How should I ask for a patient's phone numbers on an intake call? Assume they have all of them and take them all. Never say "Would you like to give me a number?" That hands the patient an exit. Instead, state it. "What is your home phone number? And your work number? Good. And your cell?" You are not asking permission, you are gathering what you need to take care of them. Then close it with the smart one: "Out of those numbers, which is the easiest for me to reach you when I need to?" Now you have three ways [...]