This is an easy-to-read, surprisingly complete handbook concerning patient telephone contacts for personnel in a pediatric office. The opening chapter, "General Principles of Telephone Medicine," offers useful basic guidelines for both the physician and other professional associates who are in telephone communication with parents. The following chapters cover, in a well-organized, concise manner, a broad spectrum of symptomatic complaints, such as minor infections, infectious diseases, emergencies, well-baby care, and psychological problems. As stated in the preface, however, more than a few treatment suggestions should be individualized to conform to office policies. Moreover, a physician would have to decide what treatment and advice can be offered by a nurse to a parent without the physician confirming the child's diagnosis in the office. For example, should the nurse be allowed to suggest antibiotic eardrops for what the parent believes is "swimmer's ear"?
This text could serve well as the primary office manual