Mychart messages

Besides my philosophical opposition to this level of availability. One of the myriad of reasons I left employed family medicine is due to the messages. In my DPC, I probably get like 2 calls and 2 texts per day.

When I work the urgent care, I notice I still get messages. It was the reason I agreed to only work locum urgent care. I feel the inbox is not an effective use of time. It caters to the anxious. It does not encourage people to bare any frustration tolerance or use natural supports.

I usually log in the day after a shift and see if anyone had any problems obtaining a medication or need clarity on something we discussed. The messages all consist of, I tried your recommendation and I'm not better; Or i'm a little better. I try to set expectations by saying, " you'll start to feel better by this time next week" or "the cough may linger but your other symptoms should improve in the next 7 days". I never say tomorrow. I've just wasted so much time fielding 6 messages from people who aren't better. I typically wouldnt respond until I'mback 5-7 days later. The patiwnt has usually improved by then. The "manager" will send the messages to the doc on call. I dont want them carrying my water, so I started doing this Monday morning check.

Is there anything you've found helpful to folks to moderate their expectations or am I just dealing with a sign of the times?