Have you been to see the doctor lately? Be prepared for a shock.

 Some months ago, I went in to my primary doc’s office and was told they’d switched to a new computer system. Oh, goodie. Then they handed me a clipboard and told me to fill out all the blanks — including my name and address.

This filled me with concern and did nothing for my confidence in the doctor and his system: If he needed my name and address, why would I believe he knows my medical history, or what medications and dosages I was taking?

Then it got worse. I went to a doctor’s office recently for a problem with my right hand, what seems to be some kind of nerve problem. I am having trouble holding and grasping things, thanks to a weak index finger.

So they scanned in my Medicare and insurance cards and handed me a clipboard.

I not only had to write down all my information, but all my insurance information, as well. Wait! Didn’t they just scan that? Why in heck do I have to write down information they already have? It’s not MY fault their scanner doesn’t enter the actual information somewhere.

And, oh — all that writing? I’m having trouble gripping the pen, remember?

So then I went to another doctor for some tests. I got there before the appointed time. Sometime after the appointed time, I was ushered into an examination room and told to take off my shirt and put in on the chair. Since I would be lying down for the tests, it was suggested I take things out of my pants pockets and put them on the chair, too, so I’d be more comfortable.

I am old fashioned. Chairs are for your backside, not for laying valuables on. I carry a load of junk in my pockets, from car keys to a Swiss Army Knife to a cellphone to a pill case to — well, why in heaven’s name would I want to plunk all this junk down on a chair, to roll around, fall on the floor and maybe be forgotten?

So, instead, I sat on the chair and left my stuff in my pockets.

I was the only patient there at the time. The doc came into the examination room 38 minutes past the appointed time. Two minutes more and I was going to get up and leave, perhaps to come back when the doc wasn’t so busy.

Anyway, for this appointment, I had to do all the same forms all over again.

I guess I don’t really mind having to fill out forms if I am seeing different doctors. But this thing about writing down all the insurance information they already got when they scanned the card?  Bull manure!

Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not pointing fingers at anyone specifically.

That would be rather hard to do, at the moment.