Newsletter 2 - August 2, 2011

Dear Patient,

I hope this newsletter finds you well and that you will get some time off during the summer. I will be taking my vacation and therefore will be out of the office beginning Friday, August 5 and will return Friday August 12.

The purpose of this email is to help you plan should you need anything prior to my departure such as an appointment, advice, or a prescription refill. I will have intermittent email access during my week off but in my absence you will be well taken care of by my colleague, Dr. Kevin Carlson. Dr. Carlson will be abiding by the retainer arrangements you made with me. She will be available to you, either in the office, after hours, or at Howard County General Hospital.

One of my staff members will be in the office at all times during routine office hours (8:30 AM to 4 PM daily). You may call either Lisa or Ashley to assist you during these hours. If you feel you need an office visit with Dr. Carlson, they will facilitate an appointment. Feel free to call them at 410-910-7500 or email them with any issues:

Lisa: Lisa2DrOken@gmail.com

Ashley: Ashley2DrOken@gmail.com

I would also like to use this email to address general administrative issues not related to my vacation.

·      During office hours, please call the general office number 410-910-7500. In the event it is not answered promptly, please leave a message as the voice mail is checked very frequently. If you need anything after-hours feel free to call me on my cell phone.

·      Please contact me prior to going to an urgent care, minute clinic, or the emergency room. My goal is to minimize your need to be inconvenienced and moreover to avoid a prolonged wait, if it can be avoided. I am available after-hours to meet you at the office, or in some instances, treat you over the phone, and then see you the next day.

·      If you have a true emergency, obviously call 911 first, then contact me directly on my cell phone. If possible, I want to contact the emergency room prior to your arrival to facilitate your evaluation. I will supervise your care in the emergency room and be reassured that in the event you are at Howard County General Hospital and I need to personally evaluate you in the ER or admit you, I will be there promptly.

·      Lastly, if travelling out of the area or even out of the country, feel free to call me for issues or help; it’s amazing how email, digital pictures and cell phones have assisted me in helping you. In fact, if you have gmail we can even arrange a video gchat!

Wishing you good health,

Harry A. Oken, MD