I recently joined the ranks of people that carry a Medicare card in their purse or wallet.

After spending much of my adult life as self-employed and skimping on health insurance coverage, becoming a cardmember has brought some added level of peace, although, like most other peers, I worry about potential cuts. People that have crossed the age threshold know what I mean.

Since becoming a member of the “club,” I’ve been catching up on several wellness tests that have been overdue, including some routine blood tests.

When the acknowledgement that the order for bloodwork had been placed came through my health system’s portal, I saw a list of hospitals and lab hours where I could go accompanied by the words, “No appointment necessary.“

At first, when I made plans for the blood test, this seemed like just a small convenience, but the experience brought me into such a good mood for the day.

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

I discovered also being 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 like a reasonable first stop for 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 has 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.

So, when I arrived at the hospital for the lab work, 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. A parking space was quickly found on the first floor.

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. After a painless poke, I joked, “You’ve done this before.”

I was in and out 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.

Re-printed with permission.

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