I'd like to share an old experience I had with a GP receptionist quite a few years back. For our friends outside of the US, lets give some explanation. Our primary health care service is delivered by GP's (General Practitioners) who are doctors that work out of surgeries located in the community. They have receptionists who frequently abuse their power as they are the gatekeeper to seeing the doctor so they extort information from you regarding your condition, I personally think its for their own entertainment. They do this in open so everyone can hear your potentially embarrassing complaint which I personally think is really bad. We know the information is not passed on because when you do get facetime with the doctor, they have no idea why you are there. Onwards to my story.
Suffering from a slipped disc,went to the doctor. Prior to going to the surgery, I picked up a jar of homemade green jerk sauce from a friend, it was one of my favourite things to cook with, stored in an anonymous glass jar. Went to the surgery, long line of people. When I go to third in the queue, I could hear the receptionist asking the awkward question with the "if you don't tell me, I can't book an appointment" challenge. My turn. "Reason for appointment?" Didn't even give me more than a passing glance. "Well I have some trouble with my bowels" I replied. " I brought a sample for the doctor to look at". I reached into my bag and placed the jar of dark green cooking sauce on the counter noisily". The receptionist literally jumped back a few feet in shock, told me to put it away and take a seat. Another thing about receptionists is that they can dictate where in the queue you are and how long you wait. I noticed after a while she kept on looking over at me with a bit of a snarl on her face and a bit of whispering to the other receptionists who started looking over. So I thought i would take it up a level. Brought out the jar and and when they next had a 'stare at Stan' moment, I opened the lid, popped my finger in, tasted it and said loudly "yeah, that does not taste right". Funny enough I was the next patient called.