As a pediatrician, I have witnessed the sheer panic in a parent’s eyes when their child wakes up with a high fever at 2:00 AM. In traditional healthcare settings, that panic is often compounded by a frustrating administrative maze. You call the office, navigate a robotic phone tree, leave a message with an answering service, and then sit by the phone, waiting for a nurse practitioner or an on-call doctor you have never met to call you back. Minutes feel like hours.
This is why I structured my practice differently. I believe that the barrier between a worried parent and their childās doctor should be nonexistent. This is the core philosophy of being a direct access pediatrician. When you join my practice, you aren’t just getting appointments; you are getting a direct line to meāoften through my personal cell phone number.
In this post, I want to explain why having that number isn’t just a luxury convenience; it is a vital tool for better health outcomes, reduced anxiety, and smarter medical decisions.
The Problem with the “Middleman” in Healthcare
In the standard fee-for-service model, doctors are often overwhelmed with thousands of patients. To manage this volume, practices install “gatekeepers.” These are the receptionists, the automated systems, and the triage nurses. While they serve a purpose in high-volume clinics, they create a disconnect.
When you have to relay your childās symptoms to a third party, information can get lost in translation. Nuances about your childās behaviorāthings only you and your regular doctor would understandāmight be missed. Furthermore, the default answer from liability-conscious answering services is frequently, “Go to the ER just to be safe.” This leads to unnecessary stress, exposure to hospital germs, and high medical bills.
What Being a Direct Access Pediatrician Means to Me
When I say “direct access,” I mean removing the friction. As a direct access pediatrician, I provide my families with the ability to text or call me when they are worried. This changes the dynamic of pediatric care entirely.
It allows for what we call “tele-triage.” Instead of rushing to Urgent Care for a strange rash, you can simply snap a photo and text it to me. I can look at it immediately, knowing your childās medical history, and tell you, “That looks like a standard viral rash, let’s monitor it,” or “Yes, that needs to be seen right away.”
Data Point: The Cost of Uncertainty
The impact of this access is measurable. According to data regarding Direct Primary Care (DPC) models, patients with direct access to their physicians experience significantly fewer unnecessary emergency room visits. Studies indicate that DPC practices can reduce ER visits by up to 53% compared to traditional practices. This isn’t just about saving money; it is about saving your child from the trauma of a hospital visit unless it is absolutely necessary.
The “Peace of Mind” Factor
Parenting is inherently stressful. There is a specific kind of anxiety that comes with not knowing. Is this breathing pattern normal? Is this cut deep enough for stitches? When you have my cell phone number, you are buying peace of mind.
I recently had a mother text me a video of her toddler coughing. In a traditional setting, she might have spent the night worrying or waited hours in a waiting room. Because she could text me, I viewed the video within minutes. I was able to hear the specific “barking” sound of croup. I advised her on how to manage it at home with cool mist and hydration, and we scheduled a follow-up for the morning. She slept. The baby slept. That is the power of direct access.
For more on how continuity of care impacts health outcomes, I recommend reading this article from the American Academy of Family Physicians regarding the value of the physician-patient relationship.
Visualizing the Communication Loop
To help you understand the difference in workflow, I have broken down the steps required to get medical advice in a traditional setting versus my direct access model.
Chart: The Communication Maze vs. The Direct Line
| Step | Traditional Pediatric Practice | Direct Access Pediatrician (My Practice) |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Parent notices symptom (e.g., fever). | Parent notices symptom (e.g., fever). |
| Step 2 | Call office main line. | Text Dr. Sabeti directly. |
| Step 3 | Navigate automated menu. | Dr. Sabeti replies (often within minutes). |
| Step 4 | Hold for receptionist / Leave message with service. | Receive advice or prescription immediately. |
| Step 5 | Wait for triage nurse callback (1-4 hours). | Issue Resolved. |
| Step 6 | Nurse relays info to on-call doctor. | – |
| Step 7 | Doctor reviews and relays back to nurse. | – |
| Step 8 | Nurse calls parent back with instructions. | – |
As you can see, the traditional model involves multiple handover points. Every handover is an opportunity for information to be lost or for time to be wasted.
Building a Relationship Based on Trust
Having my cell phone number signifies a mutual trust. It means I trust you to respect my time, and you trust me to be there when it truly matters. This relationship allows me to practice medicine the way I always intended.
In the digital age, we are used to instant communication with everyoneāexcept our doctors. Why should healthcare be the exception? When you choose a direct access pediatrician, you are prioritizing a relationship over a transaction. You are ensuring that the person answering the phone knows your childās name, their allergies, their history, and their personality.
The NLP of Modern Medicine
In the world of modern healthcare, we talk a lot about “patient engagement” and “healthcare utilization.” These are fancy terms for simple concepts. “Patient engagement” just means you feel comfortable talking to me. “Healthcare utilization” means using the right resources at the right time. By texting me first, we optimize both.
For example, during flu season, my ability to triage via text keeps healthy children out of a waiting room filled with sick children. It is a smarter, safer way to manage community health.
Response Time Comparison
One of the biggest complaints parents have about traditional pediatric offices is the “wait time.” This doesn’t just apply to the waiting room; it applies to the time it takes to get a simple question answered.
Data Point: Average Response Times
In a standard high-volume practice, the average callback time for a non-emergency question can range from 4 hours to the next business day. In my direct access model, my goal is to respond significantly faster, often resolving simple inquiries in under 30 minutes.
Graph: Average Time to Resolve Medical Inquiry
*Graph represents estimated averages for non-emergency inquiries.
Technology Enhances the Human Touch
Some people worry that using cell phones and texting makes medicine less personal. I have found the exact opposite to be true. Technology bridges the gap between appointments.
When I can send a quick text checking in on your child the day after a fever started, it deepens our connection. It shows that I am thinking about your childās recovery even when you aren’t in my office. That is the essence of holistic pediatric care. We aren’t just treating symptoms; we are caring for the whole child and supporting the family unit.
Establishing Boundaries
Of course, having a doctor’s cell phone number comes with guidelines. I educate my families on the difference between a “text-appropriate” question and a “call 911” emergency.
- Text me: Rashes, mild fevers, constipation, dosage questions, scheduling issues.
- Call me: Acute pain, breathing difficulties, high fevers in newborns.
- Call 911: Unconsciousness, severe allergic reactions, major trauma.
Because we have established this understanding, I rarely face issues with misuse. Parents are respectful, and in return, I am responsive.
Why This Model Works for Dr. Anita Sabeti
I chose this path because I was tired of the assembly-line approach to medicine. I wanted to reclaim the joy of pediatrics. Being a direct access pediatrician allows me to practice medicine with empathy and efficiency.
When I look at my phone and see a text from a parent, I don’t see it as an intrusion. I see it as an opportunity to prevent a problem from getting worse. I see it as a chance to reassure a frightened mom or dad. That connection is why I became a doctor in the first place.
The Future of Pediatric Care
I truly believe that direct access is the future of primary care. Parents today are busy, informed, and proactive. They deserve a healthcare partner who matches their pace. They deserve to bypass the bureaucracy and get straight to the source of care.
If you are tired of talking to answering machines and want a doctor who is virtually in your pocket, it might be time to consider a switch. Your childās health is too important to be stuck on hold. By choosing a model that prioritizes access, you are prioritizing your child’s well-being and your own peace of mind. I am here to help, one text, call, or visit at a time.
