I decided to add a new phrase to my Top Ten list of words I’m happy to hear.  It’s not as fundamental as “I love you,” but it’s right up there with “Buy one, get one free.”

No appointment necessary.

I recently joined the ranks of people who carry a Medicare card in their purse or wallet. (The phrase, “I’m on Medicare,” sounds like it’s a magical sort of drug.)

People that have crossed the age threshold know what I mean. For years, I carried a catastrophic policy to guard against a serious illness or event bankrupting me, but I did not choose to pay for healthcare services that I didn’t use a lot.

I’ve been catching up on several wellness tests that have been long overdue. I’ve been having a lot of bloodwork done.

My new doc asked me to take a blood test that was recently performed, asking that, this time, I have it done while fasting. When the acknowledgement that the order had been placed came through the portal, I saw a list of hospitals and lab hours where I could go accompanied by the words, “No appointment necessary.“

At first, this seemed like just a small convenience, but the experience brought me into a good mood for the day.

I admit that the first attraction was that I could change my plans without a penalty. Maybe, after a poor night sleep or fasting, or if it snowed, I wouldn’t want to venture out into the world.

I was delighted by having a choice of locations.  I chose a nearby suburban location at a time when I didn’t think they’d be crowded. When considering the other errands I wanted to accomplish (the grocery store, the library and post office), it also seemed a reasonable first stop of the day.

Considering that so many things in my life seem to be scheduled, I really relished the openness of the requirement. I do understand the need for appointments.  When everybody involved have full calendars, it’s respectful to try to work out a time that suits everyone.

However, it seems that everything is scheduled — to the minute — and I don’t like that.  One change might necessitate a slew of other changes and communications.

I have one friend that sends out a Google calendar invitation for an informal phone call. Maybe she wants to put it on her calendar for her own sake, to avoid overbooking or just for remembering the plan, but, when I ask if it would be okay to talk on a Sunday, between 9:00 and 11:00 in the morning, I don’t really want the extra email communications involved (“accepting” or commenting on the plan).

So, when I arrived at the hospital, it was between 8:00 and 9:00 on a Saturday morning.  The multi-level parking lot was sparsely occupied. I didn’t even need to remember the theme song associated with the floor where I caught the elevator.

The COVID safety procedures were well-documented on signs in the lobby. KN95 in place, I checked in with an actual person at the lab’s reception desk. I was directed to an exam room five minutes later.

I felt the young woman who managed the procedure was warm and personable even though I couldn’t see her face.  (After a painless poke, I joked, “You’ve done this before,” and she laughed.)

I was in and out of the hospital in under 30 minutes. I finished all my errands, including my work-out and was home before noon.

Fulfilling an obligation within the flow of your life is no small thing.