When leaving a voicemail for a patient, what is best to include?

When leaving a voicemail for a patient, including only your name and phone number ensures that you are maintaining patient confidentiality while providing the necessary information. Voicemails can be accessed by others, and any detailed information about appointments or health-related issues may violate privacy regulations such as HIPAA. By providing just your name and phone number, you allow the patient to identify who is calling and how to contact you without disclosing sensitive information that should only be discussed directly with the patient.

In contrast, providing detailed information about their appointment or discussing urgent health issues could lead to a breach of privacy and is not advisable in a voicemail format. Asking them to call back as soon as possible may also imply urgency that may not be necessary and does not focus on patient confidentiality, which is crucial in medical communications.