Is Technology Really My Friend?

Does anyone else feel we spend an inordinate amount of time on our computers and phones just to get through an average day?

Computers were supposed to make our lives so much simpler and, of course, in many ways they did. For instance, we no longer need to have file drawers filled with paperwork, we don’t have to retype documents, the speed of which someone can receive something is greatly improved, we can share pictures, and connect socially without having to change out of our pajamas, but…..

As technology grows, I spend quite a bit of time learning new features which change so rapidly with updates and new devices that I literally have to schedule a date and time to set aside for this delightful chore. It’s guaranteed there will be several moments of frustration on this journey and perhaps I have a mental block against all this, but sometimes I just want to throw my device against the wall.

Then there’s how society is using this technology which makes me want to scream. I spent 1 ½ hours yesterday filling out electronic forms for two upcoming doctor appointments. Of course, I was reminded three times to do this prior to my visit via texts and emails. So I sit down hoping I’m gonna bang out this task, especially since one was from a doctor I have been seeing since 2010. But no. It was page after page of the same shit I fill out every single year. And if you think for one second I can remember the year I got my period, you would be very wrong.

And in our society where doctors are terrified of lawsuits, the number of forms just keeps growing, i.e. the form that says you’re only allowed to sue them for up to $200,000. Are you kidding me? If you cut off my right arm instead of my left, that’s all I can get? And let me be clear that I won’t be allowed to see the doctor if this form is not signed. It’s hard not to hate the doctor by the time you see him/her, but this usually has nothing to do with the doctors. It’s the bureaucracy they’re working for. One of my doctor’s offices forces you to leave a charge card on file or you won’t be seen.

The list of medicines and vitamins you need to yay or nay is a joy as well since they list them by their medical name instead of what we know them as. For example, calciferol which is vitamin D for goodness sake. I had to look up three medicines because I didn’t know what they were. Time consuming, folks. And the kicker is, I’ll get to the office and be asked all the same questions I’ve already answered by the assistant. And do you think the doctor ever reads these forms? I’ve repeatedly watched as a doctor scrambles to review my chart while I’m sitting there only to find that whoever is in charge of transferring them from one file to the next hasn’t done so yet. And is it really relevant to anyone except maybe my gynecologist whether I’m married, single, or divorced (which should just be characterized as single because it’s none of anyone’s business whether I’m divorced).

I had a dentist office ask me to upload a picture of my social security card. That was a hard NO and then the staffer got upset with me because she thought I was being difficult. I wasn’t being difficult, their policy is stupid and dangerous. And the poor patient who is seriously ill and can barely function has to deal with this nonsense which is insane. You are in deep trouble if you don’t have an advocate these days.

I have a 50-page rent lease where I live. Why? Because it’s electronic and they can. I have to sign up for my CDs electronically every year, which is terrifying. I need a person so I don’t make a mistake that could severely cost me. I have questions and I’m intimidated by the company’s software that they know well, but I don’t.

I can only imagine this getting worse as I age and all this becomes even more challenging. I consider myself decently tech savvy, but that won’t last forever.

Good luck to us all. I know I need it.