Frequently Asked Questions

> Can I get custom alterations such as belts and longer or shorter sleeves or length ?

Yes. Since we manufacture the coats, we can customize the coats for you. In addition to embroidery of names and logos, we can make coats with shorter or longer sleeves or longer overall length. Simply select the sleeve alteration and/or coat alteration block on the order page, and then specify shorten or lengthen. In the free text box below the selection blocks, specify how many inches you would like us to add or remove from our standard lengths. We alter length in 1/2 inch increments.
We can also add chef (cotton knot) buttons, silvertone snaps, and back belts.

We offer three belt options. The most popular is the sewn-down belt with two 1" pleats , one pleat on each side. The pleats serve to taper the waist, so choose your size carefully. The pleats will taper the coat as follows: two 1" pleats will reduce the waist circumference 2", and two one-half inch pleats will reduce the waist circumference by 1", etc.

Loose belts are attached on the left and right sides, and are adjustable by two buttonholes and two buttons. The loose belt can have our standard plastic buttons or cotton chef buttons.
Modest alteration charges apply. Altered coats are not returnable, so if you want coats with special dimensions, we recommend that on your first order you email us or call our customer service department at 410 574-2657 or toll free at 877 355-2898.

Please choose alterations carefully, because coats with embroidery or alterations may not be returned.

> Tell me about On Call Medical Coats.

The company grew out of a shirt manufacturer. Daniel Kohn is an emergency physician in Baltimore, Maryland. In 1997 he purchased the shirt manufacturing equipment of After Six, an established name inf men's formalwear. Dan recognized the need for better quality medical coats, and in 1998 adapted the skills and experience of the sewing machine operators to create better designed, more practical, longer-lasting and more professional appearing coat than the mass-produced coats sold in uniform stores. He purchased a state-of-the-art embroidery machine for names and logos, and now offers coats with custom alterations.

> Are all medical coats the same quality?

No. As medical practitioners, our most essential furnishing is the white coat. We wear the coat for many hours during our practice day. The coat can hamper or enhance our practice. Despite its importance, the coat has remained unchanged for decades; little attention has been paid to the quality of the coat...until now. Most coats available in uniform stores are mass-produced with little attention to detail or functionality, and do not stand up to the rigors of daily practice. Our coats are manufactured to higher standards of quality, in our Baltimore, Maryland factory.

> What makes On Call Medical Coats special?

We believe medical professionals should be able to purchase a well-made medical coat. We make our coats with careful attention to detail and finish. Our coats are manufactured under the supervision of a practicing physician, who understands the needs of the student as well as the busy practitioner.

> What are the special features of our coats?

In ordinary white coats, the front facings(the flaps behind the buttons and buttonholes) are unattached to the coat front. We sew down those facings for better appearance and to avoid catching on doorknobs and drawers. We enlarge the outside pockets, and have added three large inside pockets, and we can sew optional zippers into the inside pockets to secure wallets or personal digital assistants. We reinforce all pocket corners, and we double stitch the sleeve, back and shoulder seams for better finish and greater durability.

> How does coat construction affect quality?

We use smaller stitches, which means more stitches per inch, and therefore less chance of stitch failure. The joints and pockets are reinforced for greater durability. Other coats have larger stitches, which means fewer stitches per inch and invites stitch failure. A pocket failure might mean loss or breakage of your valuable equipment. If a pocket fails, and a stethoscope or personal digital assistant is lost or broken, time and money are also lost.

> What is the history of On Call Medical Coats?

Dr. Daniel Kohn is board certified in emergency medicine and internal medicine. He has practiced emergency medicine for over twenty years, and during that time was never able to find a better-made medical coat. In 1996 he purchased Aetna Shirt, then a part of After Six, a respected name in men's formalwear. After consideration of the best designs and fabrics, his company began producing a quality alternative to the uniform store labcoat. The first goal was to produce a garment of the quality expected by medical professionals, who have spent many years in training and practice. The second goal was to streamline the purchase of a medical coat. We now have in-house embroidery, and we have sold coats to practitioners around the world.

> Who manufactures the coats?

Aetna Shirt is the parent company of On Call Medical Coats. Aetna Shirt was established in 1916, and remains a respected domestic manufacturer of dress and formal shirts for designers and retailers. Aetna Shirt and Dr. Kohn now produce premium quality white coats. We have enhanced the design and finish of the medical coat to meet the standards of the medical profession and the scientific community. Our coats are made in Baltimore, Maryland.

> Why should I buy On Call Medical Coats?

Like any medical instrument, a better coat will make your practice easier. Most practitioners buy better quality instruments such as stethoscopes, and would not consider buying an inexpensive substitute. We wear the medical coat for many hours every working day, and now we offer a better quality coat.

Your level of accomplishment and expertise merits a corresponding professional appearance. We offer a state-of-the-art medical coat that is attractive, practical, well-made, and competitively priced.

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