Number one. A very good pdoc will quickly get you to stability, therefore, much less of a need to reach him after hours. I do think it is inappropriate to contact doctors outside of an appointment unless it is an emergency. Even then, there are other options. The doctor is not there to cater to their patents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They are not getting paid for that. They have a life too. Boundaries are important here, but I imagine many patients have boundary issues. This is a good reason for the doctor to assert boundaries by not permitting contact between appointments, perhaps except in emergencies. Many doctors have a call service after hours. Calls can be screened in this way.