Practical Pointers

Prepare patients for scheduled absences and make provisions for other psychiatrists to cover.

Instruct staff not to release confidential information to anyone without your advance approval.

Be wary of treating patients by telephone without a follow-up office visit as soon as possible.

Provide colleagues who are covering for you with specific information about at-risk patients.

Anticipate patients' need for medication refills.

Lock up prescription pads.

Save travel documentation such as airplane tickets and hotel bills.

Learn before your colleague goes away about patients who might require extra assistance during their psychiatrist's absence.

Find out beforehand how to access pertinent medical information about patients.

Know the dates you will be covering for your colleague and know to which hospitals he or she admits patients.