DEAR HELOISE: Regarding Mr. Kupstas’ comment that was published in a recent column, I expect medical office staff to provide patients with clear scheduling information and to treat us as adults. I highly doubt that medical office schedulers tell drug representatives or accountants who review the doctors’ retirement plans that they have an appointment at a particular time but “must come in 15 minutes early to sign in.” They just provide an appointment time to them.

If there is paperwork that must be done for a patient at 10 a.m., this is fine. Just say so: “Your paperwork appointment with the office staff is at 10 a.m. Your appointment with the gynecologist (or whatever specialty) is at 10:15 a.m.” Patients should show up on time and still be respected.

— Francille R., via email

Francille, many daily schedules in a physician’s office are disrupted by emergencies, staff shortages, phone calls from the lab or other offices with requests, and patients who think that their appointment time was only a suggestion. I’m beginning to wonder how the front office gets anything done, but they do their best to keep everyone on track.

A perfect day in a doctor’s office when everything runs smoothly is rare! Filling out paperwork or waiting to see your doctor has nothing to do with respect.

— Heloise

DEAR HELOISE: In reply to the hint submitted by David J. Kupstas about doctors’ offices, here is my experience: I don’t know how tech-savvy Mr. Kupstas is, but I get an email and/or text from the doctor’s office a few days before, asking me to check in early online. If filling out paperwork is warranted, it’s done online. Then, on the day of the appointment, I arrive at the office about 10 minutes early to show my ID and insurance cards.

–Ann R., via email

DEAR HELOISE: I am grateful for the many money- and time-saving hints. An old-timer once told me that for clipping tough toenails, it helps to soak the feet (up to the ankles) in warm water after 1/2 cup to 1 cup of epsom salt dissolves in the water for at least 20 minutes.

Not only does this help, but more importantly, I’ve found that this soaking shrinks a painful bunion on my right foot so that my shoes fit comfortably with little, if any, pain.

Epsom salt has several other uses and is available at most drug stores.

— John M., in Longview, Washington