Minding my space

Several years ago changes were made in federal laws regarding patient privacy when it comes to healthcare.
The resulting visible changes include signs and velvet ropes at the pharmacy and doctor's office asking you to give the person ahead of you space "to ensure patient privacy".
Personally, I think that's stupid. A dirty look at the person breathing down my neck usually works just as well. But I find the law even more ridiculous after a visit to the local medical office to get my elbow checked (see entry My spring break).
At the reception desk there were signs asking people to stand back and a little mat (that looks like part of a dance lesson) where you stand when you are on deck.
However, once I was called in to see the doctor I didn't wait in a tiny exam room with outdated magazines. No, I was taken to a large room with four exam tables, three of them occupied by other patients.
While waiting for the doctor I overheard his conversation with the teen who broke his wrist snowboarding and will require surgery because he continued to snowboard in a cast. I wanted to comment but hopefully the rolling of my eyes did the same thing. Yes, I also saw the conversation.
While waiting for the doctor I overheard his conversation with the elderly woman who broke her arm when she fell in her kitchen. Fortunately she was healing nicely -- I guess she decided not to snowboard while she was on the mend. From what I could tell her x-ray looked normal.
Maybe the hospital figures if you are in a cast the public knows you've broken a bone. Hence, you give up some privacy just by wearing a cast.
I find it totally ridiculous the hospital has signs so no one will hear me tell the receptionist "I've got a 11:45 appointment with Dr. Johnson" yet there is nothing in place to keep other patients from hearing (or seeing) me talk with Dr. Johnson about my actual condition and medical care. I'm glad I wasn't there for a prostate exam. Maybe they limit that room to only two patients.
As I left the hospital I stopped at the Member Services desk to mention this discrepancy in privacy protection. I was told that "it must be right because that's how we're doing it."
I didn't pursue the matter because I have a follow up appointment and, as they say, you don't complain about the service until after the waiter has brought your food.
I doubt complaining would change anything. But my irritation about the hypocrisy makes me realize that if I'm griping I must be feeling better.
The splint comes off tomorrow.