When I was a youngster, things were a lot easier.
We only had 3 major television networks — ABC, CBS and NBC. ABC had the sports, CBS had Walter Cronkite and NBC had the “Today Show” with J. Fred Muggs, Frank Blair, Jack Lescoulie and Dave Garroway.
Fewer choices but better product in this man’s opinion.
We had Captain Kangaroo, Mr. Green Jeans, Grandfather Clock and Mr. Bunny Rabbit to amuse our younger selves.
More low-power local TV came on, and then we had cable. “57 Channels (and Nothin’ On)” was a hit for Bruce Springsteen.
Remember when MTV actually used to play music videos?
There are times that I think “less is more” might be a way to redirect this country. Quality over quantity.
I encountered a new “network” recently while fighting bronchitis. I really didn’t realize how medicine and health care have gotten into the “network” game.
No knock on our medicine — I’ve always dealt with fine doctors and healthcare providers. Where it’s gotten “sketchy” is “paying the bills”.
So I went to a clinic and they confirmed that I did indeed have bronchitis.
They wrote three prescriptions that were texted to my pharmacy but when I went for the anticipated pick-up, I got one of those, “Uh, Mr. Foster, you need to call this number regarding some questions they have regarding this”.
After 2 phone calls, I talked to someone who said, “Uh, Mr. Foster. Where did you get this number because I really can’t handle this matter.”
After my call was transferred, I heard the phone ring and a recorded voice told me there were other callers ahead of me and we would be answered in the order we called.
Please hold.
Lots of boring electronic music and occasional voice reminders to hold.
After 15 minutes, I was told I could key in my phone number and they would call me when an operator was available.
To me, that’s often like tossing away the life line to the tugboat.
But after another 10 minutes and dwindling phone battery power I finally took the plunge.
Within 5 minutes, I heard a human ask how she could help.
I explained I wanted to get the issue rectified so I could get these three prescriptions.
After a brief hold, the mystery voice returned.
“The clinic who wrote these prescriptions is not in our network and we can’t cover this.”
Exasperated, I broke the connection (although I felt like throwing my phone) and told the pharmacy to fill the part of the prescription they had authorized.
I went home, only to receive an e-mail the next morning saying that my prescriptions had been filled and were being mailed.
Who’s on first?
This network stuff is frustrating but even more more so when it feels like you’re dealing with Cartoon Network.
John Foster anchors “All-News-in-the-Morning” weekdays on 1010 WCSI-AM and 98.1 FM. You can read his weekly blog at johnnyonthespot1950.com and monthly in The Republic. Send comments to editorial@therepublic.com.
