Itis not as bad as it sounds if it is managed correctly. Your voicemail/pager mail/answering service should make it VERY clear that this is NOT for routine questions, appt requests, or non emergency medication refills. And then should state there will be a potential delay in returning messages so if there is any medical emergency or complaint they should call 911 and go to ER. Half my phone calls never left a message. My last 3 years in private practice I developed a policy where I called in no antibiotics or acute care treatments. I would refer everyone to urgent care. My rationale is if you can treat over the phone on SAT why is it not ok to treat them MON- FRI ?