in a bubble." I can also see the teacher's view of wanting to leave work behind when she leaves in the afternoon. Truly, your best option is to call the school and set up a meeting.

 

[Leajess99]

Wow that is so sad that there are so many parents out there who are so unreasonable. I can't ever imagine crying discrimination if my kids' teacher devoted a little more parent communication time to a kid that was terminally ill. That's just disgusting. But how would the other parents even know?

I think your idea about headphones is an EXCELLENT idea!!

Unfortunately there are parents who tend to find out a lot and share it with others. It really is sad the way some parents act.

 

[palpluto]

When I got back on here and started reading replies, I almost just moved on due to the repeated comments that I have addressed or reading things into that don't exist, but 2 PPs compelled me to post- Arabella1978 and nicki.momof3-
First of all, again, it would take pages to give all the details, so don't assume.

Arabella and anyone else who offered advice for my sons safety- Thanks-This issue was resolved, not something I am currently trying to reach her for-don't worry. I was not looking for advice to protect him- curious about thoughts related to the teachers statement she does not make calls after school hrs. He does have a very long IEP (many accomodations are ignored, but that would be another post). He does have a nurse with him at school. She is wonderful and we talk and she would be available for a phone call, visited ds in the hospital, etc. The school admin is who said I should be talking to the teacher, not his nurse. I knew his nurse would keep him safe and I now do not send him to school with any backup nurses if she is not available-he stays home and I don't work- so to the PPs comments about me not wanting to change my schedule-yes, that happens atleast weekly. I, also spoke to the VP. She wanted me to talk to the teacher, becuase the teacher apparently did not understand the email I sent regarding the incidents. Then, I tried to talk to the teacher, called unsuccessfully during her hours- not that she is available to talk to parents necessarily, but that any talking that happens will be during those hours. I realize she may be busy doing other things when I call and understand that, which is why this thread was about her calling me, not because I won't take the time to call. What would have happened in all my other years of partnering with teachers is that if we were missing each other for 2 days, they would have contacted me at another time. But, as I said I have noticed a huge change between private and public and maybe the other public teachers were not the norm. So, to those concerned, thank you, what was happening was discussed with his nurse and admin.
PP who suggested earphones- that is a good idea I will keep in mind. Thanks.
PP who asked if he knew he was sick- We have discussed his condition on his developmental level- I still would not be discussing his deficits and explaining yet again why he needs certain things in front of him-that is simply not appropriate.
nicki.momof3- you asked for flames- You should read and think before typing- If you read, I said my son needs my attention in the A.M. between 8-9 when he gets up and his needs are intense, which includes her 25 min window. I can't imagine there have been "a number of posts", probably not one during that time, and there would not be any between 1-2 on a day he is at school either, because I would be working. If you read, you would also have seen he can only attend part time. I imagine most of my posts would be in the evening or at a time when he is sleeping if you must analize. There is a big difference between working on the computer (or even checking out the DIs) whith him in the rm and leaving him unattended for 10 mins to go in another rm for a conversation. If you read, you would know he is in a reg class, there are not "dozens" like him. Absolutely, I have seen that kids are treated like numbers in the public school system more often than not. And, this reason is actually quite low on the list. There are exceptions, and we have dealt with wonderful people, but many like you, see them as a job. This thread has solidified that even more when I read some of the teachers responses. (I did not read all, once I realized it was not addressing the question and had gone to many tangents). If you are insulted, maybe you should look at yourself closely and see if you are seeing people as actual humans. If you are still teaching, good luck to your students. To the teacher PP who said this thread is what gives teachers a bad name, I think you are probably right, because to many people, it does look bad.
Other clarification-
This was about an incident when I was told to talk to the teacher, not that I want an open door for her to be available at my convenience. It was not that I would not take time, it was that we were not able to connect in what I considered a timely manner, given the circumstances.
I only mentioned that she does not have kids because that is what was mentioned in some responses at that point, not because it makes her life less important. Although, lets face it, everyone I know with kids would tell you it was much simpler to make a phone call when they were single. If you have kids, think about it, if not, wait til you do.
Repeat- the teacher does not set this time aside for calls, but if she speaks to parents it must be during this time, her planning.
I do email as a general rule.
I attempted the call at her convenience, she was not available and take off frequently for meetings, functions, etc.
Administration is involved.
It is her choice, not a a mandate.
The "bubble" comment referred to all the PPs comments of you need to just call when she tells you, they have their lives, too, etc and that there are many people are unable to put themselves in someone elses shoes. Sometimes its just not that simple, if you try and she is not available and then she calls when you are in a car with said child who will obviously hear the conversation and its an issue that needs to be dealt with before a week of phone tag takes place. Sometimes, when you work with humans things are not black or white.
Many occupations do things off the clock. I don't think more is expected of teachers than most, actually. The difference is, we can choose if we want to see the doctor, dentist, etc with that philosophy- our children are for the most part stuck with the public school teacher some stranger chooses for them. If my doctor was like nicki.momof3-you can bet I would choose a new one. Our doctors are wonderful, and no, no one was charged when they called me after hours from home. They were very much appreciated tho, and I think that means something to them.

 

[EKW]

but, if you have an urgent issue, e-mail! Teachers where I am aren't allowed to make phone calls while children are in class...it isn't that they are ignoring the parent, it is a matter of preserving privacy and being on-task.

Phones here are blocked so that incoming calls go straight to message other than before or after school.

All the schools use electronic attendance programs, so you know the teacher will be online at the start of the day. About 80% of teacher contact here is done via e-mail.

 

[nicki.momof3]

Good luck in the future.

I see no point in continuining this conversation, clearly all of us "bubble" people will never agree with you so why argue.

 

[Aristomommy]

I think it's ok to disagree but so many times instead of offering a different POV, people will start to taunt the OP. The suggestions that she must be causing this communication break down without really knowing the entire story is presumptious and really not productive. The fact that so many teachers responded with "my time is my time" when the school day ends, hours before most working parents even start their afternoon commute, does not give me the "warm and fuzzies" about the profession and why that person is with our children all day long. I am glad that in our school district when I have taken DD back to pick up a book or an assignment, teachers can be found still in their classrooms getting ready for the next day and while I try to get in and out asap as not to disturb them, they take the time to say hello.

I would have hoped that the teachers could explain their POV without blaming the OP. She has tried e-mail and phone calls and they go unaswered. I think this is a concern and should be to teachers as well.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

OP- I am sorry your child is sick. I can only imagine the daily stress of sending him to school.
That being said I think you missed a couple of things.
If I needed to speak to the teacher and I could not get in touch with her like you said then I would have called the Principal if it was that important. As a parent you need to make sure your kids get whatever they need.
If the teacher calls you while you are in the car with your child I would think you could pull over into a parking lot, step outside the car and speak to the teacher. This way you can still watch your child and he won't hear the conversation. I agree that I would not want to talk in front of my child.
As for them not following his IEP- you need to get on that. That is a legal document that that they have to follow. If it were me I would call an emergency meeting since his IEP is not being followed.

Lastly- I think it is extremely insulting that you keep saying that in public school you are just a number. I can assure you that my children have never been "just" a number. They have had wonderful teachers who love what they do and are very involved. Sure, some schools are better than others but that holds true for private school as well. It is not a private v. public school issue.

 

[princessmom29]

I think it's ok to disagree but so many times instead of offering a different POV, people will start to taunt the OP. The suggestions that she must be causing this communication break down without really knowing the entire story is presumptious and really not productive. The fact that so many teachers responded with "my time is my time" when the school day ends, hours before most working parents even start their afternoon commute, does not give me the "warm and fuzzies" about the profession and why that person is with our children all day long. I am glad that in our school district when I have taken DD back to pick up a book or an assignment, teachers can be found still in their classrooms getting ready for the next day and while I try to get in and out asap as not to disturb them, they take the time to say hello.

I would have hoped that the teachers could explain their POV without blaming the OP. She has tried e-mail and phone calls and they go unaswered. I think this is a concern and should be to teachers as well.

You have to remeber that most teachers start their day well before you as well. I am in my classroom by 6:30 every morining. School starts at 7:15. That means That I drop my DD at morning care at 6:15 every morning. My kids leave at 2:30. I have put in 9 hours by the time I leave at 3:30 to go pick her up. So yes, I spend the time that I don't get to spend with her in the morning. I take work home and grade/plan after she is in bed. I do make exceptions when needed and call a parent at night, but as a rule no, I don't. If I didn't have that rule, none of my time would be my own, or my daughter's. I don't think it means I don't care about my students, but that I care about my DD too. I can see why this teacher would have such a rule, but I would think that if it were truly and issue of the OP not being able to catch up with her she could make an exception for one phone call. It is problematic that she hasn't returned calls. That is not ok. The only thing I can come up with there as a possible explination is that she tried to return a call during her open time slots and the op wasn't there? Although I cannot see why she wouldn't have left a message?? Something is not adding up here, and there is really no way to know where the communication breakdown is. That is why I suggest a face to face conference to resolve the issue. Regardless of where the breakdown is happening, everyone sitting down in the same room for a discussion will go a long way toward finding a workable solution to the communication issue so that next time there is an issue mabye a conference will not be necessary.

 

[taximomfor4]

OP, not sure if you have specifically done it this way, but I have done this in the past.

Email the teacher, and ask specifically to schedule a "Phone Conference." At least at my kids' school, that is like scheduling a regular conference, but is done over the phone. It sets a specific time, on a specific date. Also, I would plainly iterate that the teacher call YOU at that exact appointment time, or else ask the teacher plainly what phone number the teacher will be waiting at, at the exact appointment time. Perhaps cc the principal, so they know there is an appointment scheduled. PERHAPS, the principal will sit in (only hearing the teachers' side), perhaps they won't ... but at least he/she will know of the appointment time.

The other idea -- call the front office. At my kids' school, the front office people are PHENOMENAL, and might know more about the school than anyone. Ask THEM what the procedure is, to schedule a phone conference. There may be established protocol.

Either way, an actual SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT for a phone conference assures that the teacher won't be in line at the copy machine, on a call with another family, or working on lesson plans with the other teacher(s) of the same grade.

As for availability after school, some teachers do before-school. For example, dh (a public school teacher) is contracted to be at school at a certain time BEFORE school starts, but is permitted to leave at last bell. He used to have a second job, so was out the door right away. All detentions he gave were morning detentions. As for evening phone calls, I HAVE seen him make a few -- but in 13 years, MAYBE 3x total. Generally, he has parent give the number they can be reached at such-and-such time (his planning period, lunch, or before school) and he calls them then. Sometimes they DO play phone tag.

Good luck to you. I hope this suggestion is of some benefit.

 

[kellyw8863]

Speaking as a teacher AND as a parent of a child with a progressive, fatal disease - if you feel that your child is not getting the treatment that he needs to preserve his health and well-being, then the onus is on you to make sure that this changes. If the teacher is not making herself available during her posted conference times, then what I would probably do is send her a very direct email (On such and such a date, x happened, which needs to be discussed immediately in order to ensure my son's health. I can make myself available on either such and such a time/date or this time/date. Please let me know which works for you, and I'll be sure to call during that time. If neither of these work for you, I can also be reached at home at x time. I look forward to speaking with you) and cc the building principal and the director of special ed, especially if it's an incident related to non-compliance of his IEP. If she does not make herself available during either or the times you gave her, or if she is not willing to make that after-hours phonecall, then I would think an emergency IEP meeting is entirely appropriate in order to discuss communication. And again, I would follow that up with a second email and cc the building principal and the director of special ed (Thank you for your response, and I look forward to speaking with you on ___, or Due to a lack of response, I am left with no choice but to call an emergency IEP meeting to discuss lapses in communication), and I wouldn't hesitate to call her out for not doing her job.

Having to always advocate for your child is exhausting. I'm constantly trying to explain to people why certain things need to happen a specific way, and more often than not, they just don't get it. In a perfect world, I would have support and I would have someone else in my life (other than my husband) who truly "gets it." But, it is what it is, and I can't let that interfere with the job that I have to do to make sure that my child gets what she needs. Believe me, I know how frustrating it is. Feel free to PM me if you want.

 

[badblackpug]

On the subject of the teacher not returning calls. Contact the principal/VP with a cc to the teacher specifically documenting the dates and times and outcomes of each attempted contact, and state specifically that you would like to set up a telephone conference at a specific time ie: "On 2/24 I attempted to call teacher at 1:10, I received no return call. On 02/26 I emailed the teacher and again received no reply. On 02/28 I sent a note to school with my son informing the teacher that I needed to set up a time in which to communicate with her, I have yet to receive a reply. I am formally requesting a telephone conference with the teacher on any of the following dates between 1pm and 2pm. Please let me know what date is most convenient for you and the time you will call so that I can rearrange my work schedule to be available." If this does not work, I would suggest showing up in person at the school.

As for teachers being "clueless" or "in a bubble" or "not caring" I think this an unfair generalization, especially when you seem to attribute this to public school teachers only. The truth of the matter is that it is a job. It is not a person's whole life, and while the teacher may offer your child the best of care during the hours in which he/she is responsible for your child the truth of the matter is that before and after a certain time the child is your responsibility. While I can understand that caring for your child can be quite involved and overwhelming at times, it has been my experience that everyone believes their situation to be the most important. While you say that your child is in a "regular" classroom, you don't know what "special" needs the other children in the classroom have. Needs that may not be as obvious as your son's. Imagine if the teacher took her personal time to talk to every parent whose child had an issue. Suzy who is reading below grade level. Johnny who is being picked on by Billy. Kelly who has ADD. Jimmy who needs extra help with fine motor skill. The list is endless, and the teacher would never have time for herself. Perhaps it is not only the teacher who cannot "see outside her bubble." On that tangent, not having a spouse or children does not make her time less valuable than someone who does.

Now to burst everyone's altruism bubble: you (general "you") do realize that doctors get PAID to be on call? If they are not actually receiving "on call" pay it is written into their contracts. "You will receive such and such a salary, in return you are expected to put in so many hours of "on call" time." Depending on for whom they work a doctor will receive extra money for any services or procedures they perform. It is not all out of the goodness of their hearts.

OP, good luck, I hope you get this issue resolved.

 

[kellyw8863]

Now to burst everyone's altruism bubble: you (general "you") do realize that doctors get PAID to be on call? If they are not actually receiving "on call" pay it is written into their contracts. "You will receive such and such a salary, in return you are expected to put in so many hours of "on call" time." Depending on for whom they work a doctor will receive extra money for any services or procedures they perform. It is not all out of the goodness of their hearts.

And you can bet that they're billing the insurance companies for time "spent" with the patient.