Doctor's other office, an alternative to the emergency room

Doctor's Other Office (DOO), a group of ten family physicians, offers after-hours and weekend health care to non-critical patients who might otherwise go to a hospital Emergency Room, even though their medical problems do not require expensive, elaborate facilities of the Emergency Room. Advantages to patients include less expense than the ER, care that is appropriate to their needs, and comprehensive, continuous care through dealing with physicians who will follow through with referral to a regular physician, often the patient's own family physician. DOO physician members enjoy a rational division of after-hours and weekend coverage among colleagues that permits more free time, yet assures that patients receive good quality, continuous care. The methods of operation are discussed, including personnel schedules, consultants, hospital coverage, and finances. The DOO income just meets office expenses, however, life insurance and other fringe benefits that physician members receive through the corporation aid in making this organization more financially attractive.