Charles P. Eberson
A Senior’s Observations, Opinions and Rantings
If you are one of my regular readers, you may remember that, a year ago, I shared some details about my annual physical. Specifically, I shared the first interview I had with the medical assistant, who peppered me with questions as required for Medicare patients. To briefly recap, she started with the question “Do you know where you are?”
I looked at her blank-faced, wondering if she was serious. Meanwhile, she looked at me, wondering if I just had a stroke. I recovered in time, answered correctly and she proceeded to ask me what year it was. This threw me as well, and I reacted by answering 2010. Her expression gave away her concern. I immediately corrected myself. She then asked me to repeat three words she gave me, which I did correctly, and was quite pleased with myself. About five minutes into the interrogation, she asked me to repeat the words again. I couldn’t remember any of them. She noted this on her clipboard. Questions like this continued as I struggled to regain my composure. I was asked to duplicate the three-dimensional pencil drawing she gave me. Then I was asked to stand up from the chair without using my arms, which I did.
When I got home, I called up my friend, Bob, and informed him of my experience. Bob told me his friend went through something similar but was asked to name 20 animals in 20 seconds. So before Bob’s annual physical, he practiced his 20 animals. When Bob went in for his physical, he was confident in his ability to breeze through the interview. At least, he was right up until the medical assistant asked him to name 20 states in 20 seconds.
As the end of the year quickly approached, I scheduled my annual physical for last week. I made sure I was prepared. I knew my 20 animals. After considering how to best remember 20 states, alphabetically or geographically, I decided to start with Maine and just work my way south. Then I would start on the west coast. I also made note of the day, month, and year of my appointment. I reminded myself who the President is, and rehearsed all the information until it was second nature. I put more effort into being ready for this interview than my SATs.
As I was ushered into the exam office, the medical assistant gave me a sheet of paper with about 25 questions about my habits and lifestyle. After about fifteen minutes, she took back the questionnaire and told me she was going to recite three words. Then in five minutes, she was going to come back in and ask me what they were. Piece of cake. She said “leader, car, table” and then left. I sat there and kept repeating “leader, car, table. Leader, car, table.” Then my mind started drifting until she came back into the room. I went blank for about five seconds and then repeated the words back to her. After that, she gave me a blank piece of paper and told me to draw a clock with all the numbers and the hands showing 11:15, which I did. She then gathered everything up to leave the exam room.
I asked her if that was it. Wasn’t she going to ask me to recite 20 of anything? Didn’t she need to ask me any dates, where I am, or anything? She replied, “Oh, that has been changed. We don’t do that anymore. The doctor will be right in to take your blood pressure again. It was a little elevated.”
Charles Eberson has been in the newspaper business for over 25 years. He has worked as a writer, advertising executive, circulation manager and photographer. His photography can be viewed at charles-eberson.fineartamerica.com
