What’s up Doc?

I’ve noticed something strange about every dentist or doctor office that I’ve visited lately. They all have the same décor and the same look and feel. If you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all.

Which makes me wonder:

  • Do they order from the same catalog?
  • Is there an Amazon online ordering system for doctors? Is there a Costco for waiting room furniture
  • Do Federal and State governing boards hold off approving a new doctor’s license to practice medicine until he or she can prove that their office looks like every other medical office?

Image by Jéshoots by Pixabay.

The waiting room decor is important. As I wrote recently in Waiting Room Hell, I definitely prefer my own space, but most of the waiting rooms I’ve had to stop all look the same. Here’s what I mean:

–The atmosphere. TV playing in the background. The channels used to be on the 24/7 News but in the crazy world we live in now, it tends to be HGTV or some gardening show. The sound is a low hum, loud enough to be a bother, but still quiet enough not to create a fuss.

–The look and appearance. There are pale white or light blue walls, some unthreatening, boring artwork, a painting of an orchid or some other flower, or maybe a country road and old mill, and green or aqua chairs all on top of each other. You try to find one out of the way, but no choice is better than the other.

Image by Foundry by Pixabay.

–Naturally unnatural. Of course, the office tries to bring nature to the masses. They have large plants scattered throughout to take the edge off the office. There might even be a saltwater fish tank. It doesn’t work.

–Get me out of this place. I’m not sure if it’s the decor or something in the air, but the the offices give off a distinct feel that makes you want to say: Get me the Hell out of this place!

All the similarities make me want to pull out my best Bug’s Bunny impersonation and go: “What’s up Doc?” Yes, what’s up with all the offices looking alike. I know they’re try to make the office comforting and soothing to their patients, but I don’t see it. And oh yea, this is all before you have to sit in the dentist’s chair or see the doctor. Yikes!

Now after that little pick me up, who’s ready for their next doctor visit? Oops, sorry about that!

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29 thoughts on “What’s up Doc?”

  2. I agree. My dentist’s office is an exception because his wife decorated it and I like it almost more than I like my own living room. But then, drat—I have to go sit in the dreaded chair. 😱

    Liked by 4 people

  4. I hate my orthopedic’s waiting room. Their television is a constant run of all the different orthopedic maladies and their surgical solutions. Give me HGTV!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I can’t top Ab’s comment — too funny! I think you’re on to something, Brian. I’d like to visit Julia’s dentist’s office — not for dental purposes but just to hang out. LOL!

      Liked by 3 people

  8. There are people who do nothing but consult on medical office colors and designs and yes- you can if you choose buy many of the things you see there at Amazon and/or Costco! The back offices have fairly rigid standards based on cleaning and sterility design and ease and that carries over to the front office as well.

    Being curious- what would your ideal medical office look like?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. “Being curious- what would your ideal medical office look like?” Ha, ha, that’s a trick question. My first reaction to that question was to not have to go at all. Ha, ha, and yes, I know technology is making it easier to comm online, but even then I would still be paranoid about not actually seeing the doctor, so yea, I’m playing both sides of the fence. I think a perfect office would be fun one that would be fun to go to. Lots of chairs (because we all know that I’m antisocial) and clean, but not so antiseptic that it takes the fun out of life. Tough requirements I know. Ha, ha. Great question Deb.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. My former dentist had a salt water fish tank that I found fascinating. His office was the exception to what you’re talking about–lots of photos of hunters and that sort of thing. But the rest that I’ve seen, I have to agree. All pretty much the same.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. You are absolutely right. I just got back from the dentist and the waiting room and office is exactly as you describe! I never noticed. This is a new social phenomenon that we need to investigate! Hugs, C

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Patient’s first right. Would it be in the best interests of the patient to have a clean environment. I get that. But what about an environment that brought about relaxation and calm too for both the workers and patients. Call me crazy, but that would seem to be an idea worth pursuing. Ha, ha.

      Liked by 1 person

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