Red tape and run around and paper trails

I was transferred three times just to try to get our exchange student, Inga, in to see the doctor today. First I was transferred to scheduling, then to someone to take my "computer" information, then to an actual scheduler, who put me on hold. I was unable to give a social security number or even an ID number, although Inga has insurance, and very good insurance at that, and we've had foreign exchange students see at this clinic before. In fact, I've taken all of them except maybe Mai from Japan for x-rays, pink eye, sore throats, etc.

So, we'll see how her appointment goes today, and if I have to fill out mounds of paper work or not. I know students have commented on the amount of paper work required for any little thing in the US. I am hoping for a paperless society as I have stacks of the stuff lying around my house in various piles of "organization"--but even when we put stuff on the computer to store it, I like to print it out. There's something about holding the written word in your hand. It's the benefit of reading a magazine as opposed to online articles.

It's still fun to read online, but it's even more fun to print it out. Gotta give those trees who gave their lives a purpose, and what better one than to be transmitters of the written word.

Someday, if I get my palm pilot figured out, I can do away with all paper. Until then, my printer gets a good workout.

Till next time,

Suzi