INTAKE
I haven’t had a GP since 1998. I was recently given the opportunity to apply for a rare patient spot at a local health centre. Though I have no medical concerns, I was glad to finally have someone I could see should something come up. And then I received the patient intake application form.
It’s hard to describe the lunacy that is this form. As you read the following, please appreciate that this is the intake form for a health centre populated by four doctors and a team of nurse practitioners and likely a whole staff of office workers. These folks are not just serious professionals who are as educated as can be, with even someone answering the phone likely having a degree these days. And they're all doing important work where communication is critical, little details matter, and getting things right can be about life and death, or at least alleviating or prolonging suffering. Behold:
