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Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2004;158:186.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

Dr Melzer's editorial, "Pediatric After-Hours Telephone Triage and Advice: Who Benefits and Who Pays," in the July issue of the ARCHIVES, cited the growing number of studies that demonstrate the high quality and exceptional satisfaction associated with after-hours telephone triage services. In his closing comments, Dr Melzer observes that "given the cost, quality, and customer satisfaction benefits of after-hours triage, more of the expenses associated with these services should be borne by payers and patients."

I am pleased to report that some payers have answered the challenge. In 1994, Independent Health Association (a regional health plan based in Buffalo, NY), in partnership with local pediatricians, family practitioners, and internists, established a 24/7 telephone triage call center (Night Call, PC). Since its inception, Night Call has successfully handled more than 600 000 calls for 250 physician offices. Independent Health fully subsidizes the cost of all after-hours calls made by Independent Health members . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Thomas J. Foels, MD, MMM
Independent Health Association
511 Farber Lakes Dr
Williamsville, NY 14221
(e-mail: drfoels@independenthealth.com)

Michael D. Terranova, MD
Bowmansville, NY

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After-Hours Telephone Triage: Reducing the Financial Burden—Reply
Sanford M. Melzer
Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2004;158(2):186.
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