oday I'll examine the modern phenomena of cell phone usage by clients while at the vet's office. The three-way title gives credence to the fact that there can be instances of these extremes during the course of a veterinary visit. Indeed, the experiences can range from good to bad to downright ugly. Please indulge me in this cell phone etiquette short-course as I explain the differences.

Seriously, I've had several instances where I can get additional medical history, eye witness accounts of what a pet has been through, quote estimates and even gain consent for treatment without leaving the exam room.

It hasn't been long since I've had to leave the exam room to call out on land lines to do these things or walk a client to a land line phone. Keep in mind though, that I'm talking primarily outgoing cell phone use. It is only occasionally that clients receive calls with information that can enhance a visit while the visit is in progress.

How is cell phone use bad? When clients take social calls and talk with friends at length during the veterinary visit. This wastes time for everyone, as many times we must backtrack to where we were or start over due to the delay. (I've even gone so far as to leave the room to see another appointment when the situation has gotten totally ridiculous... oh, but yes, I came back.) All it takes is a tasteful reply to the caller that "I'm in a vet visit now. Can I call you back?" By the way, we veterinarians aren't alone on this one. Professionals ranging from podiatrists to dentists to attorneys share in these sentiments. Talk about a radical policy... a relative of mine said he was in traffic court in Georgia where a judge asked everyone in the room to turn off their cell phones and take out the batteries.

And what about the ugly? Well, as many of you know, cell phones are used for more than just talking. They're used for text messaging, graphics like picture sharing and games. Folks, you haven't lived until you've tried to ask adolescents sent in with a pet by the parents who can no longer make eye contact or intelligibly answer questions due to the visual diversion before them. All this does is result in a duplicated effort of me tracking down their parents to start the whole process over again. Perhaps all cell phone dealers should put all users through a cell phone etiquette course before activating them.

Now a disclaimer: Since Hurricane Katrina, I know there are instances when contractors, government service (FEMA, MEMA and the like) and insurance adjusters pop in on the cell phone at any time. Hey, I understand. As a matter of fact, I've carried my personal cell phone in to exam rooms and had to excuse myself a few times when it has rang since Aug. 29 for the same reasons - and I don't want to miss these types of calls. Yet, I keep these received calls brief and get right back to business, and I always apologize to the client in the room for the interruption.

Maybe today's column was therapy for me, but I appreciate your time reading it. E-mail me if you have any comments on the topic at bamc@datasync.com .

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