Once, not too long ago, a certain fellow was contemplating his medical options. It seems that his health care company, in their quest for relentless efficiency and theoretical lower costs, had reduced any "encounter" (for so it was called) with their offices to such a rigorous system that anyone deviating from expected procedures could expect swift retribution.
His ailment was such, however, that he determined to risk yet another "encounter" and seek professional advice.
Making contact by telephone, the appropriate appointment was requested.
"I’m sorry," replied the brusque clerk, "we can’t fit you in for at least two weeks."
"But I could be dead by then."
"No problem," came the reply. "If the next of kin will simply notify us we’ll cancel the appointment and there'll be no charge ..."
---------------A Final Thought ...
"The doctor learns that if he gets ahead of the superstitions of his patients he is a ruined man; and the result is that he instinctively takes care not to get ahead of them."
- George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950), British playwright, critic