I heard a story today about how to get your doctor to fill out your Family Medial Leave Act (FMLA) paperwork as soon as possible. I think it would apply nicely to hospitalists too. You might be wondering if doctors can charge you to fill out your FMLA paper work, write emails or take phone calls after normal business hours. The answer is yes.
In fact, I recently wrote about the Lakeshore internal medicine group affiliated with Northwestern in Chicago (click on the link above) that's doing just that. Interestingly enough, I recently called that internal medicine group to discuss internal medicine stuff.
So I can confirm that yes, the first sentence on their telephone answering message system was none other than, you may be charged for this phone call.
Here's an alternative solution to paying your doctor to fill out FMLA your paper work. I over heard office staff at a local clinic discussing the issue of how to get FMLA paperwork filled out quickly.
Clinic Staff: We had this guy come in last week with a whole pile of cream cheese and bagels begging us to fill out his FMLA paper work before the end of the day. I'll tell you what, if you want to get your FMLA paper work done fast, just bring in food. You want to get anything done around here, just bring in food.
There you have it folks. Forget about money. It's about bartering and bribery these days. Bring in some bagels for the hospitalists and you jump to the front of the line. I'll even delay clocking out from my shift and to earn a little overtime just to get a bagel or two. That's how you get your hospitalist to fill out your FMLA paperwork.
