The things you can do over the phone these days... I tried to make a doctor's appointment with my HMO, but the receptionist responded to my request by instead offering me an appointment with a nurse practitioner or a phone call with a doctor. I was curious about the phone call option so she explained to me that after I hang up with her a doctor will call me back within an hour. I have no problems with seeing a nurse practioner, but I just had to try the phone option.

Twenty minutes later a very friendly sounding man asked me a few questions, diagnosed me, and sent down a prescription for me to pick up. All within the comfort of my living room. It amazes me the extent my HMO will go to just to process more patients more quickly.

I hope all of you have a Happy New Year.