Showing up to doctors’ offices early

Dear Heloise: Regarding Mr. Kupstas’ comment that was published in a recent column, I expect medical office staff to provide patients with clear scheduling information and to treat us as adults. I highly doubt that medical office schedulers tell drug representatives or accountants who review the doctors’ retirement plans that they have an appointment at a particular time but “must come in 15 minutes early to sign in.” They just provide an appointment time to them.

If there is paperwork that must be done for a patient at 10 a.m., this is fine. Just say so: “Your paperwork appointment with the office staff is at 10 a.m. Your appointment with the gynecologist (or whatever specialty) is at 10:15 a.m.” Patients should show up on time and still be respected. — Francille R., via email

Francille, many daily schedules in a physician’s office are disrupted by emergencies, staff shortages, phone calls from the lab or other offices with requests, and patients who think that their appointment time was only a suggestion. I’m beginning to wonder how the front office gets anything done, but they do their best to keep everyone on track.

A perfect day in a doctor’s office when everything runs smoothly is rare! Filling out paperwork or waiting to see your doctor has nothing to do with respect. — Heloise

SEND A GREAT HINT TO:

Heloise@Heloise.com

ONLINE PAPERWORK

Dear Heloise: In reply to the hint submitted by David J. Kupstas about doctors’ offices, here is my experience: I don’t know how tech-savvy Mr. Kupstas is, but I get an email and/or text from the doctor’s office a few days before, asking me to check in early online. If filling out paperwork is warranted, it’s done online. Then, on the day of the appointment, I arrive at the office about 10 minutes early to show my ID and insurance cards. — Ann R., via email

EPSOM SALT USES

Dear Heloise: I read your column every day in the Longview Daily News and am grateful for the many money- and time-saving hints. An old-timer once told me that for clipping tough toenails, it helps to soak the feet (up to the ankles) in warm water after 1/2 cup to 1 cup of epsom salt dissolves in the water for at least 20 minutes.

Not only does this help, but more importantly, I’ve found that this soaking shrinks a painful bunion on my right foot so that my shoes fit comfortably with little, if any, pain. Epsom salt has several other uses and is available at most drug stores. — John M., in Longview, Washington

READING CURSIVE

Dear Heloise: As a genealogist, I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to be able to read cursive writing. All our ancestors’ records were handwritten. If you can’t read cursive, then you can’t read these documents. One day, a teenager wanted to research his family. He couldn’t read his great-grandparents’ marriage license. “What’s this word?” he asked. “John,” I replied. — Anita K., in Mishawaka, Indiana

Anita, I’ve received so many letters from readers who feel like we’ve gotten away from the importance of cursive writing. They want schools to continue to teach this skill, and frankly, I agree with them. — Heloise

STAIN REMOVER

Dear Heloise: Have a stain that is hard to remove? A dab of hand sanitizer will do the trick. I have used it on clothing and even on a glass cup with a tea stain in it; the stains were gone. Just a little dab works wonders. — Jean M., in Torrington, Connecticut