A woman under treatment for infertility needed a progesterone shot every month. She had the vial. Could I send a nurse?

I don't have a nurse, but I quoted $50, drove to the hotel, and gave the shot. It was not a short drive, but she wouldn't have paid my regular fee, and I wasn't doing anything at the time.

Why do doctors cheerfully give patients medicine and send them off on their travels? It guarantees a hassle.

This lady was lucky. In any other city, she would be in for a rude, expensive shock.

Some guests think they can call a nursing service. Nurses earn less than doctors, but a visit from a nursing service is not cheap. It also won't happen. A nurse won't give medicine without a doctor's order.

Going to a clinic or doctor's office is not likely to work. In today's malpractice climate, few doctors will give an injection on a patient's say-so. Carrying a note is also a crapshoot. As I have recounted more than once, doctors look with deep suspicion on patients who arrive with notes.

Mike Oppenheim