I had a bothersome lump on my abdomen. I described my symptoms to Claude, my AI doctor, who suggested that I might have an inguinal hernia. He told me to contact my human doctor. I then asked Claude about the details of the tax credit I might get if I bought a used electric vehicle. Claude doesn’t mind if I change the subject. He is an expert in everything.
I didn’t have a doctor to consult about the hernia. I have an HMO. The only way to get medical attention is to ask for an appointment online and check the box saying I will forego seeing my mythical “personal physician” and instead see whoever is available. Which I did.
I met with the available doctor the next day. He was about 11 years old and very pleased to be a doctor. Seeing a happy doctor is unusual at my HMO. Most of the physicians who work there have that unhinged stare we seniors remember seeing on the caged animals in traveling circuses. This pleased young man said Claude was correct about the hernia. He entered me into the system for surgery and assured me with all the confidence of youth that the surgery department would contact me within an appropriate time.
At my HMO, all matters that do not involve imminent death are scheduled at some hypothetical…