New Methods at the Doctors' Office

This morning we went to a doctors’ office. This particular outfit we haven’t been to in several months.

Things have changed.

Now, there are two computers stationed where at the check in desk. You press different selections to sign in. It is user-friendly if you know about computers.

But many elderly people just don’t like computers. Some are even afraid to touch one, not sure what pressing the wrong button might do. This morning I saw a lady behind the desk, lean over showing an elderly what to touch. She didn’t look very happy.

I hope they learn they can’t shove these types of things down people throats. They do have competition… and a person not computer savvy might just decide they rather go to the competitor doctors group that don’t make you sign in with a computer.

What do you think the first thing is asked when you start signing in? Not your name. The first thing they want to know is your Insurance company and number… of course! The most important first, that is the American Way.

While sitting, I was sitting close to the checkout area and a man came up to the counter to check out and he asked what the two dollar extra charge was. The check-out lady hem-hawed around but didn’t actually know. The man said the doctor did the same procedure as he always does, so what was the two dollars for? The check-out lady said she would have to check with the doctor…. As if that was to scare the man away and said go ahead, he wanted to hear it.

The lady paged the doctor to come to the checkout counter. And not only was the man eager to hear why there was a $2 more charge but I was interested also. Anna came up and checked out and was ready to go before the doctor that was paged came forward.

I almost suggested to Anna that we sit down and relax a while… or at least long enough to hear what explanation the doctor had…. But we moved on, darn it.