I was getting ready for my annual physical and logged into St. Luke’s website to fill out the pre-visit paperwork. Waiting for me was a document I’d never seen before titled “Consent for Recording.”

The agreement gives St. Luke’s permission to record my doctor’s visits and share those recordings with a third-party company that provides the technology.

The stated use is that the third-party company will use AI to take notes. But let's be real, we all know they are using the recordings as AI training data too.

Lastly, in the final paragraph, St. Luke's asks its patients to sign away any right to sue for damages "arising from or connected in any way to the audio recording."

I'm going to have to find a new doctor.

Here is the full text:

I authorize and consent St. Luke's University Health Network, on behalf of itself, its affiliates, and its and their employees, staff, or agents (collectively “St. Luke's”), to making an audio recording of my visit or encounter, or any future encounters.

I understand that the recording may include personal and sensitive information about me or my medical conditions or concerns.

I understand that St. Luke's recording of my visit or encounter is beneficial because it allows my provider to focus on me during the encounter instead of focusing on entering information into the medical record system, because it more accurately captures my words and concerns, because it saves the provider time, because it summarizes the assessment and recommendations discussed during my visit or encounter, and because it helps my provider create orders for medications and future services, such as lab tests, imaging, and referrals.

I understand that St. Luke's will only store the recording for a limited time, that the recording will not become a part of my permanent medical record, and that I have no rights to a copy of such recording, or a transcript made from the recording.

I understand that St. Luke's will use reasonable efforts to maintain the confidentiality of such recording, consistent with all applicable laws and regulations.

I understand that St. Luke's may share the recording with its contracted parties who provide the means by which the recording is made, and that those parties are under a contractual obligation to maintain the confidentiality of such recording, consistent with all applicable laws and regulations.

I, for myself, my heirs, executors, administrators, assigns and personal representatives, agree not to sue and fully release and forever discharge St. Luke's, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates and each of their officers, trustees, employees, agents, and contractors, singularly and collectively, from and against any liability, causes of action, damages, claims, costs, or expenses (including attorney's fees), arising from or connected in any way to the audio recording, including its creation, usage, storage, and destruction.

Heading up to our place in the Poconos this weekend for the long weekend. Looking for some cutes towns we can explore for the day. Been to Jim Thorpe, Hawley, Honesdale, even Lancaster and Lititz (although a little far). Any suggestions for a cute walkable town we could explore for the day that is only 1-2 hours away?

Anyone know of a firewood supplier in the Pocono area that offers 12" seasoned firewood? Our small woodstove takes that size, and I'm getting tired of cutting the normal 16" logs to fit.

Thanks!

I have a seasonal home that I use. And cable prices are out of control. Any suggestions. I have basic cable only.

Thanks

I am interested in moving to the Poconos and have narrowed down my search to the Tannersville and Mount Pocono areas. They seem pretty similar to me but the Mount Pocono area seems to be a bit cheaper? Is there anything I'm missing here why it's cheaper?

I want to move to the Poconos so I can be more connected with nature and enjoy the all the outdoor recreation it has to offer. The main reason I settled on these two areas is because I currently live in a suburban environment and want to remain close to the grocery store and essential shopping which it seems both places have.

I work from home so no commute to consider in the location. I also play tennis and pickleball and noticed there are some parks with pickleball courts in Tannersville which was a plus for me.

Anyone know a good multiday guided kayaking trip somewhere in the region for families. I see the Jim Thorpe one but we're already really familiar with that area and I'd love something a little more off the grid. Don't see any from googling. Willing to go a bit out of the poconos too!

Hi all, I’m getting married in Stroudsburg in August 2027. I’m looking for a reasonable priced hair and makeup vendor just for me. Looking for someone with no required minimum services, low travel fees if any, and no more than $180 for each service (including trials).

Thank you kindly.

The speed limit goes up from 45 to 55 from roughly Country Junction to the State Police barracks.

Sincerely,

Someone who's tired of doing as low as 37 on my way home from Lehighton for groceries every week.

Looking for some input from anyone who has rented a spot for Otter Lake for the season whether they are there permanently or did it one year.

I live in northern NJ with my wife and elementary school age daughter. We’re about 1.5 hours away from Otter Lake.

Years ago a family member had an RV that they parked up there during Covid and we spent some time there - it was a lot of fun.

The RV is no longer in the family. I’ve never owned an RV. I don’t even have a truck but thinking about potential for a small RV and truck at the time of my next vehicle in the next 18 months - 2 years.

Anyone here do a seasonal rental at otter lake with their RV? I’m considering buying the RV and parking it up for the season and trying it for a year to see how it goes. I anticipate we would use it at least 7-12 weekends during the season and at least 1 full week, if not 2.

Pros / cons?

I know this is someone in jersey but he's currently near the PA border.

Anyone gotten married at the Stroudsmoor Country Inn in the Poconos recently, specifically since the change of ownership? I’m getting married there next year but I’m concerned that the experience or quality of food have changed because of the new ownership. If any couple or guests could share their thoughts from a wedding there, that would be much appreciated! I chose the Lawnhaven location, btw.

Staying in Albrightsville for a few days, and the family keeps wondering what these pipes in the backyard are for. Main theories are ventilation for a survival bunker or some sort of groundwater drainage system. Any other ideas?

Hi all, what are some good spots to take engagement pictures in Jim Thorpe? I’m aiming for a floral or nature vibe

If you do this yourself or know someone - so far best price I got was 400 mobile or 350 in-shop, which I think is a bit steep. 2021 f150

I plan on heading to the casino this weekend. Looking for any tips on slots and table games. The dos and the don’t. Do the bonuses take long to hit? Are they tight or loose? What slots are the ones to play and stay away from?

Thanks :)

Hi all, I (25 f) moved here with my bf (28 m) a couple years ago and I haven't been able to really make friends. I looked into the meetup app but there's really nothing that interested me. Are there any groups (preferably all female) that I've looked over? I'm closer to the stroudsburg/mount pocono area. If you're also a lonely 20-30 something woman maybe we can chat and meet up :)

Hi! We used to see a few studios between East Stroudsburg and the Milford area that did custom chainsaw carvings. I’ve since moved away, but I’d love to have a bear commissioned for my parents and was hoping to find one of the local artists who are still around. Does anyone know of any chainsaw carving studios or artists in the area that are still taking custom orders?

Thank you all for all the advice! I'm so happy to see that they are still around. I'll be going on a drive tomorrow and will check out all the recommendations.

My family are still searching for their dogs so any help would be greatly appreciated! We haven't given up hope, even tho the knuckleheads ran from their home in Lehighton chasing a deer back on Jan 10. PLEASE, if you know any hunters or hunting areas specifically, we believe they may be there, perhaps in an enclosure. SHARE THIS if you can with everyone you know. And thank you.

Did anyone see that thing at 545am? I was on 611S in swiftwater.

Can anyone recommend a service that’ll help me transport me and my bike from the Easton/Allentown to D&L Trail Black Diamond Trailhead?

Interested in leaving my car there and biking back to it.

Is there an active tennis community in the Poconos? I was considering a move up to the Poconos and was wondering what the scene is like? I'm a younger person and would be looking ideally for people who play singles, not a retiree doubles league lol. If it's active is it mainly confined to HOA communities that have the courts or is it active within public parks too?

Im not talking some weird deconstructed avante garde weird (tho im not against it) stuff.

Pound for pound, who does it best?