It's the Law!!

Every sick hotel guest should contact his or her family doctor before calling me. The doctor, being familiar with the patient, is more likely to deal with the problem over the phone and prevent an expensive housecall.  

When I suggest this, almost everyone assures me that their doctor is “unavailable,” especially if they’re calling after business hours.

I point out that, if so, their doctor is breaking the law. Every state requires a doctor (or someone covering) to be available at all times. Not being available is called “abandonment,” and it’s illegal. If you write your state medical board, he’ll get into trouble (or at least they’ll contact him; nowadays medical boards respond to complaints).