Part III of Which is Worse: DMV or Healthcare?

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I had to make a trip to my local DMV.
I tried to make an appt online which is a new service since the covid lockdown.
No such luck; nothing available until Jan 2025.
I tried to use a new self-service kiosk, also a new service.
No luck again; not available for what I needed.

The only option available was walk-in service.
I guess this is sort of like going to an urgent care.

As I sat there waiting 1-2 hours for my number to be posted on the DMV board,
I thought … is this what a patient feels when they need to see a doctor in the traditional FFS system?
Probably so.
And here is why:

The dread of needing an appt.
The inconvenience.
The confusion of trying to navigate a un-necessarily complicated system.

The long, never ending wait… take a number, get in the queue, sit in the crowded waiting area, finally called back …

wait some more…just to be told you need a different teller/service.
The blank stare of the person behind the desk.
The useless acrylic shields at every station.
The hesitancy when you want to ask a question.
The lack of personal attention.

The seemingly lack of happiness with the employees.

The frustration of the whole system.

Yep, this must be EXACTLY what one feels when they need to see a doctor.
WE ALL KNOW DPC IS NOTHING LIKE THAT.
QUITE THE OPPOSITE ACTUALLY. ( AMEN to that!)

But I had wonder…

Which is worse: FFS healthcare or DMV?

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About Amy Walsh, MD

Family always comes first: I am married to Whitey and can't imagine life without him. I have 4 great kids who screw up from time to time; but they are still pretty damn cool. Dog mom to 2 yellow labs who are exhausting and messy, but we love them. Happy DPC doctor since 2015 as the system wore me down and made me miserable. Luckily I found DPC. I found “my people” and never looked back. DPC was my best career decision without a doubt. Former varsity gymnast at the University of Michigan: I refer to those years as my “first life.” I learned about hard work, goal setting, and most importantly the value of true friendship. Hey, did you know UM gymnastics won NCAA Natty in 2021. Such a proud moment.Go Blue! Have been accused of being Type A, OCD, perfectionist, competitive. I may agree with most of those, but prefer words like focused, determined and committed. See? I have learned to use those all to my advantage.