LabCorp

LabCorp does a brilliant job of showcasing what happens when health care is run by a corporation. Horrible, horrible experience. I arrived at 6:30 when they opened so I understand it’s probably the first rush of the day.
People queued up to the cattle stalls to sign in. (Which torques me anyway… so called privacy and anyone can see the roster of people sitting in the waiting room.)
After signing in, the clerk at the window would loudly announce, «Suzy Smith, WINDOW ONE!» (There was only one window open.)
By then, the other workers started filing in. They looked like they were about as happy as the people waiting in the lobby. (Some of whom looked quite ill.)
When it was my turn, to report to WINDOW ONE, I gave her my paperwork. She barely acknowledged me. When I asked to have results FAXed to me, she told me that couldn’t happen. I might be giving a wrong number. BUT, she said, I could access the info online after answering «weird questions» like, what was your address 10 years ago.
I thought about challenging the security of that versus a secure FAX number that I personally provided but didn’t.
After a 30 minute wait, a pony-​tailed peroxide lab tech called my name, I thought «goody,» she looked crabby. I greeted her, «Good morning!» and gave her my charming smiling. She said nothing and already had her back turned to me.
Without a word, she continued to shuffle papers and assemble what was needed. Then she rushed off with the papers.
When she returned, I asked her if everything was in order.
«Just doing my job» she snapped. She drew my blood without a word. (After snapping at me to stop pumping my fist in an effort to plump up a vein.)
When I asked when the results would be available she said, «Three days.» Evidently she had a tight word budget for the day.
I thought about challenging her and suggesting that her bedside manner might be quite devastating to a new cancer patient but I held my peace. Did she really want to hear it?
My bloodwork was a wellness check. I can’t imagine what a horrible experience this would have been for someone with a serious illness. I thought of the poor young man who, thanks to the volume of the lady at WINDOW ONE, announcing to the lobby, he had a standing order. (Meaning, he requires regular screening for whatever reason.)
I will never return. I’ve heard good things about Sonora Quest, located not to far from them. I hear they even introduce themselves there.