Why do docs refuse to talk to patients on the phone?

Not all refuse: Many physicians (including me) talk to their patient on the phone. Some are busy, a few feel uncomfortable making medical decisions over the phone.

Many do.: Most will return calls from their offices but are more reluctant to on cell phones or from home since through caller id the number can be seen and we have all at some point had that privilege abused. Doctors take a lot of call and their services contact them with patient questions so they can call the patients back. Many times they might already be in an emergency so the calls are triaged.

Business Model Issue: Depends on the physician's business model. For many years I took pediatrics call answering calls after hours during day and all night. As managed care cut back on traditional physician reimbursements doc's work to see patients faster and more in a day. If you will notice, physician's working in cash models ( plastic surgeons, concierge physicians) tend to answer calls providing higher service.